Historic Economic Asset Lifeline Grant Program

The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) program, established through a partnership between the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation, aims to rehabilitate underutilized downtown buildings across Kansas. This program is designed to bring these spaces back into productive use, acting as catalysts for economic and community revitalization. By providing funding that can be disbursed efficiently, HEAL supports projects with the potential to drive economic growth in local communities. HEAL focuses on repurposing downtown buildings for various uses that benefit both residents and businesses. These uses include new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and cultural initiatives, civic engagement, childcare services, and entrepreneurship. By transforming vacant or dilapidated buildings into functional spaces, HEAL not only preserves Kansas’s historic architecture but also fosters economic vitality and community engagement. Since its launch in 2021, HEAL has provided nearly $5 million to fund 87 community projects across the state. These grants have been instrumental in converting neglected properties into thriving spaces that contribute to local economies and improve quality of life. The program operates through competitive grant rounds, evaluating applications based on their potential economic impact and alignment with community needs. For example, the fifth round of HEAL grants opened for applications on November 1, 2024, with a submission deadline of January 31, 2025. Communities that received HEAL funding in previous rounds are ineligible to apply for this funding cycle. To support applicants, the Kansas Department of Commerce provides webinars, guidelines, and other resources to clarify eligibility criteria, application processes, and project requirements. These resources help ensure that applicants are well-prepared to submit proposals that effectively highlight the potential benefits of their projects. The HEAL program exemplifies a strategic approach to community development by leveraging historic assets to create a prosperous future. By revitalizing downtown areas, HEAL not only enhances economic opportunities but also enriches the cultural and social fabric of Kansas communities.