Honolulu, HI — The Hawaiʻi State Legislature has officially opened the Grant-In-Aid (GIA) process for the 2025 Legislative Session, inviting community organizations and non-profits to submit applications for funding. Applications will be accepted until Friday, January 17, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

Grant-in-Aid (GIA) is an appropriation made by the Legislature to support the activities of non-profit organizations that provide vital services to the citizens of Hawaiʻi. The purpose of this funding is to offer supplemental support to service agencies and should not be construed as a sole source of funding.

Per Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) §42F-103, grants will only be awarded to organizations that meet specific requirements. While the declaration statement attesting that an organization meets these requirements is submitted with the application, it is insufficient by itself to affirm eligibility. Applicants must submit additional documentation to verify compliance with the “Standards for the Award of Grants.”

Eligibility Requirements and Documentation

Organizations seeking funding must meet the following requirements, along with providing appropriate supporting documentation:

1. Licensing or Accreditation: Must be licensed or accredited under applicable laws to conduct activities or provide services for which the grant is awarded (e.g., Certificate of Good Standing).
2. Non-Discrimination Compliance: Must comply with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability (e.g., by-laws, corporate resolution).
3. Prohibited Use of Funds: Must agree not to use state funds for entertainment or lobbying activities (e.g., by-laws, corporate resolution).
4. Transparency and Accountability: Must allow state agencies, legislative committees, and auditors full access to records for monitoring and ensuring proper expenditure of the grant (e.g., records retention policy).
5. Incorporation in Hawaiʻi: Must be incorporated under Hawaiʻi state law (e.g., Certificate of Good Standing).
6. Bylaws or Policies: Must have bylaws or policies describing how the grant activities or services will be conducted (e.g., by-laws).
7. For Non-Profit Organizations:
   • Must have IRS designation as a non-profit organization (e.g., IRS determination letter).
   • Must have a governing board whose members serve without compensation and have no material conflict of interest (e.g., by-laws, corporate resolution).

The Office of the Attorney General (AG) is responsible for determining whether an applicant meets these standards. This process typically takes four weeks once all documentation has been submitted. Applicants will be notified of the decision by the Office of Community Services (OCS).

Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to act promptly to meet the submission deadline. Final funding decisions will be informed by Council on Revenues forecasts in January and March of 2025.

For more information on the GIA process and to access application materials, visit the Legislature’s GIA webpage at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/GIA.aspx.

The GIA program reflects the Legislature’s commitment to supporting non-profits and community organizations that deliver essential services to Hawaiʻi residents. By adhering to the outlined standards and submitting complete documentation, organizations can take an active role in contributing to the state’s collective well-being.