County of Kauaʻi announces FY2027 Cultural Programs & Events Grant
Published on July 20, 2026
LĪHUʻE – The County of Kauaʻi Office of Economic Development (OED) will be accepting applications for its Fiscal Year 2027 Kauaʻi Cultural Programs & Events Grant Program.
Applications will open Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 8 a.m. and close Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at 4 p.m. Applications must be submitted electronically through the County’s SMApply Grant Portal, where the link can be found at https://kauaiforward.com/fy2027-kauai-cultural-programs-and-events-grants/.
Approximately $165,000 is available to support nonprofit organizations that preserve and celebrate Kauaʻi’s unique culture through community programs, educational activities, Native Hawaiian cultural initiatives, and public events.
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 are available for projects that strengthen Kauaʻi’s sense of place, preserve cultural traditions, and provide meaningful experiences for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants include Kauaʻi-based nonprofit organizations and Hawaiʻi-based businesses working with a Kauaʻi nonprofit fiscal sponsor. Projects must take place entirely on Kauaʻi.
Funding awards are anticipated during the week of Sept. 14, 2026, with projects eligible through Oct. 31, 2027.
“Culture is one of Kauaʻi’s greatest strengths,” said Nalani Brun, Director of the Office of Economic Development. “These grants support the organizations and cultural practitioners who preserve our traditions, strengthen community connections, and ensure that future generations continue to share what makes Kauaʻi such a special place.”
The Office of Economic Development will host a free informational webinar on the grant program and application process on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 3 p.m. HST. To register, visit https://kauai.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fEnq21XsQn6EIPQ5N9btBA.
The webinar recording will be posted to www.kauaiforward.com by July 31, 2026. Written questions regarding the request for proposals (RFP) are due by Aug. 4, 2026, at 4 p.m.
If you need an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact the Office of Economic Development at 808-241-4299 or oedgrants@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.