Former Director of the Montgomery County Action Council Trisha Purdon is now the Director for the Office of Rural Prosperity. Her Office has developed a pilot program to help revitalize rural communities across Kansas.
The Rural Champion Project was identified through surveys and interviews of more than 600 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would move the needle toward success.
To apply, communities describe challenges that are slowing progress and how a Rural Champion would benefit and advance economic success.
Twelve communities will be selected for the program and will receive a stipend for the wages of the Rural Champion.
Examples of community projects that are critically needed, but not limited to: new childcare facility or rehabilitating a building to support a childcare center, health and wellness projects like a trail system or shared bike trails, or new or rehabilitation of housing units.
Applicants must be located in counties with less than 40,000 in population. You must apply by 5 pm Friday, September 16th. An informational webinar will be held at 10 am Thursday, August 18.
Link to register for the webinar or more information. Rural Champions will be announced in late September and will have one year to complete their projects.
