Kansas State University

Faculty economic development grant request for proposals

Submitted by Rebecca Spexarth

Research leaders at Kansas State University are integral to K-State’s future success. Innovation is what land-grant universities – like K-State – are all about, and innovation is the foundation of Manhattan’s prosperity. Leveraging the private sector in new and novel ways is pivotal to K-State’s future. In addition, K-State is a more sought-after corporate collaborator and destination than ever before; partially due to the relocation of NBAF and ABADRL.

The Manhattan community is partnering with K-State to demonstrate the ability and commitment to put K-State first in economic development efforts and a willingness to assist the university in achieving its goals. This partnership, Knowledge Based Economic Development LLC, is taking private sector recruitment to the next level by increasing the collaborative opportunities for K-State scientists and growing the number of high wage jobs in the regional economy.

You can assist in bringing knowledge-based companies to Manhattan and should be rewarded for doing so. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to faculty members who help identify and actively recruit a company to the region. The grant will be awarded to the department for the faculty member’s discretionary use. A memorandum of agreement will be created to detail the requirements of the faculty member and the Knowledge Based Economic Development staff.

Grant applications should include:

• A typed, one-page proposal detailing the potential opportunity with a specific company and how that company might benefit from having a presence in or near Manhattan. The faculty member must identify a quality prospect for relocation or expansion to the Manhattan area.
• A short description of the faculty member’s prospective role in the recruitment process, i.e., information about how the faculty member can/will assist and the amount of effort the faculty member is able to put forth. The faculty member must assist Knowledge Based Economic Development in the recruitment effort.

 Grant submission and review:

• Applications should be submitted by email to Rebecca Spexarth at spexarth@k-state.edu. All applications become the property of Knowledge Based Economic Development.
• Awards will be made on a merit basis, judged on feasibility to the partnership’s mission, and upon the availability of funds.