FuzeHub is thrilled to announce the second round of the 2024 Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund Manufacturing Grants, aimed at supporting collaborative projects between not-for-profit organizations and small to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York State. This initiative is designed to enhance manufacturing capabilities and foster innovation in the state’s industry.
Key Grant Details
- Application Period: Opens April 15, 2024, and closes on May 14, 2024, at 4:00 PM EST.
- Eligible Applicants: New York State not-for-profit organizations partnering with one to five New York-based manufacturing companies that have no more than 500 employees worldwide.
- Funding: Applicants can request between $15,000 and $65,000. A total of $455,000 is available for this round, with the possibility of additional funds going to runners-up.
- Submission: Applications must be submitted online via SurveyMonkey Apply.
- Contact Information: Questions can be addressed to fund@fuzehub.com or by calling 518-768-7030.
Eligibility and Project Details
- Eligibility: Eligible manufacturing partners must have a physical presence in New York and a registered North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that aligns with eligible industries listed in the grant guidelines.
- Project Types: Projects can range from adoption of new technology, prototype development, design for manufacturing, proof-of-concept, and manufacturing scale-up, to equipment purchases aimed at enhancing manufacturing processes.
- Matching Funds: A financial match is required, varying by the total number of employees across all industry partners.
Application Process and Review Criteria
- Stages: The application process includes two stages. Stage 1 involves a preliminary eligibility check, followed by Stage 2, where full submission of project details, budget, and video presentation is required.
- Video Submission: A new requirement for 2024, applicants must submit a video up to 10 minutes long describing the project and its expected impact.
- Review Criteria: Projects will be evaluated based on their transformational impact, economic benefits, team’s ability to deliver, and budget reasonableness.
Award Details
- Distribution: Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, contingent upon the availability of funds from Empire State Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
- Special Considerations: A minimum of four awards will be granted to projects with industry partners that are startups, with additional consideration for projects not requiring equipment purchases.
This grant opportunity represents a significant investment in New York’s manufacturing sector, aiming to spur innovation and growth. It encourages participation from a diverse range of applicants, including military veterans, women, minorities, and socially or economically disadvantaged businesses, reflecting FuzeHub’s commitment to inclusivity and economic development. For more information, visit FuzeHub’s grant page.