What is the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)?

1. Does my project have to address every program goal?
No. Your project does not need to address every program goal to be considered for funding. We encourage projects that advance one or more of the program goals. Whether your idea is a simple neighborhood gathering, a cultural immersion activity, a volunteer initiative, or a larger community partnership, we welcome creative ideas that strengthen connections between healthcare providers, community, and well-being.

2. How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by the Kuleana Connect Grant Review Committee based on alignment with one or more program goals, as well as project feasibility, potential impact, readiness to implement, and benefit to rural Hawaiʻi.

3. Can I apply if I have applied for another mini grant from Puʻulu Lapaʻau?
Yes. Applicants who have applied for or received funding through another HOME RUN mini- grant opportunity, including Puʻulu Lapaʻau, are welcome to apply. HSRHA works closely with Puʻulu Lapaʻau and other HOME RUN partners to coordinate funding decisions and avoid duplication of support for the same project or expenses. However, complementary or braided funding that expands a project’s scope, capacity, or community impact may be considered, provided there is no duplication of funding for the same activities or costs.

4. Can I apply more than once?
Yes. Applicants may submit more than one application if each proposal represents a different project or idea. Separate applications must be submitted for each project. Funding is not guaranteed and will depend on available funds and committee review.

5. How many awards will be made?
The number of awards will depend on available funding, the number of applications received, the amount requested, and recommendations from the Kuleana Connect Grant Review Committee.

6. When will applicants be notified?
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions after applications have been reviewed by the Kuleana Connect Grant Review Committee. Notification timelines may vary depending on funding availability, the number of applications received, and the timing of committee review.

7. Program Requirements:
Award recipients will enter into a grant agreement with HSRHA outlining the approved project, budget, funding period, award period, and reporting requirements. Prior to project implementation, award recipients will work with HSRHA to incorporate a standardized participant registration process that includes a brief baseline assessment developed by HSRHA. This assessment will support evaluation of short-, intermediate-, and long-term program outcomes. HSRHA will administer post-project and annual follow-up assessments as part of the Kuleana Connect evaluation framework. Projects must be completed within the approved award period, which generally will not exceed 12 months unless otherwise approved by HSRHA. Funds must be used only for approved project activities, and recipients will be asked to submit a brief final report describing project accomplishments, outcomes, lessons learned, and how grant funds were used.

8. Are there any restrictions on how grant funds may be used?
Yes. To comply with federal funding requirements, grant funds may not be used for food, beverages, catering, gift cards, prizes, cash incentives, lobbying or political activities, fundraising activities, or expenses incurred before an award is approved. HSRHA reserves the right to determine the allowability of all proposed expenses.

9. How will the Kuleana Connect Grant Program be evaluated?
The Kuleana Connect Grant Program uses a standardized evaluation framework to better understand how community-driven projects strengthen provider well-being, community connectedness, and rural healthcare workforce recruitment and retention. Award recipients will incorporate a brief HSRHA-developed baseline assessment into participant registration, while HSRHA will administer post-project and annual follow-up assessments to evaluate short-, intermediate-, and long-term outcomes. Findings will be used to support continuous program improvement, demonstrate program impact, and inform future rural health workforce initiatives. The Kuleana Connect evaluation framework is grounded in a community-engaged Theory of Change and informed by Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Participatory Action Research (PAR). These approaches emphasize collaboration with healthcare providers, community organizations, and community members to identify, implement, and evaluate locally driven solutions.