Kansas Employment Labor and Training Grants

The Devices Grants program, supported by the KC Digital Inclusion Fund (DIF), aims to bridge the digital divide by providing essential devices like computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This initiative directly aligns with the DIF's broader mission to advance a systemic strategy for digital equity, fill programmatic gaps, attract new funding, and strengthen Kansas City’s competitiveness for state and federal dollars. The program emphasizes supporting user interface devices to overcome technology barriers, rather than focusing on connectivity infrastructure or data plans. The target beneficiaries for this grant are individuals in need within the 9-county Greater Kansas City region, encompassing Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte, and Ray counties in Missouri, and Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. The program specifically targets populations with limited access to technology and digital resources, aiming to empower them to access the internet and enhance their digital literacy. The impact goals include increasing access to technology for underserved communities, improving digital literacy, and fostering better internet connectivity solutions. The funding priorities for Devices Grants are centered around projects that provide access to technology, offer digital literacy training, and implement internet connectivity solutions. Priority is given to projects that are aligned with a specific program, rather than just an organization or population, and that help outcome-oriented direct-service organizations fulfill their mission by overcoming technology barriers. The core focus area is "Access to Network." Eligible applicants are direct-serving 501(c)(3) public charities, educational or governmental entities serving people in need within the specified 9-county region. While the grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, the available funding is up to $75,000 with an award range of $1,000 to $20,000. The grant period is up to 6 months, with all projects expected to be completed by March 31, 2025. Grantees are notified of award status via email around August 26, 2024. The expected outcomes are that recipient organizations will be better equipped to serve their communities by providing necessary devices, ultimately leading to increased digital inclusion and improved access to digital resources for vulnerable populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers, focusing on enhancing job training, education, employment services, housing stability, and youth development initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports coalitions of organizations in the Kansas City region working together to create lasting solutions that improve economic mobility for local residents.

This grant provides financial support to Manhattan-based nonprofits for projects that enhance community well-being, promote environmental conservation, and develop recreational infrastructure in the area.

This grant provides funding for affordable housing projects in Lawrence, Kansas, aimed at supporting local organizations and initiatives that address critical housing needs and promote long-term affordability.

This program provides funding to small businesses in Overland Park, Kansas, to support their growth through various development activities, such as staff training, equipment purchases, and commercial improvements.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits and community organizations in rural Kansas and western Missouri to implement innovative projects that enhance economic opportunities and build resilient local economies.

This program provides $7,000 one-time awards to small businesses in Kansas with fewer than 25 employees to help register new apprentices in high-demand fields, supporting workforce development and business succession planning.

This grant provides funding for educational, cultural, health, and human services programs that address community needs in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

This funding opportunity supports initiatives that recruit and develop qualified teachers in rural Kansas and western Missouri communities with populations under 50,000, focusing on alternative certification pathways and local workforce models.

This funding opportunity supports the expansion and modernization of Career and Technical Education programs for high school students in rural Kansas and Missouri, focusing on preparing them for careers in high-demand industries.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that improve education, health, arts, and community services for residents in Atchison, Kansas, and the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

This grant provides funding for innovative community projects in north-central and northwest Kansas that enhance education, healthcare, social services, the environment, arts, and community beautification, with a focus on strong community involvement and volunteerism.

This grant provides funding for impactful community and rural development projects in Marion County, Kansas, focusing on initiatives related to preservation, agriculture, and conservation.

This grant provides $15 million annually to a nonprofit organization in Kansas to deliver comprehensive services that strengthen families, reduce intergenerational poverty, and enhance child welfare through case management, employment support, and financial education.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that support affordable housing, economic resilience, financial health, homeownership, and small business development for low- and moderate-income communities across 26 states.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Marion County, Kansas, for programs that support students with dyslexia and reading challenges.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in communities served by Union Pacific to support projects that enhance community safety, workforce development, and overall community vitality.

This grant provides funding to organizations in rural Kansas and western Missouri to create training and apprenticeship programs in high-demand skilled trades, helping to address labor shortages and prepare individuals for sustainable employment.