Kansas Department of Commerce

INTENT: To activate vacant and underused spaces through the arts to help bring together community members around the art, history, and culture of the community. 

DESCRIPTION

This program provides funding for communities with populations of 15,000 or less to reinvigorate spaces by creating new murals or public art that incorporate the community’s history, culture, heritage, tourism, or other community led art piece.  This mural and public art grant program is intended to support projects in rural communities that are immediately ready to begin work on their mural, with community engagement, location selection, site approvals, and muralist selection being completed by May 1, 2023. 

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

• Communities with a population of 15,000 or less
• Units of local government
• Economic/Community Development and Tourism non-profits (501c3 or 501c6)
• Federally recognized tribes
• Non-profit organizations (501c3)

MAXIMUM REQUEST: $7,500 

MATCH REQUIREMENT: 

• Dollar for dollar (1:1)

• The total project cost must be at least twice the amount of the grant request.

• The match requirement must consist of at least 25% cash expenses provided by the applicant

• In-kind non-monetary donations and volunteer hours may be counted, up to 75% of the required match

MATCH EXCEPTION

Organizations or projects in communities with populations of 2000 or fewer:

• In-kind non-monetary donations may be counted as 100% of the required match 

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

• May 2023 – December 31, 2023

• Murals painted on exterior walls using paint or an adhesive material need to be completed by October 2023 to ensure weather does not inhibit the curing process. 

• If more time is needed to complete your project, KCAIC has an additional program that could be a better fit. 

ELIGIBLE COSTS/EXPENSES

• Artist and consultant fees including travel expenses and accommodation expenses

• Applicable project materials and supplies

• Additional administrative costs (beyond annually budgeted general operating costs) related to the approved project

• Allowable marketing expenses directly related to the approved project (This does not include campaigns or materials used solely to raise awareness of the organization.)

• Equipment purchases needed to complete art or mural project under $5,000

• Wall or surface repair – limited to 15% of total project cost (tuckpointing, mortar repair)

• Surface preparation (smoothing, resurfacing, cleaning, etc.)

• Lighting or display materials to highlight the art piece

• Landscaping or clean-up of the space that could affect the visibility of the mural

INELIGIBLE COSTS/EXPENSES INCLUDE:

• General operating costs of an organization not directly related to the approved project (Applicable general operating costs directly related to the approved project may account for no more than 50% of an applicant’s cash match)

• Fundraising campaigns or related expenses, scholarships

• Construction, purchase, or renovation of facilities

• Financing of political activities, lobbying, or murals that are directly tied to a political party affiliation

• Honorariums (artists and contractors must be paid as fees for services rendered)

FUNDING PRIORITIES

• Communities or Counties that have not previously received funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce for murals or public art

• Projects that can show that they are ready to begin. This means that the community engagement phase is complete, muralist has been identified and they are available, and that the location of the mural has been identified and approvals given to put the mural on the wall.

• Projects that can be completed by December 31, 2023, or if they will be painted on an exterior wall, that this will be completed before mid-October.

• Murals or public art that is done collaboratively across the county or as a region to celebrate their history or culture as a Kansas community

See KCAIC Mural Making Guidebook further information. Please contact the Office of Rural Prosperity at RuralKanProsper@ks.gov or 785.289.3763 with any questions.

Grant Timeline:

March 13, 2023  Spring 2023 ORP Rural Mural Grant Opens

May 1, 2023  Spring 2023 ORP Rural Mural Grant Closes (6 weeks)

By June 15, 2023  Awards Announced – Projects can begin upon award notification

Mid July  Grant Award Payments issued

If your organization is needing to make a change/amendment to your approved grant project(s), please complete this request form. 

It will be reviewed and you will be notified via email once your change/amendment is approved or denied. 

Delivering Residents and Workforce (DRAW)

High demand and critical need industries are facing a severe labor shortage in the State of Kansas. The workforce continues to be a key need as Kansas recovers from the pandemic and moves forward with transformational economic development projects. This program will address workforce shortages and training needs in high demand and critical need industries, including but not limited to healthcare providers, education providers, technology-based businesses, and employers working with the blind, visually or hearing impaired, or persons with other disabilities. This program will provide $10,000,000 in training and equipment funding for these industries, as well as additional incentives including marketing costs and employee pipeline development, to draw new residents into the state. Eligible expenses include training costs associated with employee development and advancement and equipment related to the training and end-use of customer/client services. 

The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking applications from eligible entities to supplement training costs and encourage new job opportunities. Priority will be given to applications that encourage new employees from out-of-state.

