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Rural Champions

A network of devoted rural champions working to strengthen Kansas communities

The Rural by Choice Champions program is designed to create a network of grassroots individuals who possess the necessary tools to resolve critical community needs in a quick and effective manner. These Rural Champions will receive strategic training, compensation, and paired with resources to assist them.

Developed by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP), in collaboration with the Kansas Sampler Foundation (KSF) and the Patterson Family Foundation, this program will address critical public needs in rural communities and build capacity moving forward.

Moving the needle towards rural prosperity.

The need for the Rural Champions program was identified in the Power Up & Go report through surveys and interviews of more than 400 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would “move the needle” toward success for rural prosperity. Many of those individuals wanting to make a difference are volunteers who are passionate about their communities but unable to take on a community improvement project without receiving appropriate resources, training and/or compensation.

The Rural Champions program removes the funding gap for those passionate rural dwellers by connecting them with resources that will help them accomplish their critical community project.

Applications open April 5th and will close until July 12th. A webinar will be held to discuss the application, grant availability and eligibility, program process, as well as answer any questions. Applicants that submit before June 12th can request review of the application.

In many cases for rural communities, lack of capacity in human capital prohibits critical needs from being addressed. The Rural By Choice Champions program was developed to provide the support needed to fill the gap in driving successes throughout Kansas when there is a lack of capital or the capacity of a dedicated individual to see a project through to completion. The Rural Champions program is creating a network of grassroots champions tackling critical needs that have been identified by the communities themselves.

Learn more about Rural Champion Projects

The Rural Champion is someone identified and sponsored by a host organization in their community to take on a project that will have lasting impact. The selected twelve will be taking on various projects that have been evidenced by need across the state. The processes that the Rural Champions utilize will be captured, creating additional roadmaps for change that other rural communities can then follow to do similar work.  

Champions will continue to utilize the #ruralbychoice social media campaign to highlight events and successes. Be sure to follow them and keep informed as projects continue to move forward.

Community Development
Placemaking & Recruitment
Entrepreneurship
Childcare
Housing
Wellness

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