Kansas Empowerment Program: New Funding & Updates

Kansas Community Empowerment Program transitions to Department of Commerce

topeka, Kansas – In a move designed to strengthen local development efforts, the Kansas Department of Commerce has officially taken over the administration of the Kansas Community Empowerment (KCE) program, effective July 1. This transition marks a new chapter for a program previously managed by K-State Research and Extension, which has long served as a cornerstone in the state’s community development initiatives. The goal of the Kansas Community Empowerment program is to support local governments and volunteers in creating thriving communities across Kansas.

Commerce Department aims to Boost Volunteer-Lead Initiatives

lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland emphasized the department’s commitment to enhancing community growth thru this transition.”Bringing Kansas Community Empowerment to Commerce strengthens our commitment to volunteer-led community development, revitalization and long-term investment in communities,” Toland stated.He believes this move will streamline partnerships, empowering local leaders and fostering resilient communities throughout Kansas.

The Commerce Department aims to work closely with communities to foster growth while preserving each locale’s unique identity. The transition underscores Commerce’s dedication to promoting and collaborating with communities to stimulate growth and maintain their distinct character.

K-State Extension Expresses Optimism for the future

Assistant Vice President and Director for Extension at Kansas State University Gregg Hadley expressed confidence in the Commerce Department’s ability to further the program’s goals. “Over the years, the Kansas Department of Commerce has been a strong partner in the development and delivery of the Kansas Community Empowerment program across the state,” Hadley noted, “and we look forward to seeing the results of their work in the future.”

Program Integrated Into Quality Places Division

The KCE program will now be part of the Quality Places Division (QPD), which already houses several vital rural programs, including the Office of Rural Prosperity, the Office of Broadband Development, Kansas Main Street, and Community Development block Grants. The QPD also addresses critical issues such as housing, placemaking, and childcare. This integration aims to accelerate community momentum across the state by creating a synergistic ecosystem.

assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matthew Godinez sees this transition as an possibility to build upon past successes. “The transition is more than continuing an existing program.It’s about building on the decades of hard work and expanding the efforts of the program to create grate impacts across the state,” Godinez said. “We are honored to carry on this legacy, and we look forward to partnering with communities to help them achieve their visions and goals.”

Community Certification Process to Unlock New Opportunities

A key component of this new phase is the introduction of a community certification process. This process will offer a clear framework for communities to establish strategic goals,demonstrate progress,and enhance their eligibility for funding and investments. Certified communities will gain recognition as leaders in local development and receive优先access to grant opportunities.

Furthermore, certified communities will receive additional points on applicable Commerce grants, amplifying local efforts through state-level support. This structured approach aims to foster accountability and drive tangible results in community development projects.

Engagement opportunities and Resources for KCE Communities

KCE communities can anticipate a range of engagement opportunities, including an annual statewide summit designed to bring together local leaders from across Kansas. This summit will serve as a platform for networking, learning, and sharing success stories. additionally, the program will offer training and leadership development opportunities to build capacity at the local level, helping communities transform their visions into reality.

Additional resources and training opportunities will be announced in the coming months, providing ongoing support for community empowerment initiatives throughout Kansas.

Key Aspects of the KCE Program Transition

Aspect	Details
Program Transfer	Administration moved from K-State Research and Extension to the Kansas Department of Commerce on July 1, 2025.
Strategic Goal	Strengthen volunteer-led community development and long-term investment in Kansas communities.
Integration	Housed within the Quality Places Division (QPD) alongside other rural initiatives.
Certification	New community certification process to set strategic goals and increase funding eligibility.
Engagement	Annual statewide summit, training, and leadership development opportunities.

Did you Know? The Kansas Main Street program, now part of the QPD alongside KCE, has been instrumental in revitalizing historic downtown areas across the state as 1985.

Pro Tip: Communities looking to maximize their impact should focus on developing clear, measurable goals as part of the certification process to demonstrate progress and attract further investment.

Are you involved in community development in Kansas? How do you think this transition will impact your local community?

What types of training and resources would be most beneficial for your community to achieve its goals?

The Enduring Importance of Community Empowerment

Community empowerment is not merely a buzzword; it’s a basic strategy for fostering enduring growth and resilience in local economies. By investing in local leadership and providing access to resources, states can create a ripple effect of positive change, leading to improved quality of life, increased economic opportunities, and stronger social bonds.

Successful community empowerment programs often share several key characteristics, including:

• Local Control: Empowering local leaders to make decisions that best suit their community’s needs.
• Resource Accessibility: Providing access to funding, training, and technical assistance.
• Collaboration: Fostering partnerships between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector entities.
• Strategic Planning: Developing clear,measurable goals and tracking progress over time.

The Kansas Community Empowerment program aims to embody these principles, creating a framework for communities to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Kansas Community empowerment Program

• What is the Kansas Community Empowerment (KCE) program?

