The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Critical Needs Assistance is a one-time $700 payment per household.
Applicants may be eligible for Critical Needs Assistance if they:
Immediate or critical needs are lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
If you have insurance (such as flood, homeowners, renters, auto or other types of insurance), please file a claim with your insurance provider as soon as possible. You do not have to file your claim prior to applying for FEMA disaster assistance, but you will be required to provide FEMA your insurance settlement or denial before being considered for certain types of assistance.
Whether applying online at www.disasterassistance.gov from your computer or phone or via the FEMA mobile app, or over the phone through a FEMA call center or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, you should have a pen and paper and the following information ready:
For more information on FEMA disaster assistance, visit FEMA Individual Assistance.
After you complete your application for assistance, you will receive a FEMA application number. Write down this number and keep it for future reference.
Also learn more about the steps after applying here.
Other helpful information:
FEMA is committed to providing equal access to disaster recovery resources and assistance. Let FEMA know if you or anyone in your household has a disability or language need.
If you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot help with losses already covered by insurance.
If you are with a nonprofit organization seeking funding, please complete our short application. If you have any questions on the application or our grants process, please email our HCF team at mauistrong@hcf-hawaii.org.
HCF is seeking funding requests for the Maui Strong Fund that have clear alignment with coordinated efforts on the ground on Maui. Requested fund amounts should align with the capacity of the organization to manage the grant funds (i.e., the organization has sufficient staff, accounting procedures, experience with programming, etc.). Independent efforts or self-deployment from neighbor islands or out-of-state organizations that have not been requested by Maui-based communities will likely not be funded. Read Maui Strong Funding Opportunity for detailed instructions on how to apply for a grant from the Maui Strong Fund.
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for financial resources from the Maui Strong Fund.
Non-501(c)(3) organizations are encouraged to find an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to serve as fiscal sponsor, and submitted projects must be charitable in nature. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
To apply for funding, please log in or register for an account to the Grants Portal. If you need assistance, please view our Applicant User Guide, Frequently Asked Questions, How-To Videos, and/or submit a support ticket.
HCF staff will review applications weekly. Applicants should receive a status update or decision from HCF staff within one to three weeks.
Maui Strong Fund Frequently Asked Questions
As of August 25, 2023, $67,559,959 has been donated to the Maui Strong Fund.
Click here to see the list of past Maui Strong Fund Grantees.
As of August 16, 2023, in little over a week after the devastating Maui wildfires, the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation has received $35M from over 125,000 donors in 40 countries to support Maui communities affected by the devastating wildfires. Their team has been working with partners on the ground to understand the evolving needs and deploy these funds quickly and for high impact.
Partners in this round of funding are providing a wide range of important services including:
- coordination and shipping of fresh food and goods from Moloka‘i farmers, hunters and fishers
- temporary shelter support
- rental deposits and assistance for transitional housing- support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities- refrigerated trucks for food storage
- mobile clinics and traveling medical care
- gift cards to meet youth needs
- transportation coordination
- grief support, crisis intervention, mental health and well-being counseling
- gas and grocery gift cards
- standalone power stations
- internet access and mobile device charging
- emergency mobile pharmaceutical support
- vision clinics for those who need contacts or glasses replaced
- immigrant-focused services, including free green card replacement
- emergency shelter and feed for dogs, cats, and livestock that need temporary housing while displaced residents take care of other needs, and more.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email us at mauistrong@hcf-hawaii.org.
Proposals for Phase 2 Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief grants will be accepted until 5 p.m. HST on September 29, 2023. Maui United Way’s Wildfire Disaster Relief grants support programs providing vital services to individuals and families impacted by the August 2023 wildfires in Lahaina and Kula.
This initiative aims to provide crucial support to individuals and families affected by the devastating August 2023 fires in Lahaina and Kula.
