As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Kansas Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas and nationwide. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative competitive landscape for new businesses.
The Kansas Department of Commerce offers a range of programs and services to help communities improve infrastructure, meet community needs, revitalize downtown corridors, preserve their history and develop commercial and tourism destinations that enhance the vibrancy of our communities and the quality of life across Kansas.
Community development programs include but are not limited to:
- Community Development Block Grants
- STAR Bonds
- Broadband Acceleration Grants
- RHID – Rural Housing Incentive District
The CDBG grant program is probably the most recognizable program offered. Grants are awarded on an annual basis for the following three categories:
The Water and Sewer Grants are generally used for projects such as water lines, water towers, water wells, treatment plants, sewer lines and sewer lagoons.
Maximum amount is $600,000 ($2,000/beneficiary) for a community under 5,000; for over 5,000, the maximum amount increases to $700,000. Applicants are encouraged to appear before the Kansas Interagency Advisory Committee (KIAC) prior to application submission.
Eligible activities for Housing grants include home rehabilitation, demolition, neighborhood development, and home-based business rehabilitation. All homeowner households receiving assistance must meet LMI guidelines. Rental rehabilitation may include existing rental housing or the conversion of existing non-housing structures to new housing.
Before a community considers a housing grants they MUST complete a Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) to determine their needs and are encouraged to attend a Housing Interagency Advisory Committee meeting. The maximum grant amount for housing is $300,000 and neighborhood development is $500,000.
The Community Facilities and Services Grant category is split in to 4 subcategories:
Recreation – Parks, splash pads, ball fields and playground equipment. (Minimum $50,000 Maximum $350,000)
Infrastructure – Streets, Sidewalks, Bridges, Trails ( Max Award of $600,000 for populations 5,000 and under, Max award of $750,000 for populations above 5,000)
Buildings – Fire Stations, Library, Community Center, Storm shelters (Max Award of $600,000 for populations 5,000 and under, Max award of $750,000 for populations above 5,000)
Services – Gas, electrical, fire trucks, broadband, demolition, daycare, emergency alert systems (Max Award of $600,000 for populations 5,000 and under, Max award of $750,000 for populations above 5,000)
Programs funded on an as-needed or as funding is available consist of the following:
Business finance grants to cities or counties can be loaned to private businesses to provide gap financing that creates or retains permanent jobs. Funding is also available for infrastructure improvements that directly create or retain permanent jobs. Eligible activities include infrastructure, land acquisition, fixed assets and working capital.
Some repayment is required for all Economic Development categories. Grants are made to cities and counties, who then loan funds to developing businesses. Repaid funds are returned to the state revolving loan fund. Funds may also be used for infrastructure on a loan / grant basis. The funding ceiling is $35,000 per job created or retained with a maximum of $750,000.
The purpose of this program is to help cities improve the quality of their downtown commercial districts by assisting private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted buildings. It is hoped that a strategic investment of grant funds in a key building would prevent the spread of blighted conditions to other nearby structures. Also, it would encourage other property owners to make improvements to their buildings, thus starting to reverse the cycle of blight, deferred maintenance and disinvestment. Maximum amount is $250,000.
Urgent Need Grants address an immediate threat to health or safety resulting from a sudden and severe emergency. These awards assist in meeting community needs created by a severe natural or other disaster. The need must be certified by the state agency that has regulatory oversight.
The maximum amount awarded is $400,000 per grant. Applications must be received within six months of the occurrence.
Special rounds of funding may become available in any given year or any specific purpose. Most recently, special funding rounds were available for new public swimming pool projects, and three rounds of special funding related to COVID-19
KDHE’s Division of Environment works to protect our health and our surroundings by providing education programs, technical assistance, compliance inspections, and enforcement actions to protect the State’s natural resources. There are six bureaus in the division:
- Air
- Environmental Field Services
- Environmental Remediation
- Kansas Health & Environmental Laboratories
- Waste Management
- Water
Ranson staff has worked on grant and loan programs offered and administered through the bureaus of waste management and water.
The Public Water Supply Section of KDHE manages programs that can provide funding assistance for municipalities that desire to make drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. Grant funding is available for planning assistance related to drinking water infrastructure and loan funding is available for planning, design, and construction of both drinking water and wastewater system infrastructure.
