{"id":42511,"date":"2022-08-03T20:05:27","date_gmt":"2022-08-03T20:05:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kdc1000.wpengine.com\/?page_id=42511"},"modified":"2026-02-27T10:43:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T15:43:22","slug":"ruralchampions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/es\/orp\/ruralchampions\/","title":{"rendered":"Campeones rurales"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Home<\/a> \/\n Office Of Rural Prosperity<\/a> \/\n Rural Champions<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Rural Champions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

A network of devoted Rural Champions working to strengthen Kansas communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developed by the Kansas Department of Commerce\u2019s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP), in collaboration with the Kansas Sampler Foundation (KSF) and the Patterson Family Foundation, this program will address critical public needs in rural communities and build capacity moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rural Champions program is designed to create a network of grassroots individuals who possess the necessary tools to resolve critical community needs in a quick and effective manner. These Rural Champions will receive strategic training, compensation, and will be connected with resources to assist them. The Rural Champion program was recognized by International Economic Development Council (IEDC) with two 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The second round of Rural Champions completed their work on September 30, 2025. Follow them on their social media links for each project on the page with the 2025 cohort page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read Rural Champions Press Release<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Read IEDC Announcement Press Release <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n
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Moving the needle towards rural prosperity.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The need for the Rural Champions program was identified in the Power Up & Go report through surveys and interviews of more than 400 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would \u201cmove the needle\u201d toward success. Many of those individuals wanting to make a difference are volunteers who are passionate about their communities but unable to take on a community improvement project without receiving appropriate resources, training and compensation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rural Champions program removes the funding gap for those passionate rural dwellers by connecting them with resources that will help them accomplish their critical community project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The grant for wages of $20,800 will be reimbursed on a quarterly basis, with an additional implementation grant of $25,000 to support the identified project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Application now open until February 20, 2026, 5:00 pm.<\/strong>
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Apply for Rural Champions-Closed<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Login<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Registration<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Scoring Rubric<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Grant Application Checklist<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Dec. 17 Webinar Recording<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Application Webinar Powerpoint<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Questions? Contact Us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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