North Central Kansas Rural Development Initiative
Funded in part by Kansas Tax Credits through the Economic Development Act of 2004

How Do I Apply?

To apply for funding, please submit a letter (no longer than 2 pages) to the North Central Kansas Rural Development Initiative that addresses the following:

1. Who You Are
   a. Organization name,
   b. Brief history, and
   c. Examples of past projects, if applicable
2. Project Description
   a. Purpose of the project,
   b. Goals of the project, and,
   c. Specifically what the funding will provide
3. Total Budget – including all sources of funds and their status and uses
4. When funding is needed

If the project is determined to be eligible and of interest to the region, additional information may be required.

When May I Apply?

The program currently accepts requests for funding at any time. Keep in mind projects that are deemed worthy of receiving funds will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

Who is Eligible for Funding?

Counties covered include the following: Chase, Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Geary, Jewell, Lincoln, Lyon, Marshall, Mitchell, Morris, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, Saline, Wabaunsee, and Washington.

Cities, counties, and non-profits are eligible to receive grants or loans or combinations thereof.

For-profit businesses are eligible for up to $50,000 in loans or equity injections or combinations thereof.

Not all projects may qualify for funding even if the applicant is eligible to apply. Examples include city/county infrastructure that is otherwise qualified under local, state or federal programs. Similarly, for-profit businesses must be able to prove they are not eligible to receive bank financing. If you have questions about whether or not your project does qualify, please contact the NCRPC to discuss your situation. It might be possible to fund your project through another entity.

What Type of Project is Eligible for Funding?

Projects must be able to exhibit regional impact and/or appeal. Categories under which projects may be funded include:

- Leadership Development
- Business Service / Technology Access or Development
- Job Creation/Retention

For examples of what has been funded to date, refer to the 2008 Mid-Year Report.

What is the Review Process?

Requests for amounts less than $15,000 can typically be approved with staff review, usually within 15 days of receipt. Requests for amounts greater than $15,000 require board review, which in most cases can occur within 30 days of receipt. Once approved, you will receive a letter of award and/or contract.

Where Do I Send My Application Letter?

Letters may be sent to the following address:

North Central Kansas Rural Development Initiative
Attn: Debra Carlson Ohlde, NCRPC Assistant Director
109 N. Mill Street, P.O. Box 565
Beloit, KS 67420

Need More Information?

Contact Debra Carlson Ohlde, Assistant Director, or John Cyr, Special Programs Manager, by phone at 785-738-2218 or email by clicking the name above.

More questions? Check our Frequently Asked Questions Page