Historic Economic Asset Lifeline Grant Program

The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) program is a grant initiative of the Kansas Department of Commerce designed to restore and revitalize underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated downtown buildings across rural Kansas. Recognizing that downtown areas are the economic and cultural centers of small communities, HEAL aims to inject new life into these districts by funding projects that transform idle structures into productive spaces supporting business expansion, housing, childcare, arts and culture, and community engagement. The initiative is part of the state’s broader economic development strategy to stimulate reinvestment in historic districts, preserve architectural heritage, and foster local entrepreneurship. The program offers two funding tracks: Building Grants and Façade Grants. Building Grants support comprehensive rehabilitation projects that bring unused or neglected buildings back into active economic use, while Façade Grants are designed to improve the exterior appearance of downtown properties to enhance the area’s overall visual appeal and encourage further private investment. Both types of grants are limited to $30 per square foot, with Building Grants capped at $100,000 and Façade Grants at $40,000. A 1:1 funding match from the building owner is required, ensuring local commitment and shared financial responsibility. Eligible applicants include nonprofit and local government organizations applying on behalf of private building owners. These may include Tribal Nations, cities, counties, chambers of commerce, designated Kansas Main Street programs, community foundations, schools, and other qualifying 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) entities. Private building owners themselves cannot apply directly but must partner with an eligible organization that assumes fiscal and reporting responsibilities. Ineligible applicants include certain communities that have received HEAL funding in prior rounds. Properties must be located in downtown business districts within Kansas cities of fewer than 50,000 residents and must hold architectural or economic significance for their locality. Applicants are required to submit detailed architectural plans, color renderings, contractor bids, a simple business plan for post-construction use, proof of matching funds, and a signed commitment letter from both the applicant organization and building owner. Projects must adhere to Main Street Design Standards and best preservation practices, particularly for properties listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places, which must receive prior approval from the State Historic Preservation Office. Construction must begin no later than August 1, 2026, and projects must reach completion with tenant occupancy by February 1, 2029. The 2025 HEAL 6.0 application cycle opens on October 1, 2025, and closes December 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM. The Kansas Department of Commerce will host a program webinar on October 6, 2025, and several office hours throughout the application period. Award announcements are scheduled for March 2026, followed by contracting in April and a grantee workshop in late March. Construction and reporting milestones continue through August 2028, with project closeout by February 2029. HEAL operates on a recurring cycle, with additional rounds anticipated in the future. Inquiries can be directed to the Kansas Department of Commerce via its HEAL Program webpage.

Ensure documentation meets Main Street and SHPO standards; missing bids or match proof disqualify.