NON-PROFITS FLOCK TO SIGN-UP FOR ONLINE GRANTS DATABASE

50 Set to Go 

The overwhelming response by local non-profit groups for access to a grants database is prompting the City and County of Honolulu to seek ways to accommodate the demand.

The City had issued an open invitation to Oahu-based non-profit organizations to sign up for 50 available licenses to access an online database of grants.  The database—the Grants Locator from eCivis—provides information on funding opportunities, complete with application documents, notes from discussions with program officers, and information about previous year's awards.  Non-profits can spend $1,000 or more a year for subscriptions to similar databases.

The City made available 50 licenses.  They were provided on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9:00 a.m. on December 13.  A line formed outside Honolulu Hale before 6:00 a.m. and by 8:40 a.m. more than 50 representatives were standing in line.  More than 115 organizations expressed interest in receiving access to this database.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann said, “I’m delighted—and albeit surprised—with the response and pleased that the City has been able to provide this valuable tool to charitable organizations on Oahu.  It’s another way for the public and private sectors to collaborate for the betterment of our community.  Any funds that local groups receive from out-of-state sources not only supports their good work and benefits our community, but is a financial investment that creates jobs and is used to buy local goods and services.  Given the remarkable response, I’m hoping the City can find the means to extend this service to more groups.

“If this proves successful, and indications are that it will, I look forward to learning of the experience of these 50 organizations so that we can continue to proactively assist our non-profit network.”

Contact

Bill Brennan, 527-6928