More By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Spark micro-grants awarded for Barton County non-profit organizations As project administrator on behalf of Barton County, Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF) announces the SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) micro-grants have been awarded. These grants were funded by Barton County’s allocation of federal funds through the CARES Act. Funds in the amount of $125,116.24 have been granted to support Barton County 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations with COVID-19 related expenditures. The program allowed applicants to apply for relief for expenses occurring from March 1, 2020 to application date. Non-profit organizations that had been in operation as of July 1, 2019 and were still in operation at the time of application, demonstrated negative impacts from COVID-19, and had less than 50 employees were asked to apply to help relieve some of the financial burdens caused by COVID-19.