  The Kansas community Empowerment (KCE) program is a state initiative designed to support local governments and volunteers in making their communities better places to live and work through strategic development and resource allocation.

• Why did the Kansas Community Empowerment program transition to the Department of Commerce?

  The Kansas Community Empowerment program transitioned to the Department of Commerce to streamline partnerships, enhance access to resources, and further integrate community development efforts with other state initiatives focused on economic growth and rural prosperity.

• How does the community certification process work within the Kansas Community Empowerment program?

  The community certification process provides a clear pathway for communities to set strategic goals, demonstrate progress, and increase their eligibility for funding and investments, recognizing them as leaders in local development.

• What benefits do certified communities receive under the Kansas Community Empowerment program?

  Certified communities receive recognition as leaders in local development, enhanced access to grant opportunities, and additional points on applicable Commerce grants, amplifying local efforts with state-level support.

• What kind of engagement opportunities are available for communities participating in the Kansas Community Empowerment initiative?

  Engagement opportunities include an annual statewide summit for networking and sharing success stories, as well as training and leadership development opportunities to build capacity at the local level and help communities achieve their visions.

• Where can I find more information about the Kansas Community Empowerment program?

  More information can be found on the Kansas Department of Commerce website. You can also contact Sara Bloom at Here’s a PAA-related question based on the provided text, formatted as requested:

  Kansas Empowerment Program: New Funding & Opportunities in 2025

  The Kansas Empowerment Program (KEP) continues to play a vital role in fostering economic growth and community development across the state. In 2025, notable updates and new funding opportunities are available, designed to further support local initiatives and empower Kansas residents. This article provides a complete overview of the KEP, its latest developments, and how you can participate.

  What is the Kansas Empowerment program?

  The Kansas Empowerment Program is a state-led initiative focused on providing resources and support to communities across Kansas. Its primary goals include:

  • Boosting local economies.
  • enhancing the quality of life for Kansas residents.
  • Facilitating community development projects.

  The KEP achieves these goals through various programs, including grant funding, technical assistance, and partnerships with local organizations and entities. The program’s mission is to empower communities by providing access to the resources they need to thrive. Further inquiries can be directed to the official Kansas state government website.

  2025 Funding Updates: Key Areas of Focus

  In 2025, the KEP has prioritized several key areas for funding and support. These initiatives reflect current needs and emerging opportunities within Kansas communities. Key areas include:

  • Small Buisness Development: Grants and support for startups and existing small businesses.
  • Infrastructure Improvement: Funding for projects that enhance local infrastructure, such as roads, water systems, and broadband internet.
  • Workforce Development: Programs designed to train and upskill the Kansas workforce.
  • Community health Initiatives: Grants for projects focused on improving health and well-being.

  funding Distribution: Allocations & amounts

  The 2025 funding distribution is designed to provide a broad range of support across various sectors. Here’s a summary:

  Program Area	Allocated Funding (USD)	Key Objectives
  Small Business Grants	$50,000,000	Support entrepreneurial ventures, create jobs.
  Infrastructure Projects	$75,000,000	Improve community infrastructure and services.
  workforce training Programs	$30,000,000	Enhance workforce skills and employability.
  Community Health Initiatives	$20,000,000	Improve quality of life and general wellness.

  Eligibility and Application Process

  Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is crucial for accessing KEP funding. The eligibility requirements typically depend on the specific program. Application guidelines are readily available on the official Kansas state website and the Kansas Department of Commerce. Remember the deadlines!

  Who Can Apply?

  Generally, eligible applicants may include:

  • Local government entities
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Small business owners
  • Community development groups
  • Educational institutions

  Application Steps: A fast Guide

  1. Review Program Guidelines: Carefully examine the specific requirements of the funding program.
  2. Prepare Documentation: Gather all necessary documents,including project proposals,financial statements,and any required licenses.
  3. Complete the Application: Follow the online application process, providing all required details accurately.
  4. Submit the Application: Ensure the application is submitted before the deadline.
  5. Follow-up: Maintain contact with the KEP staff and address any questions.

  Real-World Examples: KEP in Action

  To understand the impact of the KEP, let’s examine some real-world examples of successful projects:

  • Community Broadband Expansion: Funding helped install fiber optic cables, bringing high-speed internet access to rural Kansas.
  • Small Business accelerator: Grants supported the development of a business incubator.
  • Workforce training Center: Funds supported the upgrade of equipment and training programs, helping workers gain modern skills.

  resources and further Information

  Stay informed about the Kansas Empowerment Program and its opportunities by utilizing these resources:

  • Official Kansas State Website: The primary source for information, announcements, and application materials. [Link to official website]
  • Local Economic Development Offices: Contact your local office for assistance and guidance.
  • community Workshops & Seminars: Attend events to learn about the KEP programs and network with other participants.

  For additional information, contact the Kansas Department of Commerce.