Key Details:
The online application and more information is accessible at mauiunitedway.org/relieffunding. Notifications of grant awards will be communicated in mid-October, with the grant period starting on Oct. 20, 2023.
Grants will be awarded in the following four funding focus areas and must be used to support services provided between October 2023 and January 2024.
Maui Fire Disaster Relief grant awards will be capped at $10,000. Agencies are limited to one grant application per phase.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. HST on Friday, September 29, 2023. Notifications of grant awards will be made by mid-October 2023. The grant period will begin on October 20, 2023, and conclude on January 31, 2024.
MUW is committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our programs and services and seeks to fund programs that provide needed resources, opportunities, and support to the individuals and families most significantly impacted by the wildfires.
This grant application is open to all qualified 501(c)(3) organizations within the island of Maui that are directly assisting individuals and families impacted by the wildfires. For information visit Maui United Way's Maui Fire Disaster Relief Nonprofit Funding page, here.
Nonprofits can apply and submit their application directly here.
The Kāko‘o Maui Fund is a donation campaign to aid communities impacted by the Maui wildfires.
Currently the Kāko‘o Maui Fund is accepting funding applications from small businesses, non-profits, and community organizations. If you have been impacted and need support, please fill out the following form.
If you have any questions, please contact us at maui@hawaiiancouncil.org or (808) 596-8155.
Click here to apply and start a Kāko‘o Maui Support & Funding Application
Multifamily Housing assists rural property owners through loans, loan guarantees, and grants that enable owners to develop and rehabilitate properties for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals and families as well as domestic farm laborers.Multifamily Housing works with the owners of its direct and farm labor housing loan properties to subsidize rents for low-income tenants who cannot afford to pay their full rent. Additionally, when a direct loan ends before its initial term, Multifamily Housing provides vouchers to protect eligible tenants who otherwise may face hardship if they cannot find other affordable housing.
Multifamily Housing Direct Loans: This program provides competitive financing for affordable multi-family rental housing for low-income, elderly, or disabled individuals and families in eligible rural areas. Click here for more Information.
Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantees: The program works with qualified private-sector lenders to provide financing to qualified borrowers to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in eligible rural areas and towns. Click here for more Information
Off-Farm Labor Direct Loans & Grants: This program provides affordable financing to develop housing for year-round and migrant or seasonal domestic farm laborers. Click here for more Information
On-Farm Labor Housing Loans: This program provides affordable financing to develop or rehabilitate affordable rental housing for very-low income domestic, migrant, and seasonal farm laborers. Click here for more Information
Multifamily Housing Preservation & Revitalization (MPR): This program restructures loans for existing Rural Rental Housing and Off-Farm Labor Housing projects to help improve and preserve the availability of safe affordable rental housing for low income residents. Click here for more Information.
Multifamily Housing Rental Assistance Program: This program provides payments to owners of USDA-financed Rural Rental Housing or Farm Labor Housing projects on behalf of low-income tenants unable to pay their full rent. Click here for more Information.
Multifamily Tenant Voucher Program: This program provides vouchers to protect eligible tenants in Multifamily Direct Loan properties who may face hardship when the loan on the property is prepaid, or the property is foreclosed. Click here for more Information.
Multifamily Housing Nonprofit Transfer Technical Assistance Grants: USDA Rural Development awards grants to eligible nonprofit organizations and public housing authorities (PHAs) to provide technical assistance (TA) and other services to enable affordable housing preservation through the transfer of Multifamily Housing Direct Loan properties from current owners to nonprofits or PHAs. Click here for more Information.
Off-Farm Labor Housing Technical Assistance Grants: USDA Rural Development awards grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance to applicants for Farm Labor Housing (FLH) loans and grants. Click here for more Information.
For more information on USDA programs and how they can support, please contact the following or visit the Kahului Service Center at the address listed below.
