Connecting Learning, Life and Aloha
‘O ka ‘imi na‘auao, ke ola a me ke aloha kā kākou e huliāmahi ai

Call For Proposals

Calls for Spring 2026 are now open until February 17, 2026.

Proposal Information

In an effort to create an inclusive and equitable university environment that fosters student success through engaged faculty and staff, a strong sense of belonging, and cultural competence and humility, while supporting broader community diversity goals, Waiolama provides funding for programming/events that enhance the UH Hilo ʻohana.

The Committee aims to disperse funds up to $15,000 in AY2025-2026. Proposers can request any amount of funds, however, historically the Committee has provided funds averaging $1,000-$2,500. The Committee may also partially fund an event. So, we recommend you continue to seek out additional funding opportunities.

Deadlines for proposals are as follows:

  • Spring 2026 Semester: February 17, 2026

Proposals must clearly address three elements:

  1. The UH Hilo Strategic Plan 2025-2035: How does the event or activity help to facilitate the mission of the University as it is articulated in the UH Hilo Strategic Plan?

  2. Impact: What groups on campus will benefit from the programming, and how?

  3. Assessment: How will success of the program be measured? (All funded proposals must submit assessments to the Chair(s) of the Committee within three weeks of the conclusion of the events and/or activity.)

Note: From 2025-2027, Waiolama will prioritize programming that impacts Haumāna: Student Access and Success, described in the Strategic Plan as: "UH Hilo will achieve a thriving student-ready equity-minded campus culture by investing in data to identify equity gaps and equity-minded policies and practices to address structural barriers to equity. This is our shared kuleana (students, faculty, staff, and community responsibility) for a successful university experience through intentional design.”

Due to fiscal restrictions, the Committee cannot fund (1) food, (2) UH faculty overloads, (3) leis, and (4) travel outside of the state for students, faculty, or staff. Travel fees to bring out-of-state speakers to Hawai'i may be supported by the Committee.

Questions about proposals can be sent to the Chairs of the Committee: Alana Ortiz (alortiz@hawaii.edu) and Dr. Leanne Day (lpday@hawaii.edu).

Evaluation Rubric

Review the Evaluation Rubric before submitting proposals.

Submissions

Submit proposals via the following Google Form.