In a late-December 2025 event at Yates Center, KS, the Kansas Department of Commerce handed out checks to representatives of 15 rural communities totaling $337,833 in Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grants to support quality-of-life projects that will total nearly $1.1 million in local investment.
The SEED program is funded by assets generated by the Kansas Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Act under which one of Beneficient’s subsidiaries received the state’s first TEFFI charter.
The partnership between Beneficient and the State of Kansas represents a unique legislative model that converts complex global finance into local community improvements. Established by the 2021 Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Act, this framework has now distributed more than $3.5 million to rural Kansas.
The TEFFI Act: A Bridge for Rural Prosperity
The TEFFI Act was designed as a bipartisan effort to modernize the alternative asset industry while helping to make sure rural regions aren’t left behind as the economy grows.
- How it Works: When alternative asset investors use Beneficient’s Kansas-based fiduciary services, a portion of the financing fees is channeled into the Kansas TEFFI Economic Growth Trust.
- Targeted Impact: These funds capitalize the Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program, specifically targeting communities with fewer than 5,000 residents. It is estimated that more than 80% of all Kansas towns meet this criteria.
- Matching Investment: To ensure local buy-in, grant recipients must provide at least a 10% local match and complete their projects within 12 months.
Perspectives from Leadership
Key leaders emphasize that this program is about more than just numbers; it is about the long-term viability of small towns.
The SEED program is a powerful example of how innovative financial solutions can be used to generate tangible positive community outcomes. By helping capitalize the TEFFI Development and Expansion Fund and SEED program, Beneficient is proud to play a role in supporting childcare, community spaces, local food access and libraries in rural Kansas communities that are working hard to grow and thrive.
James Silk, Interim CEO of Beneficient
Our small towns in Kansas are the heart of this state—they have character, history and most importantly, they have passion for growth. Investing in these projects provides opportunities for smaller, rural communities to make themselves more appealing to their current and future residents as well as attract potential new businesses.
David Toland, Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce
2025 SEED Grant Impact Areas
The most recent round of funding awarded $337,833 to 15 communities, which, when combined with local matching funds, will result in nearly $1.1 million in total investment that connect capital markets activity with measurable community benefits in places that might not otherwise receive them.
| Category | Typical Projects |
|---|---|
| Childcare & Seniors | Educational materials and senior center improvements |
| Community Vibrancy | Park upgrades and improved signage |
| Food Retail | Energy efficiency upgrades for local markets |
| Libraries | Laptops for public use, new furniture and building repairs |
Kansas Communities that have received SEED grants since 2022
Historical Impact of the SEED Grant Program Through Four Rounds Awards
The SEED grants have concluded 4 annual rounds run by the Kansas Department of Commerce.
| Round Number | Year | # of Awards | Total $ Amount of Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 2022 | 61 | $2,779,709 |
| Round 2 | 2023 | 13 | $275,000 |
| Round 3 | 2024 | 12 | $258,500 |
| Round 4 | 2025 | 15 | $337,833 |
For more information, please read the most recent SEED Award press release:
Beneficient Salutes SEED Grants Advancing Rural Prosperity in Kansas