{"id":88257,"date":"2026-10-05T16:59:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T21:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/?p=88257"},"modified":"2026-10-05T17:02:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T22:02:31","slug":"empower-kansas-announces-2026-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/es\/2026\/10\/empower-kansas-announces-2026-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Empower Kansas Announces 2026 Awards, New Recognition Opportunities and Inaugural Awards Banquet"},"content":{"rendered":"

Applications now open to recognize outstanding projects, volunteers and communities across Kansas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TOPEKA, Kan.<\/strong> \u2013 Empower Kansas is bringing back its annual awards program with an exciting twist for 2026, expanding recognition opportunities and introducing an awards banquet to celebrate the people and communities making a difference across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2026 Empower Kansas Awards will recognize accomplishments across the program\u2019s three enrollment tiers: Growth, Action and Empowerment. Beginning in 2027, nine awards will be presented, with three award categories available within each tier: Project of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Community of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applications are now open for all three categories, offering communities an opportunity to recognize an impactful local project, a dedicated volunteer or a community making meaningful progress. Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEmpower Kansas is all about helping communities turn ideas into action, and these awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people who make that happen,\u201d said Sara Bloom, Director of Quality Places at the Kansas Department of Commerce. \u201cBehind every successful project is a group of people who care about their community and are willing to put in the work. We\u2019re excited to recognize those efforts and celebrate the impact they\u2019re making across Kansas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The awards will culminate in a special evening of recognition on February 17, 2027<\/strong>, at the Docking State Office Building in Topeka. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with the awards ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. Empower Kansas will partner with Kansas Main Street to host the celebration, honoring the volunteers, projects and communities strengthening Kansas from the ground up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The addition of an awards banquet creates a new opportunity to bring communities together, share successes and celebrate the dedication and collaboration that drive local progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2026 Empower Kansas Awards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Applications are open for the following categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n