TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the award recipients for the Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program. In this round of funding, more than $250,000 was distributed among 12 recipients across the state.

“Through the SEED grant program, we’re helping our small and rural communities grow stronger and become more resilient,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These investments will drive economic development, enhance local services and create a more prosperous future across the state.”

Awardees of the grant represent communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Additionally, awardees must provide a minimum 10-percent match and complete the proposed 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

Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.

The 2024 SEED grant recipients include:

Haskell Township Library in Haskell County $22,500