The County of Hawai‘i Department of Finance is currently seeking grant applications from qualified nonprofit organizations to support the maintenance and preservation of lands acquired through the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) program.

The Stewardship Grants provide support for the public safety upkeep, resource management, and historical preservation of lands acquired by the County through PONC. The grant application process is now open thru Saturday, Aug. 15.

Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or operate directly under the umbrella of a verified 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Submissions must include a highly detailed project business plan.Awardees must sign a formal agreement to submit written progress and financial reports within one year of receiving funds. Grant awards are allocated for a fixed one-year period.

All applications must be completed within the new online grant portal. which can be accessed at www.openspace.hawaiicounty.gov/stewardship-grants.