Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland has announced the availability of $1.5 million for a fifth round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants. These grants are aimed at revitalizing dilapidated and underutilized downtown buildings in small communities across the state to enhance their economic vibrancy.
Since it was launched in 2021, the program has awarded nearly $5 million to support 87 community projects in Kansas. The HEAL grants assist communities in transforming downtown buildings, previously used for storage or other purposes, into spaces such as stores, coffee shops, and upper floor lofts.
The program supports the development of spaces for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare, or entrepreneurial activities. Projects submitted must demonstrate economic potential and occupancy by the project’s end. Applicants must provide proof of 1:1 matching funds from the building owner.
The application period runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, 2025, with award notifications in April. Communities that received HEAL grants in spring 2023 or fall 2024 are ineligible for this round. A virtual webinar detailing the program specifics is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, and requires registration via Zoom.
For more information on HEAL grants, the webinar, and the online application, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.kansascommerce.gov/community-development/heal/
