Increase outreach, expand training to veterans, hawaiians, and economically disadvantaged population

Grant Award Summary

Friends of Waimānalo received a $748,407 Project Grant award on September 30, 2025, from the Department of Agriculture's Office of Advocacy and Outreach under the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers program (CFDA 10.443). The three-year award, extending through September 29, 2028, funds outreach expansion and training initiatives targeting veterans, Native Hawaiians, and economically disadvantaged populations in Waimānalo, Hawaii. The organization will deliver agricultural outreach, technical assistance, and training services designed to help underserved farmers and ranchers access USDA programs and resources while building viable agricultural enterprises.

The grant supports the program's broader mission to ensure equitable participation of socially disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning farmers in USDA initiatives through community-based organizations. Friends of Waimānalo's deliverables likely include experiential education, mentorship, on-farm training, entrepreneurship development, and culturally appropriate skills training tailored to the local Hawaiian and veteran farmer communities. These services address barriers to agricultural participation and help participants develop sustainable farming practices and successful business operations.