The application period for the Kīlauea Recovery Grant Program for nonprofit organizations starts today (June 15).  This is a Hawaii County program, allowing nonprofit organizations to apply for recovery funding to address damages suffered by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

“The new grant program is part of Puna’s roadmap to recovery,” said Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz, who introduced the bill authorizing the program. “The community is still reeling from the devastation caused by the Kīlauea eruption, but knows what it needs to bounce forward.

“I am honored to have worked with the Recovery Team to design a tool that empowers community to act. By leveraging this program, residents can implement community-based solutions that address the unique challenges they are seeing on the ground.”

Qualifying nonprofit organizations will have until 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 24 to apply. The program is supported by recovery funds provided by the State. Grants are capped at $500,000.

Grants may be used for capital improvement purposes as long as the structure, property, fixture or road was destroyed, damaged or shown to be at risk by the eruption. Grantees must show that the properties or improvements were properly permitted and in compliance with State and County laws prior to the eruption.

For more information, and to access application documents, visit: http://recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/resources/recovery-grants .

Applications and supporting documentation may be mailed to the Recovery Team at: 25 Aupuni St., Room 1301, Hilo, HI 96720.

For questions regarding the overall grant process, submittal process and/or items on the checklist, contact Patti Pinto, Recovery Assistant, at 961-8500 or patti.pinto@hawaiicounty.gov . 

Photo of lava from 2018 flow courtesy Hawaii County.