• KōCreate: Civic Grants

  • Vibrant Hawaiʻi is distributing civic grants of up to $1,000 to support projects that promote connection, belonging and trust amongst neighbors, increse emergency preparedness, and create opportunities for people to gather, talk story, and identify shared priorities.

    Funding may be used for supplies, food, or other direct costs needed to make a community-led idea possible.

    Examples of supported projects include:

    • Creating neighborhood phone trees, kōkua networks, or “check-on-a-neighbor” plans.
    • Coordinating support for kūpuna, keiki, and neighbors who may need extra help during emergencies.
    • Organizing neighborhood clean-ups or small safety improvements that reduce hazards.
    • Hosting intergenerational gatherings where neighbors share stories and learn about their community’s history.

    Examples of projects or expenses we will NOT fund include:

    • Projects that benefit only one individual or household.
    • Personal expenses, gifts, or direct cash assistance.
    • Ongoing organizational expenses, such as rent, utilities, salaries, or regular program costs.
    • Activities that do not involve or benefit the broader neighborhood or community.
    • Projects primarily focused on fundraising, profit-making, or promoting a business.
    • Political campaigns, lobbying activities, or projects that promote a specific candidate.
    • Projects that discriminate against or exclude community members.
    • Activities that are unsafe, unlawful, or require permits or approvals that have not been secured.

    Who can apply:

    • Hawaiʻi Island Residents
    • Individuals over the age of 18
    • Priority given to first-time applicants
    • Only one application per project will be considered

    How it works:

    • Applications are received and reviewed each month by KōCreators
    • One application per project.

    Please allow 30 days for review and determination. 

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Choose a Civic Action idea!*
  • Date of Intended Project*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year

  • Agreements

  • By submitting this application, I agree to the following:

    • I understand that funding is limited, and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • If funded, I will use the funds for the intent of the project.
    • I will follow @VibrantHawaii on social media platforms.
    • I will share photos or video of my mini-grant project on social media, tagging @VibrantHawaii and via email to contact@vibranthawaii.org.
    • At the end of the project, I will complete the evaluation form sent to me as a text link.
    • I am 18 years of age or older and reside on Hawaiʻi Island.

    Hold Harmless Agreement:
    By participating in this activity/event, I agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Vibrant Hawaiʻi, its staff, volunteers, and partners from any and all liability, claims, or demands arising out of or related to my participation. I acknowledge that I are participating voluntarily and assume all risks associated with the activity.

    Media Release Agreement:
    By participating in this activity/event and submitting photos, videos, or other content, I grant Vibrant Hawaiʻi permission to use, reproduce, and share these materials for communication, storytelling, and public outreach purposes. This may include use across digital platforms, print materials, and other media channels as deemed appropriate by Vibrant Hawaiʻi. I understand that I/the participant may be identifiable in this content and consent to its use in sharing with the broader community.

  • Should be Empty: