The Signature Event Program is a grant opportunity offered by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, aimed at supporting events scheduled for 2025 that draw attendees from outside the state of Hawaiʻi. The program emphasizes extensive national and international marketing to enhance tourism and promote Hawaiʻi's unique cultural identity. The initiative aligns with the Hawaii Tourism Authority's Brand Marketing pillar, which seeks to protect and enhance Hawaiʻi’s competitive brand while supporting its economy through major events that resonate with diverse communities and showcase the state's natural environment.

The primary purpose of the Signature Event Program is to strengthen tourism's contributions to Hawaiʻi by funding projects that align with the state's destination image. Events funded under this program should have broad national or international appeal and must take place within the state of Hawaiʻi between January 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025. The average award amount for successful applicants is approximately $150,000.

Eligible applicants include licensed 501(c)(3) organizations, government agencies, or for-profit businesses. It is important to note that fiscal sponsors are not permitted in this program. This eligibility criterion ensures that a wide range of entities can participate in promoting events that highlight Hawaiʻi’s culture and environment.

Submission requirements include a completed application form available on the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement website. Applicants will need to provide detailed information about their proposed event, including marketing strategies aimed at attracting participants from outside Hawaiʻi. Specific application questions may focus on how the event aligns with Hawai‘i’s brand image and its potential impact on local tourism.

Evaluation criteria will assess how well proposals meet the objectives of enhancing tourism through culturally relevant events. Factors such as marketing plans, community engagement, and alignment with strategic goals will be considered during the review process.

The deadline for submitting applications is September 30, 2024. Interested parties should ensure their proposals are submitted before this date to be considered for funding. For further inquiries or assistance regarding the application process, potential applicants can contact the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement via email at info@hawaiiancouncil.org or by phone at (808) 596-8155.

Overall, this grant presents an opportunity for various organizations to contribute significantly to promoting Hawai‘i as a premier destination through impactful events while receiving financial support to facilitate their initiatives.