Timeline

March 13, 2023 – Notice of Funding Opportunity Announced & Application Guidance Issued

April 24, 2023 – Application Submission Deadline

No earlier than May 15, 2023 - Estimated Notice of Awards

June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2025 – Period of performance (No-cost extensions will be approved on a case-by-case basis)

Use of Funds

Eligible to apply: 

Eligible applicants include mobile workforce training providers, healthcare providers, education providers, technology-based businesses, employers working with the blind, visually, or hearing impaired, or persons with disabilities may apply. A full list of eligible entities deemed “high demand” AND “high wage” may be found at the following link: High Demand/High Wage Kansas Jobs. Applicants must verify that an eligible position receives a minimum Demand Score of 20 when selecting High Demand Occupations with High Wages to verify eligibility.

If the applying entity desires to fund training needs on multiple sites, the entity must submit a separate application for each location. Each eligible organization may apply for up to a total of $1,000,000 to expend on eligible costs. 

Awarded recipients will be required to report quarterly on the progress of the project, as well as allocated and matching fund expenditures, both current and cumulative. Recipients are accountable for meeting milestones presented in their Grant Administration Plan (GAP). In addition, all reporting must be current in order to receive subsequent grant disbursements. Quarterly reports must include invoices and proof of payment of allocated and matching funds. Failure to provide accurate and timely reports may result in repayment. 

Recipients of the BASE, SPRINT, or ABODE grant programs are not eligible to apply. Higher education institutions and entities that received State Fiscal Recovery Funds ARPA from the Kansas Department of Commerce are not eligible to apply.

Eligible activities: 

· Construction, engineering and architecture, planning, inspections, and environmental assessments for on-site training facilities

· Construction, engineering and architecture, planning, inspections, and environmental assessments for service expansions that will require new job opportunities

· Third-party training costs and vendor training on machinery and equipment

· Machinery, supplies, technologies, and equipment that is solely used for training purposes

· Supervisor and management salaries directly related to training costs

· Course development costs and services for development of in-house training

· Marketing, communication, and activities to attract talent to Kansas

Ineligible activities: 

· Salaries for employees receiving training

· Grant administration costs 

· No project may undermine any public health effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, and all expenditures will comply with applicable provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and any relevant Kansas state law. 

· Grant funds may not be used for debt service, to replenish financial reserves, for financial restructuring, nor may it be used to satisfy an obligation arising from a judicial settlement or judgement. The U.S. Department of the Treasury Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Award Terms and Conditions are applicable to this award.

Program Objectives: 

· Increased number of new hires in high demand and critical need industries 

· Increased participation in existing Kansas Department of Commerce training incentive programs

· Total nonstate funding for workforce development leveraged through required match  

Disbursement Method: 

Awardees will be provided with no more than 50% of their award disbursement following the execution of an Award Agreement. The remaining disbursement(s) will be provided following the acceptance of two quarterly progress reports and 10% of the grant funds have been expended, along with any other necessary conditions provided in the Award Agreement.  

Program Period

The period of performance is June 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025, and eligible costs will only be allowed within this time period. No-cost extensions will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Matching Funds

Entities are required to provide a minimum of 25% match funds of the total project cost. Matching funds must be directly related to the requested funds. In-kind donations and real estate equity are not eligible matching funds. 

Changes in Scope

Once a grant agreement is issued, recipients are prohibited from changing the scope of the funded project without prior approval. Recipients shall not modify projects and/or incur costs associated with any modifications without first receiving written approval from KDC. Any request for a change in scope must abide by the project objectives/measurable impact proposed in the grant application and accompany a quarterly progress report, subject to review by KDC. Moving forward on a modification (change in scope) without approval will result in the Recipient being out of compliance with the terms of the grant agreement.

Application Checklist

· Organization type: 

· Mobile workforce training providers

· Healthcare providers

· Education providers

· Technology-based businesses

· Employers working with the blind, visually, or hearing impaired, or persons with disabilities 

· Employers hiring for positions considered high demand and high wage from the Kansas Department of Labor with a minimum Demand Score of 20. Verification may be determined at the following link: High Demand/High Wage Kansas Jobs. 

· Award amount requested (Dollar amount)

· Matching funds provided

· Entity name and address

· Project manager and contact information 

· SAM.gov entity registration and UEI number 

· FEIN 

· Project description and scope

Provide a detailed explanation of the grant funds to be utilized. A narrative should include detailed information on training needs, impact of training funding, and a description on services already provided.

· Project funding need 

Provide reasoning as to why the grant is being requested and what other sources and amounts of funding have been pursued for this project. Include any pending funds or funds that are to be applied for in the next 12 months. Also include the impact of the project compared to the need of the community.