There are 3 planning grant programs, Regional Public Water Supply Planning Grants, and Small Public Water Supply Systems Grants, and Corrosion Control Study Grants. Regional Public Water Supply Planning Grants can provide for 50% of the cost (up to $12,500) for developing engineering studies that evaluate regional solutions to public water supply needs. Small Public Water Supply System Grants can provide for 50% of the cost (up to $5,000) for developing engineering studies for public water supply systems serving a population of 1,000 or less that are out of compliance with drinking water regulations. Corrosion Control Study Grants can provide for 50% of the cost (up to $3,000) for developing a corrosion control study for public water supply systems serving a population of 10,000 or less that have had an action level exceedance for lead or copper.
The Kansas State Revolving Loan Funds (“SRF”) can provide subsidized interest rate loans for almost any public water supply system or wastewater system infrastructure need.
KPWSLF is a state revolving loan fund (SRF) program which provides financial assistance in the form of loans to Kansas municipalities, at below market interest rates, for construction of public water supply system infrastructure. Kansas Statues 65-163d through 163u establishing the Loan Fund were passed by the legislature and Kansas Administrative Regulations 28-15-50 through 28-15-65 were promulgated by KDHE.
Loan funds can be received by two distinct types of municipalities, cities and rural water districts (RWD). Rural water districts lack the general taxing powers of cities, and are perceived in credit markets as a greater financial risk. The Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund provides equal access and interest rates to both types of borrowers, but requires different pledges of security to receive a loan, which is discussed in the loan agreement section of this page.
Standard term loans (20 years) have interest rates set at 60% of the market interest rate. Longer term loans (30 years) have interest rates set at 80% of the market interest rate.
KWPCRLF is a state revolving loan fund (SRF) program which provides financial assistance in the form of loans to Kansas municipalities, at below market interest rates, for construction of public waste water infrastructure.
Standard term loans (20 years) have interest rates set at 60% of the market interest rate.
Click here for a full list of grants and programs offered through the Public Water Supply Section
Programs administered by the Bureau of Waste Management (BWM) offer a number of grant programs related to household hazardous waste, solid waste, and waste tire products. Below are a couple of the grant programs Ranson staff has worked on in the past:
Kansas’ local units of government and K-12 public and private schools may apply. Eligible projects funded must include materials made of no less than 50% waste tire material by weight, unless composed of other recycled material. Applications typically become available in mid-November and are due the following January.
Projects can include but are not limited to:
- Playground equipment
- Park benches
Kansas counties, municipalities, solid waste management regions, and private entities may apply. Private entities are eligible only if the local government responsible for planning identifies the private party as providing needed services.
Click here for a full list of grants offered through the BWM.
Kansas Department of Transportation (“KDOT”) is committed to being a strong partner with communities to solve transportation challenges. The IKE program provides more flexibility to us to address local needs – and give Kansans more transportation choices.
Below are a few grant programs offered through KDOT:
The Cost Share program provides financial assistance to local entities for construction projects that improve safety, leverage state funds to increase total transportation investment, and help both rural and urban areas of the state improve the transportation system. Projects must address an important transportation need such as: promoting safety; improving access or mobility; improving condition or relieving congestion. All transportation projects are eligible including: roadway (one and off the state system); rail; airport; bike & pedestrian and public transit. Projects must have the support of local leaders and must be “let” by a local government.
This program provides funding for surface transportation projects and programs such as pedestrian/bicycle/non-motorized transportation facilities; infrastructure-related projects to provide safe routes for non-drivers; conversion of abandoned railway corridors to trails; Safe Routes to School – Construction and Non-Construction; historic reservation & rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities; scenic and environmental improvements.
Projects must relate to surface transportation and fall into one of these four main categories: Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities; Safe Routes to School (SRTS); Scenic & Environmental; Historic and Archeological Transportation
Click here for more information on programs and funding available through KDOT or its partnering agencies
The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas.
Competitive Grants currently consist of the following programs:
The Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants program provides 50 percent reimbursement to selected outdoor recreation projects that are sponsored by political subdivisions and other appropriate public agencies.
Qualifying projects include development and/or acquisition of outdoor facilities for the purpose of public recreation.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is accepting applications for Federal grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund until September 15, 2022.
The Recreational Trails Grant program provides 80 percent reimbursement to selected outdoor recreation projects. Projects that provide for motorized recreation activities are encouraged, as 30% of the funding is to be devoted to motorized projects.
Qualifying projects include new trail or trailhead construction, maintenance or reconstruction of existing trails, enhancements or upgrades to existing trails/trailheads, development and planning, or land acquisition and easements.
Persons interested in commenting on projects should attend this meeting. Grant applicants are encouraged to attend and discuss their proposals. Time for comments will be limited. Final decisions about proposals will not be made at this meeting. The Board will evaluate and make recommendations after reviewing all applications.
UPDATE: The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is not currently accepting applications for Recreational Trails Funding.
Grant funds are available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) for pre and post emergency or disaster related projects. These funds support critical recovery initiatives, innovative research and many other programs.
FEMA helps state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and certain types of private nonprofit organizations respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. After an event like a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or wildfire, communities need help to cover their costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.
Non-Disaster Related Grants better known as Preparedness Grants help develop and sustain capabilities at the state and local, tribal and territorial levels and in our nation’s highest-risk transit systems, ports and along our borders to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate terrorism and other high-consequence disasters and emergencies.
Non-Disaster Related Grants offered through FEMA fall into one of the following categories:
- Preparedness Grants
- Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants
- Resilience Grants
- Emergency Food and Shelter Program
Assistance to Firefighters Grants (“AFG”)
Fire safety grants fund critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel, enhance efficiencies and support community resilience. Since 2001, the AFG program has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
The Sunflower Foundation’s people and programs are focused on helping grantees achieve their goals of creating healthier Kansans.
The current Sunflower Trails program recognizes that the built environment can have a powerful impact on creating opportunities for Kansans to be physically active. The foundation partners with local community members to create safe places to bike, walk and enjoy nature.
Click here to visit the Sunflower Foundation’s website for more details.
The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (“USDA Rural Development”) offers a wide range of funding and grant opportunities.
Below are two of USDA Rural Development’s most utilized programs:
WEP provide loans, grants and loan guarantees for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste and storm drainage facilities in rural areas and cities and towns of 10,000 or less. Public bodies, non-profit organizations and recognized Indian tribes may qualify for assistance.
WEP also makes grants to non-profit organizations to provide technical assistance and training to help rural communities with their water, wastewater and solid waste problems.
WEP also makes grants to non-profit organizations to provide technical assistance and training to help rural communities with their water, wastewater and solid waste problems.
CFP offers direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These amenities help increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents.
Public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized American Indian Tribes can use the funds to construct, expand or improve facilities that provide health care, education, public safety, and public services. Projects include fire and rescue stations, village and town halls, health care clinics, hospitals, adult and child care centers, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, public buildings, schools, libraries, and many other community-based initiatives. Financing may also cover the costs for land acquisition, professional fees, and purchase of equipment.
Other programs worked on by Ranson staff include, but are not limited to the following:
The ECWAG program helps eligible communities prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water.
State and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes may apply. Emergencies can include but are not limited to a drought or flood, earthquake, chemical spill, etc. A federal disaster declaration is not required.
The REDLG program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility then is responsible for repayment to USDA.
Click here for a full list of programs offered through USDA.
Below are other agencies or entities with grant and/or loan funding available. Contact one of our grant or loan specialists today to request assistance or to answer questions for your community.
The Department of Justice offers funding opportunities to support law enforcement and public safety activities in state, local, and tribal jurisdictions; to assist victims of crime; to provide training and technical assistance; to conduct research; and to implement programs that improve the criminal, civil, and juvenile justice systems.
For a full list of programs and more information visit: The Department of Justice
The mission of IMLS is to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.
The agency carries out its charge as it adapts to meet the changing needs of our nation’s museums and libraries and their communities. IMLS’s mission is essential to helping these institutions navigate change and continue to improve their services
For a full list of programs and more information visit: The Institute of Museum and Library Services
Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States.
The NEA works with other federal agencies, state and local governments, state and regional arts agencies, and private nonprofits on projects that provide opportunities for thousands of Americans to experience quality arts programming throughout the country.
For a full list of programs and more information visit: The National Endowment for the Arts
The NEH is an independent federal agency created in 1965. It is one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States.
NEH grants typically go to cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, public television, and radio stations, and to individual scholars. The grants:
- strengthen teaching and learning in schools and colleges
- facilitate research and original scholarship
- provide opportunities for lifelong learning
- preserve and provide access to cultural and educational resources
- strengthen the institutional base of the humanities
For a full list of programs and more information visit: The National Endowment for the Humanities
As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in facilitating regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation.
EDA provides economic development financial assistance to communities so they can encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in a way that works best for them. Through its network of regionally-based staff and portfolio of flexible grant tools, EDA helps communities experiencing economic distress, take control of their future and position themselves for economic prosperity and resiliency.
For a full list of programs and more information visit: The Economic Development Administration
