Towns

• Available Funding $500,000 
• Applicants are required to demonstrate investment in the projects by providing a minimum match of 10% cash match for communities of 1001 – 5000 population. If a community has a population of less than or equal to 1,000 people, the match can be fully in-kind match for the 10% requirement.  However, cash match is still encouraged for communities of 1,000 or less population. Match must come from private sources or non-state-funded grants.  
• Applicants may request funding for eligible, one-time project expenses of up to $25,000 in a single zip code or $50,000 for projects across multiple zip codes. Projects spanning multiple zip codes require genuine multi-community project with substantive eligible activities and costs in each zip code. Projects should be similar in grant award amounts in both zip codes or a reasonably equitable split between the projects to be considered for the maximum award of $50,000. 

• Applicants must represent a community with a population of 5,000 or less 
• OR a distressed urban zip code as defined by the US Census Bureau Distressed communities index report which can be found here
• One application submission per community
• Community has not yet received a Towns grant
• A single entity must be selected to serve as the primary applicant; however, the project could include a collaboration between partners. 
  • County or municipal governments 
  • Community or economic development organizations 
  • Local Chambers of Commerce 
  • Community foundations or other 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations 
  • Tribal organizations

• Funds must be used for tangible projects.  
• Community placemaking improvements such as downtown seating, equipment for main street sound systems, gathering places, and park and recreation equipment. 
• Signage for communities, including welcome signs, downtown light pole banners (including brackets and hardware), and wayfinding signs (wayfinding, not signage for businesses.) 
• Benches, signage, beautification, pocket parks, or permanent public art or murals   
• Trash receptacles, planters and plants, bike racks, etc. 
• Downtown building window cleanup and paint, including cleaning supplies (paint, curtains, lighting, brooms, etc. to help clean storefronts of vacant properties or downtown cleanup) 
• Small downtown infrastructure needs, such as sidewalks, curbs, accessibility improvements, or pedestrian lighting (not full streetscape) 

• construction costs
• building renovations
• programming
• speaker or event fees
• salaries
• LED or electric signs
• strategic planning
• consultant reviews
• architect or engineering reports
• this list is not exhaustive

• The application is available from October 15 to December 18 in Salesforce, which will require the applicant to have or create an account.  
• Here is a tutorial on how to create an account and how to establish a new account relationship. LINK 
• Here is a tutorial on how to create an account on behalf of another organization. LINK
• An applicant may apply to use funds to support a single project or up to three projects through community collaboration.  

• Applications will open on October 15 and will close on December 18th 
• Technical Assistance available through office hours each Friday from October 30 to December 18 at 10am.  LINK
• All applications will be reviewed by the Department of Commerce for allowability and compliance and will be competitively scored. Awards are expected to be announced February 2027. 
• Grant activities must begin within 4 months of a fully executed grant award document. 
• All grant activities must be completed within 12 months of the award date. 
• Expenses must be incurred after award execution. 

Two webinars were held to assist with providing information and guidance for the Towns Grant. The Towns Grant Overview Webinar was held to give a broad overview of the grant including goals, eligibility, timeline and resources. The Towns Grant Application Webinar was held to walk through the application in detail, describe application questions and discuss required documents.

This FAQ document will be updated following each webinar and as needed on a regular basis with questions. Check here to see if your question has been addressed, if you do not see it, please email [email protected] with your question and it will be added to the document.

• October 30, 10:00 AM 

• November 13, 10:00 AM 

• November 20, 10:00 AM 

• December 4, 10:00 AM 

• December 18, 10:00 AM 

Kansas Commerce’s community self-assessment toolkit is a resource for community leaders to leverage their existing assets and identify opportunities for projects that can help build their community. With this information, communities can outline strategies and activities that align with Commerce’s available grant opportunities. This toolbox includes the following materials:

• Community Self-Assessment Tools:
  » Survey Instrument
  » Facilitation Guide
  » Asset Inventory
• Community Engagement Meeting Tips
• Ideas for Building Community
• Community Action Plan Tips
• How to Engage Youth in Community Planning

Commerce requires that businesses and non-profit applicants be in good standing with the Kansas Secretary of State (SOS) at time of submission and throughout duration of the grant to receive funds. Please provide a screenshot of organization’s current status using the Business Entity Search linked here. 

All applicants, except hospitals, libraries and government entities must provide a Tax Clearance Certificate from the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR). Request Tax Clearance Certificate here. *Note: It could take up to 48 hours to receive the certificate so plan ahead! Certificates are good for 90 days.