The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s (HTA) Community Enrichment Program (CEP) supports Hawaiʻi’s Community-based projects, programs, and events that enhance resident and visitor experiences. HTA’s Signature Events Program (SEP) attracts attendees and participants from outside the state of Hawaiʻi with extensive national and international marketing and has a significant economic impact as measured by the number of out-of-state participants. HTA is partnering with the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and its Island Chapters to administer the 2023 CEP and SEP process. HVCB has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide funding support to qualified nonprofit organizations and projects in 2023, and is seeking proposals from the community.

Community Enrichment Program

The CEP fosters community-based tourism projects to improve and enrich Hawaiʻi’s product offerings. It supports a diverse array of festivals, events and year-round programs in the tourism niche areas of culture, education, health and wellness, nature, agriculture, culinary, sports and voluntourism. These community-based projects are aligned with our commitment to destination management by enhancing the unique offerings and treasured experiences developed by the community, for the community, and are things the community is willing to and wants to share with our visitors.

Community Enrichment Program Resources:
 

• 2023 Community Enrichment Program RFP Document
  • As of May 4, 2023, if your event is funded by Grant-in-Aid from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, you are not able to submit a CEP RFP.
• Applicant Information and Proposal Form
• Request for Proposal Checklist
• CEP Example Budget and Budget Template
• Frequently Asked Questions for CEP & SEP
• Scoring and Evaluation Rubric

Signature Events Program
 

The Signature Events program supports major events that have broad appeal and align with Hawai‘i’s destination’s image and brand. These world-class events help Hawai‘i to remain competitive, generate media exposure for Hawaiʻi, increase economic benefits, and ensure tourism and communities enrich each other. The program also seeks to support and strengthen existing events in our communities and create new events for both residents and visitors alike. These events are typically larger in scale than those in the Community Enrichment Program.

Signature Events Program Resources
 

• 2023 Signature Events Program RFP Document
  • As of May 4, 2023, if your event is funded by Grant-in-Aid from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, you are not able to submit a SEP RFP.
  • Matching Funds are a requirement of the RFP (section 2.6, page 7). Minimum 1:1; at least 50% in cash.
• Applicant Information and Proposal Form
  • Added on May 17, 2023: Click HERE for the Festivals & Events Economic Impact Calculator located on the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s site.
• Request for Proposal Checklist
• SEP Example Budget and Budget Template
• Frequently Asked Questions for CEP & SEP
• Scoring and Evaluation Rubric

The deadline for applicants to email CEP and SEP proposals to the respective Island Chapter and HVCB Central Contact is Monday, May 22, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. HST.

Since 2017, HTA has invested over $7.4 million to over 335 community projects and events.
 

The Community Enrichment Program and Signature Events Program are a part of HTA’s commitment toward Mālama Kuʻu Home (caring for my beloved home) and the Community pillar of its 2025 Strategic Plan.

RFP Informational Briefings (Virtual Meetings)
 

HVCB will be hosting two virtual briefing sessions on Zoom to provide individuals and organizations with further information about the RFP application, required documents to submit, and award process. A session recording will be posted later for those who are unable to attend.

• Thursday, May 4, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Monday, May 8, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (View the recording below)

Information presented will be the same for both Zoom meetings.

Click HERE for the Informational Session Briefing about the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s Community Enrichment and Signature Events Programs.

Please direct any questions and submit RFP applications to the appropriate Island Chapter and HVCB Central contact:

• CEP Kaua‘i - CEP-Kauai@hvcb.org or (808) 245-3971  
• CEP O‘ahu - CEP-Oahu@hvcb.org or (808) 695-4248
• CEP Maui Nui – Sumithra@mauivb.com or (808) 244-3530
• CEP Island of Hawai‘i – CEP-IslandOfHawaii@hvcb.org or (808) 356-5622
• SEP / CEP Statewide (multi-island) – SEP-Statewide@hvcb.org or (808) 924-0241

The deadline for applicants to email CEP and SEP proposals to the respective Island Chapter and HVCB Central Contact is Monday, May 22, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. HST.