On August 10, 2023 in Topeka, Kansas, the state’s Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that $1.5 million will be available for a fourth round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize dilapidated and underutilized downtown buildings in small communities across Kansas.
HEAL grants help close financial gaps for communities striving to make their downtown districts more economically vibrant.
Since the HEAL grant program was launched in 2021, more than $3.5 million has been awarded to fund 63 projects in 48 counties throughout Kansas.
Enhancements have been made for HEAL 4.0 that are designed to set up applicants for even greater success, including a longer application period and a maximum award of $100,000.
Additionally, formal bids will be required this round from licensed contractors at the time of application submission.
“HEAL 4.0 will offer even more support and funding for communities working to bring vacant and underutilized buildings back to productive use,” Toland said.
“We want as many communities as possible across the state to benefit from this successful program that breathes new life into downtown districts,” he added.
HEAL grants help bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for:
- New or expanding businesses
- Housing
- Arts and culture
- Civic engagement
- Childcare
- Entrepreneurship
Submitted projects must show potential to be economic drivers in that community and also demonstrate that the space will be occupied by the end of the project.
Proof of 1:1 matching funds from the building owner will be required at the time of application.
Communities that received a HEAL grant in the first round (awarded spring/summer 2022) are now eligible to apply again.
Communities that received HEAL grants in either fall 2022 or spring 2023 are not eligible to apply this round.
The application window closes November 10, 2023, with award notifications in mid-December.
Photo of downtown Overland Park, Kansas courtesy of the Downtown Overland Park Partnership.