Folk and Traditional Arts Program

The Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts is soliciting proposals for administrative support to implement its Folk and Traditional Arts Program, with proposals due October 12, 2026, and a contract period running October 30, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Eligible applicants must be a for-profit organization incorporated in Hawai'i or a tax-exempt nonprofit organization with a governing Board serving without compensation, bylaws prohibiting nepotism and addressing conflict of interest, and at least five years of experience in the program area (or demonstrated equivalent experience as approved by the foundation). Authorized officers or directors must be designated to sign contracts.

The contractor will provide administrative support including distribution of Folk and Traditional Grants and Cultural Outreach funds, conduct cultural outreach and site visits as appropriate, maintain regular communication with SFCA staff, and coordinate with grantees through liaison services, payment processing, and W-9 collection. Deliverables include liaison and coordination records, payment documentation, program oversight and evaluation materials, and a final report due 30 days after contract end date.

Evaluation criteria weight Project Purpose at 45%, Project Description at 45%, and Budget for Program Support at 10%. Applicants must submit a Project Narrative Form and Project Budget Form identifying all program support costs. The solicitation emphasizes alignment with one of five National Endowment for the Arts outcomes (Creation, Engagement, Learning, Understanding, or Livelihood) and SFCA strategic plan priorities (Culture, Engagement, or Education), with special consideration given to underserved populations including neighbor island residents, rural O'ahu communities, youth and adults at-risk, and individuals with disabilities or varying abilities.

Compensation uses a two-payment plan: 60% of contracted funds upon award and 40% upon completion of services and acceptance of the final report. The State retains the right to terminate for default upon 10 days' notice of non-performance or terminate for convenience at its discretion. Contractors must obtain tax clearance certificates from the Hawai'i Department of Taxation and the Internal Revenue Service prior to commencing work and before final payment.