Economic Revitalization ALlocations
Economic Revitalization Funding Opportunities
Moderate Income Housing (MIH) - APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN
The Moderate Income Housing program serves the needs of moderate-income households that don’t qualify for federal housing assistance. MIH grants and/or loans are awarded to cities and counties to develop multi-family rental units and single-family for-purchase homes in communities with populations fewer than 60,000 people. In 2022 the Legislature allocated $20M SFRF to the MIH program. Learn more about the MIH program here.
COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Program - APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN
The Kansas Department of Revenue is administering the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief program. House Bill 2136, enacted during the 2022 Legislative Session, created this program, the purpose of which is to provide financial assistance to certain businesses impacted by COVID-19 related shutdowns and restrictions during tax years 2020 and 2021. Because this program is being funded with American Rescue Plan Act funds (federal funds), each applicant must be qualified and receive a unique entity identifier (UEI) from the federal government. In anticipation of submitting applications through the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief program, the Department strongly encourages each applicant to begin the process of obtaining a UEI from the SAM.gov website as soon as possible. Learn more and apply for propert tax relief through this program here.
Economic Revitalization Initiatives
Higher Education Funding
Community & Technical College Project Grants
Per 2022 SB 267 and 2022 CCR HB 2510, approximately $45M in SFRF was allocated to 22 community and technical colleges in Kansas for specific projects related to workforce. The Department of Commerce is administering this funding and has reached out to recipients directly.
Private & Independent Project College Grants
Per 2022 SB 267, $10M SFRF was allocated to fund grants for private and independent colleges for workforce related projects. The Department of Commerce is administering this funding and has reached out to eligible applicants directly.
Other College Project Grants
Per 2022 SB 267, SFRF dollars were allocated to fund various economic development and workforce related projects at certain universities including the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Pittsburg State University, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State, and Washburn University. The Kansas Department of Commerce is administering this funding and working with recipient institutions directly.
These project grants include:- Economic Development at KU ($35M)
- Agriculture Development at KSU ($25M)
- Healthy Sciences Education Center at KU/WSU ($25M)
- Center for Integrated Health Studies at Washburn ($3M)
- Nursing Program at Emporia State ($5M)
- Tyler Research and Development Park and Block 22 at Pittsburg State ($5M)
- Gross Coliseum Renovations at Fort Hays State ($5M)
- Digital Transformation Program Fund at WSU ($10M)
University Challenge Grants
The University Challenge Grant program will provide grant opportunities to Kansas Higher Education institutions for projects that attract, recruit, and aid in the retention of students and help build the State’s workforce. The Kansas Department of Commerce is administering the program and working with recipient institutions directly.
24/7 Pay Plan
Approximately $30M SFRF was allocated through the SPARK process to fund pay initiatives aimed at addressing critical staffing shortages at several 24/7 State facilities, including Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) facilities, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) state hospitals and the Kansas Commission of Veterans Affairs Office (KCVAO) veterans’ homes. Additional details can be found here.
Closed Economic Revitalization Funding Opportunities
Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) - APPLICATION PERIOD CLOSED
The Department of Commerce, authorized by the SPARK Executive Committee, offered matching funds to address economic development opportunities throughout the state. BASE is designed to support infrastructure development to address economic development opportunities statewide with the goal of expanding the state’s base of businesses and residents. BASE awards were announced in April 2022. Click here to learn more BASE Program and to see a list of awardees.
