Kaua‘i County Launches First Standalone Cultural Grants, Funds 15 Projects

Kaua‘i County has distributed $141,628 in grant funding to 15 community-based cultural projects and events, marking the first year the Kaua‘i Cultural Program and Events grants were offered as a standalone funding opportunity. The Office of Economic Development said the awards are intended to reinforce place-based knowledge, uplift local voices, and create meaningful experiences for residents and visitors.

The Office of Economic Development announced the awards following a competitive review in which a selection committee evaluated 26 proposals. Nalani K. Brun, director of the Office of Economic Development, said, “These projects reflect the heart of Kaua‘i, our people, our stories, and our deep connection to place. We are proud to invest in community-driven work that uplifts local voices, strengthens cultural practice, and brings people together in meaningful ways.” The county emphasized that all funded activities take place on Kaua‘i and align with the Kaua‘i Destination Management Action Plan.

Named recipients in media excerpts include Garden Isle Resource Conservation and Development Council, which will present the Wings and Woodlands Art Exhibit and Festival - an immersive art exhibit and workshop series honoring Kaua‘i’s native birds and forests, scheduled for Nov. 13–20 in Līhu‘e. Kaua‘i Concert Association received support for a weeklong Laughing Fox outreach series of school programs and a culminating public performance led by Native American flutist and storyteller Laughing Fox. Kaua‘i Veterans Council is funded for the 2026 Kaua‘i Veterans Celebration, set for Nov. 7 at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center. Royal Coconut Coast Association will build a fully digital, self-guided Kapa‘a Walking Tour Project to preserve and share Kapa‘a Town’s history.

The grant program targets a range of activities identified in the request for proposals: cultural programming, community events, Native Hawaiian cultural programming, resident education, product enhancement, and initiatives that promote responsible visitor management. Eligible applicants include Hawaii-incorporated nonprofit organizations and groups exempt from federal income tax. Applications for the FY2026 cycle opened Dec. 1, 2025, closed Dec. 31, 2025, and selection notifications were scheduled for the week of Jan. 22, 2026. Documents list a grant period from Feb. 1, 2026, to Jan. 30, 2027.

The county’s RFP stated a funding pool of $140,000 with awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000; the announced total of $141,628 is slightly higher than that pool. The county’s award total is the working figure for distribution; residents and journalists seeking per-project award amounts or explanations of the discrepancy are advised to contact the Office of Economic Development directly at 808-241-4946 or by email at oed@kauai.gov. Applications and administration use the SMApply portal on the Kaua‘i Forward grants site.

Beyond tourism and event calendars, these grants carry public health and equity implications. Support for veteran gatherings, school outreach and Native Hawaiian cultural practice bolsters social cohesion, mental well-being, and community resilience while channeling visitor experiences toward locally governed, culturally respectful activities. For residents, the awards mean more locally rooted events and learning opportunities across the island. The next step is to publish the full award list and per-project amounts; community members should watch for event announcements from the named organizations and contact OED for details on participation and reporting requirements.