Kansas State Treasurer awards $1.5 million in grants

KANSAS (KSNT) – Treasurer Steven Johnson announced that $1.5 million has been awarded in the “Home in the Heartland” grant program to support local efforts to recruit and retain new residents, as well as to strengthen economic growth.

The “Home in the Heartland” grant program was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2025 to help strengthen local economies by recruiting new residents. This program addresses a critical challenge for Kansas communities, many of which are losing population and losing long-term economic stability.

These funds may be used to relocation incentives, marketing campaigns, programming and administration. Each grant has clear goals for the number of new households to be relocated, with eligibility requirements such as income thresholds and out-of-state residency. To ensure accountability, half of the award is provided upfront, and when communities reach 50% of their relocation targets, they will be provided the other half of the funds.

Grant Recipients and Award Amounts

• City of Kingman – $76,800
• City of Neodesha – $40,000
• City of Parsons – $73,200
• Dodge City / Ford County Development – $211,374
• Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce – $167,362
• Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce – $225,000
• Lincoln County Economic Development – $53,340
• McPherson County Community Foundation – $72,000
• Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce – $145,600
• Choose Ottawa County – $73,156
• Riley County – $187,084
• Salina Area Chamber of Commerce – $175,084

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