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HomeMy WebLinkAboutImpact Grant Informational WebinarIMPACT GRANTS Informational Webinar –Tuesday, June 16, 2026 –2:00 p.m. R&D Impact Grants for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Dennis Lin, Deputy Director AGENDA •This webinar highlights sections of the five Requests for Proposals. •A Q&A Session will follow the presentation. •You may type questions in the chat during this presentation. 2 REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS PROGRAM RFP# Agriculture and Food Systems 26AG -01 Business and Industry Development 26BI -02 Film and Creative Industries 26FM -03 Food Security 26FD -04 Regenerative Tourism 26RT-05 3 ELIGIBLE PROJECTS See RFP Section 1.1 Projects eligible for funding must align with: 1.Department of R&D’s Goal: support a high quality of life for Hawaiʻi Island residents by supporting projects that help to balance Hawaiʻi Island’s economic, social, and environmental well -being; and 2.R&D Program Objectives listed in Section 2.2 of the RFP. 4 AWARD RANGE See RFP Section 1.2 •Each award may be from $10,000 to $25,000. •A total of $90,000 is available for each program area. 5 APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY See RFP Section 1.3 •Not-for -profit incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaiʻi, or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. •Members of governing board receive no compensation and have no material conflict of interest. •Have bylaws or polices that describe the manner in which business is conducted including management, fiscal policies and procedures, and policies on nepotism and the management of potential conflicts of interest. 6 APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY, CONT. •Be licensed and accredited, in accordance with the applicable statutes, codes, or ordinances of the federal, state, and county governments. •Have at least one year of experience with the proposed project. •Have project staff adequately trained to administer and conduct the service described. 7 FISCAL SPONSORS •Fiscal sponsorships are allowed. •Note, Fiscal Sponsors must register on the Grant Portal as Applicants. •All project participants, including the project implementers, must complete the County of Hawai’i Conflict of Interest Disclosure form. 8 TIMETABLE EVENT SCHEDULED DATE RFP Issued June 10, 2026 Informational Webinar June 16, 2026 Receipt of Questions Closing Date July 10, 2026 R&D Deadline for Written Reponse July 17, 2026 Proposal Deadline August 10, 2026 Award Notification September 9, 2026 Grant Agreement Exeution Period September 9 –September 30, 2026 9 See RFP Section 1.5 SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS See RFP Sections 1.7 and 1.8 •Requests for clarification and interpretation of the RFP should be sent in writing to the Department by email at chresdev@hawaiicounty.gov by July 10, 2026, to qualify for an official response from the Department. •All questions and responses will be posted on the Impact Grant Webpage. 10 PROJECT PERIOD See RFP Section 1.11 •Upon award, the contract period will commence upon contract execution and continue for twelve (12) months. Proposal tip – describe timeframes in terms of numbers of months rather than specific dates. •Request for no-cost extensions must be submitted in writing. 11 AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS Glenn Sako, Program Manager Glenn.Sako@hawaiicounty.gov •Three Program Objectives •See 26AG-01 Section 2.2, Page 4 12 RFP 26AG-01 OBJECTIVE A-B A.Increase consumption of local agricultural and/or value-added products by expanding marketing and/or education at the local, national, or international levels. B.Support research, development, control, and/or education that improves agricultural production, quality, resilience, and/or education that improves agricultural production, quality resilience, and/or producer viability or reduces the impact of pests or disease on agricultural crops, livestock, forests, or the community. 13 RFP 26AG-01 OBJECTIVE C C.Support collaboration, innovation, resource development, and/or programmatic sustainability throughout the food system to improve producer viability, resilience, or develop workforce development pathways. 14 BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT Michelle Agbigay, Program Manager Michelle.Agbigay@hawaiicounty.gov •Five Program Objectives •See RFP 26BI-02 Section 2.2, Pages 4-5 15 RFP 26BI-02 OBJECTIVES •Proposals must clearly specify which of the following five objectives the project aligns with. •To ensure focus and clarity, proposals must select and address only one of the listed objectives. Addressing multiple objectives will not increase competitiveness and may reduce clarity and effectiveness of the proposal. •Proposals should demonstrate clear implementation plans, defined deliverables, and measurable benefits to participating businesses 16 RFP 26BI-02 OBJECTIVE A Develop or Expand Aggregated Commercial Sales Spaces. Develop or enhance shared commercial environments that enable small businesses to generate revenue through direct sales. Projects may include marketplaces, mākeke, pop-ups, or similar models that require business participation or financial buy-in. Proposals should clearly identify: •Number and type of participating businesses. •Frequency and duration of sales opportunities. •Expected revenue generation or customer reach. •How the model sustains or continues beyond the funding period. 