Ohio Wins
In an effort to fulfill the Ohio Grants Alliance mission of promoting and supporting transformational grants, OGA selected specific funding opportunities to designate as “priority programs”. Since the inception of OGA in January 2023, the organization has achieved significant milestones in its pursuit of fostering innovation and economic growth in Ohio. These accomplishments represent a promising future for Ohio's development and prosperity. The following will dive into the successful applications, outlining their potential impact on the state and its communities.
$2.6B
CHIPS Commercial Fabrication Facilities Incentives
The CHIPS Manufacturing Incentives: Commercial Fabrication Facilities Grant Program was funded by the CHIPS and Science Act to support current generation, mature, and leading-edge semiconductors. Released in June, this was the first program opened under the CHIPS Manufacturing Incentives program. By investing in semiconductor facilities, the program aims to strengthen the resilience of the supply chain, provide a store of secure semiconductors for national security, grow the semiconductor economy, bolster a skilled technical workforce, and promote the inclusion of economically disadvantaged individuals and businesses. The funding through the CHIPS Commercial Fabrication Facilities can be used to finance the construction, expansion, or modernization of a facility or equipment for the facility. Additionally, funding can be used to support site development or workforce development and to pay reasonable operating expenses for a facility.
Intel was awarded $8.5 billion in direct grant funding and up to $11 billion in loans to be invested in its locations throughout the U.S. It is expected that billions will be invested in the two facilities located in Licking County, Ohio to support the expected $20 billion production of the facilities. This is a massive victory for Ohio, as the benefits of the Intel project will touch every corner of the state. Intel’s investment is expected to create 3,000 full-time jobs in Ohio and is the first step in the company’s potential $100 billion investment in the state.
$925M
Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Grant Program
The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Program was developed under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the formation of seven regional hydrogen hubs across the United States. These clean hydrogen hubs are meant to create networks of hydrogen producers, consumers, and local connective infrastructure to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier that can deliver or store tremendous amounts of energy.
In response to this opportunity, the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2), comprised of representatives from Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, submitted a proposal for funding. ARCH2 was selected by the Department of Energy as a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub and awarded up to $925 million in federal funding. At its peak, ARCH2 is expected to create more than 21,000 jobs – including over 18,000 in construction and more than 3,000 permanent jobs – helping to ensure the Appalachian community benefits from the development and operation of the Hub. Perhaps most importantly, the designation is expected to unlock up to $6 billion in private sector capital. Overall, the award and designation of ARCH2 not only highlights Ohio as a leader in clean energy, but also demonstrates an investment that will positively impact Ohio’s economic prosperity for many years.
$102M
Microelectronics Commons Grant Program
The Microelectronics Commons Grant Program was established under the CHIPS and Science Act with the primary objective of reducing U.S. dependence on foreign microelectronics manufacturing. The Grant Program aims to bridge the gap between design and production of microelectronics and cultivate a seamless lab-to-fab ecosystem within the country, by funding the creation of eight microelectronics hubs.
In response to this funding opportunity, as a multi-state initiative led by Ohio called the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC) submitted for funding in collaboration with over 70 stakeholders from academia, industry, workforce development, and the semiconductor sector. An announcement by the Department of Defense confirmed the successful allocation of $24.3M to the MMEC for FY 2023, a significant achievement for Ohio and its partners. Through a multi-state endeavor, this funding is beneficial for Ohio because it opens the door to increased job creation, the development of stronger educational pipelines to support the semiconductor supply chain, and the potential for new projects with the Department of Defense. In fact, MMEC was awarded an additional $31 million in funding in September 2024 after being awarded five projects through the ME Commons program. The team was also awarded additional funding through the Cross-Hub Enablement Solution (CHES). These awards offer the potential for MMEC to be awarded up to $130 million total over the next four years.
$841M
Industrial Decarbonization Demonstrations Program
The Industrial Decarbonization & Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment Program funded through the Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations aimed to provide funding for large-scale, transformational projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Funded by the BIL and IRA, the program focuses specifically on reducing emissions from industrial companies in five priority sectors: petroleum refining, chemicals, iron and steel, cement, and food and beverage. The DOE limited the program to industrial companies because they represent 30% of U.S. primary energy-related CO2 emissions, 50% of which comes from the five priority sectors.
Understanding the potential impact of this grant program, the Ohio Grants Alliance prioritized the opportunity and advocated for Ohio industrial companies to seek the funding. To share information about this program, the Grants Alliance created fact packs about the program to distribute to regional partners and inquiring businesses. Ultimately, four Ohio-based projects were awarded a total of $841 million in funding through the program. The projects were focused on implementing decarbonization technologies in the glass, iron and steel, and food and beverage industries. Many of the projects will deploy first-in-the-nation emissions-reducing technologies that have the potential for sector-wide adoption and transformation, giving these Ohio-based projects the potential to be leaders in decarbonization innovation.
$51M
Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Phase One
The Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program was released by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to fund the creation of 20 hubs led by private-public consortia in areas that are not currently leading centers for technology. These hubs are designed to be physical areas where researchers, creators, and businesses come together to stimulate job growth, economic activity, and innovation. Phase One of the program was released to award Tech Hub designations and Strategy Development grants and to reduce the pool of eligible applicants for the larger, highly sought after Phase Two funding.
