The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is accepting FY2027 Grant-in-Aid proposals for community emergency preparedness and response. This Atlas record focuses on the verified new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) startup opportunity. The County states that eligible organizations may request up to $10,000 to establish new CERT programs.
Deadline and submission
The County of Kauaʻi extended the received-by deadline from September 15 to Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. HST. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. The current KEMA program page directs applicants to submit completed applications by email to kema@kauai.gov. The County’s September 14 deadline-extension notice controls the current deadline.
Eligibility and purpose
The CERT startup application packet defines eligible applicants as private not-for-profit organizations, corporations, or unincorporated associations organized to benefit the people of Kauaʻi and capable of providing organizational leadership, guidance, and establishment of new startup CERTs serving communities across the county. The stated need must address community preparedness or response for which adequate federal or state funding cannot be secured.
Budget and match
The application requires a project budget and narrative showing how County funds will be used and disclosing other project funding. The budget worksheet provides categories for administration, operations, and marketing and caps administration at 20%. Applicants must show cash and in-kind resources for the overall project. The packet says match and in-kind funding are valued, but it does not state a fixed mandatory match percentage.
Application requirements
The packet requests organizational qualifications, board information, project description, schedule, measurable outcomes, jobs created or maintained, funding sources, budget narrative and worksheet, and evidence that the signer is authorized through bylaws or a corporate resolution. Funded projects require quarterly fiscal and program reporting and a year-end report.
Atlas analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 86/100. This is a current, locally administered disaster-preparedness opportunity with a clear funding cap, extended deadline, applicant packet, budget requirements, and measurable community-response purpose. N9+ Fit Score: 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit Score: 0/100. The verified CERT startup purpose is community emergency preparedness and response rather than clinical care or healthcare technology; N9+ should not be forced into this project.
Official sources: Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency FY2027 Grant-in-Aid page and September 14, 2026 deadline-extension notice.