The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ grants program is offering $6.87 million in grants to Hawaii-based nonprofit organizations who offer projects, programs and initiatives that serve the Native Hawaiian community.

What You Need To Know

  • The grants come via the new OHA initiatve Ua Ka a Paa, which translates to “fastened and secured as the koko (carrying net)”

  • According OHA, the program will lower barriers for organizations to apply for OHA grants, resulting in a stronger application pool and “striking a greater balance between a rigorous process and an orientation toward supporting and uplifting community organizations”

  • The revamped program now offers new solicitation categories, onetime awards with flexible implementation terms of one to three years, fewer eligibility conditions, decreased matching funds requirements and a streamlined application and reporting process
  • Grant applications will be accepted until March 29

The grants come via the new OHA initiative Ua Ka a Paa, which translates to “fastened and secured as the koko (carrying net).”

According to OHA the program will lower barriers for organizations to apply for OHA grants, resulting in a stronger application pool and “striking a greater balance between a rigorous process and an orientation toward supporting and uplifting community organizations.”

“OHA cannot accomplish its mission alone, and we are honored to partner with community nonprofits that are serving our lahui and improving the lives of the Native Hawaiian people,” said OHA Board chair Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey. “In a spirit of lokahi, we have listened to the manao of our partners, and we have simplified our grants process based on their feedback. While we have lowered barriers, we will continue to uphold our fiduciary responsibilities as we steward the precious resources of our beneficiaries.”

The revamped program now offers new solicitation categories, onetime awards with flexible implementation terms of one to three years, fewer eligibility conditions, decreased matching funds requirements and a streamlined application and reporting process.

The new categories include:

  • Kumuwaiwai Naauao - Educational Resources; 

  • Ola Ke Kanaka - Physical, Spiritual, Mental & Emotional Health

  • Ola Na Iwi - Iwi Kupuna Repatriation & Reinterment

  • Ola Ka Moomeheu - Culture Preservation & Perpetuation

  • Ola Ka Aiina - Health of Land and Water

  • Lako Ko Kauhale - Ohana Resource Management & Housing

  • Hoomohala Waiwai Ohana - Ohana Economic Stability

  • Hoomohala Waiwai Kaiaulu - Community Economic Development

Two other grant solicitations are being released to support projects focused on special populations, including Aina Hoopulapula (Hawaiian Homestead communities) and Ola Ka Lahui (Vulnerable Populations). A third — Pohala Mai (Ohana Experiencing Financial Hardship) — will be added soon.

Grant applications will be accepted until March 29. Training on the new grants application process will be held in person throughout the islands and online. To RSVP for a training, visit oha.org/grants.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.