This is a free service provided by Kansas PRIDE, Inc. and K-State Research and Extension to KCE Participating communities. Good Standing applies. If your community is interested in using a logo that aligns with the program, please contact the PRIDE office at 785-532-5840 or KSCE@ksu.edu. Logos are available in a variety of different formats including EPS.

KCE works with a vendor that supplies Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) compliant reflective signage. Important note: If your community plans to put the sign on the right of way we highly encourage you to contact your local KDOT office to coordinate or gain their opinion as to whether or not a sign can be placed where you wish to have it. If you wish to place it on a building or anywhere please make sure to confirm permission of property owners.

We can also work with our current vendor to provide formats of signage that can be placed in a variety of areas throughout a community (examples: at the site of a local KCE community project, civic organization signage) . Please contact KSCE@ksu.edu for more information if your community is interested in signage.

Local KCE programs are encouraged to nominate a high-quality project for state-level recognition. Communities of all levels (Growth, Action and Excellence) can apply for these awards.

Nominations may be submitted in all seven community capitals but must be a separate project nomination (different project) for each capital.

You can access the Project Excellence Application here.

CLICK HERE for Guidance and Tips for the Project Excellence Application

This award is for any individual, business, organization, elected official, benefactor, or youth who has made an outstanding contribution to your local KCE program.

This is a guaranteed award if you submit a nomination. This gives the benefit of local One nomination per local KCE program participant is accepted per year.

Click here to access the Rising Star Application. All photos must be accompanied by a photo release form which can be accessed here.

Communities must be a current Community of Excellence (for reapplication) or Community of Action to be eligible to apply. To apply, your community must:

• have had a community assessment done within the last 3-5 years. See our Resources page for assessment opportunities or examples.
• be in good standing

A community designated with this award should be able to demonstrate that they have:

• created a shared vision and mission
• a track record of working in an inclusive, collaborative manner
• projects of high importance to the community.

Communities of Excellence receive state wide recognition and grant opportunities to support efforts related to long term community goals. Communities of Excellence have the opportunity to apply for:

• Community of Action,
• Community Promotion, and
• Volunteers Impact Pride Community of Excellence grants

The designation of COE is awarded for a term of three years.

Click on the image below for a short video on the application process. Note: The video references September 1st as the deadline (the site is under construction). The actual deadline is May 1st.

An example application is provided here so that you can get an idea of how the application should read. This example is for PDF formatting only, graphics are not necessary.

Community of Excellence Application

Work Plan (Required with Application)