MI2’s Grants & Funding Strategy Group: Supporting Advancements in Kentucky's Metals Industry

By: Ruthie Caldwell, MI2 Grants and Funding Consultant

[Image: Ruthie Caldwell headshot 2023 1c closeup e1682622890605]

The Grants and Funding Strategy Group within MI2 serves as an invaluable resource for individuals and companies seeking financial assistance for their projects. With a commitment to supporting the metals industry, the team diligently scouts for grants and funding opportunities. By curating a comprehensive list of potential sources of financial assistance, MI2 ensures that its members have access to the latest funding opportunities related to research, sustainability, commercialization, and talent development. The strategy group is compiling a dynamically updated list of resources MI2 members may use to help them navigate the grants and funding process.

MI2’s Grant Spotlight

As part of its commitment to highlighting prominent funding opportunities, MI2 showcases the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant. This grant specifically targets small, private for-profit companies located in rural U.S. communities with populations of 50,000 people or less, to help them save on energy costs. The REAP Grant provides significant financial assistance by covering up to 50% of the project costs for installing renewable energy systems (like solar systems or geothermal generators at a site), with a maximum grant amount of $1 million, or energy efficiency grants which could be used to help a small business fund up to 50% of the cost of replacing energy inefficient equipment or installing high efficiency HVAC, insulation, refrigeration, lighting, etc., with a max grant award of $500,000. In addition to the grant, eligible companies may also qualify for a low-interest Loan Guarantee that covers up to 75% of the expenses. To learn more about this opportunity, check out our 2-page summary.

MI2’s 2 Page Grant Summaries

The two-pager mentioned above is one example of a whole set of two-pagers MI2 is developing around current grant opportunities. Check out the full (and growing) library here. Under the guidance of Grants and Funding Consultant Ruthie Caldwell, these summaries are tailored to the specific needs of MI2 members, providing them with easily digestible information on funding opportunities they can readily apply for. By staying up to date with these summaries, MI2 members are equipped to seize relevant grants and funding options, maximizing their chances of success.

MI2’s Grants & Funding Assistance

Applying for grants and funding can often be a complex and daunting process. Recognizing this challenge, MI2's Grants and Funding Strategy Group offers invaluable guidance and support to help navigate the journey. Whether you are a member company or an individual seeking funding, the team is readily available to answer your questions, clarify requirements, and provide suggestions to enhance your chances of securing financial support.

MI2 Encourages Grant Collaboration

At MI2, collaboration and networking are paramount to success. MI2 encourages member companies to explore partnership opportunities with other organizations within its extensive network. Through collaborations with higher education institutions, government bodies, economic development organizations, and other stakeholders, MI2 aims to facilitate innovative projects that drive the metals industry forward. The Grants and Funding strategy group acts as a catalyst, helping forge meaningful connections and initiating collaborations that can shape the future of the industry.

MI2’s Grants Database

The grants database (can be found here) is a collection of grants, tax credits, subsidized loans, and other types of funding sources that can help metals companies. It's a living document constantly updated with new information. Each row represents a different funding opportunity, and the columns show information about each, like the Sponsor Name, Application Deadline, Funding Amount, or Description. The first two columns show keywords and information about how that grant can help metals companies. To search the document for an opportunity, please use the directions found on the grants and funding page. If you need assistance, please contact Ruthie.

To search for a specific keyword, just click on any cell in the spreadsheet, then on your keyboard hold down the "control" button and the letter "f" at the same time to bring up a pop-up box that says "find in sheet." Then click that box and type in the keyword or any other topic you want to find, like "Energy Cost Savings" or "Workforce." Then click the down arrow next to the findings to search through each funding opportunity that contains that word.

MI2's Grants and Funding Strategy Group is dedicated to creating a thriving ecosystem for the metals industry. By actively pursuing grants and funding opportunities, MI2 aims to propel research, sustainability, commercialization, and talent development within Kentucky's metals sector. With a comprehensive list of funding options, guidance throughout the application process, and a collaborative platform for networking, MI2 empowers individuals and member companies to unlock their full potential.

For inquiries or collaboration opportunities in funding applications, please reach out to Ruthie Caldwell, MI2’s Grants and Funding Consultant.