Recognizing the value that rural communities add to the culture of our state, Commerce is launching this new grant program to support small-scale quality of place projects that create quick, meaningful results in rural communities. Through the process, the program aims to increase local capacity, grow community and youth engagement, mobilize volunteers, increase investment in the community and businesses, and to increase the number of new communities applying for and winning Commerce grant awards. The further goal of this program is to improve the capacity of these towns in applying for and winning other funding opportunities and attracting new investment in the community. 

Application closes February 28, 2025, 11:59pm. Award announcements are anticipated to be made mid-April. 

Cities or non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. A single entity must be selected to serve as the primary applicant; however, the project could include a collaboration between partners. 

• Applicant must be representing a community with a population of 5,000 or below.
• One application submission per community
• Community has received no Commerce funding through grants and programs in the last five years 

Applicants may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses for a range of $1,000 to $10,000. An applicant may apply to use funds to support a single project or multiple projects. Keep in mind, no more than 3 projects can be requested within an application.

For example, applicant may apply for $3,000 for downtown seating, $3,000 for park equipment and $4,000 for wayfinding signs. The total may not exceed $10,000 per application and no more than 3 projects. 

This grant intends to refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness in a community. Projects should be permanent and low maintenance. Projects may include, but are not limited to:

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

Ineligible Grant Project Expenses:

• The funding cannot be used to support one-time programming such as speaker fees, event fees, construction costs, LED or electric signs, regular maintenance projects, programming, and salaries, etc.

Effective July 1, 2023, Governor Kelly signed into law the Kansas Apprenticeship Act (Act), which establishes a tax credit and grant incentive program for apprenticeships and creates a matching grant program. This act establishes an incentive fund for businesses and non-profits hiring registered apprentices. It is separated into 3 specific areas including $7.5 million in tax credits to for-profit businesses*, $2.5 million for non-profits and healthcare, and $3 million for K-12 Education. The incentive fund is a use-it-or-lose-it fund as it does not allow for carry-over funding nor building value. It also does not have a sunset clause. 

1. Kansas Nonprofit Apprenticeship Grant Program - Commerce awards and administers grants to eligible nonprofit employers and eligible nonprofit healthcare employers that employ an apprentice pursuant to a registered apprenticeship agreement. The amount of the grant is up to $2,750 for each employed apprentice, not to exceed 20 such grants in any taxable year per eligible employer and up to 4 years per apprentice. Disbursement method: Apprenticeship Grant funds will be reimbursed two times per year using a voucher method. 
2. Kansas Educator Apprenticeship Grant Program - Commerce awards and administers grants to eligible Teacher Educator apprentices attending applicant schools and awarded through their employer. The use of grant funds for the payment of apprentice tuition, fees, and the cost of books and materials, up to a maximum of $2,750 per year for four years. Disbursement method: Apprenticeship Grant funds will be reimbursed two times per year. Documentation showing expenditures will be required for each distribution.  Purchase orders, invoices, and/or proof of payment via canceled checks or bank statements can be submitted as proof of expended matching funds and awarded dollars.

Grant funds may be used for project needs related to technical instruction for the registered apprenticeship, OJT, apprentice wages, staffing and/or FTE to implement and manage programs, marketing and outreach, and other allowable activities on an as-needed basis. 

Application periods: 

Fiscal Year – July 1, 2024

Funding window 1: January 1 through January 31 for 2024 (finished probationary period July – Dec 2023)

Funding window 2: May 1 through May 31 for 2024 (finished probationary period through Jan - June 2024)

Funding window 3: October 1 through October 31, 2024 (finished probationary period through Jan - Sept 2024)

Fiscal Year  – July 1, 2025

Funding window 1: January 1 through January 31 for 2025 (finished probationary period July – Dec 2024)

Funding window 2: May 1 through May 31 for 2025 (finished probationary period through Jan - June 2025)

Funding window 3: October 1 through October 31, 2025 (finished probationary period through Jan - Sept 2025)