· Project budget and narrative

Provide a detailed budget with expected expenditures required for the success of the project. Include information regarding matching funds and the timeline of their use.

· Matching funds

Verification of available or contingent matching funds.

· Project timeline

Provide details on the timeframe for completion of the project with the funds awarded. All projects must be completed by May 31, 2025.

· Project bids and estimates

Attach any bids or estimates you have received for your Project. Please attach any architectural or engineering reports that are relevant for your Project, as well as quotes for services or training needs.

· Three letters of support

Letters of support should come from Local Workforce Development Boards, Local KANSASWORKS Workforce centers, local or county governments, supply chain providers, vendors, community foundations, or other interested parties.

· IRS Form W-9 

· Risk assessment questions

Resources

https://covid.ks.gov/compliance-resource-library-job-aids/

Aviation Learning Opportunities & Funded Training (ALOFT)

Aviation and aerospace manufacturers in Kansas have experienced challenges maintaining a qualified workforce. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic highlighted opportunities and gaps in Kansas’ aviation industry workforce, one of the State’s most economically significant sectors. This program will provide up to $20,000,000 in grants to aviation and aerospace manufacturers, supply chain providers, and local airports for training and workforce development initiatives. 

The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking applications from eligible aviation and aerospace manufacturers, supply chain manufacturers within the aviation and aerospace industries, and locally and city-owned airports for training needs and capital projects directly related to expansion of job opportunities.

Timeline

March 13, 2023 – Notice of Funding Opportunity Announced & Application Guidance Issued

April 24, 2023 – Application Submission Deadline

No earlier than May 15, 2023 - Estimated Notice of Awards

June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2025 – Period of performance (No-cost extensions will be approved on a case-by-case basis)

Use of Funds

Eligible to apply: 

Eligible applicants include aviation and aerospace manufacturers identified with a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code beginning in 3364; supply chain manufacturers that provide services, equipment, and manufacturing for eligible aviation and aerospace manufacturers; and locally and city-owned airports.

If the applying entity desires to fund training needs on multiple sites, the entity must submit a separate application for each location. Each eligible organization may apply for up to a total of $5,000,000 to expend on eligible costs. 

Awarded recipients will be required to report quarterly on the progress of the project, as well as allocated and matching fund expenditures, both current and cumulative. Recipients are accountable for meeting milestones presented in their Grant Administration Plan (GAP). In addition, all reporting must be current in order to receive subsequent grant disbursements. Quarterly reports must include invoices and proof of payment of allocated and matching funds. Failure to provide accurate and timely reports may result in repayment. 

Eligible activities: 

· Construction, engineering and architecture, planning, inspections, and environmental assessments for on-site training facilities

· Construction, engineering and architecture, planning, inspections, and environmental assessments for airport facility or service expansion projects that will result in new job or training opportunities

· Third-party training costs and vendor training on machinery and equipment

· Machinery, supplies, technologies, and equipment that is solely used for training purposes

· Supervisor and management salaries directly related to training costs

· Youth training services and costs related to early interest development in aviation and aerospace industries

· Course development costs and services for development of in-house training

· Marketing, communication, and activities to attract talent to aviation and aerospace industries

· Participation costs for the Kansas Registered Apprenticeship and Workforce AID programs

Ineligible activities: 

· Salaries for employees receiving training

· Grant administration costs 

· No project may undermine any public health effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, and all expenditures will comply with applicable provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and any relevant Kansas state law. 

· Grant funds may not be used for debt service, to replenish financial reserves, for financial restructuring, nor may it be used to satisfy an obligation arising from a judicial settlement or judgement. The U.S. Department of the Treasury Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Award Terms and Conditions are applicable to this award.

Program Objectives: 

· Increase training and development opportunities for the Kansas aviation sector

· Increase capacity of aerospace and aviation manufacturers 

· Increase service of local airports via expansion of airport facilities that provide for additional staff and training opportunities

· Increase participation in the Kansas Registered Apprenticeship program and the Kansas Department of Commerce Workforce AID program   

· Use funding to leverage additional workforce investment in aviation and aerospace by requiring 25% match

Disbursement Method: 

Awardees will be provided with no more than 50% of their award disbursement following the execution of an Award Agreement. The remaining disbursement(s) will be provided following the acceptance of two quarterly progress reports and 10% of the grant funds have been expended, along with any other necessary conditions provided in the Award Agreement.  

Program Period

The period of performance is June 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025, and eligible costs will only be allowed within this time period. No-cost extensions will be approved on a case-by-case basis. 

