2027 Kaiāulu Event Sponsorship RFP pdf
Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha (KS) supports the long-term well-being of keiki and ‘ohana while nurturing ‘ōiwi leadership and remaining steadfast in cultivating thriving communities rooted in Hawaiian values and shared impact. Through our Strategic Plan 2030 & Theory of Change, we commit to growing our kaiāola through education toward ea. This commitment reflects Kamehameha’s belief that education is a prerequisite to self-determination and is key to a thriving lāhui. We wish to provide support for our people to exercise the ea necessary for a thriving and self-determined lāhui through community events.
One of the ways that kaiāulu are strengthened is through gatherings that build common experiences and bonds of its people to ʻāina, to one another, and to valued practices that build the welo (traits reflective of an ʻohana or hui) of a kaiāulu.
This event sponsorship funding opportunity seeks to Kūkulu Ea - catalyze community self-determination and agency for communities to celebrate, perpetuate, practice Hawaiian identity and culture relevant to their unique context and character.
We are looking to sponsor events that facilitate:
- Learning opportunities rich in Hawaiian identity, culture, ʻōlelo, and ʻāina experiences and enhance education opportunities.
- Activities that build connections to each other, ʻāina, ʻohana, kaiāulu and Ke Ea Hawaiʻi.
- Opportunities to mālama places in the kaiāulu.
- Interactions with honored members of the kaiāulu (e.g., loea in a cultural practice or kupa of an area who can share about moʻolelo or practices).
Proposal Requirements & Considerations
Organizations may submit requests for up to two (2) distinct events. If more than two requests are submitted, only the first two received will be considered. Proposals must be to host/put on an event, not to receive funding to attend or participate in someone else’s event. Any event receiving other KS funding is not eligible to apply. Incomplete, inaccurate, or late proposals will not be accepted.
To be eligible for funding consideration:
- Proposed event must be:
- Held in the state of Hawaiʻi;
- Free for participants to attend;
- Open to the community (either through direct attendance or a registration);
- A one-time event (can be multi-day, but not a series or program); and
- Held between January 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027.
- Applying organization must demonstrate good standing with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
- If an organization or event has previously received KS Kaiāulu Event Sponsorship, all reporting requirements must be completed to be eligible for this funding.
- Applicants may request up to $8,000.00 per event.
- All proposals must be submitted through the online form application with complete information included on or before 4:00pm HST, Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.
Priority funding consideration will be given to events designed to enable attendees to meaningfully and actively celebrate, participate, practice, or pass on ‘ike Hawai‘i and other traditions that are meaningful in their community.
What We’re Not Seeking
Event proposals that we will not support through this opportunity include:
- Fundraisers
- Events promoting or advancing any kind of political or commercial interests
- Paid or ticketed events (e.g., attendees must pay to attend)
- Events that are already receiving KS support
- Events requiring participants to attend multiple days or cohort-like opportunities
- Activities that are part of larger programming or engaging with a cohort of participants
- Proposals requesting funding to send individuals to attend or participate in an event
- Events restricted to, or primarily organized for, members of a specific organization, school, or group are not eligible for funding. Examples include but are not limited to high school graduation ceremonies, reunions, athletic celebrations, or hālau showcases.
Funding Uses & Restrictions
As applicants put together a proposed budget for their event, please be aware that KS funding cannot be used to support any of the following activities/expenses:
- Repay debt
- To employ, reimburse, or pay a government official
- Capital improvement, facilities repair, or renovation
- Purchases that result in private benefit
- Purchase of vehicles and/or large equipment
- Administrative costs and overhead for normal organizational operations
- Costs for individuals to attend as a participant
Examples of allowable expenses may include:
- Honoraria for guest or staff presenters, demonstrators, or helpers (if staff members are engaging in the effort outside of their workdays).
- Reasonable inter-island airfare and ground transportation for key people needed for the instructional/learning aspects of the events.
- Supplies for activities.
- Rental equipment (tables, chairs, tent, sound system).
- Modest food for participants.
- On-island ground transportation.
- Printing of signage and publicity materials.
Event Sponsorship Funding Requirements
If your proposal is selected for funding:
- We would proudly sponsor activities that are awarded funding. In that instance, organizations are asked to include one of the KS Kaiāulu logos on event signage and publicity materials.
- Sponsored events will be included on the KS Kaiāulu Events Calendar at https://kaiaulu.ksbe.edu/calendar
- Organizations must complete an 'End of Event' report which will include attendee participant count, summary of the event and how it supported intended outcomes.
- Participants and attendees to your event will have the opportunity to complete a survey about their experience.
If you have questions regarding this RFP or require assistance to submit your proposal, please email kaiaulupartnerships@ksbe.edu.