Building Local Opportunity through Coordinated Kansas-Investment (BLOCK) Program

The application is located within Submittable which will require the applicant to create an account. Once an account is created, they can begin filling out the application. An application can be shared with multiple Submittable accounts. This means that one person can start the application and then can add contributors to help complete the required sections of the application.

BLOCK: The Building Local Opportunity through Coordinated Kansas-Investment Program, a competitive placemaking initiative designed to coordinate investment across an entire downtown block.

BLOCK Area: A single downtown block containing at least three structures identified by the applicant and approved by Kansas Commerce.

Transformation: A coordinated set of improvements that collectively creates a substantial and visible change in the appearance, functionality, activity or economic potential of the BLOCK area.

Eligible Applicant: A Kansas nonprofit organization, eligible unit of local government or Tribal Nation that meets all program requirements.

Nonprofit Organization: An organization organized and operating for purposes other than making a profit for its owners or members and recognized as tax-exempt under applicable federal law, where required.

Unit of Government: An eligible Kansas city, county or other governmental entity authorized to participate in the program.

Tribal Nation: A federally recognized Indian Tribe or Tribal Nation eligible to participate in state programs under applicable law.

Grant Announcement: September 9, 2026

Application Period: September 11-30, 2026

Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026

Award Notification: On or before October 9, 2026

Block Completion and Reveal: No late than December 15, 2026

Before submitting an application, applicants should be able to answer YES to each of the following questions:

• Once we begin construction and rehabilitation efforts, can we complete the transformation within 14 days?
• Do we know exactly which block we’re transforming?
• Do we know exactly what we’re going to change?
• Are the property owners on board?
• Are the contractors, vendors and partners ready to go?
• Do we have our 1:1 match secured?
• Can we begin immediately following the award?
• Can we complete the transformation before December 15, 2026?
• Will the investment create impact beyond the initial transformation?

What constitutes a BLOCK?

For purposes of the BLOCK grant, a BLOCK is defined as the same numerical block on the same street. The proposed project area should remain within that defined block.

Buildings on both sides of the same street may be included, as long as they are within the same numerical block. Applicants should be able to move through the proposed project area in a 360-degree loop while remaining within the same numerical block and on the same street.

The proposed BLOCK must include a minimum of three buildings.

How are buildings counted for purposes of the BLOCK application?

Buildings will be counted based on the county appraiser’s property records.

If the county appraiser’s records show separate parcels/properties, each may be counted as an individual building for purposes of the BLOCK application, even if the storefronts or structures are physically attached.

For example, if three attached storefronts are listed as three separate properties by the county appraiser, the project may count those as three buildings.

Applicants should identify the individual properties being improved and provide the corresponding scope of work and costs for each property in the application.

Does a BLOCK have to be exactly one numerical city block?

Yes. The proposed BLOCK must remain within one numerical block on the same street. Buildings on both sides of the street may be included, but the project cannot extend into a second numerical block.

Can a small community combine two numerical blocks if its downtown is only two blocks?

No. The BLOCK grant is intended to focus investment within one defined numerical block. A community cannot combine two numerical blocks to create a larger project area.

If a building is vacant, does a business or tenant need to be identified before applying?

No. A vacant building does not necessarily need to have a business or tenant identified at the time of application. However, the proposed improvements should demonstrate a clear connection to the transformation and economic development of the BLOCK.

If a BLOCK has more than three buildings, do all of the buildings have to participate?

No. The BLOCK must contain at least three buildings participating in the proposed transformation. Not every building within the numerical block is required to participate.

Applicants should clearly identify which buildings will receive improvements and demonstrate commitment from the property owners and businesses directly involved in the project.

Can an occupied building qualify if it needs significant exterior improvements?

Yes. A building does not need to be vacant to qualify. Occupied buildings may be included when proposed improvements contribute to the visible transformation of the BLOCK and meet all other program eligibility requirements.

Can a project include smaller “spruce-up” improvements in addition to three major projects?

Yes. A BLOCK project may include a combination of larger transformational improvements and smaller improvements, provided the overall project demonstrates a significant transformation of the designated BLOCK and all proposed costs are eligible.

The application should clearly explain how the individual improvements work together to create a cohesive BLOCK transformation.

Can matching investments made after July 1, 2024 come from elsewhere in the downtown?

