Hawaii County and the Hawaii Community Foundation are inviting nonprofit organizations serving the Puna area to apply for Puna Strong Collaboration Grants.
Puna Strong is a grant program focused on disaster readiness and building community resilience for the Puna communities impacted by the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
With investments in nonprofit organizations and partnerships leading community-driven projects, the Puna Strong program is currently in its third round of funding to support 10 organizations over an 18-month period ending June 30, 2025.
“The progress and resilience of the Puna community since the 2018 eruptions have been truly remarkable,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in a statement. “These grant opportunities will help us continue rebuilding and restoring the vibrancy of Puna. We encourage all eligible residents to apply and extend our gratitude to the Hawaii Community Foundation for their leadership and support in making these resources available.”
The purpose of these Puna Strong grants is to foster collaboration among nonprofit organizations in the Puna area along with government agencies, community leaders and/or for-profit entities.
The aim is to build and enhance networking and collaborative capacities that lead to sustainable and impactful outcomes. This funding opportunity seeks to support initiatives that go beyond one-time events, focusing instead on programs or projects that promote long-term partnership building and resource sharing.
Puna Strong Collaboration Grants are available to Puna-serving 501(c)(3) organizations for a 12-month period of grant funding. Awards are intended to range on average from $15,000 to $50,000.
This funding opportunity is not limited to current Puna Strong Round 3 grantees; it is available to any 501(c)(3) organization that serves the Puna area. In the spirit of collaboration, only the lead application is required to be a 501(c)(3) organization.
To apply, visit hawaiicf.smartsimple.com. Registered users may log in to their account to apply. The deadline to apply for the grants is 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10.
For more information about Puna Strong or other grant programs, please visit recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/resources/recovery-grants.