*Kansas For-Profit Businesses Tax Credits

The Kansas For-Profit Businesses Tax Credits authorizes Kansas Department of Revenue to award tax credits up to $2,500 until after December 31, 2025 when it goes up to $2,750 for each employed apprentice, not to exceed 20 such credits in any taxable year per eligible employer and up to 4 years per apprentice. The tax credit is to be claimed by an eligible employer for the taxable year in which the apprentice completed the probationary period or the taxable year succeeding the calendar year in which the apprentice completed the probationary period while employed by the eligible employer.  Please contact the Kansas Department of Revenue for this tax credit: https://www.ksrevenue.gov/  

Effective July 1, 2023, Governor Kelly signed into law the Kansas Apprenticeship Act (Act), which establishes a tax credit and grant incentive program for apprenticeships. This act establishes an incentive fund for businesses and non-profits hiring registered apprentices. It is separated into 3 specific areas including $7.5 million in tax credits to for-profit businesses*, $2.5 million for non-profits and healthcare, and $3 million for K-12 Education. The incentive fund is a use-it-or-lose-it fund.

This application is for Kansas For-Profit Businesses. This application is needed to verify eligibility and credit amount for each company applying. Please fill out this application for eligibility verification and review.  The Kansas Office of Apprenticeship (KOA) will review this application and, if eligible, you will receive a 'tax credit confirmation' certificate that needs to be submitted with the Kansas Department of Revenue K-24 form and Kansas Tax Return. 

Outlined below, and on our website, are the 'required steps' that each organization will need to take to qualify for the tax credit. More information can be found here - https://ksapprenticeship.org/resource-page/kansas-apprenticeship-tax-and-grant-act/. 

1. Ensure eligibility of apprentices.
2. Complete KS Apprenticeship Act - Tax Credit Application form. This needs to be filled out by the company/taxpayer that plans to claim the credits.
3. KOA will review and send a 'Tax Credit Confirmation' Certificate back to the company to confirm eligibility and the tax credit amount.
4. The company fills out K-24 Form.

*NOTE* the credit amount allocated for the company will be listed on 'Tax Credit Confirmation' Certificate, which will be needed when filling out Line 1 on the K-24 Form. 

       5. Submit the Tax Credit Confirmation Certificate and K-24 Form with Kansas tax return.
 

Kansas For-Profit Businesses Tax Credits

The Kansas For-Profit Business Tax Credits authorize the Kansas Department of Revenue to award tax credits up to $2,500 for each apprentice employed on their 2023 probationary period expiration date OR 2023 anniversary of said probationary expiration date and may be awarded for up to 20 apprentices employed in each taxable year per eligible employer. 

For questions please contact: 

Kansas Office of Apprenticeship - apprenticeship@ks.gov

OR

Kansas Department of Revenue - kdor_tac@ks.gov

Purpose 

Emergency Response HEAL grants are intended to bring rural downtown buildings back from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses, childcare, housing, arts and culture, or entrepreneurship. In 2023, the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly approved an annual allocation of $500,000 for Emergency Response HEAL projects, establishing a rolling deadline program that can be quickly reviewed and awarded to stabilize a building at risk of collapse. 

Buildings that are at risk of imminent loss, that are causing damage to surrounding downtown buildings, and/or have significant damage due to fire, storms, wind, etc. are eligible projects for Emergency HEAL. A maximum of $100,000 will be awarded per community. If there is more than one building affected due to an event, the city or another local organization can apply for the maximum of $100,000 to save more than one building. There is a 1:1 match required for this grant (Example: $100,000 cash match required for a $100,000 grant award).
 

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

A private building owner MUST have an eligible local partnering support organization APPLY for the grant on their behalf. This organization will commit to supporting the project through the fiscal administration of the grant funds (distributing the payments to the building owner), tracking the bi-annual financial reports, and ensuring that the building owner is on track with program deadlines. The applicant will also designate a primary point of contact for all projects under the grant, meaning if there are multiple buildings included, Commerce will be working with this one point of contact who will help manage communications between the various building owners and Commerce.