17 RFP 26BI-02 OBJECTIVE B Develop a Small Business Marketing Cohort Program. Develop a cohort-based program that builds practical marketing capacity for small businesses. Projects must include structured training and result in tangible marketing outputs that participants can immediately use. Proposals should clearly identify: •Cohort size and participant selection. •Specific skills and tools being taught. •Required deliverables (e.g., brand kit, content library, campaign plan). •How participant progress and completion will be tracked. 18 RFP 26BI-02 OBJECTIVE C Deliver Foundational Business Training Programs Develop or expand training programs that strengthen essential business operations. Topics may include financial management, marketing, AI tools, organization, planning, licensing, and permitting. Proposals should clearly identify: •Training topics and structure. •Number of participants served. •Practical outputs (e.g., business plans, financial trackers, systems). •How knowledge will be applied by participants. 19 RFP 26BI-02 OBJECTIVE D Provide Access to Professional Financial Review Services. Develop programs that connect small businesses with licensed financial professionals (e.g., CPAs) to improve financial management and readiness for growth. Proposals should clearly identify: •Number of businesses receiving services. •Type of financial review or support provided. •Expected outcomes (e.g., cleaned-up books, financial statements, tax readiness). •How businesses will be better positioned after participation. 20 RFP 26BI-02 OBJECTIVE E Strengthen Shared or Cooperative Production Facilities. Develop or enhance shared-use or cooperative production facilities that support multiple small businesses. Projects may include equipment, infrastructure improvements, or operational systems. Proposals should clearly identify: •Facility type and current use. •Number of businesses served. •Specific improvements being made. •How capacity, efficiency, or access will increase as a result. 21 FILM AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES Sherri Nakagawa, Program Manager Sherri.Nakagawa@hawaiicounty.gov •Three Program Objectives •See RFP 26FM-03 Section 2.2, Page 4 22 RFP 26FM-03 OBJECTIVES A.Develop Hawaiʻi Island’s film and creative workforce through bootcamps, workshops, and other training opportunities that reflect the current industry needs. B.Support local productions, events, and initiatives that grow the creative economy and raise the visibility of Hawaiʻi island as a place to live, work, and create. C.Encourage collaboration and shared resources by supporting multipurpose facilities, gatherings, and other efforts that help creative people connect, work, and build together. 23 FOOD SECURITY Sarah Freeman, Program Manager Sarah.Freeman@hawaiicounty.gov •Four Program Objectives •See RFP 26FD-04 Section 2.2, Page 4 24 RFP 26FD-04 OBJECTIVES A-B A.Support collaboration, innovation, resource development, and/or programmatic sustainability throughout the food system to increase access to locally produced food among low-income residents, reduce food waste, and improve community disaster resilience. B.Support farm to school, place-based, agriculture, and garden- based nutrition or food safety education programs that promote environmental stewardship and/or improve educational and health outcomes. 25 RFP 26FD-04 OBJECTIVE C-D C.Support outreach for nutrition access programs to provide food assistance and education to low-income individuals, families, seniors and children to reduce food insecurity and promote health. D.Support development and management of shared community resources such as shared use infrastructure, gardens, and waters to provide subsistence food and resources. 26 REGENERATIVE TOURISM Frecia Cevallos, Program Manager Frecia.Cevallos@hawaiicountyh.gov •Three Program Objectives •See RFP 26RT-05 Section 2.2, Page 4 27 RFP 26RT-05 OBJECTIVE A Pier Program Enhance visitor services at the Hilo and Kona piers, expanding cultural offerings with Hawaiian music and hula performances, and manage a visitor booth to distribute information and educate visitors about the Pono Pledge. By maximizing the economic impact of cruise ship visitors, who contribute to the local economy, this objective aims to significantly benefit businesses island wide, while ensuring a memorable, culturally rich experience for visitors. 28 RFP 26RT-05 OBJECTIVE B Visitor Support Provide support and assistance to individuals who are away from home and facing adversity, such as crime, medical emergencies, and death. Maintain dedicated staff and volunteers who are available 24/7 to offer emotional support and practical help, demonstrating the aloha spirit in times of need. 29 RFP 26RT-05 OBJECTIVE C Carrying Capacity Pilot Program Create and manage a pilot of popular visitor hotspots to ensure that these locations can be enjoyed by future generations while maintaining the locations’ ecological and cultural significance. This objective aims to foster a sustainable tourism model that benefits both the local community and the visitors who come to experience the beauty and heritage of Hawaiʻi Island. •Implement strategies to assess and manage carrying capacity at popular visitor hotspots on Hawaiʻi Island. •Ensure sustainable tourism practices to preserve natural and cultural resources while enhancing visitor experiences. 