K-State Research and Extension news service 

Manhattan, KS– Updating park benches or adding a sign to the outskirts of town may seem like small steps, but in some rural Kansas communities they are part of a bigger effort to enhance the quality of life for the area’s citizens.

For their work, several Kansas communities have been honored with funding awards for 2022. The awards were given by the Kansas PRIDE program, a partnership of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Masons and Kansas PRIDE, Inc.

Through the program, communities identify what they want to preserve, create, or improve for the future. Volunteers form a local PRIDE organization that works with K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Commerce to accomplish its goals.

“Kansas PRIDE is a volunteer-led organization. These grants allow an opportunity to fund the hard work the volunteers provide in their communities and the state,” said Jaime Menon, Kansas PRIDE program co-coordinator. “Each community has its own unique structure, culture, and assets, and Kansas PRIDE volunteers work to bring out the best in their communities and promote what they have to offer. Through the work of these volunteers, Kansas communities continue to thrive and be a great place to live and raise a family.”

Kansas PRIDE Community Growth Grants of up to $200 each were awarded to the following two communities and their projects:

• Portis – Project materials for updating city park benches for safety and beautification.
• Scranton – for IRS 1023 EZ form fees reimbursement.Kansas PRIDE Community of Action Grants were awarded to four local PRIDE organizations for the following projects:

• Grainfield – Li’l Hawks Village Daycare ($2,000).
• Highland – Degginger as a Destination and Photo Stand-In Project ($1,425).
• Leonardville – Holiday display project ($1,425).
• Toronto – Public entrances/fire exit updates ($2,000).According to Menon, the Community of Action grant offers a one-to-one match with communities that can provide funding up to the maximum amount of $2,000 per project for PRIDE Communities that qualify. Community of Action grant applications are available in two rounds of funding per year.

  Community Promotion Grants are made available through the Kansas PRIDE program’s partnership with the Kansas Masons. This year’s grants were awarded to:

• Highland – Event promotions and signage ($830).
• Ozawkie – Ozawkie PRIDE informational signage ($996.96).