Blueprint to Build - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Blueprint to Build Grant Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to assist small communities in Kansas with constructing new, modern community centers by offering three pre-designed, energy-efficient building layouts. This initiative is made possible through funding from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Hutton, a design firm, was selected through a competitive process to develop these blueprints, which include comprehensive architectural, structural, and interior plans. The program supports the construction of new community centers, encouraging faster project timelines by bypassing traditional design stages. Each blueprint—Small (5,185 sq. ft.), Medium (16,745 sq. ft.), and Large (23,950 sq. ft.)—comes with options for gyms or pools and includes key features like multi-purpose rooms, serving kitchens, storm shelters, fitness and telemedicine areas, and solar panels. While additional features may be funded locally, only minor design changes are allowed and require approval. A total of $14 million in funding is available for 2025. Grants are capped at $1.5 million for communities with populations under 2,500, and $2.5 million for those over 2,500. All awards require a 50% local match, with at least 10% of the match needing to be cash from a local source. Matching funds can include bank loans, local government contributions, or other grants that are secured and documented at the time of contract signing. No grant funds can reimburse costs incurred prior to the award, such as for grant writing or preliminary engineering. Eligible applicants include all non-entitlement cities and counties in Kansas, excluding areas like Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, and all of Johnson County. To apply, communities must first submit a pre-application by October 14, 2025, demonstrating eligibility, site control, matching funds, and readiness. Approved applicants then receive bridging documents and must secure a licensed architect or engineer to prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report or Architectural Report as part of the final application. The final application deadline is November 14, 2025. Applicants are evaluated on project need, readiness, impact, sustainability, and matching fund sources. Bonus points are awarded to communities that haven't received certain CDBG grants in the past five years or those with 10% or more in private matching funds. Public participation is also required, with two public hearings—one prior to application and one after project completion. For questions or support, applicants can contact Ginny Eardley, CDBG Specialist, at Ginny.M.Eardley@ks.gov or (785) 230-6319. Further program details and forms can be found in the 2025 Blueprint to Build Guidelines PDF on the Kansas Department of Commerce website.

Applications scoring below 75 are typically non-competitive. Applicants are advised to propose walkable sites near downtown, confirm matching funds early, and gather community support through public hearings and letters.