Overview

The Attraction Development Grant Program supports the creation of new or enhancing sustainable, market-driven travel experiences in Kansas. Its goal is to attract new visitors, influence travel decisions, and generate economic benefits through new jobs, capital investment, increased revenue, and higher visitation. Funding for the Attraction Development Grant Program is provided by Kansas Tourism and is outlined in state statutes K.S.A 32-1420, K.S.A 32-1421, and K.S.A 32-1422.

Purpose

The intent of the Attraction Development Grant Program is to provide strategic economic assistance to public, private entities and not-for profit groups that are developing new or enhancing existing tourism attractions in the state of Kansas. The type of projects we are looking to fund are those that will bring new out-for visitors to Kansas. 

Goals 

· Spur economic growth

· Develop destination-based assets

· Increase visitation to Kansas

· Enhance visitor experience

· Improve the quality of life in communities across the state

Eligible Applicants and Definitions

· Nonprofit Organizations - are defined as Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status or 501(c)(6) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

· For-profit Organizations - are defined as a business that operates with the primary goal of generating profit for its owners or shareholders

· Government Organizations - are defined as State governments, County governments, City or township governments, or Special district governments

· Tribal Organizations - such as Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), Native American tribal governments (other than federally recognized)

· Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State

Eligible Applicants’ Requirements

· The applicant organization must be in good standing in other Kansas Tourism programs such as Kansas Travel Guide listings, Co-op Marketing, and Grant Programs. 

· If an existing attraction, applicants must have a listing on TravelKS.com

· All organizations who are not the primary Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) in their community shall include a letter of support from the local DMO

· Grants cannot be used in conjunction with any other open grants administered by Kansas Tourism for the same project.

Ineligible Applicants 

Applicants that are not in good standing with Kansas Secretary of State.

Timeline

Grant Announcement: October 30

Application Period: October 30 – January 9

Submission Deadline: January 9 at 11:59 PM

Award Notification: February

Application Procedures

· The online application link can be found here: https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/attraction-development-grants/

· Questions and submission of additional documentation should be directed to Babette Dixon at Babette.Dixon1@ks.gov

· Applications that are incomplete or missing documentation will not be reviewed for rating or considered for funding. 

Estimated Time to Complete Application:

· Less than 1 hour

Funding Availability 

• Total      Funding Available: $1,000,000
• Minimum      Award Amount: NA
• Maximum      Award Amount: NA
• Expected      Number of Awards: 10-15
• Period      of Performance: Maximum of 18 Months

Kansas Tourism expects to announce selected grantees in February. If selected, you may only incur eligible expenditures when the grant contract agreement is fully executed, and the period of performance date has started.

Eligible Projects & Costs

For the purpose of K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 32-1420 through 32-1422, and amendments thereto, “tourist attraction” means a site that is of significant interest to tourists as a historic, cultural, scientific, educational, recreational or architecturally unique site, or as a site of natural scenic beauty or an area naturally suited for outdoor recreation. These may include the following. 

· New attraction construction

· Enhancement to an existing attraction

· New or enhanced attraction exhibits to improve a visitor experience

Ineligible Projects & Costs

The following are projects and costs that are non-fundable through the grant program:

· Casino or any establishment operating class 3 gaming

· Racetrack facilities

· Travel or trade shows

· Refinancing of debt 

· General upkeep or improvements (improvements should be supported through the organization’s operating budget)

· Normal operating expenses (staff salaries, rent, phone, supplies, postage, photocopying or other expenses associated with the ongoing normal administrative functions)

· General marketing or promotion activities

· Community centers whose primary use is by local residents

· Projects not having sustainable, accountable ties to the tourism marketplace

· Grant administration fees

· Association memberships 

· Fundraising 

· Taxes, except sales tax on goods and services and payroll taxes

· Lobbyists, political contributions 

· Bad debts, late payment fees, finance charges, or contingency funds 

· Parking or traffic violations 

· Out-of-state transportation and travel expenses. Kansas will be considered the home state for determining whether travel is out of state.

Match Requirement

· Attraction Development Grant funds can only provide up to 40% of the project costs.

· Applicant must provide a minimum of 60% of the project’s cost from leveraged assets.

· Leveraged assets may include bank loans, bonds, sponsorships, federal grants, cash, and in-kind contributions defined as donated goods or labor. 

