The Maui County Office of Economic Development, in partnership with the Maui County Department of ʻŌiwi Resources, has opened the application period for its fiscal year 2027 Makahiki Grant Program.

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. July 10. Application materials, eligibility requirements, funding guidelines and program details are available at mauioed.submittable.com/submit.

A total of $850,000 in grant funding is available to support organizations, community groups, educational institutions, cultural practitioners, businesses and other eligible applicants interested in developing programs, events and activities recognizing the Makahiki season throughout Maui County.

“Through this initiative, we hope to support and empower community-led efforts that celebrate the values and traditions of Makahiki while creating meaningful opportunities for residents and visitors alike to learn, participate and connect,” Mayor Richard Bissen said in a news release. “Makahiki reminds us of the importance of gratitude, stewardship, peace and community. This program is an opportunity to bring those values to life across our county.”

According to the county, the grant program is intended to celebrate Hawaiian culture, strengthen community connections, promote stewardship and well-being, support local economic opportunities and advance the theme “Rest. Grow. Sustain.”

Eligible proposals may include cultural festivals and celebrations, educational workshops, agricultural and food-related activities, traditional Hawaiian games and athletic competitions, arts and cultural programs, community stewardship projects, small-business and marketplace events, youth programming, wellness activities and other projects that promote participation in the Makahiki season.

County officials said the program is part of a broader effort to strengthen Maui County’s kamaʻāina economy by supporting local businesses, cultural practitioners, artists, educators, farmers and community organizations.

For more information, contact the Office of Economic Development at grants.oed@mauicounty.gov.