GRANT Program Funding Update

Cities engaged in public benefit improvements can now apply for funding through this year's Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) Program.

The legislature created the GRANT Program by passing House Bill 9 in the 2023 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The Department for Local Government administered the program.

During the 2024 Regular Session, legislatures enacted House Bill 723, which sunset the previous GRANT Program and created a new version administered by the Cabinet for Economic Development. Participating organizations must now provide matching funds based on their county's population and population growth.

Eligible participants are encouraged to apply for the program through the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts, their local Area Development District, or their local public institution of post-secondary education.

The program looks to fund projects that benefit the public through economic development and quality-of-life improvements. Further information on the 2024 GRANT Program is available from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. It held an informational webinar about the program earlier this month and will conduct another one on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Once registration for the event opens, it will be on the cabinet's website.

Beginning on June 1, 2024, cities can apply for the program on the first day of each month.