Application period open for new KōCreate: Kohala in support of region’s grassroots ʻāina organizations

Grassroots ʻāina organizations throughout the Kohala region have an opportunity to join a new collaborative initiative designed to help locally led organizations work together more effectively, expand access to resources and advance long-term stewardship in the moku.

Vibrant Hawaiʻi is convening KōCreate: Kohala, a planned 6-month cohort rooted in relationship-building, shared learning and coordinated action.

Applications are now being accepted, with 12 organizations to be selected for the upcoming cohort.

Deadline to apply is July 31. Selected organizations will be notified by Aug. 3, with the first cohort gathering Aug. 14.

Click here or here to apply now.

The new Kohala initiative is built on Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s KōCreate leadership model and designed to support organizations already caring for Kohala’s lands, waters and communities by creating space to learn together, build stronger connections and develop shared strategies for the future.

Grassroots organizations throughout the Kohala region steward forests, coastlines, cultural resources and community spaces using generations of knowledge and deep relationships with the ʻāina. Yet, many operate with modest budgets, limited staffing and minimal administrative infrastructure.

That makes it difficult to pursue larger funding opportunities despite the impact of their work.

KōCreate: Kohala invests in the relationships, skills and coordination that help these organizations continue and expand that work for the long term.

Each of the 12 organization selected can send two representatives to the cohort and will receive a $500 monthly stipend to support the time and capacity required to participate.

The cohort begins with three 2-day gatherings Aug. 14–15, Sept. 18–19 and Oct. 16–17 followed by a fourth gathering Nov. 14, which will be a full in-person day. Each gathering builds upon the last, moving participants from relationship-building and shared understanding toward a coordinated vision for Kohala’s future.

Participants will collaboratively develop a statement of interest and concept proposal for the Pili Nā Moku funding opportunity

The proposal will reflect shared priorities, including conserving and restoring forests and watersheds, enhancing coastal stewardship, restoring marine abundance, advancing community governance, strengthening knowledge networks and reducing risk through community-led disaster preparedness.

The cohort also continues beyond the proposal process.

A second phase between January and March 2027 will focus on professional development identified by participants themselves.

Training could include grant writing, financial management, First Aid/CPR certification, chainsaw safety certification or other skill-building opportunities responsive to the cohort’s evolving needs.

This ensures the experience delivers lasting value, providing participating organizations with stronger relationships, practical skills and increased organizational capacity.

Vibrant Hawaiʻi serves as the cohort’s fiscal sponsor, providing grant administration, financial management, facilitation and backbone support while participating organizations retain ownership of their programs, priorities and community knowledge.

“Kohala has long been cared for by people and organizations deeply connected to this place,” said Vibrant Hawaiʻi Chief Executive Officer Janice Ikeda in an announcement about the upcoming Kohala cohort. “KōCreate: Kohala is an opportunity to invest in those relationships, strengthen what already exists and support community-led stewardship that can continue to grow for generations.”