No. To qualify as match, the investment must be associated with the proposed BLOCK. Investments made elsewhere in the downtown but outside the designated BLOCK are not eligible as BLOCK match.

Eligible investments made within the proposed BLOCK after July 1, 2024 may be considered as match when they meet all other program requirements and are properly documented.

What types of donated marketing can count as match?

Donated marketing may be eligible as match when it directly promotes the BLOCK transformation. Examples may include marketing materials specifically highlighting improvements to the proposed block, advertising for the lease or sale of a property within the block, or a website created specifically to promote the BLOCK project.

Marketing that promotes an entire downtown district, community, or broader initiative is not eligible as match simply because the proposed BLOCK is included.

Can a donated brand identity or website count as match?

Potentially. Donated brand identity, website development, or similar professional services may be eligible when they are specifically created for and directly support the approved BLOCK transformation.

A downtown-wide brand identity or website is not eligible simply because it includes or promotes the proposed block.

What types of previously completed investments can be used as match?

Eligible private investments made within the proposed BLOCK after July 1, 2024 may be counted as match when they directly support the BLOCK transformation and are adequately documented.

Eligible investments are not limited to exterior improvements. Interior improvements may also qualify when they directly support the transformation and are supported by documentation such as paid invoices, receipts, or other proof of payment.

Examples of potentially eligible investments may include eligible interior renovations, structural improvements, architectural or design services, electrical work, and other improvements that directly support the approved transformation.

Are parking lot improvements eligible as match?

No. Parking lot improvements are not eligible as BLOCK match.

Are loans eligible as match?

Secured loans or other financing may be considered an eligible match. Match must represent a documented contribution or investment that directly supports the BLOCK transformation. Applicants should contact Kansas Commerce if they have a specific financing arrangement they would like reviewed for eligibility.

What documentation is required for previously completed private investments used as match?

Applicants should maintain documentation demonstrating that the investment occurred within the eligible timeframe, was made within the designated BLOCK area, directly supports the transformation, and was actually paid. Documentation may include paid invoices, receipts, canceled checks, payment records, or other documentation acceptable to Kansas Commerce.

Does an organization need to have its determination letter before applying?

Yes. An eligible nonprofit organization must have received its IRS determination letter by the BLOCK application deadline. A pending form application does not satisfy this requirement.

Does SHPO approval need to be completed before submitting a BLOCK application?

If a proposed project requires review by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), applicants are encouraged to begin the SHPO review process as early as possible, preferably before submitting the BLOCK application.

Applicants can register and submit proposed improvements through the Kansas SHPO Review Portal.

The SHPO review process may take up to 30 days. Applicants should factor this timeline into their project schedule and identify potential SHPO-related delays in the contingency plan included with the application.

What happens if SHPO review delays the project?

Applicants are responsible for developing a realistic project timeline and should begin any required SHPO review as early as possible. If SHPO review could affect the ability to complete the BLOCK transformation within the required timeframe, applicants should address that potential delay in their application contingency plan.

SHPO review and approval requirements remain applicable even when the review process affects the construction schedule.

Can interior improvements be included in the BLOCK project?

Yes. While the BLOCK program emphasizes visible transformation of the designated block, eligible interior improvements may be included when they support the approved project and meet all program requirements. Please see the grant guidelines for eligible interior improvements.

Can donated labor, materials, or professional services count as match?

Yes. Documented in-kind contributions may be eligible, including donated professional labor or services, construction materials, supplies, equipment, furnishings, design, architecture, landscaping, marketing, signage, and other contributions that directly support completion of the BLOCK transformation.

If the documented in-kind contribution is labor or services, these contributions must be made by a licensed professional.

Applicants should be able to document the value and nature of donated contributions.

Does the match have to be located within the proposed BLOCK?

Yes. Eligible investments and contributions must directly support the approved BLOCK transformation. Costs associated with projects outside the designated BLOCK area are not eligible as match.

What if a project includes costs that are not eligible for BLOCK funding?

Applicants may include ineligible costs as part of the broader project. Those costs can be counted toward the required eligible match but they can not be reimbursed with BLOCK funds. Applicants should clearly distinguish eligible and ineligible costs in the project budget.

What is the difference between Project Support Letters and the required property owner participation documentation?

