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HŌʻIHI Grant Application Information

The fiscal year 2024 funding has closed.

Kōʻieʻie Fishpond

Kō‘ie‘ie Fishpond's south wall has been recently restored by a new crew supported through the Hō‘ihi Grant Program. PC: ʻAoʻao o Nā Loko Iʻa o Maui

Fiscal Year 2024 Priorities
For fiscal year 2024, ONHR will fulfill the core principles of the HŌʻIHI Program by providing grant funding to successful NHO applicants who meet the criteria for one or more of the following priorities:

  • Uplift, perpetuate, and in some cases revive, traditional Native Hawaiian practices (e.g., ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, kapa making, lauhala and kaula weaving, hula, amongst many others including lesser known practices) by creating opportunities for demonstrations, visitor education on history, usage, and protocols, or hands-on visitor participation experiences in the cultural practice; 
  • Support the maintenance, enhancement, and protection of Hawaiʻi’s natural resources, wahi kūpuna, and wahi pana at areas impacted by tourism; 
  • Enhance the entrepreneurial capacity for the Native Hawaiian Community by helping create business opportunities in the visitor industry, offering business development training, or stimulating economic activity; AND/OR
  • Undertake related activities with visitors that convey respect and reaffirm the principle of reciprocation to the place, resources, and traditional knowledge holders and practitioners.  
Grant Award Amounts

Grant awards will range from $75,000 to $200,000 and can be utilized for up to 3 years from the date of award.

Who can apply?

-  Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

-  Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

-  Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

-  Additionally, applicants must meet the definition of and criteria for a “Native Hawaiian Organization” as defined in the NATIVE Act, 130 STAT. 847, Section 3(3), codified at 25 U.S.C. §4352(3). Criteria include:

  1. A nonprofit organization; 
  2. that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians; 
  3. in which Native Hawaiians serve in substantive and policymaking positions; and
  4. that is recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including tourism.
Where can I apply?

The 2024 application window has closed.

Please contact us through hawaiian@ios.doi.gov if you have any questions.

Back to HŌʻIHI Program

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