The Rural Champions program will provide support needed to fill the gap in driving successes throughout Kansas when there is a lack of capital or the capacity of a dedicated individual to see a project through to completion.

Twelve champions, representing 12 communities, will be selected for this program and will receive a stipend to focus strategically on a critical need for their community from October 2024 - October 2025. Selected Champions will develop an implementation strategy for the identified community need in the first three months and then have the until December 2025 to fully implement this strategy. In this application you will describe the needs in your community and how having a Champion will benefit your community.

Grant amount:

The grant will be a stipend and will be based on $20/hour for 20 hours/week, approximately $20,800. A 25% match of cash &/or in-kind is required for $5,200. A cash match for additional hours is encouraged. The applicant organization is expected to provide a match through in-kind workspace, provided computer and technology access, travel reimbursements, etc. Stipends will be reimbursed quarterly, upon receipt of a quarterly payment and matching funds reports. In addition, each selected Champion will receive a $25,000 implementation grant that will be provided at the end of the year-long initiative.

For full program details, visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/orp/ruralchampions

Questions can be directed to Kerri Falletti at kerri.falletti@ks.gov or 785-207-5206.

Eligible applicants, in counties with population less than 40,000, include:

• Division of local government
• Economic/Community Development
• Community Foundation
• Local Chambers of Commerce or Tourism
• Nonprofits (501(c)3 or 601(c)6)
• Main Street organizations or Affiliates
• Federally recognized tribal nations

Examples of eligible community projects include, but are not limited to:

• Rural grocery/food access
• Childcare
• Placemaking/Beautification/Art
• Trails/Recreation
• Entrepreneurship
• Co-Working/Maker space
• Health/Wellness
• Housing
• Broadband
• Regional talent recruitment