Division of Forestry and Wildlife: Forestry Program

GRANT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Our grant program encourages community involvement in creating and supporting long-term and sustained urban and community forestry across Hawai‘i.

Kaulunani has awarded grants to hundreds of non-profit groups, schools, community organizations, parks, museums, and arboretums. As of 2023, over $4.6 million dollars has been awarded to over 450 projects through these cost-share grants, which have been matched by over $9 million dollars in cash and in-kind contributions. 

We believe community-driven solutions are a vital part in addressing the Forest Action Plan (FAP) Objectives.

We support a diverse range of forestry projects impacting most urban areas in Hawai‘i. Get to know our current grantee partners! You can also check out all the projects we’ve funded since 1993 on our StoryMap.

The Kaulunani Council encourages applications from communities large and small across all islands, and values the principles of equity, access, and environmental justice in project partnerships.

COMMUNITY GRANTS

COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED

Kaulunani supports a wide range of urban and community forest projects that promote the protection and enhancement of urban and community forest ecosystems – tree planting, the care of trees, and education on tree issues where we live, work, learn, and play. Kaulunani Community Partnership grants are awarded biannually.

Grant Categories: 1) General Community Grants and 2) Arbor Day 2024

Who can apply? Communities from all islands of Hawaiʻi are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants include organizations, schools, religious centers, community groups, and state and county agencies. All awardees must become compliant with State Government requirements and provide Hawaiʻi Compliance Express certification at time of award.

What kind of projects are eligible? Projects should relate to urban and community forestry on public or publicly accessible land or educational institutions in Hawaiʻi. Eligible activities include planting, caring for, learning about, and/or expanding the communities’ relationship with the trees and forests. See the 2024 Request for Proposals for more information.

Projects must be completed by:

• December 31, 2024 (Arbor Day 2024)
• August 15, 2025 (Community Grants)

Award range: $3,000–$15,000

How do I apply? Applications are currently closed.

For more information and questions about the community grant program, please contact Kate Wiechmann, Community Partnership Coordinator at [email protected].

HAWAIʻI IRA FUNDING INFO

Kaulunani has been awarded $1.5 million in IRA funding and sub-granted 80% of this to community partners, and will use the remaining 20% for program support.

Meet the Kaulunani IRA Grantees!

For more information and questions about IRA funding, please contact Koki Atcheson, IRA Community Partnerships Coordinator at [email protected].

CURRENTLY FUNDED PROJECTS

We are proud to showcase our recently funded projects on the currently funded projects page! You can also check out all the projects we’ve funded since 1993 on our StoryMap.

Above is footage & interviews from a recently funded project ‘Carving Out Our Future with Nalu Andrade’. These workshops strengthened participants relationships to our trees and forests by carving māna ‘ai (babies first food dish).

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATION

Please read our Grant Guidelines carefully. We also suggest contacting Kaulunani staff ([email protected]) to discuss your application well in advance of the deadline so we can provide support and guidance.

Once your application has been submitted, the Kaulunani Advisory Council reviews and makes decisions during the forthcoming quarterly Council meeting. Visit the Kaulunani Council Page for more information on the Council and quarterly meeting dates.

A NOTE FOR PROPOSED TREE PLANTING PROJECTS

Tree planting projects are asked to use native species, Polynesian introductions, or non-invasive plants that are screened by the Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment and are predicted to be a low risk of becoming invasive. All Budget forms for tree planting/giveaway projects must include Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) scores. These can be found through the Plant Pono or Hawaii Weed Risk Assessment websites.

RESOURCES FOR CURRENT GRANTEES

Forms:

• Kaulunani Grant Recognition Guidelines (PDF)
• Sample of Volunteer Tracking Form (Microsoft Word .docx)
• Interim Report Form (Online Form)
• Final Report Form (Online Form)

Kaulunani Logos:

• Enclosed Square Kaulunani Logo, color (png)
• Square Kaulunani Logo, color (png)
• Horizontal Kaulunani Logo, color (png)
• Square Kaulunani Logo, black (png)
• Horizontal Kaulunani Logo, black (png)

Agency Logos:

• DLNR Logo (png)
• Forestry and Wildlife Logo (png)

Additional Grant Opportunities

The table below lists some of the known opportunities for Urban & Community grant funding for which funding is available.

We welcome your proposals to pursue any and all opportunities, please contact prior to submitting an application.

Pre-Proposals are required for most opportunities and we strongly encourage you to complete this brief form so we are aware of your wonderful work and can match you to appropriate funding opportunities that may arise.