Kaua‘i OED accepting proposals for FY24 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants Program

The County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development has opened a request for proposals for its Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants Program for fiscal year 2024.

This is the first year the Office of Economic Development has offered a competitive grant strictly for the support of agriculture expansion efforts. The intent of this grant program is to advance Kaua‘i’s agricultural industry through targeted investments in the expansion of farming and ranching across the island.

“We are truly grateful to Mayor Kawakami and the Kaua‘i County Council for supporting our agricultural industry through this new program, as agriculture holds an important key to future food security and preservation of our community’s rural lifestyle,” said Nalani Brun, Director of the Office of Economic Development.

Proposals are being accepted through the Amplifund Grant Portal System, starting Nov. 15. To apply, visit the Kaua‘i Forward website, https://kauaiforward.com/agriculture-farm-expansion-grant/.

All proposals must be submitted via the Amplifund system on or before 4 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2024. Applications are not being accepted through mail, email, or fax. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.

Applicants must be Non-Profit Organizations working in conjunction with the farming community. Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from $15,000 to $100,000 for operations or infrastructure needs during a maximum period of two years. The total amount funded in the FY24 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants Program is $400,000.

Applicants will be notified of funding during the week of February 5, 2024. The project funding period will be March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2026.

An informational session on the Request for Proposals will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. The link can be found at https://kauaiforward.com/grants/.

For more information, please visit the Kaua‘i Forward website or contact Niki Kunioka-Volz at nkvolz@kauai.gov.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service, or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Therilynn Martin Haumea at tmhaumea@kauai.gov or 808-241-4299 no later than November 23, 2023. 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.

Questions about the grant program can be emailed to oedgrants@kauai.gov by 4 p.m. o nNov. 27.