Eligible supporting and applicant organizations include: 

· Designated Kansas Main Street Programs

· Economic Development Corporations or Chambers of Commerce

· Cities 

· Counties

· Schools

· 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 organizations 

· Local Community Foundations

· Tribal Nations

 

EMERGENCY HEAL BUILDING ELIGIBILITY

• Buildings that are at risk of imminent collapse or have been severely damaged due to water, fire, wind, storms, another building collapse, or a previously unknown structural issue. 
• Buildings must be in the downtown of a rural community.
• Properties must be in cities with a population of less than 50,000.
• Buildings must be older than 50 years. Buildings do not need to be on the historic registry, but they do need to have some historical or unique significance to the community, to show why this building needs to be saved. Buildings made of cinder block, metal or another modern building material lacking any significant architectural details will not be strong candidates for this grant.
• Buildings that are in such condition due to the neglect of the current owner are not eligible. This is intended for buildings that have experienced a sudden loss or destruction. For example, A building owner knew that the roof was leaking but did not address the issue for several months, causing the roof to cave in. This building owner would not be an eligible applicant unless they are willing to sell the building to another owner willing to rehabilitate and properly maintain the building. They would likely need to wait until the next regular HEAL round otherwise. 
• If the current building owner has owned the property for more than 5 years, they must provide proof they have invested in keeping the building in good condition prior to the damaging event to be considered for emergency funding. Receipts or documentation of contractor paid invoices would meet this requirement.
• 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 4 months after grant award notification with construction complete in 24 months with a tenant in place in 30 Months. Building must be occupied and pass any local occupancy permit or local permitting inspection requirements. NOTE: Site cleanup, removal of debris, and demolition do not qualify as construction.
• A maximum of $100,000 per city per year
• Work to stabilize the building immediately following a disaster is eligible, and can count toward the match within 6 months of the application submission date. 
• Work previously completed prior to the 6 month stabilization window is not eligible for match for this grant program.

BUSINESS AND BUILDING USE OVERVIEW

• The intent of this program is to bring this building into use by the end of the grant term, which is 30 months. 
• The use of the building must be for one of the following: new or expanding businesses, childcare, healthcare, housing, arts and culture, or entrepreneurship.
• In the application, the final intent of use of the building must be identified, however, the specific tenant must be identified by one year from award date, or occupants of the space must be identified and committed to by the 50% mark of construction completion. The second payment of the grant will not be paid until the business plan, proforma, and tenant commitment letter are provided, no later than one year from the date of the contract signing date. 
• If the building was occupied at the time of the damage, it is eligible, however, an insurance claim, evaluation, and funding from insurance must be included as part of the project match.
   

Required Supporting Materials with the Application
 

• A structural engineering report must be provided showing that the building can be saved, or equivalent from an architect.
• Written estimates by a licensed contractor are required. Quotes must include supply cost estimates, labor cost estimates, and a detailed list of work to be done.  Quotes that also demonstrate that the project will be completed by the HEAL deadline are also preferred.
• 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. This is required, and projects that are submitted without this information will not be considered.

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 $100,000 per project or per city


 

The Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring & Education Grant is designed to support technical and community colleges in Kansas as they enhance or expand programs aimed at training the next generation of skilled trades workers to address housing needs in the state. This program will provide funding to colleges to build homes, foster collaboration with local high schools, and ensure the sustainability of these programs for future generations.

The grant is a direct result of the housing study completed by Kansas Commerce and Kansas Housing Resource Corporation, which identified that the construction of new housing and the rehabilitation of existing housing will be difficult to achieve without the necessary workforce. Existing contractors are busier than ever and cannot keep up with demand. The recruitment and retention of this workforce will be essential in all parts of the state.

Available Funding:

• Total Available Funding: $2 million.
• Grant Per Awardee: $250,000-$1 million.
• In-Kind Match Required: The salaries and benefits the colleges require to conduct a successful program will be considered their in-kind matching funds.

Eligible Applicants:

• Only technical and community colleges located in Kansas are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have an existing building program already established.
• Applicants must be able to provide or partner with others for all aspects of the home construction process, including but not limited to building, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC.

Use of Funds

Permitted Uses:

• Purchasing materials for building and renovating homes (e.g., construction materials, electrical supplies, plumbing materials).
• Purchasing equipment and tools necessary for building and renovating homes (e.g., compressors, saws, drills, forklifts, hammers).
• Enhancing or expanding existing programs to include new aspects of home building and renovation.
• Collaborating with high schools to integrate younger students into the workforce pipeline.
• Enhancing workforce development programs for trades such as construction, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC.

