The County of Kauaʻi Office of the Mayor has awarded funding to 16 nonprofit organizations through its FY 2026-2027 grant-in-aid program.
The grants are for projects and activities that meet a distinctive cultural, social or economic need for which adequate federal or state funding cannot be secured. Eligible nonprofit organizations could apply for up to $20,000.
This year, the Office of the Mayor received 54 proposals that were reviewed and scored, with 16 projects selected for funding totaling nearly $200,000. The project funding period runs from Oct. 16, 2026, to Oct. 15, 2027.
The following organizations and projects received funding this year:
SOCIAL
- Able Ministries Outreach, Able Prom 2027: Able Prom is a prom night for guests with special needs and disabilities. The grant will help cover costs for the 2027 event.
- Waimea Project Grad 2010, Waimea Project Grad 2027: Project Grad gives Waimea High School seniors a safe, drug- and alcohol-free celebration on graduation night. The grant will support the Class of 2027 event.
- Keala Foundation, Keala Youth Community Center: The Keala Foundation runs youth programs centered on fitness, mentoring, and healthy activities. The grant will support operations at its youth community center.
- Nā Keiki Kollective, Play for All: Family Access Initiative: This initiative works to make play and enrichment activities easier for Kauaʻi families to reach. The grant will help lower cost and other barriers so more keiki can take part.
- Life Bridges Hawaiʻi, Good Grief Club: The club offers support for people coping with the loss of a loved one. The grant will help the group continue meeting and reach more people who are grieving.
- Kauaʻi High School PAIRS PTSA, Project Grad 2027: The PTSA organizes Project Grad, an all-night, drug- and alcohol-free celebration for Kauaʻi High School graduates. The grant will help fund the 2027 event.
ECONOMIC
- Kauaʻi Robotics Alliance, 2026-27 FIRST Robotics Program: The Kauaʻi Robotics Alliance supports student teams competing in FIRST robotics programs. The grant will help with season costs such as equipment, registration, and travel.
- Hawaiʻi Foodbank, Nourishing Our ʻOhana: Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi distributes food to partner agencies across the island, including food pantries and shelters. The grant will help get nutritious food to Kauaʻi families in need.
- Zonta Club of Kauaʻi Scholarship Foundation, Scholarships for Kauaʻi Women: The foundation awards scholarships to young women graduating from Kauaʻi high schools to help them continue their education. The grant will fund scholarships for the coming year.
- Kauaʻi Food Bank, Kūpuna Food Box Program: The program delivers monthly food packages to homebound kūpuna, with produce, protein, and pantry staples chosen for heart-healthy nutrition. The grant will help keep the boxes going to seniors across the island.
CULTURAL
- Garden Island Arts Council, I Kanikapila Kākou 2027: I Kanikapila Kākou is a free series of Hawaiian music workshops and jam sessions open to the public. The grant will support the 2027 season.
- Nā Kūpuna O Kauaʻi Legacy of Aloha, Honoree Ceremony: The ceremony recognizes kūpuna for their lifetime of service and contributions to the island. The grant will help cover the cost of the event.
- Kapaia Foundation, Koinobori Kauaʻi 2027: Koinobori Kauaʻi celebrates Children’s Day with a display of colorful carp streamers, a Japanese tradition that honors the health and happiness of keiki. The grant will support the 2027 celebration.
- Garden Island Resource Conservation and Development, Keiki Waʻa Program: The program introduces keiki to the waʻa, along with the culture and ocean skills that come with paddling. The grant will help more young people take part.
- Hawaiʻi Children’s Theatre, Summer Stars 2027: Summer Stars is a summer theater program where keiki learn acting, singing, and dance and perform in a show. The grant will support the 2027 program.
- Mālama I Nā Honu, Poʻipū Beach Honu Guardians: Volunteers watch over green sea turtles resting on the beach at Poʻipū and teach visitors and residents to give them space. The grant will support the Honu Guardians volunteer program.
For more information, please contact Lani Agoot at 808-241-4900 or lagoot@kauai.gov.
