New Round of SEED Grants Available for Rural Quality-of-Life Initiatives

Administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, SEED grants are available to communities in 78 eligible counties, with populations of 5,000 or fewer. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded in the following categories:

Childcare and Senior Programming– Projects that support or enhance services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment

Community Vibrancy– Projects that re-energize and beautify rural communities through public art, signage and placemaking initiatives

Food Retail– Projects that increase access to food through new, expanded or renovated retail spaces

Libraries– Projects that expand access to information and community resources through reading materials, technology upgrades, furnishings and facility improvements

Eligible applicants include local government, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other community-based organizations in towns that have not received a SEED grant in the past year. A 10% local match is required, and all funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Grants will be distributed in two installments: half at the time of award and the remainder once the project has reached at least 50% completion.
Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce