Kohala Center Programs Information
The Kohala Center launches the Full Calabash Fund grant program
Initially established with support from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the Full Calabash Fund will provide grants to Hawaiʻi’s nonprofit organizations and meal preparation services with deep connections to place and their community, and demonstrated experience working with food-insecure communities and partners to source, prepare, and distribute food. Grantees must dedicate at least half of awarded funds to purchase agricultural products from local farmers, ranchers, and food producers. A portion of funds can be used to support general operating expenses and indirect costs. Applications are available online at koha.la/calabash or by calling The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 8. Refer to the press release for more information. Frequently asked questions will be posted to the website periodically until the application deadline.
Deadline to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program is December 11
Agricultural producers are strongly encouraged to apply for financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2). If your farm received funding through the first round of CFAP, you may be eligible for additional payments. Applications will be accepted until Friday, December 11. Check your farm’s eligibility using this new online tool. Read the press release or visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information.
Special offers through DA BUX program expire December 29
For a limited time, the statewide DA BUX program is offering $50 per day when Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants buy locally grown fruits and vegetables, ground beef, and eggs. This special offer expires on Tuesday, December 29. Participating retailers statewide include Times Supermarkets, Big Save, Shima’s, and KTA Super Stores, among others. Visit dabux.org to view a full list of participating retailers and refer to this flyer for more information.
Last chance to apply for the County of Hawai‘i Holomua Hawai‘i relief grant
The Holomua Hawai‘i program will end in December and eligible applicants who have not yet applied are strongly encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. Eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations on Hawai‘i Island may apply for up to $10,000 in funding to support core operations, safe on-going and reopening costs, personal protective equipment, and training and technical assistance. Visit the program website for more information and to apply.
E-commerce and digital marketing assistance for small businesses
The Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation invites local businesses to apply for free e-commerce and digital marketing technical assistance funded by the Hawai‘i Business Pivot Grant program. The program matches companies with specialized consultants who help improve the company’s digital presence and expand their market during the coronavirus pandemic. Visit the program website to learn more and apply.
Opportunities
Prepare to apply for the Micro-grants for Food Security program (MGFSP)
The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture will award grants to eligible applicants including farmers, ranchers, food producers, hunters, home gardeners, and organizations for small-scale gardening, livestock, and food access projects. The MGFSP request for proposals will be posted in January 2021 with the deadline to submit proposals 45 days after the posting. Applicants must obtain a DUNS Number and a Certificate of Good Standing to be eligible for an award. Visit the program website and refer to the press release for more information.
Apply to the Hawaiʻi Youth Conservation Corps (HYCC) Summer Program
The HYCC Summer Program is designed for young adults who are interested in exploring environmental and education-based careers. The program is an outdoor experience in which individuals serve together in teams to complete hands-on fieldwork at host sites across the islands. The program dates are June 7 through July 23, 2021. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 26, 2021. Visit the program website for more information and to apply.
Hawai‘i Farmers Market Association launches SNAP at Markets Grant
Hawai‘i Farmers Market Association is offering mini-grants to farmers markets across Hawai‘i to help increase local food access for low-income communities through implementation and promotion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The deadline to apply is Sunday, December 20. Visit the program website for more information and to apply.
U.S. Department of Agriculture launches AskUSDA online help center
The AskUSDA Contact Center transforms how the public interacts with the Department by offering an easy online platform for communicating with the agency and navigating programs and services. AskUSDA also offers thousands of informational articles that address common issues and questions. Visit ask.usda.gov to learn more.
Farm Service Agency hiring full-time loan assistant and program technicians
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency is accepting applications for program technicians in Hilo and Honolulu as well as a farm loan specialist in Hilo. Applicants applying to the Hilo positions must specify their location preference on their resume. Click the hyperlinks in the job titles above to access the full position descriptions and to apply.
Upcoming deadlines for conservation assistance programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service encourages Hawai‘i agricultural producers and landowners to apply for technical and financial assistance to improve and enhance natural resources on their farm and forest land. Most significantly, the deadline to apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program is Tuesday, December 15. Refer to the press release for more information.
Federal funding for farm to school projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service is accepting applications for the Farm to School Grant program until Friday, January 8, 2021. Nonprofit and for-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Visit grants.gov for more information.
