HONOLULU — Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the City and County of Honolulu will accept applications for the second portion of relief funding from nonprofit organizations negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

What You Need To Know

  • The first portion of relief funding required reported losses in 2020 and 2021 tax years combined; the second portion requires reported losses in either tax year, provided nonprofits meet other eligibility requirements

  • Learn more about the program, review eligibility requirements and apply by visiting the Non-Profit Relief Program website

  • The city will accept only online applications on a first-come, first-served basis through Aug. 25 until funds are depleted

  • Any questions about the Non-Profit Relief Program must be emailed to bfspurchasing@honolulu.gov by July 28

Nonprofits may be able to receive up to $100,000 through the program. The city will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis through Aug. 25 until funds are depleted.

Learn more about the program, review eligibility requirements and apply by visiting the Non-Profit Relief Program website.

“We have all felt the struggle to get back to a sense of normalcy, and consequently many of our nonprofits are still recovering from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Blangiardi in the release. “These nonprofits provide crucial support to low-income families, promote culture and the arts, help our keiki and kupuna, and protect the environment. The City and County of Honolulu is honored to support this valuable community.”

Applications for the first portion of the funding were accepted December 2022 through Feb. 6, 2023, with more than $4 million distributed. The second portion will have approximately $10 million available for distribution.

“Our nonprofits provide essential services to our communities,” said Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina. “The expansion of the eligibility requirements for the Non-Profit Relief Program means more organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will have the resources they need to recover and support those in need.”

The second portion of relief funding expands eligibility requirements to more broadly reach 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) nonprofit organizations that suffered revenue losses because of COVID-19, according to the Department of Community Services.

The first portion required reported losses in 2020 and 2021 tax years combined; the second portion requires reported losses in either tax year, provided nonprofits meet other eligibility requirements.

“By September of this year, we are hoping to put up to $15 million into the hands of Oahu’s nonprofits, allowing them to worry less about recovery efforts and focus more on the important work they do for our communities,” said Department of Community Services Director Anton Krucky.

Loss of revenue due to canceled fundraising events, increased operating costs due to staffing inefficiencies and closures due to COVID-19 infections in the workplace are just a few of the examples nonprofits may have experienced.

Nonprofits must meet certain eligibility requirements to receive relief funding. An example is the applicant must be a 501(c)(3) or a 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization on Oahu, providing direct assistance, services and/or benefits to Oahu residents.

Only online applications will be accepted. Applications via email or hard copy will not be accepted.

The deadline to request clarification about the Non-Profit Relief Program is July 28. Per the Department of Community Services, questions must be emailed to bfspurchasing@honolulu.gov. Individuals can receive updates on the program by adding contact information to the email distribution list.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.