Funding available for new housing in Northwest Kansas

Submitted

The Innovation Center is inviting communities across Northwest Kansas to take advantage of the Kansas Housing Cooperative Program, which offers thousands of dollars in forgivable loans to support the construction of new homes in eligible communities. 

About the Program

The Kansas Housing Cooperative Program aims to increase new home construction in communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. By partnering with local lenders, state agencies, and community organizations, the program helps address housing shortages, support workforce retention, and strengthen rural communities across Northwest Kansas. 

Program Qualifications

To qualify for the forgivable loan program:

1. The property must be in a Northwest Kansas community of 10,000 or fewer residents
2. The home must be a new build and owner-occupied
3. Single-family homes may have up to 3,000 finished sq. ft.
4. Duplexes may be between 1,000–1,600 sq. ft. per unit

Funding partners: State of Kansas, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, and local match contributions. 

Who Can Apply

This program is open to all 26 counties in Northwest Kansas.

While 21 families have already benefited since the program’s launch in 2024, there is still funding available. The Innovation Center is encouraging families, communities, and developers from counties that have not yet submitted a funding request to apply.

Counties encouraged to apply include:
Cheyenne, Cloud, Ellsworth, Graham, Lincoln, Logan, Ottawa, Rawlins, Republic, Russell, Saline, Sherman, Smith, and Thomas. 

Take the Next Step

Whether you're a community member, developer, or local leader in our 26-county service area, now is the time to create new housing opportunities where they’re needed most.

Get in touch with our housing team or click below to explore program details:

1. Randy Speaker, Regional Housing Specialist — 785-409-0555 | [email protected]
2. Caden Pfeifer, Regional Housing Planner — 785-324-1731 | [email protected]