Mr. Gerald Gregory
Natural Resources Conservation Service
gerald.gregory@usda.gov
Direct Phone: (808) 214-1747
Nenita E. Acob
Area Specialist
Maui Satellite Office, Rural Development
United States Department of Agriculture
Direct Phone: (808) 214-1733 / Fax: (855) 878-2464
Kahului Service Center
77 Hookele Street, 2nd Floor
Kahului, HI 96732
USDA Rural Development can support homeowners, businesses, and communities in recovering and rebuilding, especially in providing long-term support through repairing homes, essential community facilities, and rural water systems. For more information, individuals can review USDA's Rural Development’s Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Resources Guide for Rural Communities.
The Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui will provide immediate assistance to the hardworking restaurant, bar and hospitality workers displaced by the devastating wildfires that have impacted West Maui communities from Lahaina to Kapalua.
Eligible employees of a restaurant, bar or hospitality establishment, ages 18 and older whose employer has been impacted by the wildfires on Maui, spanning from Lāhainā to Kapalua and Kula, may apply for a one-time $1,000 digital disbursement card issued on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Applications are NOW OPEN for the Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui, as of Sept 13, 2023. APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2023
This financial lifeline aims to provide relief to individuals in the culinary and hospitality community who have lost their employment or experienced a reduction in income in the wake of last month’s devastating wildfires..Applications close on Friday, September 22, 2023. Visit the link in bio or go to www.HFWF.me/KokuaApp to apply. Make sure to review the FAQ to ensure you have all the info you need. 📋🔍
The nonprofit Binhi at Ani has announced the creation of a Tulong for Lahaina Fund to assist Lahaina residents.
“Tulong means help in the Tagalog and Ilokano languages,” said organization President Melen Agcolicol, who will lead the coordination. “And Binhi at Ani wanted to create a fund to help our kababayans, our fellow Filipinos, which comprise at least 40% of Lahaina town.”
The fund is designed to help residents that fall into one of three categories:
Binhi at Ani will award $750 to those who qualify in any of the categories listed above. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2023. An applicant can qualify for only one category. The amount of awards will be based on the number of donations received. If more qualified applicants apply then there are funds available, it will be based on a first come, first served basis. Depending on funds received, applications received after the due date may be considered. All applications will be reviewed by a review panel independent of Binhi at Ani’s Board of Directors. Applications may be accessed at BinhiAtani.org.
Tax deductible donations can be made in a number of ways. Checks payable to Binhi at Ani and mailed to 780 Onehee Avenue, Kahului, Hawaiʻi 96732. Through Paypal via Binhi at Ani’s website: BinhiatAni.org/donate.
For more information, contact Melen Agcolicol at 808-205-7981 or melencopy@gmail.com.
The REALTORS® Relief Foundation Application for Disaster Relief Assistance is available to qualified applicants towards one of the following options:
• Monthly mortgage expenses for primary residence that was damaged by the Wildfire Disaster; or
• Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Wildfire Disaster; or
• Hotel reimbursement due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Wildfire Disaster.
Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $3,000 per household.
Deadline for application submission is December 31, 2023. Please be aware that this assistance is for housing relief only; other expenses including second mortgages (home equity or loans), clothing, appliance, equipment, vehicle purchase, rental or repair, and/or mileage are ineligible for reimbursement under this program.
Recipient must be a full-time resident and U.S. citizen or legally submitted for residence in the United States. Photo identification to show proof of residency will be required.
Funds will be distributed through the Hawai‘i REALTORS® Charitable Foundation. In order to provide for a reasonable and equitable distribution of funds, assistance will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. All grants are contingent upon the availability of funds.
Each application will be reviewed to ensure all eligibility requirements are being met and supporting documentation is provided. Once the application is processed, the checks will be issued and sent to the REALTORS® Association of Maui office.
Applications and questions can be submitted to: mauirelief@hawaiirealtors.com.
Please allow 10-15 business days for us to review and process your application.
