Kansas Offers $1.5M to Transform Vacant, Underutilized Downtown Buildings

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that $1.5 million is available for a seventh round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) program grants to revitalize dilapidated and underutilized downtown buildings in Kansas communities. The grants help close the financial gaps for communities of all sizes striving to make their downtown districts economically vibrant.

Since the launch of the program in 2021, $8.2 million has been awarded to fund more than 120 community projects. The state investment has leveraged $45 million in local matching funds.

“Kansas downtowns are commonly known for their historic, unique character — with plenty of potential for local businesses and communities to grow,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through HEAL, we’re able to provide communities with the resources to revitalize buildings, bringing new economic vibrancy and opening spaces for housing, entrepreneurs and businesses to succeed in Kansas.”

The HEAL grant helps communities restore downtown buildings as spaces for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare or entrepreneurial activities.

For this round of HEAL funding, urban distressed downtown communities are encouraged to take advantage of the grant opportunity. Up to $750,000 will be made available for communities with 50,000 population or more. Downtown communities must be in a distressed census tract as identified by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Submitted projects must show potential to become economic drivers in the community and demonstrate that the space will be occupied by the end of the project. There must be proof of 1:1 matching funds from the building owner that will be required at the time of application.

The application window opens September 21 and closes November 20. Awardees will be notified in January. Communities that received HEAL grants in 2025 are not eligible for this round of funding.

A virtual webinar about the specifics of the program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, September 25. Registration is required for the webinar, and a Zoom link will be provided once registration is completed. To register, click here.

The Office of Rural Prosperity will host office hours at 11 a.m. every Monday starting September 28 through November 16 for those with questions. Click here to register. 

For additional information about HEAL grants, the webinar and the online application, please click here.