Rural Champions

1. Program Overview: - Provides funding for dedicated individuals to address critical community needs in rural Kansas - 12 champions will be selected to work on community improvement projects - Program runs October 2024 - October 2025 2. Funding Amount: - $20,800 stipend ($20/hour for 20 hours/week) - Additional $25,000 implementation grant - Requires 25% match ($5,200) in cash or in-kind contributions 3. Eligible Applicants (must be in counties with population under 40,000): - Local government divisions - Economic/Community Development organizations - Community Foundations - Chambers of Commerce - Nonprofits (501(c)3 or 601(c)6) - Main Street Organizations - School Districts - Federally recognized tribal nations 4. Eligible Project Types: - Rural grocery/food access - Childcare initiatives - Placemaking/Beautification - Trails/Recreation - Entrepreneurship support - Co-Working spaces - Health/Wellness programs - Housing projects - Broadband development - Regional talent recruitment