KS: Commerce Launches Two New Kansas Community Empowerment Grants

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of two new grant opportunities through the Kansas Community Empowerment (KCE) program. KCE, which is housed within the Quality Places Division at the Department of Commerce, supports locally driven projects that strengthen quality of place, volunteer engagement and long-term community vibrancy across Kansas.

Applications for the KCE Kickstart Grant and Impact Grant are now being accepted. For the first round of funding, the Kickstart Grant will have $40,000 available and the Impact Grant will have $30,000.

“While we bring opportunities and prosperity to all parts of our state, these new grants will specifically target rural and smaller communities across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether it’s helping a small volunteer-led initiative or funding a transformational placemaking project — these grants are designed to meet the needs of the communities while building their pride, momentum and lasting impact.”

The Kickstart Grant is designed to provide funding for smaller, community-driven projects that build capacity, engagement and momentum. The highlights of the Kickstart Grant include:

Awards ranging from $500 to $5,000
Ideal for short-term, highly visible projects such as community cleanups, engagement events or early-stage vibrancy initiatives
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through December 4, or until funds are depleted

The Impact Grant is designed to support larger, long-term investments that create permanent improvements to community assets. Highlights of the Impact Grant include:

Awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000
Eligible projects include public art installations, downtown improvements, park and recreation upgrades, community gardens, signage and other placemaking efforts
Applications will be accepted through March 31

Both grant opportunities require a 1:1 match, which may include in-kind contributions such as volunteer hours.

“Our community leaders and volunteers are the visionaries, voices and trailblazers of our state — they have the ideas, and they have the passion,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Because of these two new grant opportunities, awarded organizations will be able to bring what was once a vision to something tangible — and really embrace community vibrancy.”

The grants are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and funded in part by the Patterson Family Foundation, the Kansas Health Foundation, the Sunflower Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

An informational webinar will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18. To register, sign up here.

Applications must be submitted through the Kansas Community Empowerment online application system, which can be found here.

For application details, eligibility requirements and webinar information, visit the Kansas Community Empowerment webpage here or contact Sara Bloom at Sara.Bloom@ks.gov or (785) 506-9278.