The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has announced that it is now accepting applications for the Micro-Grant for Food Security Program (MGFSP). This marks the fourth year of the program, which aims to support small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations to enhance the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food-insecure communities. A total of $3,576,470 is available for this year's program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Organizations receiving awards must provide matching funds of at least 10% of the grant award, which cannot come from other federal sources. The online application form and program information for individuals are available on the HDOA Market Development Branch (MDB) website. The Request for Proposals for organizations is posted on the State Procurement Office website. The deadline for applications is noon on August 12, 2024.
"The Micro-Grant program is, by far, the most popular of our grant programs as it provides financial resources to individuals and organizations to support small-scale farming," said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. "While the grant awards are not huge, the impact of increasing food security for families and communities has been very heartwarming."
Consideration will be based on project descriptions, number of beneficiaries, and outcome production. Previous MGFSP awardees are not eligible for this year's grants. Individual applicants can choose one category from Gardening, Livestock and Herding, or Apiary. Organizations will complete a project profile template and present their project selection.
A webinar with information and application instructions will be posted tomorrow on the Micro-Grants web page. Questions regarding the application process may be addressed to MDB at 808-973-9594 or via email.
Last year's program received 1,680 applications; 575 were awarded grants ranging between $3,000 to $5,000 totaling more than $2.6 million to individuals and $90,000 to organizations. The previous year saw 7,400 applications with 579 awarded grants ranging from $750 to $5,000 totaling about $2.6 million.
An example project funded last year was developed at Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i Charter School under Ms. Joeanne Mick's guidance. More details about this kindergarten students' Aloha Garden project can be viewed online.