Deadline for next round of Puna Strong grants nears

Nonprofit organizations serving communities in Puna impacted by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption are encouraged to apply for funding through a grant program made possible by a partnership between Hawai‘i County and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.

Puna Strong is focused on disaster readiness and building community resilience through investments and partnerships leading community-driven projects.

The program is seeking 10 organizations to support throughout an 18-month period that ends June 30, 2025.

To apply, click here. Registered users can log in to their account to apply.

The application deadline is 4 p.m. Oct. 10.

“The progress and resilience of the Puna community since the 2018 eruptions have been truly remarkable,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth. “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 Hawaiʻi Community Foundation for their leadership and support in making these resources available.”

The county says the Puna Strong grants are aimed at fostering collaboration among nonprofit organizations in the Puna area along with government agencies, community leaders and/or for-profit entities 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 onetime events, focusing instead on programs or projects that promote long-term partnership building and resource sharing.

Applicants are encouraged to propose initiatives that result in measurable outcomes with a focus on collaboration.

Grants are available to Puna organizations for a 12-month period. Awards range from $15,000 to $50,000.

Funding also is not limited to prospective grantees; any nonprofit organization that serves the Puna area is eligible to apply.

In the spirit of collaboration, only the lead application is required to be a nonprofit.

For more information about Puna Strong or other grant programs, click here.