How much funding does Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui provide?

Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui provides $250 Visa cards per eligible individual (emergency relief fund) in funding.

When is the deadline for Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui

HAWAII AG AND CULINARY ALLIANCE

Foundation One-time Hardship Grants Food Security Grants

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Funding Amount

$250 Visa cards per eligible individual (emergency relief fund)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui

Funder: Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA)

Program Status: Active emergency relief fund, accepting applications through April 30, 2024 (program originally announced for COVID-19 pandemic, expanded to August 2023 Maui wildfires)

Geographic Scope: Hawaii, with specific focus on Maui wildfire impact

Focus Areas:

Emergency financial assistance for restaurant, bar, and hospitality workers

Food security and basic living expenses

Economic support for culinary industry during crises

Background:
Originally established May 2020 to provide immediate support to restaurant and bar workers impacted by COVID-19 pandemic closures. Expanded in August 2023 to support victims of devastating Maui wildfires that destroyed significant portions of Maui economy (restaurants, bars, and hospitality comprise 80% of Maui's economy).

What They Fund:

Visa prepaid cards valued at $250 per eligible individual

Cards usable at local restaurants throughout the state

Covers meal costs and basic food security

Funds Raised:

COVID-19 phase: Nearly $100,000 raised as of May 2020, with goal of $250,000 to provide ~10,000 meals

Maui wildfire phase: Over $1,220,000 raised as of March 2024, assisting approximately 1,200 eligible individuals

No administrative fees - 100% of donations directly channeled to recipients

Funding Sources:

Corporate sponsor donations

Community donations

ALOHA Challenge social media fundraising campaign (COVID-19 phase) - participants danced/lip-synced to benefit fundraising

Individual contributions

Organization Background:
HACA is 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011. Mission is to support Hawaii's culinary industry and locally grown products. Since inception, has donated over $3.5 million to local organizations supporting food sustainability, culinary education, and agriculture.

Contact:
www.HFWF.me or www.HawaiiFoodandWineFestival.com
Follow: #kokuaforrestaurants and @HIFoodWineFest on Instagram/Facebook

How to Apply

Application Process (Maui Wildfire Phase)

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria listed below
2. Gather Required Documentation: Prepare paystubs and identification
3. Complete Online Application: Submit application via www.HFWF.me (application portal)
4. Submit Supporting Documents: Include required copies of paystubs
5. Receive Visa Card: Upon approval, Visa card valued at $250 mailed via U.S. mail
6. Use at Participating Restaurants: Card accepted at participating restaurants throughout Hawaii (any restaurant accepting Visa credit cards)

Eligibility Criteria:

Current resident of State of Hawaii

Must provide valid Hawaii State Driver's License or Hawaii State Identification Card number

Worked full-time or part-time in restaurant or bar industry for at least 90 days prior to layoff/furlough

Restaurant or bar employment was primary source of income for the past year

Experienced decrease in wages or loss of job on or after August 8, 2023 (Maui wildfire date) or March 17, 2020 (for COVID-19 phase)

Must provide copies of paystubs from two periods:

- Paystub dated December 17, 2019 or earlier (or comparable pre-crisis period)
- Last paystub received (pay period must include crisis date: March 17, 2020 or August 8, 2023)

Required Documents:

Valid Hawaii State Driver's License or Hawaii State ID Card number

Two paystubs (pre-crisis and most recent)

Proof of employment in restaurant/bar industry

Selection Process:

Awards made on first-come, first-served basis

Limited to one Visa card per person

HACA reserves right to reject applications with suspected false information

Restrictions:

Card may have some restrictions on use

Only accepted at participating restaurants throughout Hawaii

Award period through April 30, 2024 (original COVID timeline) or until funds exhausted