Matching Funds

Entities are required to provide a minimum of 25% match funds of the total project cost. Matching funds must be directly related to the requested funds. In-kind donations and real estate equity are not eligible matching funds. 

Changes in Scope

Once a grant agreement is issued, recipients are prohibited from changing the scope of the funded project without prior approval. Recipients shall not modify projects and/or incur costs associated with any modifications without first receiving written approval from KDC. Any request for a change in scope must abide by the project objectives/measurable impact proposed in the grant application and accompany a quarterly progress report, subject to review by KDC. Moving forward on a modification (change in scope) without approval will result in the recipient being out of compliance with the terms of the grant agreement.

Application Checklist

 · Organization type: 

· Aviation and aerospace manufacturers identified with a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code beginning in 3364

· Supply chain manufacturers that provide services, equipment, and manufacturing for eligible aviation and aerospace manufacturers

· Locally and city-owned airports. 

· Award amount requested (Dollar amount)

· Matching funds provided

· Entity name and address

· Project manager and contact information 

· SAM.gov entity registration and UEI number 

· FEIN 

· Project description and scope

Provide a detailed explanation of the grant funds to be utilized. A narrative should include detailed information on training needs, impact of training funding, and a description on services already provided.

· Project funding need 

Provide reasoning as to why the grant is being requested and what other sources and amounts of funding have been pursued for this project. Include any pending funds or funds that are to be applied for in the next 12 months. Also include the impact of the project compared to the need of the community.

· Project budget and narrative

Provide a detailed budget with expected expenditures required for the success of the project. Include information regarding matching funds and the timeline of their use.

· Project timeline

Provide details on the timeframe for completion of the project with the funds awarded. All projects must be completed by May 31, 2025.

· Project bids and estimates

Attach any bids or estimates you have received for your Project. Please attach any architectural or engineering reports that are relevant for your Project, as well as quotes for services or training needs.

· Three letters of support

Letters of support should come from Local Workforce Development Boards, Local KANSASWORKS Workforce centers, local or county governments, supply chain providers, vendors, community foundations, or other interested parties.

· IRS Form W-9 

· Risk assessment questions

Resources

https://covid.ks.gov/compliance-resource-library-job-aids/

The Community Service Program provides an opportunity for private non-profit organizations and public healthcare entities to improve their ability to undertake significant capital campaigns for projects involving children and family services, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship, and youth technical training and health care. Under this program, the state authorizes specially selected non-profit organizations to offer tax credits to donors making contributions to the approved projects.

The CSP application period is from March 1, 2023, to April 30, 2023. The $250 application fee can be paid here.

* The Department of Commerce is responsible for the program. Due to the strong demand for these credits, organizations awarded credits may receive less than the total amount of credits requested.

Reports are to be submitted even if no activity has taken place during the quarter and must be submitted by the following dates: January 20 (for qtr ending December 31), April 20 (for qtr ending March 31), July 20 (for qtr ending June 30), and October 20 (for qtr ending September 30).

PURPOSE

The purpose of conducting a housing assessment is to help local communities identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and priorities before allocating resources to implement strategies or solutions that will address those priorities. This assessment should be able to be completed locally. Depending upon local capacity, some communities might decide to hire a facilitator to assist, but locals should drive the process, not the facilitator. It is anticipated that communities conducting a housing assessment will use what is learned to determine goals to resolve housing issues. The community should keep in mind that this assessment is an evolving process that is subject to change depending on community issues and perspectives. Timeliness, while important, should not be the primary factor for the community completing the assessment.

DEFINITIONS

“Strengths” refer to an area or aspect of a community that is advantageous. “Weaknesses” refer to an area or aspect of a community that may or may not need improvement based on community perspectives and/or limited resources. “Opportunities” refer to a favorable combination of circumstances that possibly will lead to an improvement after a specific action is taken. “Priorities” refer to what areas or issues a community is seeking to address first, given community preferences and/or limited local resources. “Strategy/Solution” refers to the action steps taken to address a community priority to take advantage of an opportunity.

The HEAL program was created to preserve and bring new economic activity to underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated downtown buildings in rural Kansas. Building grants are intended to bring buildings back into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses, childcare, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, or entrepreneurship. Façade grants are intended to rehabilitate the façade or street view of downtown buildings in need of repair to stimulate economic growth and reinvestment in the downtown district. The building in need of façade rehabilitation should either have a tenant or be tenant-ready.

Eligible Applicants

Nonprofit or local government organizations applying on behalf of building owners of underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated downtown buildings or those needing façade improvements are eligible applicants for the HEAL program.

