KōCreate: Makahiki Civic Grants

Vibrant Hawaiʻi is distributing civic grants of up to $250 to support projects that promote connection, belonging and trust amongst neighbors, increase emergency preparedness, and create opportunities for people to gather, talk story, and act on shared priorities.

Funding may be used for supplies, food, or other direct costs needed to make a community-led idea possible. Please clearly share who comes together, what you do together, and what stays in the community after your project is complete. What remains might be a plan, a skill, or a relationship that didn't exist before.

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.
Bringing neighbors back together after a storm to check in, share what worked, and decide what the neighborhood wants to be ready for next time.
A project designed and led by keiki or ʻōpio with adult support, such as a kūpuna story project, a neighborhood mural, or a safety walk.
Creating a way to welcome people who are new to the neighborhood, such as a welcome packet with local contacts or a gathering to introduce new households.
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.
Advertising, promotion, or marketing costs for an event.
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
One application per project, and one award per person per year

How it works:

Applications are received and reviewed each month by Vibrant Hawaiʻi KōCreators
Applications for this round are due by Sunday, October 25th
Decisions and award notifications will be made the week of November 2nd
If your project is funded, we ask for a few photos and a short reflection form once it is complete

Applicant Name

First NameLast Name

Hub or Group Name

Email

example@example.com

Phone Number

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Physical Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

What community do you belong to?

Social Media Handle

Facebook

Instagram

Choose a Civic Action idea!

Describe your Civic Action Project.

Date of Project

To be completed between November 15th to November 30th.

How many people on your team?

How many people will benefit from your project?

How much funding are you requesting?

I am 18 years of age or older.

I reside on Hawaiʻi Island.

I understand that funding is limited, that I may receive less than $250 and that the award amount will be based on what is reasonably needed to complete my proposed project.

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.

If awarded, I understand that I am responsible for determining and satisfying any applicable tax obligations related to the award and should consult a tax advisor regarding my individual circumstances.

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.

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.

Signature

KōCreate: Makahiki Civic Grants

By submitting this application, I agree to the following: