Collaboration Fuels Investment in Kansas’ Smallest Rural Communities

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that in partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Kansas Health Foundation and Sunflower Foundation, the Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $298,825 in Towns Grant funding to support 32 small-scale projects across Kansas. The funded projects are quality-of-place investments that create quick, meaningful results in rural communities across the state.

“Commerce is committed to providing opportunities for any community in Kansas that has the vision and desire to better their town,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Towns Grant will help fund worthwhile projects in smaller rural communities that might not otherwise have come to fruition due to lack of resources or capacity.”

Recognizing the value rural communities add to the culture of Kansas, Commerce launched this program to support small-scale, quality-of-place projects that will have a direct and meaningful impact.

A few highlights from the first-ever Towns Grant awardees include:

• Hoisington: Restoring Bicentennial Park’s seating to ensure public safety and preserve a cherished community gathering space, enabling continued use for signature events such as Labor Day weekend and year-round activities.
• Milford: Installing an emergency helipad to enhance safety and well-being for the community and its visitors. With no nearby facilities for rapid medical response, the helipad will ensure lifesaving care can reach those in need without delay.
• Nicodemus: Expanding the community playground to create a nurturing space where local families, travelers and visitors to the historic town can come together. With repairs, fresh paint and new equipment, this project aims to create a welcoming space for children of all ages to play, grow and connect.
• Powhattan: Creating a welcoming space that fosters pride and lasting memories for this small, tight-knit community. These park improvements, including playground equipment and seating, will ensure the park remains a vibrant gathering place for generations to come.
• Scottsville: Repairing Commercial Avenue and preserving the heart of Scottsville’s small but resilient community. With just 26 residents, this pavement will ensure safe, lasting access for residents, local businesses and visitors alike.

“The Hansen Foundation understands firsthand both the needs and the passion in these small communities,” said Doug Albin, Chairman of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. “Our Trustees were pleased to work with the Department of Commerce and to be a part of this collaboration assisting residents of rural Kansas communities who are doing the work to make their hometowns shine.”

The Towns Grant program supports communities with a population of 5,000 or less that have not received funding since 2019 from the Kansas Department of Commerce. One-time project expenses up to $10,000 were made available to successful applicants.

“Kansas wins with collaboration. Rural Kansas thrives when organizations step out of their silos and work together,” Kansas Health Foundation CEO Ed O’Malley said. “The Kansas Health Foundation is proud to be a part of this collaboration and appreciates the Department of Commerce taking the lead.”

The initiative aims to increase local capacity, grow community and youth engagement, mobilize volunteers and spark investment in both the community and local businesses.

“Working with Commerce and our fellow foundations allowed Sunflower to expand its reach and support even more rural towns across the state,” said Sunflower Foundation CEO Brandon Skidmore. “This project really speaks to the power of partnerships at every level.”

Towns Grants are one of the many Commerce initiatives that support and revitalize rural communities in Kansas. To view the full list of awardees and projects, visit here.