Frequently Asked Questions

The program is free.

The Resolution of Government Support is a transparency document. It allows us to be aware that you have engaged your local government, and know that they know you are a part of the program. It also allows the local city/government to understand that your KCE group is operating in the community. It does not stipulate/require the local government to provide any financial support of any kind.

The KCE program defines "community" as a public serving entity that is formally recognized by a government (such as a city, county or district). For example a city is recognized as a community; a county may recognize an unincorporated area as a community; or a larger city, such as Wichita, Salina, Hutchinson or Kansas City, may formally recognize a district neighborhood as a community. Unfortunately, Homeowner's Associations do not fall within the definition of community for KCE. This is because many have distinct, and often gated, boundaries, which sometimes can hinder public access for projects.

To be a KCE Community a community must enroll annually (January 1 of each year is the technical deadline to be considered for awards) providing official KCE Enrollment information and Resolution of Government Support. To be in good standing (especially when for applying for awards) your community must also submit quarterly reports. Enrollment, Resolution Number Submission and Quarterly Reports are all online, through our database. There are three enrollment options available and are outlined in the Enrollment Options form on the Enrollment Page.

Yes and no. Kansas PRIDE Inc., the non profit partner of the Kansas PRIDE Program, and our partners the Kansas Masons, provide some grant opportunities for communities in Good Standing. KCE, the adminstrator of the program, distributes funds at the discretion of their partners, Kansas PRIDE, Inc. and the Kansas Masons. The K-State Research and Extension PRIDE Program provides information through its email/newsletter of upcoming K-State Research and Extension funding as well as resources available through the Kansas Department of Commerce. Information on funding resources can be found on the Funding page.

The Kansas Department of Commerce has information on funding sources for certain types of projects. Check out their Programs and Services page for the most up to date service and funding information.

KCE Program staff will also conduct a funding search by request from KCE communities. Send us an email (KSCE@ksu.edu) with the type of project you're working on and a general idea of how much funding you're seeking.

Unfortunately not. Nor does Kansas PRIDE, Inc. (our nonprofit board). But if your KCE Community is interested in becoming a not for profit, please take time to review the following information:

Some KCE community groups have formed a charitable not-for-profit organization. This means that they have organized themselves consistent with the requirements established through the Internal Revenue Service and are recognized by the government as an official charitable organization. While the information below can serve as a start, we recommend you reach out to an accountant or lawyer familiar with the process should you need assistance.

There are two levels of government you will be working with to establish a charitable organization – the state of Kansas, and the Federal government. Helpful resources for getting started in the state of Kansas can be found here.

The Internal Revenue Service also has a process needed to apply for a 501(c)3 status, and has several helpful web sites that can support a group interested in the process. A recommended guidance document as you get started is called Applying for 501(c)(3) Status and can be found here.

Before your local KCE group begins the process of application, the KCE office recommends you first look over these web sites, and look over the information found here detailing the Life Cycle of a Public Charity.

Once your KCE members have had an opportunity to review the required process, paperwork, and ongoing legal commitments of being an public charitable organization, we would recommend your community KCE group hold a meeting to discuss the benefits, drawbacks, and trade-offs of becoming a formal 501(c)3 organization.

If you choose to move forward in the process, there are other PRIDE communities that have gone through this process and may be called to advise/mentor you in the process. Contact us at KSCE@ksu.edu to request contact information.

Not necessarily. For options and information, contact the Kansas Association of Community Foundations.

The KCE program recognizes those communities that are functioning at a high level of community involvement in the community planning process. This recognition is provided by the COE status and is viable for 3 years. This planning process also increases the visibility of your KCE organization among community members and provides a process for everyone to have the opportunity for input into your planned goals and strategies for the next 3 years. In addition to this, once a community becomes a COE they are then eligible to apply for the Volunteers Impact PRIDE (VIP) grants through our partnership with the Kansas Masons. These grants provide some funds to be used to carry out community projects that fit within the long term community goals. Applications are due September 1st each year.

Contact us at KSCE@ksu.edu if your community is interested - but be sure to contact KDOT locally or at the state level to consult on where your signs can and cannot be placed. The most current contact information for KDOT and Right of Way can be found HERE.

The situation is different in each of our KCE communities so, it depends:

In some communities the local KCE organization operates under the city's insurance policy as a committee doing the work for KCE/City sponsored events. This is a benefit to all. In others, if the activities take place on/in city owned property the liability may be covered under the city's policy. However, if they hold events on private property they buy an individual event liability policy. In other communities they partner with another community organization for insurance coverage. Check with your city or partner organization to determine coverage.

The City and local KCE organization might want to seek legal counsel or advice from your insurance representative to ensure proper coverage at the least expense possible for the benefit of all those living in your area so that the great activities that have been started can continue at a reasonable cost to the participants.

This is a subject that comes up a lot with our communities. Many of our communities have attempted to obtain Tax Exempt Status, but are unable based on the type of 501 c 3 status they have (Kansas PRIDE, Inc. has also attempted, and failed at the designation). Unfortunately, community improvement programs do not fall under eligible organizations for such an exemption.

A full list of what types of organizations are eligible can be found on page 16 of this document.