The purpose of the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP) at the USBG Foundation is to assist those in the bar industry who need cash assistance because of a catastrophic event or an emergency hardship. Our goal is to assist as many qualified industry members as possible each and every year. We are striving to ensure that the BEAP is sustained as a safety net for those in the industry who need it most. We "Serve Those Who Serve Us.”
During natural disaster response, grant award maximums may be lowered to assist as many affected applicants as possible meet baseline needs.
Click here to fill out a 2023 BEAP Grant Application
Qualifying Circumstances: BEAP grants seek to provide immediate cash financial assistance for those in the hospitality industry (bartender, barback, bar server, or otherwise engaged in the service, preparation, manufacture, or distribution of alcoholic beverages) who encounter temporary, emergent financial hardship due to unforeseen and/or catastrophic life events such as an accident, acute medical diagnosis, or localized wind, water, earth, or fire-related natural disasters. You do not need to be a USBG Member to apply for assistance.
FAQs: Please head over to our Grants FAQ section by clicking HERE
Circumstances Not Covered: The following circumstances do not qualify for a BEAP Grant: Loss of work or wages (being fired or unable to find a new job), decreased work shifts, being behind on bills, undocumented domestic violence, disconnected utilities, or death of a family member outside of a parent, child, or spouse.
Hawaiʻi People’s Fund is committed to supporting grassroots organizations implementing direct actions to reduce the harm of current systemic failures and organizing to build power for indigenous and marginalized communities. We welcome strategic proposals that aim to support our beloved community and build towards a more just and equitable future ($5,000 maximum request).
Hawaiʻi People’s Fund is mobilizing to help provide immediate relief to those directly impacted by the wildfires on Maui Island. While organizations may apply for Urgent Action Grants to support change-oriented direct actions happening in communities across the pae ʻāīna, the Hawaiʻi People’s Fund is prioritizing assistance to huis mobilizing to provide immediate relief to those directly impacted by the wildfires on Maui Island.
We understand that low-income families, houseless communities, people with disabilities, indigenous, immigrant, and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by crisis (in addition to ongoing systemic oppression). Community organizing is essential at this moment to protect ‘āina kulaiwi, heal lives and spirits, and ensure our most vulnerable communities can stay safe.
Examples of projects/responses can include:
To accommodate real-time response to community needs, the Hawaiʻi People’s Fund will make the following special considerations to those responding to issues related to the August 2023 fires on Maui:
(The People’s Fund reserves the right to expedite larger awards to past and current grantees providing direct, immediate relief to those recovering from the Maui wildfires. Email hawaiipf@gmail.com)
Since 1972, the Hawaiʻi People’s Fund has stood in solidarity with those individuals and organizations who have been working to upend and heal systems of oppression for 50 years.
Tax ID/EIN 23-7250803Hawaiʻi Peopleʻs Fund is a 501c3 nonprofit organization registered in the State of Hawaiʻi.
The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation has set up a Bayanihan recovery fund to provide resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs of the people affected by the devastating Maui wildfires on Aug. 8. We are working with local, national and international partners to get an understanding of the quickly evolving priorities. We are committed to recovery as we rise together as a community. We have set up this fund to help provide those affected with basic needs, and to support long-term economic recovery and small business support, especially for our kababayan on Maui.
Were you affected by the recent Maui fires? We set-up this fund for you. But in order to avoid waste, we want to know your specific needs at the moment. We are also aware this will be a marathon so please help us reach out to others affected and invite them to sign-up via the Bayanihan Relief Fund - Signup Form here.
The objectives and parameters of this program are to:
We will rebuild and recover! Kaya natin 'to. For a list of resources for those affected: visit www.mauifilipinochamber.com
These funds are donated by partner organizations Asia American Initiative, NaFFAA, FPACC, COFACC, SoCal Filipinos, Kokua Maui partners in Hawaii (FCCH, PMAH, Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Philippines Business Economic Council, West Hawaii Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Filipino Chamber of Commerce Big Island, Filipino Jaycees of Honolulu, UP Alumni Association of Hawaii, FAUW), and generous individuals!