30 PROPOSAL PREPARATION See RFP Section 3 •Submit all data and information specified in the RFP to be considered for evaluation. •Noncompliance is cause for disqualification of the proposal. •The County will not pay any costs incurred by applicants in preparing or submitting proposals. •Multiple submissions are allowed, but duplicate project proposals submitted to multiple program areas will be disqualified and will not be considered for funding. 31 DISQUALIFICATION OF PROPOSALS See RFP Section 3.3 •Lack of responsibility or cooperation as shown by past work done for the Department. •Conditional, incomplete, or irregular proposal making it incomplete, indefinite, or ambiguous. •Lack of financial ability/capacity to manage grant proceeds. •Proposal includes provisions contrary to those required in the RFP. •The proposer shows any noncompliance with applicable law.. 32 PUBLIC INSPECTION See RFP Section 3.4 •During the solicitation and evaluation period, all proposal information is held in strict confidence. •All materials submitted by all proposers become the property of the County. Upon award or rejection, all material except that marked proprietary is public information. •Any content marked “PROPRIETARY,” “CONFIDENTIAL,” or otherwise clearly intended not to be made public WILL NOT be evaluated, except content dealing with financial resources or condition. 33 PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS Matching Funds Requirement See RFP Section 3.5.1 •25% matching funds requirement – cash, in-kind, or a combination of both. •Proof of matching funds not required at application. •Proof of matching funds is required within thirty (30) calendar days of the Department’s award notification. 34 PROPOSAL FORMAT See RFP Section 3.5.2 A complete proposal includes : •All application fields and certifications in the grant portal. •Complete budget information and narrative in the grant portal. •Complete Abstract and Project Narrative in the grant portal. •All required uploaded documents. 35 PROJECT ABSTRACT See RFP Section 3.5.3.1 In a narrative format and within the maximum character count (including spaces) of 5,110 characters, provide the following information: •Project Summary •Impact Statement •Timeline Summary •Funding Summary 36 PROJECT NARRATIVE See RFP Section 3.5.3.2 Provide a complete project narrative, within the maximum character count of 25,550 characters (5 letter-sized pages)which includes the following sections: •Demonstrated Sector/Community Need •Project Impact •Project Activities and Outcomes •Organization Qualifications 37 BUDGET GUIDANCE See RFP Section 3.6 •Project expense estimates must be reasonable, directly related to the proposed project, and clearly described in the online budget narrative form. •Administration Costs: County funding will pay for a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the total grant award which is intended to cover expenses the grantee incurs related to managing the grant award. 38 ELIGIBLE GRANT EXPENSES See RFP Section 3.6.3 •Advertising and PR •Electronic media. •Equipment, purchase or rental. •Facility rental. •Printing, posters, signage, brochures, collateral materials. •Products •Salary and wages. •Security. •Shipping. •Some consultant services. •Supplies and materials. •Website development or enhancement. 39 INELIGIBLE GRANT EXPENSES See RFP Section 3.6.4 •Purchase of alcohol. •Business or organizational start-up plans. •Fundraising. •Commercial film production, •Travel expenses. •Indirect costs. •Expenses incurred prior to grant agreement execution, •Costs associated with proposal production and submission. 40 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS See RFP Section 3.7 •County of Hawaiʻi Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form. •Current Charter or Articles of Incorporation. •Current Bylaws. (Bylaws must describe the manner in which business is conducted including management, fiscal policies and procedures, and policies on nepotism and the management of potential conflicts of interest.) •Current Corporate Resolution if required per Bylaws. 41 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, CONT. •Current Board of Directors list. Include names, titles, addresses, occupations, and terms of office for all officers and members of the Board of Directors. •IRS Verification of tax-exempt status, if applicable. •Current Financial Statements – signed and dated •A list of the people who will execute the project and manage the funded activities. Include descriptions of their education, work experience and qualifications. 42 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Acceptable Financial Statements: •Most current balance sheet and year-to-date profit and loss statement, or •Fiscal year-end profit and loss statement, or •CPA -audited or compiled financial statements for the most recent month of the RFP application or last fiscal year ended. Unacceptable Financial Documents: •Handwritten ledgers, and •Copies of bank statements. 43 EVALUATION PROCESS See RFP Section 4 •Phase 1: Evaluation Screening for Eligibility and Completeness. •Phase 2: Initial Proposal Evaluation by Evaluation Committees. •Phase 3: Priority Listed Proposal Evaluation •Recommendation for Contract Award. 