Background:

Successful federal grant applications are increasingly private-sector driven, requiring strong, committed partnerships among businesses, universities, local and state governments, economic development organizations, and major nonprofits. By capitalizing on federal grant opportunities and more broadly pursuing strategic federal investments, Ohio was able to drive key areas such as AI-driven modernization, cybersecurity, defense logistics, and infrastructure. Since inception, OGA has prioritized and supported 16 successful grant opportunities. Just from these alone, Ohio secured over $5 billion in federal funding. This achievement highlights the power of collaboration across the state.

Business Response:

To seize the opportunity presented by the unprecedented federal programs, a group of leading Ohio business organizations collaborated to form the Ohio Grants Alliance in January 2023 to serve as a resource to potential federal grant applicants. OGA’s goal was to maximize the benefit to Ohio from federal grant programs and strategic federal investments. OGA identified and promoted grant opportunities, facilitated cross-regional coalitions, provided subject matter expertise, obtained up-to-date intelligence on the preferences of federal agencies making grants, and generally served as a promoter of Ohio applications.

OGA founders include the Ohio Business Roundtable, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Cincinnati Business Committee, Columbus Partnership, Appalachian Partnership, Regional Growth Partnership, and Dayton Development Coalition.

Wind Down:

After three years, the Ohio Grants Alliance is preparing to wind things down. Having successfully fulfilled its mission, OGA has achieved remarkable milestones that will continue to benefit Ohio’s economic landscape long after its conclusion. As OGA winds down, it leaves behind a robust network of partnerships that will continue to thrive independently. The legacy of the Ohio Grants Alliance serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and strategic planning.