Gov. Andy Beshear has announced a new partnership between Team Kentucky and the nonprofit organization Grant Ready Kentucky (GRKY) to help communities across the state access federal grant funding. This initiative aims to support quality-of-life projects and foster economic growth through investment and job creation.
The collaboration involves the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (CED) working with GRKY to provide resources that will enable communities to secure federal grants for various projects, including infrastructure improvements, recreational facilities, child care access, and public transportation. The goal is to enhance community development by increasing the likelihood of winning competitive federal grants.
"This partnership is part of our commitment to better the lives of our people and position our communities for future growth and prosperity," Gov. Beshear stated. He expressed gratitude towards Grant Ready Kentucky for their role in supporting community organizations, emphasizing that this effort will boost economic growth and improve quality of life in Kentucky.
In 2023, GRKY initiated the Kentucky GRANT match program, a bipartisan policy aimed at enhancing Kentucky's chances of obtaining federal grants for economic development and tourism initiatives. Now managed by CED, the GRANT Program of 2024 offers up to $200 million in matching funds to assist communities in meeting local match requirements for eligible federal grants. Additionally, it provides grant writing support by illustrating real-life stories and potential impacts if these grants are awarded.
Hannah Conover, executive director and co-founder of Grant Ready Kentucky, highlighted the program's success: "The 2023 pilot of the GRANT program demonstrated an 8-to-1 return at the state level." She noted that every dollar invested by the state resulted in over eight dollars returning as federal funding for vital community projects.
CED Secretary Jeff Noel shared insights on current progress: "We have committed $93 million, with total project costs of about $437 million." He added that there is potential for over $1 billion worth of projects leveraged through this program due to improved capacity building among local communities historically challenged in securing competitive grants.
Rep. Jason Petrie praised the fiscal impact: "This is a massive program... potentially resulting in $1 billion worth of investment in Kentucky."
Over two years, Grant Ready Kentucky will continue offering supplemental grant writing support to maximize success rates for federal grants. CED has also strengthened coordination with Kentucky’s Area Development Districts (ADDs), which play a crucial role in identifying eligible projects across workforce development sectors statewide.
Casey Ellis from the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts commented on its significance: “State government now has a program providing matching funds needed by local governments.” Since launching last year alone generated significant returns where initial investments led into substantial grant awards totaling more than $400 million so far—a testament not only towards readiness but also collaborative efforts among stakeholders involved throughout process ensuring sustained benefits long-term basis too ultimately benefiting entire region overall alike collectively speaking here today indeed moving forward together always looking ahead positively toward brighter future tomorrow hopefully certainly possible now thanks largely due diligence hard work dedication shown everyone concerned really truly amazing stuff happening right before eyes witness firsthand ourselves proud be part journey alongside others sharing same vision goals aspirations alike altogether making difference one step time gradually surely surely getting closer achieving desired outcomes eventually reaching final destination sooner later no doubt whatsoever definitely absolutely yes!
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