· In-kind contributions may not exceed 50% of the applicant’s leveraged assets.

· Bookkeeping and organizational salaries do not qualify as in-kind. 

· Documentation of in-kind contributions must show basis for which donated goods or labor are valued.

Funding Priorities

· Applicants showing the project will increase out-of-state visitation will be given priority

Application and Submission Instructions The list of application questions, including supporting materials can be found at: https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/attraction-development-grants/

Required Attachments

Attachments and support materials must be uploaded into the application. Attachments and support materials will not be accepted by any other method. Required attachments are required for eligibility. The required attachments are:

1. A screenshot of Kansas Secretary of State Good Standing Status. Businesses and non-profit organizations are required to upload a screenshot of current status from the Business Search webpage and take a screenshot of your organization’s “general information page” This page will have both the current organization’s status and expiration date. https://www.sos.ks.gov/eforms/BusinessEntity/Search.aspx Applicants do not need to purchase a certificate of good standing. A screenshot of the general information page with the current status will suffice. Applicants that are government or tribal entities are exempt from submitting a screenshot of their good standing status and should leave blank.

2. A Tax Clearance Certificate from Kansas Department of Revenue. Certificate can be requested online through an application at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/

3. A signed copy of the State Policy Regarding Sexual Harassment Acknowledgment Form. Blank form found here: https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/attraction-development-grants/

4. A signed copy of the Certification of Company Not Currently Engaged in the Procurement or Obtainment of Certain Equipment, Services, or Systems Form. Blank form found here: https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/attraction-development-grants/

5. If requesting more than $100,000 in grant funds, a signed copy of the Israeli Anti-Boycott Form is required. Blank form found here: https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/attraction-development-grants/

6. A signed W-9 for the organization. The W-9 must be signed and dated within the last 12 months. Blank form found here: https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/attraction-development-grants/

Budget Narrative A budget form is required to be submitted with your application. Use the provided budget template. Budget found here: https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/attraction-development-grants/

Submission Instructions

The day the application opens, a link will be provided at: https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/attraction-development-grants/

The application is submitted using Submittable. The applicant will need to create a Submittable account to submit the application. 

Late Applications

To maintain a fair application process, the Kansas Tourism will not accept late grant applications. 

Application Review Information

Kansas Tourism strives to review grants through an objective and unbiased process. Grants will be reviewed based on rubric criteria by a panel. 

Scoring

The maximum number of points an application can earn is 100. Reviewers will individually score each application or each section that is assigned to them. 

Selection Criteria

A committee will be selected to review all applications and make recommendations for grants.

The evaluation used to assess the Project’s economic impact on tourism development will depend primarily on adequate documentation of the following criteria:

1. Visitation – with priority place on increasing visitation from out-of-state and the increase in overnight stays

2. Economic Impact – Visitor Spending, Sales Tax Generation, Quality of Life, Job Creation or Retention

3. The unique quality of the project

4. Integration and collaboration with other regional tourism resources and/or other existing retail, entertainment, or destination experiences

5. Enhancement of the visitor experience in Kansas

6. Project Accountability - Third-party verification, wherever possible is recommended. A feasibility study is encouraged

a. Short and long-term marketing plan

b. The ability to be sustainable past project completion

c. The ability to maintain status as a significant travel decision driver

d. All of the above should be accountable and verifiable according to best industry or comparative practices

e. Methodologies should be transparent and detailed

7. Budget

a. Budget should be adequate for the completion of the Project

b. Documentation supporting project budget should be detailed and complete

c. Adequate verification of leverage funding

8. Availability to the traveler – with documentation indicating the regular scheduled days, hours and staffing that the attraction will be open to the public

9. Management Team - Documentation of a qualified management team for the grant process and for management of the attraction once completed. This should be included in the project description

10. Project Planning and Support

a. Timeline and Documentation of the project to ensure grant activities will be completed within the ADGP grant guidelines

b. Letters of DMO and Community support 

Applicants may be asked to meet with the Tourism Division Director and Grant Program Manager in person or by phone to further discuss the project for which the funds would be used before a decision is made by the Review Committee.

Kansas Tourism may determine which grant applicants will receive state grant funds based on a number of factors, including: 

• Grant reviewer scores 

• Geographic distribution of grant applicants 

• History of the grant applicant as a state grantee 

• Applicant’s capacity to perform the work 

All awards must be approved by the Secretary of Commerce. 

