(March 24, 2023) – The Kansas Department of Commerce is currently seeking applications for the Delivering Residents and Workforce Grant. The deadline for submissions is April 24.
Due to high demand and critical need industries facing a severe labor shortage in the State of Kansas, the DRAW Grant seeks to address workforce shortages and training needs in these fields, including health care organizations. This grant program will provide $10,000,000 in training and equipment funding for these industries and additional incentives to draw new residents into the state. Each organization can apply for funds up to $1,000,000. Note: there is a required 25 percent match by entities that are receiving funding. Priority will be given to applications that encourage new employees from out-of-state.
Activities eligible for grant funding include:
- Construction, engineering and architecture, planning, inspections and environmental assessments for on-site training facilities
- Construction, engineering and architecture, planning, inspections and environmental assessments for service expansions requiring new job opportunities
- Third-party training costs and vendor training on machinery and equipment
- Machinery, supplies, technologies and equipment solely used for training purposes
- Supervisor and management salaries directly related to training costs
- Course development costs and services for development of in-house training
- Marketing, communication and activities to attract talent to Kansas
An informational webinar was held on Friday, March 17. The recording can be viewed at https://youtu.be/foPBcpoHVos. For more information and how to apply, please visit Delivering Residents and Workforce (DRAW) (kansascommerce.gov). If you have questions you can contact Jaron Caffrey at (785) 233-7436.
--Jaron Caffrey