Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) Grant

The SEED Grant program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to revitalize Kansas communities with populations under 5,000 through funding for quality-of-life projects. Eligible projects include childcare and senior programming, community vibrancy initiatives, food retail access, and library enhancements. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, requiring a 10% match and completion within 12 months. This initiative fosters economic growth and community well-being in eligible counties across Kansas.

The purpose of SEED grants is to support the economic revitalization of Kansas communities under 5,000 population through investments in quality-of-life initiatives.
SEED grants are funded under the Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Development and Expansion Act (KS Stat § 9-2324 [2021]), which was enacted in 2021 to promote and facilitate the development and growth of trust banks in Kansas; regulate fiduciary financial activities and custodial services and Kansas; and to locate trust bank office space in economic growth zones in rural Kansas.
The SEED grant program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce.
SEED Grant Awardees
Awardees are located in communities with a population of 5,000 or less, as required by (KS Stat 9-2324 [2021]). They are required to provide a minimum 10-percent match as well as complete the projects within 12 months. Projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of the following quality-of-life categories:
Childcare and senior programming – projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies, and equipment
Community vibrancy – projects that refresh, re-energize, and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals, and signage
Food retail – projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation, and/or expansion
Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture, and building improvements

Eligibility

Eligible Communities:
Communities with populations of not more than 5,000 people located in one of the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Barber, Bourbon, Brown, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Clark, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Comanche, Decatur, Doniphan, Edwards, Elk, Ellsworth, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Greenwood, Hamilton, Harper, Harvey, Haskell, Hodgeman, Jackson, Jewell, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Labette, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Logan, Marion, Marshall, Meade, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Morton, Nemaha, Neosho, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Phillips, Pratt, Rawlins, Republic, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Scott, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Trego, Thomas, Wabaunsee, Wallace, Washington, Wichita, Wilson or WoodsonEligible entities: (all projects must occur in a community of not more than 5,000 people in the eligible counties listed above)
Local Chambers of Commerce
501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizationsProjects must be completed within 12 months of receiving grant funds.
Funds must be used for tangible projects. Funds cannot be used for strategic planning, consultant reviews, community conversations or related activities. Eligible Projects – Projects must fit into one of the following categories:Community vibrancy – This category intends to refresh, re-energize and unlock the beauty in each community. Projects should be permanent and low maintenance. Projects may include but are not limited to: Permanent public art installations
Murals
Community placemaking improvements such as downtown seating, equipment for main street sound systems or projectors for gathering places
Park and recreation equipment improvements
Signage for communities, including welcome signs, downtown light pole banners, and wayfinding signs
Downtown façade improvement or beautification of downtownsChildcare & Senior Programming – This category intends to support and enhance high-quality early childhood care and senior programming services for Kansas children, seniors, and families. The following items are examples of eligible use of these funds for childcare programming: Educational materials such as books, art supplies, developmental toys and learning activities
Program supplies, including but not limited to, materials needed for safe sleep and nutrition
Developmental health screenings and materials
Supports for breastfeeding (e.g. information, privacy room, refrigerator, etc.)
Materials and support for family engagement and outreachThe following items are examples of eligible use of these funds for senior programming: Health, wellness and nutritional materials, equipment, and resources
Indoor and outdoor recreational materials, equipment, and resources
Technology
Art materials, equipment, and resources The funding cannot be used to support one-time programming such as speaker fees, event fees, or salaries.  All project funding for both childcare & senior programming and libraries must comply with the following policies from the National Association for the Education of Young Children Program Accreditation Standards and the Standards for Kansas Public Libraries 2020-2024:National Association for the Education of Young Children Program Accreditation Standards: “The classroom materials and equipment used to implement the curriculum (books, music, dolls, puzzles, toys, dramatic play props) should be representative of the lives of the enrolled children and their families. Curriculum materials should also represent the diverse languages, ages, abilities, and genders found in society as a whole. Include materials that accommodate children with special needs.”
Standards for Kansas Public Libraries 2020-2024: “As the basis of a youth services collection, the library provides a wide range of materials for use by and with youth. It serves current as well as anticipated needs and reflects a diverse and multicultural society.”Libraries – This category intends to support public libraries and empower them to continue to provide free and open access to a broad range of materials and services for people of all ages and backgrounds. Funding in this category will support the following uses: Purchase of books and related reading materials
Laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hot spots, and other equipment to help patrons access reliable internet outside of library facilities and to help them connect to employment, education, general information, and essential telehealth services
Physical improvements to library facilities including but not limited to carpet, roofs, entryways, or meeting rooms
Purchase of furniture to benefit library patrons, such as new reading chairs, installation of coffee makers, tables and kiosks, etc.    All project funding for both childcare & senior programming and libraries must comply with the following policies from the National Association for the Education of Young Children Program Accreditation Standards and the Standards for Kansas Public Libraries 2020-2024:National Association for the Education of Young Children Program Accreditation Standards: “The classroom materials and equipment used to implement the curriculum (books, music, dolls, puzzles, toys, dramatic play props) should be representative of the lives of the enrolled children and their families. Curriculum materials should also represent the diverse languages, ages, abilities, and genders found in society as a whole. Include materials that accommodate children with special needs.”
Standards for Kansas Public Libraries 2020-2024: “As the basis of a youth services collection, the library provides a wide range of materials for use by and with youth. It serves current as well as anticipated needs and reflects a diverse and multicultural society.”Food Retail – This category intends to support local food-sourcing entities with development, renovation, and/or expansion. Eligible entities are those selling food including mobile markets and farmer markets. The following projects are examples of eligible use of these funds: Coolers, appliances, display tables, containers or furniture

Ineligibility

Ineligible Expenses
The funding cannot be used to support one-time programming such as speaker fees, event fees, or salaries.
Funding can not be used for consumable products such as food, paper goods, cleaning supplies, etc.  Applicants must show full project budgets and proof of matching funds with the application.
Applicant A may apply for $5,000 for childcare and senior programming, $10,000 for libraries and $10,000 for community vibrancy. The total may not exceed $25,000 per application.
Applicant B may apply for $25,000 for childcare and senior programming to provide materials to 4 childcare facilities and 1 senior center.