44 PHASE 2 EVALUATION CRITERIA See RFP Section 4.2.2.1 45 Category Max. Points Demonstrated Sector/Community Need 10 Project Impact 30 Project Feasibility 15 Qualifications and Experience 15 Project Partnerships 10 Fiscal Capability and Accountability 20 Total 100 AWARD NOTIFICATION On September 9, 2026, by 4:30 p.m., email messages will be sent to all applicants notifying them of the final funding decision. Award notification is not an approval to begin project activities. The email message will include an attached signed letter by the Director of R&D. The following decisions will be relayed: 1.Approved. 2.Approved at a lower amount. 3.Declined at time of Phase I Evaluation. 4.Declined during Phase II Evaluation. 46 AWARD OF CONTRACT See RFP Section 5 •A contract document will serve as the official and legal contractual instrument between both parties. •Your Program Manager will forward you a contract document. •Upon receipt of the contract, the awardee has ten (10) days to execute and return the contract document to the Department. The award of contract may be withdrawn by the Department if any successful proposer is unable to meet contract execution requirements. 47 PAYMENTS AND REPORTING Payments During a 12-month project period there will be at least two scheduled payments. An initial payment is made upon execution of the contract. A final payment of 10% of the total award will be made upon delivery and R&D acceptance of the final narrative and financial reports. Reporting A progress report may be required. A final narrative report and final financial report will be required 60 days following the end of the contract period. All project reports and results are considered public property. 48 TERMS AND CONDITIONS All grantees must abide by R&D Contract Terms and Conditions located at the end of the RFP. Grantees should: •Maintain HCE Compliance. •Recognize R&D as a funder in any project-related announcements. •Provide free admission for any funded event for the R&D Program Manager. •Prohibit alcohol use during county-funded activities. 49 TERMS AND CONDITIONS CONT. Grantees should: •Prohibit fundraising activities during grant-funded projects. •Request any budget and/or project modifications in writing and await written approval before implementing modifications. •Submit progress and final reports as indicated in the contract and in consultation with the program specialist. •Understand that upon award, the existing contract file and progress and final reports, shall be made available for public inspection. 50 PORTAL TIPS •Register as soon as possible and become familiar with the portal. •Do not wait until the day before the deadline to begin your proposal. •Start entering budget items as soon as possible. •When entering information, save frequently. •Type your abstract and narrative on your computer as if you were submitting a hard copy proposal. You can copy and paste your content into the portal text boxes. •Do not press Submit, until you are ready. 51 PORTAL REGISTRATION The first time you access an opportunity through the portal, you will be prompted to create a login and password. If you have already registered, you will be prompted to Log In to your account. 1.Use the opportunity link from R&D’s Impact Grant Webpage. Click Apply to the right of the opportunity name. 2.On the login screen, click Register. 3.On the Create New Account page, add all required user information 4.Click “Register” and then click “I Accept” to accept Euna Grants Terms and conditions. 52 PORTAL USER ROLES •Applicants should only Register ONCE for their Organization ⎻ Users can be added to the Organization account. •Once registered and in the applicant portal, users can edit their information or add Users through the Account Information section. •Note the different User roles, Editor vs Administrator – Editors can modify applications but cannot submit. 53 R&D APPLICATION TUTORIALS Starting your Impact Grant Application in AmpliFund - Step-by -Step Guide created for the FY25-26 Funding Cycle https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showpublisheddoc ument/309495/638902385661570000 Budget Tutorial https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showdocument?id=30 8517&t=638677940865536688 54 PORTAL TUTORIALS How To Create an Account on the Applicant Portal https://grants-help.eunasolutions.com/hc/en- us/articles/360008409014-How -To -Create-an-Account-on-the- Applicant-Portal How To Log In to the Applicant Portal https://grants-help.eunasolutions.com/hc/en- us/articles/360008549593-How -To -Log-In-to-the-Applicant-Portal 55 PORTAL TUTORIALS, PG 2 Applicant Portal Administration Section https://grants-help.eunasolutions.com/hc/en- us/articles/360055675314-AmpliFund-Applicant-Portal-Applicant- Portal-Administration-Section Applicant Portal: How to complete an application https://grants-help.eunasolutions.com/hc/en- us/articles/360055724414-AmpliFund-Applicant-Portal-How -to- complete-an-application 56 PORTAL TUTORIALS, PG 3 Applicant Portal: Application Status - View, Withdraw, Delete https://grants-help.eunasolutions.com/hc/en- us/articles/360057564513-AmpliFund-Applicant-Portal- Application-Status-View -Withdraw-Delete Returning to the Applicant Portal https://grants-help.eunasolutions.com/hc/en- us/articles/360055675414-AmpliFund-Applicant-Portal-Returning- to-the-Applicant-Portal 57 MAHALO The County of Hawaiʻi is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider. 58