Empower Kansas

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Empower Kansas Mission: To promote an enhanced quality of life for citizens of Kansas communities through education, leadership development, and recognition.

The Empower Kansas Program supports volunteer-led efforts to strengthen and revitalize communities across Kansas through education, leadership, and local engagement. Vision: Vibrant Communities with a Positive Future. The Kansas Community Empowerment Program supports volunteer-led efforts to revitalize, inspire, strengthen, and elevate communities across Kansas. Backed by the Kansas Department of Commerce, we provide tools, training, and funding to help local leaders turn great ideas into lasting impact. Whether your goals involve downtown beautification, civic engagement, or leadership development, we are here to help your community move from intention to action—and from action to transformation. We want to bring people together, foster local pride, and encourage active participation in the places they call home. We do this to help create happier, healthier, and more thriving communities across Kansas. Founded in 1970 by Governor Robert Docking, the Kansas Community Empowerment Program began as a partnership between K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and Kansas PRIDE, Inc. This grassroots initiative is built on the values of self-reliance, volunteerism, and a shared commitment to improving the "quality of place" in communities throughout the state. Every Kansas community is unique, yet they all share a common bond: a proud heritage rooted in resilience and local pride. Community Guidelines: We kindly ask that you be respectful when engaging on our page. We reserve the right to remove any content that is harmful, offensive, or inappropriate.

Empower Kansas project, done by Caney Community Betterment Group Foundation will be featured on this week's Community Im...
10/13/2026

Empower Kansas project, done by Caney Community Betterment Group Foundation will be featured on this week's Community Impact Tour with the Quality Places Division!

“This week is about recognizing the innovative projects and dedicated individuals working to build stronger, more vibrant communities across the state,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Through the Community Impact Tour, we’re bringing well-deserved attention to the incredible progress happening in Kansas.”

Quality Places launched these tours in 2024 and has since received the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Commerce received the award for the division's work in the Special Event category that impacts the entire state population.

We want to remind all Empower Kansas communities that applications for the 2026 Empower Kansas Awards are still open! In...
10/12/2026

We want to remind all Empower Kansas communities that applications for the 2026 Empower Kansas Awards are still open! In 2027, we'll present nine awards—three for each enrolled tier. Communities are encouraged to apply for Project of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Community of the Year.

Don't miss this opportunity to recognize a dedicated volunteer, celebrate an impactful project, or highlight the outstanding work happening in your community!

The application deadline is November 20, 2026. Submit your application before the deadline! You can find all applications on our website.

For questions, contact Matthew, the Empower Kansas Administrator.

Next Tuesday is our Monthly Check-in! Join Matthew and share your updates, questions, and feedback. We look forward to w...
10/09/2026

Next Tuesday is our Monthly Check-in! Join Matthew and share your updates, questions, and feedback. We look forward to welcoming new and returning community members and hearing what’s happening across Kansas!

Join/Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tqfcFZMYT46OokNnghkXxA #/registration

We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 Empower Kansas Awards! In 2027, we’ll be presenting nine awards—three for each enrol...
10/05/2026

We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 Empower Kansas Awards! In 2027, we’ll be presenting nine awards—three for each enrolled tier. Applications are now open for Project of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Community of the Year. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize a dedicated volunteer, an impactful project, or an outstanding community. Submit your application by November 30, 2026!

For any questions, contact Matthew, the Empower Kansas Administrator, at [email protected].

Application for Project of the Year: https://forms.gle/E8QxFTFBPvPNYhvF8

Application for Volunteer of the Year: https://forms.gle/akeqsx6W695KRGHK9

Application for Community of the Year: https://forms.gle/D1umymHJuqpgcnHi7

09/28/2026

Kansas communities, it's time to make your mark! Round 2 of the Empower Kansas 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 is OPEN.

Eligible Empower Kanas communities can apply for up to $15,000 for projects that last, like public art, park upgrades, welcome signs, downtown façades, community gardens, and more. A 1:1 match is required, and up to half can come from volunteer hours.

The deadline to apply is October 31st, 2026, so don't wait! Let's build places Kansans are proud to call home.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4ARSeOu

Empower Kansas communities! Funding is still available through our Kickstart Grant. If you haven’t received Kickstart fu...
09/28/2026

Empower Kansas communities! Funding is still available through our Kickstart Grant. If you haven’t received Kickstart funds this year, now is the time to apply. Awards range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on your tier.

Apply here:https://www.kansascommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KCE-KICKSTART-Application-Guide-2026-1.pdf

Empower KS has more exciting news to share! Our Listening Tour has won a Bronze Award in the Special Event category from...
09/24/2026

Empower KS has more exciting news to share!

Our Listening Tour has won a Bronze Award in the Special Event category from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards program recognizes innovative economic development projects and programs from communities and organizations across the globe. The awards program has 26 categories showcasing transformative efforts that have made a significant impact on communities, regions and nations.

Empower KS was one of eight Commerce programs that were awarded in the 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards. “This is an incredible accomplishment for the Department of Commerce and reflects the extraordinary work that is happening across our agency,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These awards recognize programs addressing some of the toughest challenges facing our communities — from housing and downtown revitalization to neighborhood development, community engagement and major business investment.”

We are excited to share that our 2025 Listening Tour has received a 2026 Aliceann Wohlbruck NADO Impact Award. The award...
09/23/2026

We are excited to share that our 2025 Listening Tour has received a 2026 Aliceann Wohlbruck NADO Impact Award. The awards from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) recognize the innovative efforts that are strengthening Kansas communities through housing, community engagement, and economic development.

The tour marked the beginning of Commerce’s administration of the Kansas Community Empowerment program. The agency traveled throughout Kansas to listen directly to communities, understand their priorities and learn what they needed to succeed. The tour helped build a framework where communities of different sizes, needs and levels of capacity can find a place to participate and grow.

NADO announced 94 winning projects led by 58 organizations across 20 states. Commerce received three awards. "These awards represent three very different projects, but each are designed to understand what communities need and find ways to help them move forward,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We want to meet communities where they are, give them the tools and resources they need, and help them turn their ideas into action.”

Empower KS Communities! We're excited to share that Impact Grant Applications are now open until October 31. If you're a...
09/22/2026

Empower KS Communities! We're excited to share that Impact Grant Applications are now open until October 31. If you're an enrolled Community of Excellence, this is a wonderful opportunity to apply! You might just receive up to $15,000 to support a project that will make a lasting impact in your community. Don't miss out—submit your application today!

Apply now: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/qpd/kce-kickstart-and-impact-grants/

Empower KS Network! We're excited to share that community reporting is now live. Remember, reporting is MANDATORY for al...
09/21/2026

Empower KS Network! We're excited to share that community reporting is now live. Remember, reporting is MANDATORY for all enrolled communities. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Matthew.

Reporting: https://form.jotform.com/262033710005036

Address

915 SW Harrison Street
Topeka, KS
66612

Telephone

+17855325840

Website

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