Reminder: HTA funding opportunities through ʻUmeke close today

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is reminding the community to apply for funding opportunities through ʻUmeke, Powered by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

These opportunities support natural resources, culture, community festivals, and signature events in the State of Hawai‘i. Guided by HTA’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, these funding opportunities contribute to our work within the community pillar to “generate and/or invest in initiatives and projects that provide for positive resident-visitor interaction, celebrate Hawai‘i’s multicultural heritage, and support better relations between the community and tourism industry.”

HTA is encouraging the community to submit applications for funding support through the following HTA programs:

Signature Events (2024): 

Supports major events with broad national/international appeal that align with Hawaiʻi’s destination image and brand. The program also seeks to strengthen and enhance existing community events, as well as create new ones, catering to both residents and visitors.

Kahu ʻĀina (2024): 

Provides financial support to responsible community-based organizations, with a focus on `āina-Kānaka (land-human) relationships and knowledge, for the management, preservation, and regeneration of Hawaii’s natural resources and environment.

Kūkulu Ola (2024): 

Offers funding support to community-based organizations dedicated to enhancing, strengthening, and perpetuating Hawaiian culture through authentic experiences for both residents and visitors.

Community Enrichment Program (2024): 

Delivers distinctive, authentic, and highly-valued visitor-related experiences, representing activities developed by the community for the community. These are offerings that the community is eager and willing to share with our visitors.

Resort Area Hawaiian Cultural Initiatives (Statewide – 2024): 

Provides support to cultural practitioners offering authentic Hawaiian experiences and musicians providing Hawaiian entertainment and music in resort areas throughout Hawai`i.

Resort Area Hawaiian Cultural Initiatives (Maui only – 2023): 

To support the musicians and cultural practitioners affected by the Lahaina wildfires, this initiative offers funding support to cultural practitioners providing authentic Hawaiian experiences and musicians offering Hawaiian entertainment and music exclusively in resort areas on Maui.

Deadline to apply is TODAY at 11:59pm HST.

For more information, access to RFPs, and to apply, visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/rfps. Please send all questions to umeke@kilohana.com.