Commerce Opens Applications for
Rural Champions Program
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Office of Rural Prosperity has opened applications for the third cohort of the Rural Champions program.
A total of $549,600 will be distributed across 12 rural Kansas communities with population of 40,000 or less to support the new cohort’s initiatives.
“Through the Rural Champions program, we’re empowering local leaders with a specific vision to create transformational change within their communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grant opportunities provide the tools and resources these change agents need to remove barriers and enhance the quality of life in the place they call home.”
The Rural Champions program was designed to provide dedicated development support to cities, counties, community foundations, tribal nations and community organizations that have experienced difficulty making progress on critical local issues that hinder economic and community growth.
Offered in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation and the USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Grant Program, the Rural Champions program funds dedicated development assistance for rural communities that lack capital, expertise and other important resources to complete local projects.
“Rural Champions cohort communities have a deep understanding of their local challenges and opportunities and are committed to creating a positive future,” said Jessica Hunt, vice president of programs and strategy for the Patterson Family Foundation. “As our Foundation works toward thriving rural communities, we recognize that efforts like this can help launch new strategies toward complex rural issues.”
Since the Rural Champions program began in 2022, 26 communities have received funding to develop and create solutions for an array of different rural challenges. From establishing 24/7 mental health telehealth resources in Morton County to creating a collaborative homelessness service network in Emporia — or rebuilding a grocery store after a devastating fire in Dighton — this program is empowering rural communities across the state. Other project summaries can be found in the most recent Rural Champions Guidebook here.
The grants will provide cohort members with $20,800 as a stipend to compensate the Rural Champions as they work through locally identified key challenges. Awardees also receive an additional $25,000 grant at the end of the year to move communities into the implementation phase of their projects.
“The Rural Champions program has been impactful across the state — and has created a roadmap for other communities that face similar challenges,” Office of Rural Prosperity Director Trisha Purdon said. “By providing resources and financial support, we’re able to uplift rural communities in all parts of the state regardless of zip code.”
To apply, a community must identify a Rural Champion and document a focus area that has been identified as a significant need. Additionally, applicants must provide matching support that includes a dedicated mentor, office space, equipment and a cash match to cover travel expenses for quarterly training. Applicants that provide an additional cash match to increase hours or pay for the Champion will receive added consideration in the review process.
Award announcements will be made in March.
Applications are being accepted until 5:00 p.m. February 20, 2026. Organizations that submit before January 5 can request a pre-review of their application.
An informational webinar will be presented at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 17. To register, click here.
For additional information and to read more about the projects from the previous cohorts, visit here or contact Kelli Hansen at (785) 230-9857 or kelli.hansen@ks.gov.
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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