Project Support Letters demonstrate broad community and partner support for the proposed BLOCK project. These letters may come from a variety of partners, including business owners, property owners, city or county officials, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, board members, investors, or other community partners.

Required property owner participation documentation is specific to the buildings and businesses that will have work completed as part of the BLOCK transformation. Letters of commitment or support from the property owners and businesses directly involved in the project are required.

The distinction is that support letters demonstrate overall support for the project, while the required participation documentation demonstrates that the property owners and businesses directly affected by the project are committed to participating and are prepared to move forward if the project is awarded.

Additional letters of support may come from surrounding businesses or property owners who will not have work completed on their property but will benefit from the improvements.

What should be included in a property owner participation letter?

A participation letter should demonstrate the property owner’s awareness of the proposed project and commitment to allowing the proposed improvements to move forward if the project is awarded. The letter should identify the property and indicate the owner’s willingness to participate in the BLOCK transformation.

What is considered property owner participation documentation?

Participation documentation should provide evidence that the applicant has the property owner’s authorization and commitment to complete the proposed improvements. The specific documentation may vary depending on the project but should clearly demonstrate that the property owner has agreed to participate.

Do letters from property owners count as both required participation documentation and general project support letters?

Yes, a letter from a property owner or business directly involved in the BLOCK project can demonstrate both support for the overall project and commitment to participate in the improvements to their property, provided it addresses both.

Applicants should still ensure that all property owners whose buildings are included in the proposed improvements have provided the required participation documentation.

Can demolition, sign removal, or other preparatory work begin before the BLOCK transformation period?

Yes. Certain preparatory activities, such as demolition or removal of existing signs or similar items, may occur before the main BLOCK transformation period begins.

However, any costs associated with work completed before the transformation period cannot be paid with BLOCK grant funds. If eligible, those costs may be counted toward the required grant match.

Any work that will be paid for with BLOCK grant funds must be completed within the designated 14-day transformation period.

Can BLOCK funds be used for Christmas decorations or seasonal decorations?

No. BLOCK funds are intended to support the physical transformation of the designated BLOCK and cannot be used for temporary or seasonal decorations, including Christmas decorations.

Permanent improvements that contribute to the long-term transformation of the BLOCK may be eligible if they meet all other program requirements.

Can a general contractor provide a quote for the full project, including work and materials from subcontractors?

Yes. A general contractor may provide a quote for the full scope of work, including materials and work that will be completed by their subcontractors.

The quote should clearly identify the proposed work and associated costs. The contractor should also provide confirmation that they can complete the grant-funded work within the required 14-day transformation period.

Applicants do not need to obtain separate quotes from each subcontractor when the general contractor is providing and coordinating the full project.

Does a property owner have to retain ownership of a property for a certain period of time after receiving BLOCK-funded improvements?

No. The BLOCK program does not require a property owner to retain ownership for a specific period of time after the project is completed. A property being listed for sale does not make it ineligible for BLOCK funding.

What happens if a property is sold after receiving BLOCK-funded improvements?

A property may be sold after the BLOCK-funded improvements are completed. A change in ownership by itself does not trigger repayment or recapture of BLOCK funds.

The approved project must still meet all BLOCK requirements, including completion of the approved scope of work and any applicable documentation and reporting requirements.

Can a property that is currently listed for sale be included in a BLOCK project?

Yes. A property being listed for sale does not prevent it from being included in a BLOCK project. The proposed improvements must otherwise meet BLOCK eligibility requirements and contribute to the overall transformation of the proposed block.

Can BLOCK funding be used to make a property more marketable for future redevelopment?

Yes. Improvements that enhance the appearance, functionality or condition of a property may be eligible if they meet BLOCK program requirements. Applicants may also describe how the improvements could support future investment, redevelopment or reuse of the property.

For example, improvements that help position a historic building for future upper-story housing or rehabilitation may be part of the project’s overall economic development story. However, any future redevelopment, tax credits or additional funding would be subject to the requirements of those separate programs.

Required for Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations: Screenshot Submission of Kansas Secretary of State Good Standing Status. You are not required to pay for a Certificate of Good Standing, a screenshot of the webpage listing for your organization will suffice.  *Government entities do not need to submit this information. 

This needs to be completed by the building owners AND the supporting organization (only if the supporting organization is a non-profit).

*Government entities do not need to submit this information.