Award Notification

Kansas Tourism strives to notify applicants of awards in a timely manner. 

· Awardees will be notified by phone. 

· Non-awardees will be notified by email.

Grant Performance Expectations

In addition to Applicant Eligibility, all grantees are expected to:

1. Complete all      proposal activities within the grant period
2. Include      only allowable expenses in the proposal budget 
3. Comply      with all grant administration requirements:

· Provide the required information for grant award agreement

· Sign and return the grant award agreement to Commerce within 30 calendar days of receipt. 

· Request approval for any changes to the grant award agreement. 

· Complete a closeout report no later than 18 months after beginning date on agreement.

· Maintain complete and accurate grant records, including all documentation, for a minimum of three years after the end of the grant period.

· Comply with the requirements of the State of Kansas Policy Against Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation established by Executive Order 18-04.

· Use the appropriate credit line or approved logo to acknowledge grant funding in all publications. See grant contract for credit requirements.

Accountability and Reporting 

The Grantee will submit semi-annual reports to Kansas Tourism every six months until the project is completed. The first semi-annual report is to be submitted no later than six months following the start date. Semi-annual reports must be submitted even if work on the project has not taken place during the reporting period. Failure to submit reports on a timely basis will result in a reduction in evaluation scoring for future requests for funding. The closeout form is due with the final payment reimbursement request.

Grant Payments 

Kansas Tourism reserves the right to require non-complying grant recipients to pay back previously awarded money within one year of contract end date. For projects receiving funding to purchase and/or renovate buildings and/or real estate, if the property is sold within five (5) years of receiving the grant, the owner(s) will be required to refund a prorated amount of the grant to Kansas Tourism. The amount will be prorated based on date of sale.

Release of information

Information submitted to the Kansas Department of Commerce relating to the application may be subject to the Open Records Law (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.). Confidentiality will not be guaranteed.

Contact Information

For more information about this grant, please contact:

Babette Dixon

Grants Manager

915 SW Harrison St., Suite 250

Topeka, KS 66612

Email: Babette.Dixon1@ks.gov 

Phone: 785-496-0230

 

We are excited that you are interested in becoming a Network Community (formerly Affiliate Community) with the Kansas Main Street Program. This program allows you to participate in the statewide network of communities and organizations working to ensure their downtown commercial district remains healthy and viable.

In addition to being able to send people to our quarterly Main Street trainings, the new Network Community designation offers access to resources through Main Street America.

If you have questions about being a Network Community or how Kansas Main Street can help your community, please call 785-230-6404.

The TAPS Grant is designed to support projects that enhance the quality and usability of public spaces by turning overlooked or unattractive infrastructure into engaging and functional elements of the community. These public art interventions will encourage local artists and organizations to engage with the community, turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and enhance the environment for residents and visitors alike. 

By improving the quality of public spaces, this grant aims to repurpose mundane or unsightly objects—such as electrical boxes, fire hydrants, benches, and utility poles—into assets that contribute to the vibrancy, functionality, and beauty of the environment while fostering community pride and stimulating creativity.

Projects will add color, texture, engagement, and creativity to communities and spark conversation about the role of design in our landscapes. 

Please refer to the full guidelines to ensure your application fits the criteria. For full scale murals, please visit the Mural Making resources page, the Office of Rural Prosperity's Rural Murals program, and the Kansas Arts Commission's Public Art & Mural additional assistance and funding. TAPS funding is meant for small-scale, playful interventions on public infrastructure to encourage community creativity and future engagement. 

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. 

Kansas Apprentice to Educator Grant Program (A2E) - 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.

*The Non-Profit (non K12 educator) Grant Application is here: https://kansasdepartmentofcommerce.submittable.com/submit/279197/ks-apprenticeship-act-grant-agreement-application 

Application periods:

Year 2025 

Funding window 1: January 1 through April 30 for 2025 

Funding window 2: Sept 1 through Nov 30 for 2025 

Year 2026

Funding window 1: January 1 through April 30 for 2026 

Funding window 2: Sept 1 through Nov 30 for 2026
 

For questions please contact: 

Kansas Office of Apprenticeship - apprenticeship@ks.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 2024 probationary period expiration date OR 2024 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

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. 

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.