Moving the needle towards rural prosperity.
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 “move the needle” 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.
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.
The grant for wages of $20,800 will be reimbursed on a quarterly basis ($20/hr x 20 hrs/week = $5,200 quarterly), with an additional implementation grant of $25,000 to support the identified project.
Applications are now being accepted and will close until July 31st. Applicants that submit before June 30th can request review of the application. A webinar will be held to discuss the application, grant availability and eligibility, program process, as well as answer any questions on May 7th at 1:00 pm.