Best Overland Park Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

Johnson County Community Development Office

The mission of the Johnson County Community Development Office is to secure federal, state and local funding for community development activities, to provide leadership in coordinating these activities, and to ensure continued funding through accountable, efficient and effective use of these funds in serving low- to moderate-income residents in Johnson County.

Community Development Block Grant

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. The program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

Federal Objective

The primary objective of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, is to promote “development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.” The Code of Federal Regulations, 24 CFR 570 Subparts A through O, govern how this objective is to be carried out.

Johnson County’s Priority Objectives

The primary goal of the program is to provide federal financial assistance to eligible applicants for the purpose of community development. In pursuit of this goal, the County has identified several strategies in the Plan that applicants should consider when applying. A unit of local government may also use local goals and/or objectives in support of a specific activity for which funds are requested. As stated in the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, the priority needs are: Non-Housing Community Development; Affordable Housing; and Homelessness.

The CDBG program includes funding for: 1) Housing Projects; 2) Public Facilities Projects 3) Public Services Projects; and 4) Economic Development Projects

Housing Projects

Eligible Activities

Once the National Objective is determined then the activity must be an eligible housing activity defined at 24 CFR 570.202. 

• Homeowner Rehabilitation: General programs aimed at rehabilitation of existing structures, including substantial rehabilitation programs, which typically bring the property up to local codes and standards. Special purpose programs, including: Energy efficiency programs aimed at improving the energy efficiency of homes; Handicapped accessibility programs; Emergency repair programs that provide for the repair of certain elements of a housing unit in emergency situations; Weatherization programs aimed at improving a home’s ability to withstand the elements
• Home Purchase Activities: CDBG funds may be used to provide direct homeownership assistance to LMI households in two ways.
• Rental Housing Activities: CDBG funds may be used for acquisition of property for an eligible rental housing project. CDBG may also be used to rehabilitate rental housing
• New Construction: Generally, new construction of housing is not eligible under the CDBG program. However, the regulations allow for certain eligible entities to carry out this activity on behalf of the grantee (570.204(c)), known as Community Based Development Organization or CBDO. 
• Services in Connection with Housing may qualify under several eligibility categories of the CDBG regulations

Johnson County Community Development Office

The mission of the Johnson County Community Development Office is to secure federal, state and local funding for community development activities, to provide leadership in coordinating these activities, and to ensure continued funding through accountable, efficient and effective use of these funds in serving low- to moderate-income residents in Johnson County.

Community Development Block Grant

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. The program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

Federal Objective

The primary objective of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, is to promote “development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.” The Code of Federal Regulations, 24 CFR 570 Subparts A through O, govern how this objective is to be carried out.

Johnson County’s Priority Objectives

The primary goal of the program is to provide federal financial assistance to eligible applicants for the purpose of community development. In pursuit of this goal, the County has identified several strategies in the Plan that applicants should consider when applying. A unit of local government may also use local goals and/or objectives in support of a specific activity for which funds are requested. As stated in the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, the priority needs are: Non-Housing Community Development; Affordable Housing; and Homelessness.

The CDBG program includes funding for: 1) Housing Projects; 2) Public Facilities Projects 3) Public Services Projects; and 4) Economic Development Projects

Public Facilities Projects

Eligible Activities

Once the National Objective is determined then the activity must be a public facilities and improvements as defined at 24 CFR 570.201(c) and (f).

Acquisition, reconstruction, rehabilitation or installation of public facilities and improvements carried out by the subrecipient: In undertaking such activities, design features and improvements that promote energy efficiency may be included. Such activities may also include the execution of architectural design features, and similar treatments intended to enhance the aesthetic quality of facilities receiving assistance, such as decorative pavements, railings, sculptures, pools of water and fountains, and other works of art. Activities may be directed to the removal of material and architectural barriers that restrict the mobility and accessibility of elderly or disabled persons to public facilities and improvements.

Awards

The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Awards are a portfolio of awards to recognize leaders who are making a lasting impact within their nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve.

The Visionary Award

The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award is designed to honor an executive leader from a 501(c)(3) public charity in the Kansas City region who is building an inspiring and impactful legacy within their community, particularly aligned with the Foundation’s mission to advance economic mobility, and who demonstrates significant contributions to the Kansas City region’s well-being, growth, and empowerment.

About the Award

The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Awards are a portfolio of awards to recognize leaders who are making a lasting impact within their nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. These awards honor individuals whose work aligns with the Kauffman Foundation’s strategic priorities and exemplify the visionary leadership of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, through innovative, generous, and meaningful work in the community.