Community Development Block Grant Program

The Community Development Block Grant Program allows Commerce to distribute federal funds to Kansas cities and counties looking to improve their community. To receive funds, a project must meet at least one of the following federally mandated criteria:

• The project benefits low- and moderate-income individuals
• The project removes or prevents slum or blight condition
• The project eliminates an urgent need created by a disaster when local funds are unavailable

Click here for a complete list of CDBG applications, documents and forms.

Annual Competitive Round:

Community Improvement and Housing
Community Improvement projects include, but are not limited to, water and sewer improvements, fire protection, bridges, community and senior centers, streets, architectural barrier removal, natural gas systems, electrical systems, and public service activities. Housing grants support rehabilitation of owner- and renter-occupied residences within targeted areas to encourage neighborhood revitalization.

Water and Sewer Grants
The maximum award is $500,000 with a funding ceiling of $2,000 per beneficiary. Applicants are encouraged to appear before the Kansas Interagency Advisory Committee (KIAC) prior to application submittal. For more information, contact Debbie Beck at (785) 296-3004 or dbeck@kansascommerce.com.

Community Facilities
Projects may consist of, but are not limited to, fire protection, bridges, community/senior centers, streets, architectural barrier removal, natural gas and electrical systems, health, mental health, and other public facilities projects. The maximum award is $400,000 with a funding ceiling of $2,000 per beneficiary. For more information, contact Debbie Beck at (785) 296-3004 or dbeck@kansascommerce.com.

Housing Rehabilitation Grants
These rehabilitation funds are awarded to local units of government (cities and counties) and the maximum amount awarded is $400,000. Homeowner and rental properties must be brought up to code using these grants. Up to $20,000 per unit may be used for rehabilitation. Target areas are encouraged. For more information, contact Linda Hunsicker at (785) 215-4484 or lhunsicker@kansascommerce.com.

Economic Development
These grants to cities or counties are then loaned to provide gap financing for private businesses that create or retain permanent jobs. Eligible activities include infrastructure, land acquisition, fixed assets, and working capital. At least 51 percent of the jobs created or retained by the for-profit entity must meet HUD’s low- and moderate-income standard. Some repayment is required for all Economic Development categories. For more information, contact Terry Marlin at (785) 296-3004 or tmarlin@kansascommerce.com.

Regular Grants/Loans
Grants are made to cities and counties, which then loan funds to developing businesses. Repaid funds are returned to the state revolving loan fund. Funds may also be used for infrastructure on a loan/grant basis. The funding ceiling is $35,000 per job created or retained with a maximum of $750,000. Matching funds are required.

Urgent Need
Urgent Need Grants address an immediate threat to health or safety resulting from a sudden and severe emergency. These awards assist in meeting community needs created by a severe natural or other disaster. The need must be certified by the state agency that has regulatory oversight. Applications are reviewed on an as-needed basis throughout the year. The maximum amount awarded is $400,000 per grant. Applications must be received within six months of the occurrence. For more information, contact Salih Doughramaji at (785) 296-3004 or salih@kansascommerce.com.

KAN STEP
The Kansas Small Towns Environment Program (KAN STEP) is an ongoing, non-competitive, self-help program for communities to address water, sewer, and public building needs through greater initiative and with fewer dollars. Communities must demonstrate readiness (perception of the problem and willingness to take action to solve it), capacity (human resources to solve the problem), and documented cost savings. These grants require the use of volunteers to match CDBG funds. A 40 percent savings must be demonstrated to be eligible. The maximum amount awarded for this grant is $300,000, with a funding ceiling of $2,000 per beneficiary. The funding is by annual competition. Funding is targeted to professional services and materials. For more information, contact Salih Doughramaji at (785) 296-3004 or salih@kansascommerce.com.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program allows the Department of Commerce to disperse federal funds to state and local governments in select Kansas counties that have been hit hardest by the foreclosure crises. Click here for more information.

CDBG-R Program
The CDBG-R Program, as authorized under the federal American Recovery and Investment Act, provides additional funding for community development projects in Kansas. Click here for more information. 

For details, please contact:
The CDBG Program, Technical Assistance
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: (785) 296-3004
Fax: (785) 296-3776
TTY: (785) 296-3487
E-mail: comdev@kansascommerce.com