MALU Initiative

Empowering Communities, Protecting Ecosystems, and Cultivating Indigenous Equity

What is the MALU Initiative?

The MALU Initiative is a transformative program by Kupu that protects and revitalizes Hawaiʻi’s natural landscapes, uplifts local communities, and honors indigenous practices. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, this five-year, $16 million grant program builds resilient ecosystems, raises community awareness, creates career pathways in conservation, and promotes indigenous equity across Hawaiʻi, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and American Samoa.  Through the MALU Initiative, Kupu is fostering a sustainable future rooted in island values and environmental stewardship.

Our Key Focus Areas

  • MALU Subawards will strategically address issues related to tree canopy degradation, climate change impacts, and environmental justice.

  • MALU aims to elevate the value of urban trees and community forestry activities by fostering community involvement in tree planting and care.

  • MALU will support a pipeline for training and career opportunities, especially in disadvantaged communities.

  • MALU will advocate for systemic changes, informing policy-making, planning, and creating green jobs to support urban and community forestry.

  • Recognizing historical injustices, MALU seeks to empower Indigenous communities by providing equitable access to federal resources.

Apply for Funding: MALU Initiative RFP & Webinar

We invite interested organizations to review the Request for Proposal (RFP).  

To support applicants, we hosted an informational webinar on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST). This was an introductory session that covered key details about the program, application requirements, and allowed participants to ask questions of the MALU team.

Contact Us!

For questions or more information contact Brant Chillingworth, Senior Program Director at malu@kupuhawaii.org. 

Funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program. Kupu is an equal opportunity provider.

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