Micro-Grant For Food Security Program (MGFSP)
To view the MGFSP Webinar, go to HDOA’s YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8wfQEqHk3M
What is MGFSP?
The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) assists to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations. The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture competitively distributes the funds through subawards to eligible entities. Subawardees applying as individuals will be awarded up to $5,000, and subawardees applying as organizations will be awarded up to $10,000. Please check back here for more updates.
How do I apply?
Applications for MGFSP FY23 (Awarded in 2024) will go live on July 11, 2024. A link will be available on this page for individuals to click on and complete your PDF fillable application form. Organizations will apply at https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities. A webinar will take place on July 12, 2024, at 12PM HST. The webinar will guide you through the application and may answer any questions you have. We recommend you watch the webinar before filling out your application. The webinar will be linked to the right of the application for you to view at any time. Applications are due on August 12, 2024 12:00PM HST as evidenced by the HDOA timeclock. The application will prompt you to check boxes in set categories on how you will use your funding and in what dollar amounts, estimate quantity/weight of food you will produce, and provide a headcount of beneficiaries. Categories are gardening, herding and livestock, and apiaries. You will also have space to write a coherent and descriptive plan of your project. If you need assistance with applying, contact [email protected]. Please check back here for more updates.
What can I expect after I apply?
You will receive confirmation that we have received your application within 1-2 days after you submit it. Applications undergo extensive review from both USDA and HDOA and will be scored and ranked, a process that takes several months. You will be notified of a decision on your application by Fall 2024, and further instructions will be communicated to you. If awarded, you can anticipate your funds to be available around mid – April 2025. Upon completion of your project, a Final Report will be due 30 days after the close of your contract project in early 2026. If you are awarded, be sure to keep a copy of your application easily accessible, as you will be using it to complete your report at the close of your 12 month project.
What do I write in my report?
Twelve months after your Contract is signed, you may begin writing your Final Report. Final Reports are due within thirty (30) days after Contract completion. You will be asked to list the same activities that you proposed in your application, as well as the amount of food actually produced for each of your activities and the beneficiaries involved. Throughout your process, you will keep track of your receipts, document your expenses, and take photos of your progress. Be prepared to describe challenges you encountered, and to discuss any comments, feedback, or suggestions. A link will be available on this page for you to click on and complete your PDF fillable Final Report form.
Who is eligible?
Eligible entities are: an individual, an Indian Tribe or tribal organization, a non-profit organization engaged in increasing food security (ex: food bank, food pantry, religious organization), a federally funded educational facility, or a local or tribal government that may not levy local taxes under State or Federal law. Eligible entities must be a resident of and located in the state of Hawai’i, and at least 18 years of age. There are two different applications: one strictly for use by individuals, and one strictly for use by organizations.
Other FAQ’s
To view answers to other commonly asked questions, please visit: MGFSP FAQS
MGFSP FY21 Reporting
Complete your interim and/or final report online at: INTERIM REPORT FORM | FINAL REPORT FORM
SUBMISSIONS OF PHOTOS AND RECEIPTS ARE MANDATORY AND MUST BE EMAILED TO :
[email protected]
Program contact: [email protected] or (808) 973-9594
TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under applicable federal or state law, in administration of its programs, or activities. To learn more, or file a complaint, please refer to the links below:
NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE
English | Hawaiian Hoʻokomo ʻōlelo | Ilokano | Laotian ພາສາລາວ | Chinese 中文 | Tagalog | Thai ไทย
NON-EMPLOYEE DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
English | Hawaiian Hoʻokomo ʻōlelo | Ilokano | Laotian ພາສາລາວ | Chinese 中文 | Spanish Español | Tagalog | Thai ไทย
DISABILITY NON-DISCRIMINATION PROGRAM AND POLICY
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PLAN