Holomua Marine Initiative
The Holomua Marine Initiative by Hawai'i Community Foundation funds science-driven, community-based efforts to restore and steward Hawai‘i’s nearshore marine ecosystems.
Funder: Hawai'i Community Foundation
Due Dates: October 24, 2025 (Strengthening Community Advocacy) | March 20, 2026 (Pāpio Grants Q1) | May 15, 2026 (Pāpio Grants Q2) | June 5, 2026 (Lawaiʻa Engagement) | August 28, 2026 (Pāpio Grants Q3) | November 6, 2026 (Pāpio Grants Q4)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 (Pāpio Grants & Advocacy) or $25,000 (Lawaiʻa Engagement); most grants 1 year, Lawaiʻa Engagement up to 2 years.
Summary: Supports community-driven marine management in Hawai‘i, integrating science, culture, and stewardship to restore nearshore waters.
Key Information: Multiple tracks/focus areas; eligibility and deadlines vary by funding opportunity.
Description
The Holomua Marine Initiative, managed by the Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF), is a major collaborative effort to restore abundance to Hawai‘i's nearshore waters. The Initiative combines scientific expertise, cultural knowledge, and broad community participation to ensure vibrant and productive coastal waters for future generations. Funding is available through several targeted opportunities under the Holomua Marine Initiative Fund, each designed to support different aspects of community-based marine management, advocacy, and stewardship. Grants are available for community advocacy, high-impact stewardship projects, and fisher engagement, with a focus on empowering local organizations and groups to advance effective, culturally rooted marine resource management.
