LIHU‘E — Noon, July 22 to the Kaua‘i United Way is the deadline for organizations wishing to be considered for funding from the federal Emergency Food &Shelter program designed to provide food, rent, utility and other assistance to people in need.
“Kaua‘i United Way has secured federal funds for emergency food and shelter for our island,” said Lori Almarza, the acting executive director for the Kaua‘i United Way. “However, we are under federal mandate to go through the proper process to release these funds in a very short time, and thus, the short deadline for the application process.”
KUW submitted a proposal requesting that a portion of discretionary set-aside statewide funds be directed to Kaua‘i to address the hardships facing many of its citizens. Approval was granted for Kaua‘i to receive $24,000 through the Phase 37 Fund, and $56,500 through the CARES Fund for a total of $80,500. These funds need to be used by May 31, 2021.
Almarza said a special board will be convened soon by the Kaua‘i United Way to distribute these funds to qualifying Kaua‘i social service organizations.
The special allocations board will consider applications from last year’s recipient organizations as well as other groups that may apply during this application period. Kaua‘i organizations that currently provide emergency food and/or shelter services, and meet the following criteria may apply for a portion of this funding.
Qualifying organizations must have certified nonprofit status, use funds to supplement and extend existing resources, have a Federal Employer Identification number, practice non-discrimination, comply with all local and federal reporting requirements, and provide complete documentation for all expenditures.
Organizations meeting these criteria that wish to be considered for funding must submit one hard copy of their proposal of two pages, or less, certifying compliance with the criteria as well as describing their organization, the project to be considered, the need for the project, the amount of funding requested, and the number of people to be served.
Application copies should be sent to Lori Almarza at email lori@kauaiunitedway.org. For more detailed instruction and information, call 245-2043.
Without Kaua‘i United Way to apply for and administer the fund, the money would not have been available to those in need on Kaua‘i. Kaua‘i United Way is an independent volunteer-driven organization that has been devoted to providing for the social service needs of Kaua‘i since 1943 by making available a framework for community self-help.
