Nueva ronda de subvenciones SEED para iniciativas rurales de calidad de vida

TOPEKA - El Vicegobernador y Secretario de Comercio David Toland anunció hoy que $250,000 estarán disponibles a través de una tercera ronda de subvenciones de Expansión y Desarrollo Económico Estratégico (SEED). El programa SEED apoya el desarrollo económico y los esfuerzos de revitalización en los condados más pequeños a través de Kansas a través de inversiones en iniciativas de calidad de vida.

“SEED grants are a vital part of our commitment to ensuring every community in Kansas has the opportunity to succeed,” El Vicegobernador y Secretario de Comercio, David Toland, declaró. “These grants are creating real impact in rural communities, helping them build stronger local economies, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By investing in these communities, we continue laying the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity.”

The grants are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants up to $25,000 will be available in the following categories:

• Childcare and senior programming – Projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment
• Community vibrancy – Projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage
• Food retail – Projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion
• Libraries – Projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements

Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other organizations in towns not previously awarded a SEED grant are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10-percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance will be given upon successful completion of the project.

La financiación del programa SEED se realiza a través del Fondo de Desarrollo y Expansión de Instituciones Financieras Fiduciarias Habilitadas para la Tecnología (TEFFI). La Ley TEFFI se promulgó en 2021 mediante legislación bipartidista para promover el desarrollo económico en todo el estado.

SEED grant applications will open Monday, September 16, and close at 11:59 p.m. Monday, November 8. Grant awardees will be announced mid-December.

A recorded informational webinar about the SEED grant is available aquí. A list of previously awarded towns, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible counties can be found aquí.

The Office of Rural Prosperity will host virtual Office Hours from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 20, for anyone who might have questions regarding the grant and the application process. To register, click aquí.