Prohibited Uses:

• Funds cannot be used to purchase land.
• Funds cannot be used for infrastructure investments.
• Funds cannot be used to pay salaries or wages.
• Funds cannot be used to pay off debt.
• Funds cannot be used to create a new program within the school.

Program Requirements:

House Building and Renovating:

Each grant recipient must build or renovate a minimum of two residential dwellings per school year.

• Renovation: If renovating, the structure(s) must be identified as inhabitable or unsafe to qualify for the program. Proof of the home's condition will be required. The home(s) should be owned by the school prior to renovation. If the college is partnering with another entity and does not already own the land for a new build or the home that will be renovated, there must be a written agreement in place stating that 100% of the proceeds of the sale of the home will be returned to the college to sustain the program. The square footage of the renovated structure(s) should not exceed 2,500 square feet. A larger footprint may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Construction Requirements:

1. The home must include all necessary components of a full residential build (construction, plumbing, electrical, etc.). 
2. All homes must comply with local, state, and federal building codes and regulations. This includes adherence to safety, structural, and environmental standards.
3. All homes must meet state and local quality and safety standards, including obtaining the necessary permits and inspections to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
4. Schools must outline where the homes will be built, detailing whether they have an existing site or if they are partnering with local entities, such as the city, to secure land through donations or other means.
5. Homes must be sold within 180 days of completion. Sale proceeds must remain with the grantee to sustain and expand the program for a minimum of three years.
6. All homes must remain within the state of Kansas.

Sustainability Plan:

1. Applicants must provide a plan for program sustainability, outlining how they will continue building or renovating homes and training students after the grant period.
2. Proposals should include details on how the proceeds from home sales will be reinvested in the program.

 Collaboration with High Schools:

• Schools are required to outline how they will collaborate with local high schools to engage students in their program, inspiring them for future trade work. It is, encouraged, but not required, that this be a “hands-on” experience.

Collaboration with Local Industry/Trade Workers

• Applicants are required to outline how they will collaborate with local industry and trade workers to engage employers in the building process.
• These collaborations should enhance the educational experience by providing knowledge acquisition for students, while also fostering potential employment opportunities for graduates.

Number of Anticipated Students to be Trained

• Applicants must specify the number of students they anticipate training through the program, including how the program will engage and prepare students for future employment in skilled trades.

Number of Homes to be Built or Renovated:

• Schools must estimate the number of homes they plan to build or renovate with the awarded funds, with a minimum requirement of two homes per school year. Applicants building more than the minimum will receive additional points in the scoring.

Application Timeline:

• Application Open Date: December 1, 2024
• Application Close Date: February 14, 2025
• Award Announcement: March 2025
• Academic School Year: August 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026.
• House(s) Sold: Within 180 days of home completion. Extensions may be granted at the discretion of Kansas Commerce.

Application Process:

Applicants will be required to submit a detailed proposal that includes:

1. A description of the building program, including details on how trades such as construction, plumbing, and electrical work will be integrated.
2. Plans for the use of the funds, with specific breakdowns for materials and other approved expenses.
3. A sustainability plan for the continued funding and operation of the program.
4. Details on collaboration with local high schools and industry workers.
5. Details on the number of employees the proposed program will support, including a budget that shows salaries and benefits for these employees.
6. A timeline and projected outcomes, including the number of homes to be built and an explanation of the anticipated impact on the local community.
7. If available, applicants should provide a housing assessment of the community that identifies the type of homes needed for community advancement. The types of homes built or renovated through this program should help alleviate those identified needs whenever possible.

Reporting Requirements:

Quarterly Reports: Recipients must submit quarterly reports detailing the progress of the program, including updates on construction, photographs depicting construction progress, partnerships with local industry, student engagement, and financial expenditures.

Final Report: Upon completion of the program, recipients must submit a final report that includes a summary of the entire project, the outcomes achieved, the number of homes built, photographs of completed homes, financial accounting, and lessons learned. This report should also outline how the proceeds from home sales were used to continue the program.

 

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

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

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