TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of the Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) grant program, a groundbreaking initiative that will address both housing needs and workforce development in Kansas. This new opportunity will provide up to $2 million to qualified Kansas technical and community colleges to build and renovate residential homes, while training the next generation of well-skilled trade workers.
“Kansas has ushered in unprecedented levels of business investment, unlocking more workforce opportunities than we’ve ever seen before, but we don’t want a housing shortage to limit our potential,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This new grant opportunity will help build more housing in Kansas and create more opportunities for skilled professionals to put down roots in our state.”
FRAME was developed in response to a housing study conducted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. The study highlighted the critical shortage of housing and skilled workers needed to meet the state’s growing demand. Existing contractors are stretched thin, and there is an urgent need to recruit and train a new workforce to ensure Kansas communities can build, grow and thrive.
“We believe the FRAME grant program has the ability to transform communities across the state,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Not only will we see added housing, but we are creating a pipeline of skilled workers who are essential to the future of our economy.”
Key details of the FRAME include:
- Funding Amount: $2 million in total funding is available, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $1 million per college
- Eligibility: Open to technical and community colleges in Kansas with existing construction programs
- Purpose: Funds will support the construction of new homes or renovation of existing homes while providing training in skilled trades such as construction, plumbing, electrical work and more
- Application Period: Opens on December 1 and closes on February 14, 2025
- Awards Announcement: Recipients will be notified in March 2025
Those applying should clearly demonstrate how the funds will be used to expand or develop housing programs, add residential housing in Kansas, and train students in various skilled trades. Colleges must outline a sustainable plan for future growth and how they will partner with local high schools, community organizations and industry professionals to engage students and ensure employment opportunities.
To learn more about the FRAME grant, click here. Commerce will present an informational webinar at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 3. To register, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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