New Round of SEED Grants Available for Rural Quality-of-Life Initiatives

トピーカ デービッド・トーランド副知事兼商務長官は本日、戦略的経済拡大開発（SEED）補助金の第3ラウンドとして、$25万ドルを提供することを発表した。SEEDプログラムは、カンザス州内の小規模郡における経済発展と活性化の取り組みを、生活の質の向上への投資を通じて支援するものである。

“SEED grants are a vital part of our commitment to ensuring every community in Kansas has the opportunity to succeed,” デビッド・トーランド副知事兼商務長官は次のように述べた。. “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.

SEEDプログラムの資金は、Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fundを通じて提供される。TEFFI法は州全体の経済発展を促進するため、超党派の立法により2021年に制定された。

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 これ. A list of previously awarded towns, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible counties can be found これ.

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 これ.