Community Centers, Senior Centers, Storm Shelters, Parks & Libraries in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Commerce is inviting applications for the Community Centers, Senior Centers, Storm Shelters, Parks, and Libraries Grant program. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement, health, connectedness, and vibrancy through funding for the construction or renovation of public recreational facilities and libraries. A total of $4.2 million has been allocated for this program in 2024, with individual grants available up to $800,000 for larger populations and $650,000 for smaller communities. The program is designed to benefit low- and moderate-income individuals, ensuring that all proposed activities meet the national objective of serving these populations. The primary purpose of this grant is to support projects that foster community engagement and improve public spaces. Eligible projects include the construction or renovation of community centers, libraries, and parks, as well as the installation of amenities such as benches, playground equipment, splash pads, restrooms, and picnic areas. Additionally, the program covers engineering and architectural costs, as well as administrative expenses related to the grant, with a cap of $25,000 for administrative costs. To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be incorporated cities or counties in Kansas that do not receive an annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Notably, cities such as Kansas City, Lawrence, and Wichita, among others, are ineligible due to their entitlement status. Furthermore, a city or county will be disqualified if it has an open CDBG project that requires a time extension or has exceeded its original contract end date. The application process requires that all proposed activities demonstrate a clear benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, which can be established through HUD Census data or an income-based survey. The evaluation of applications will focus on several criteria, including project need, readiness, impact, sustainability, and the availability of matching funds. Projects that leverage local match amounts of 50% of the total costs will receive higher scores, and at least 51% of program participants must meet the low-to-moderate income requirements. The grant application deadline is set for November 1, 2024. Interested applicants should prepare to submit their proposals by this date, ensuring that all necessary documentation and information are included. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Ginny Eardley at the Kansas Department of Commerce via email or phone. In summary, this grant program presents a significant opportunity for Kansas communities to enhance their public recreational facilities and libraries, ultimately contributing to improved community health and engagement. With a structured application process and clear eligibility criteria, the Kansas Department of Commerce aims to support projects that will have a lasting positive impact on local populations.