Hawaiʻi People’s Fund is mobilizing to help provide immediate relief to those directly impacted by the wildfires on Maui Island.
Hawaiʻi People’s Fund is committed to supporting grassroots organizations implementing direct actions to reduce the harm of current systemic failures and organizing to build power for indigenous and marginalized communities. We welcome strategic proposals that aim to support our beloved community and build towards a more just and equitable future ($5,000 maximum request).
While organizations may apply for Urgent Action Grants to support change-oriented direct actions happening in communities across the pae ʻāīna, the Hawaiʻi People’s Fund is prioritizing assistance to huis mobilizing to provide immediate relief to those directly impacted by the wildfires on Maui Island.
Grant amounts: The maximum grant request is $5,000.
We understand that low-income families, houseless communities, people with disabilities, indigenous, immigrant, and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by crisis (in addition to ongoing systemic oppression). Community organizing is essential at this moment to protect ‘āina kulaiwi, heal lives and spirits, and ensure our most vulnerable communities can stay safe.
Examples of projects/responses can include:
To accommodate real-time response to community needs, the Hawaiʻi People’s Fund will make the following special considerations to those responding to issues related to the August 2023 fires on Maui:
(The People’s Fund reserves the right to expedite larger awards to past and current grantees providing direct, immediate relief to those recovering from the Maui wildfires. Email hawaiipf@gmail.com)
Since 1972, the Hawaiʻi People’s Fund has stood in solidarity with those individuals and organizations who have been working to upend and heal systems of oppression for 50 years. Hawaiʻi Peopleʻs Fund is a 501c3 nonprofit organization registered in the State of Hawaiʻi.
The nonprofit Binhi at Ani has announced the creation of a Tulong for Lahaina Fund to assist Lahaina residents.
“Tulong means help in the Tagalog and Ilokano languages,” said organization President Melen Agcolicol, who will lead the coordination. “And Binhi at Ani wanted to create a fund to help our kababayans, our fellow Filipinos, which comprise at least 40% of Lahaina town.”
The fund is designed to help residents that fall into one of three categories:
Binhi at Ani will award $750 to those who qualify in any of the categories listed above. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2023. An applicant can qualify for only one category. The amount of awards will be based on the number of donations received. If more qualified applicants apply then there are funds available, it will be based on a first come, first served basis. Depending on funds received, applications received after the due date may be considered. All applications will be reviewed by a review panel independent of Binhi at Ani’s Board of Directors. Applications may be accessed at BinhiAtani.org.
Tax deductible donations can be made in a number of ways. Checks payable to Binhi at Ani and mailed to 780 Onehee Avenue, Kahului, Hawaiʻi 96732. Through Paypal via Binhi at Ani’s website: BinhiatAni.org/donate.
For more information, contact Melen Agcolicol at 808-205-7981 or melencopy@gmail.com.
If you’ve been affected by the Maui wildfires, the Kāko‘o Maui Relief & Aid Services Center is here for you. This resource hub will provide a collaborative and cultural approach to help those impacted by the wildfires access direct aid and services.
The hub will host both non-profit service providers and representatives from various agencies, on a rotating basis (updated Sept 8):
Imua Family Services – Provides quality care and community through keiki educational programs and other services focusing on Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i.
Hawai‘i Community Lending – Nonprofit mortgage lender, helping local and Hawaiian families. Currently running a Kanaka Anti-Displacement Fund to support the Native Hawaiian population facing challenges such as the Maui wildfire disaster.
Hawaiian Community Assets – Provides financial education, grants and loans. Operates Financial Opportunity Centers across the state.
Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation- Represents Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, families and communities with various legal matters.
Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – Public interest, non-profit law firm dedicated to achieving fairness and justice through legal advocacy, outreach, and education for those in need.