Eligible organizations include:

• Designated Kansas Main Street Programs
• Economic Development Corporations
• Cities
• Counties
• 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 organizations
• Local Community Foundations

Project Eligibility Requirements

• Properties must be located in cities with a population of less than 50,000.
• Properties must be located in the downtown business district or corridor and hold architectural significance for the district.
• Projects must show potential for reuse and revitalization as economic drivers in the community.
• The awarded project can include funding from any state or federal source, as long as there is no duplication of benefit. Examples include: Community Development Block Grant, Community Service Tax Credit Program, USDA Rural Development, State Historic Preservation Office programs or Network Kansas programs. 
• Projects must incorporate Main Street Design Standards and follow local ordinances and code for rehab/construction/façade improvements. 
• Award recipients are required to sign a contract agreeing to the conditions of the program.
• Projects must begin construction no later than September 1, 2023 with construction complete by May 1, 2025 with a tenant in place by August 31, 2025. NOTE: Site cleanup, removal of debris, and demolition do not qualify as construction. Tenant must be leasing the space.
• No more than one HEAL grant may be awarded to any city.
• Previously awarded HEAL (Emergency HEAL or regular HEAL) projects and communities are not eligible to apply for future rounds of HEAL.
• Work must not begin before the award of the grant except for removal of façade slipcovers such as metal, stucco, tiles, stone veneer.  
• Work previously completed is not eligible for this grant program.

Required Supporting Materials with the Application 

• Preliminary architectural drawings, including plans and elevations are required to support the scope of work.  Color renderings are required if work is being done to the street facing façade(s). Written contractor quotes are sufficient for projects that do not require architectural drawings such as roofing.
• Pro-forma showing all sources and uses on the project, and a business plan for operation of the building after completion of construction.
• A 1:1 cash match (minimum) and proof of matching funds from the building owner.
• A letter signed by both the applicant and the building owner that confirms commitment by both parties to the project.

Eligible Building Grant Project Expenses

Masonry, insulation, foundations, roofs and guttering, fire stairs, windows, doors, chimneys, walls, ceilings, floors, interior stairs, elevators, lighting and fixtures, electrical wiring, data and communication, wiring (not including equipment), HVAC systems and components, plumbing systems, fire suppression sprinkler systems, and ADA accessibility solutions. This list is not exhaustive. Project expenses not listed here are at the discretion of the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce for eligibility under the grant. Up to 5% of the grant award may be retained by the applicant organization for project administration expenses.

Ineligible Building Grant Project Expenses

Professional services (architect and engineering fees), acquisition costs, or leasing contracts. This list is not exhaustive. Grant funds are to be utilized for the physical construction of the project.
Building Grant Award Amount
Up to $20 per square foot of the total building space, not to exceed $75,000 per project. 

Eligible Façade Grant Project Expenses

Masonry, windows, storefronts, cornices, doors, awnings, ADA accessibility solutions. Removal of façade slipcovers such as metal, stucco, tiles, stone veneer must be performed before applying for a façade grant. This list is not exhaustive. Project expenses not listed here are at the discretion of the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce for eligibility under the grant. Up to 5% of the grant award may be retained by the organization for administration.

Ineligible Façade Grant Project Expenses

Professional services (architect and engineering fees) and slipcover removal – this should be finished prior to apply for a façade grant. This list is not exhaustive. Grant funds are to be utilized for the physical construction of the project.

Facade Grant Award Amount

$20 per square foot, not to exceed $25,000

These awards assist local government in meeting community needs created by severe natural or other disasters that pose immediate threats to the health or welfare of the community and for which no other financial resources are available.

Application for Urgent Need must be completed within 6 months of the issue occurring.

The purpose of Commercial Rehabilitation grants is to help cities improve the quality of their downtown commercial districts by assisting private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted buildings. It is hoped that strategic investment of grant funds will help prevent the spread of blighted conditions to other nearby structures.

Application will remain open until all available funds have been obligated. 

Website: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/cdbg/cdbg-comm-rehab/

Under the Economic Development category, a private for-profit business or an agricultural cooperative participates with a city or county in the application process.  The city or county is the legal applicant.  The private for-profit business or agricultural cooperative must provide financial information and a business plan as part of the application process.  

All applicants for Economic Development assistance must notify Commerce 10 days prior to submitting an application for funding.  The notification may be in the form of a telephone call, e-mail, fax, or written correspondence.

CDBG funds may be used for infrastructure improvements, land acquisition, site preparation, building construction or renovation, machinery, equipment, lease payments, inventory, payroll and other working capital items.  CDBG funds may not be used for bail-outs or financial restructuring.   A project funded under this category must lead to the creation or retention of permanent jobs in Kansas.

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