Papa Ola Lōkahi – 501(c)(3) that embodies a holistic approach that brings together mind, body and spirit in the pursuit of optimum health and well-being for Native Hawaiians.
For more information, go to hawaiiancouncil.org/helpmaui/mauiresources
The hub is located at Maui Mall, between TJ Maxx and Subway. Entrance is on the street side facing Burger King:
70 E. Kaahumanu Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732
The Kāko‘o Maui Relief & Aid Services Center is located at Maui Mall daily 10am to 6pm.
OFFER support or post a NEED for support or services in this local community disaster relief Facebook page. The purpose of this group is where we can have a "go to" hub to locally exchange information of supplies/help *needed* and services and help we can *offer* due to disasters on Maui.
This group will only help with YOUR help. Please SHARE this group. Invite people. Etc. Let's help our friends and families get their lives back!
✔️1. If you have something to *OFFER* (manpower, supplies, services, clean up, food, transportation, housing, etc) please start your post in ALL CAPS saying *OFFER*
✔️2. If you are in *NEED* of something (specific supplies, manpower, services, food, transportation, housing, etc) please start your post in ALL CAPS saying *NEED*.
✔️3. If you have an announcement of volunteer opportunities, meetings, new developments on Maui regarding the fire, legit donation websites, etc. Please start your post in ALL CAPS saying *ANNOUNCEMENT*
PLEASE try to keep to these categories so we can use this group to be as effective and helpful as possible
Please keep in mind whenever DONATING to ANY cause, please only donate items in clean, unstained, smell free and working conditions. It is disrespectful to think that anyone would want stained, smelly or broken items.
USDA offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses that have been hard hit by natural disaster events. Below you’ll find available FSA programs; visit farmers.gov for additional USDA programs that can help agricultural producers recover.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers numerous disaster assistance programs to cover crop and livestock losses, address farmland damage, and cover production and physical losses. For more information, individuals should visit the FSA’s Disaster Assistance Programs webpage and use FSA’s Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool to see which programs may be most relevant to their needs.
USDA's Disaster Assistance Programs include:
• Learn more about the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) – View and download the 2023 LFP Fact Sheet
• Learn more about the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
• Learn more about the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP)
• Learn more about the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) – Learn more about the ECP
• Learn more about the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) – Learn more about the EFRP
• Learn more about the Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program – Learn more about the NAP
• Learn more about the Tree Assistance Program – Learn more about the TAP
The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) operates the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help producers plan and implement conservation practices on land impacted by natural disasters.
USDA Rural Development can also support homeowners, businesses, and communities in recovering and rebuilding, especially in providing long-term support through repairing homes, essential community facilities, and rural water systems. For more information, individuals can review Rural Development’s disaster toolkit.
For more information on USDA programs and how they can support, please contact the following or visit the Kahului Service Center at the address listed below.
Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Programs give families and individuals the opportunity to buy, build, or repair affordable homes located in rural America. Eligibility for these loans, loan guarantees, and grants is based on income and varies according to the average median income for each area.
USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Programs give families and individuals the opportunity to buy, build, or repair affordable homes located in rural America - https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs
For Homeowners:
For Homebuyers:
USDA Rural Development can also support homeowners, businesses, and communities in recovering and rebuilding, especially in providing long-term support through repairing homes, essential community facilities, and rural water systems. For more information, individuals can review Rural Development’s disaster toolkit.
For more information on USDA programs and how they can support, please contact the following or visit the Kahului Service Center at the address listed below.
Mr. Gerald Gregory
Natural Resources Conservation Service
gerald.gregory@usda.gov
Direct Phone: (808) 214-1747
Nenita E. Acob
Area Specialist
Maui Satellite Office, Rural Development
United States Department of Agriculture
Direct Phone: (808) 214-1733 / Fax: (855) 878-2464
Kahului Service Center
77 Hookele Street, 2nd Floor
Kahului, HI 96732