Last fall, the EDA announced the Tech Hub designation of the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub led by the Greater Akron Chamber. Additionally, the consortium was awarded Strategy Development funding through the program. Building upon the already existing polymer supply chain in the area, this investment presents the opportunity for Northeast Ohio to become a global leader in plastics and rubber innovation which has the potential to benefit all of Ohio. The Designation allowed the consortium to apply for phase two funding to put toward the implementation of the Hub. It was announced in July that the Tech Hub was awarded an additional $51 million to carry out seven specific projects.
$94M
Clean Ports Program
The EPA's Clean Port Program received $3 billion from the IRA to enhance zero-emission port equipment and technology. The program aims to support the development of climate action strategies to reduce air pollutants in U.S. ports. This initiative provided minor planning grants as well as major implementation grants, allowing applicants to choose either or both programs. The objectives of the program included laying the foundation for ports to transition to completely zero-emission operations. It also aims to empower ports to lead significant changes in the freight sector, reduce diesel pollution in nearby communities, and promote community involvement and emissions reduction planning in the port industry.
The Port of Cleveland applied for the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment competition, for the larger implementation funding and was awarded $94 million in federal funding. The Cleveland Harbor Electrification Initiative, a significant project costing nearly $100 million, is spearheaded by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority to notably decrease emissions from maritime operations in Cleveland Harbor. This initiative builds on the progress initiated by the FY22 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) federal grant, which is currently financing upgrades to enhance electrical capacity at the Port's terminal. The initiative plans implement various aspects of the Port's Electrification Master Plan, such as rooftop solar panels on warehouses, battery storage systems, an electric mobile harbor crane, shore power connections, electric cargo handling equipment, and electric tugboats. The goal is to replace diesel-powered equipment, establish sustainable on-site power, and diminish diesel emissions. This is a significant win for Northeast Ohio and the state as a whole.
$2M
Corridor Identification and Development Program
The Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program was developed to provide funding to expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service, including privately operated intercity passenger rail service in America. In addition to the Intercity Passenger Rail Program, there is a precursor program, the Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program. The Corridor ID Program was created under the BIL to support the formation of a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for developing a Rail Corridor. Before the implementation and construction of a passenger rail system, the Corridor ID program provides planning dollars to study the costs and benefits of a rail system prior to investment.
Ultimately, four applications involving Ohio were awarded funding through the Corridor ID Program: the 3C+D line, a Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit Corridor, a Chicago, Fort Wayne, Columbus, and Pittsburgh line, and the Daily Cardinal Service connecting to Cincinnati. These studies will be entirely federally funded and measure the broad impact of an intercity rail system, including the long-term costs to the state if implemented by calculating projected ridership, operating costs, and track improvements. Additionally, the results of the studies could position Ohio favorably for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program if it is decided that a project should advance to the implementation phase.
$312M
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) was a $27B investment to mobilize financing for projects reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The program supports the development of 'green banks' to promote greenhouse gas reducing technologies, with a focus on benefiting disadvantaged communities. It is comprised of three programs: Solar for All, the National Clean Investment Fund, and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. Together, the GGRF’s programs will finance clean technology deployment nationally, build the capacity of community lenders, and spur adoption of clean solar energy.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) collaborated to apply for the Solar for All program on behalf of the state. Their successful application resulted in the state being awarded $156 million. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for low- to moderate-income households and disadvantaged communities in Ohio, leading to significant energy savings, reduced energy burden, and enhanced air quality and economic growth in underserved areas of the state. In addition, the Growth Opportunity Partners, based in Cleveland, was also awarded $156 million through the Solar for All program to catalyze the clean energy transition in America’s industrial heartland communities. Finally, the OAQDA also partnered with the Coalition of Green Capital, a national nonprofit, for the groups application to the National Clean Investment Fund program under the GGRF. The Coalition was awarded a total of $5 billion dollars through the program. As a partner, the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority is set to benefit from this award to finance clean energy projects in Ohio by leveraging the existing network of green banks. Overall, these awards are expected to bring in millions of dollars to the state of Ohio
$793M
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Formula Grant Program (BEAD) was allocated $42.45 billion to boost civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services through the expansion of broadband network access. By utilizing partnerships, this program aimed to lay critical groundwork for widespread access, affordability, equity, and adoption of broadband which will create good-paying jobs, grow economic opportunities, provide access to healthcare services, close long-standing equity gaps, and improve the overall quality of life across America.
BroadbandOhio, a division of the Department of Development, submitted an application for the BEAD program on behalf of the State. BroadbandOhio was initially awarded $5 million in planning dollars in 2022. OGA connected with BroadbandOhio to lean in on the initiative and assist with the necessary stakeholder outreach. In June 2023, BroadbandOhio was awarded an additional $793 million in Phase Two implementation funding to support the expansion of broadband access in Ohio. This funding will ensure all Ohioans have equitable access to broadband technologies through the creation of infrastructure, deployment, and adoption programs within the State.
$977K
Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program Phase One
The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program was created to invest in distressed communities across the country. The $200M FY 2023 funding is to be used for creating and connecting workers to good jobs and making a discernible, long-run impact on affected communities. The program specifically targets areas with low labor participation, particularly those in the prime ages for sustained employment (ages 25-54) - otherwise known as an area with a high prime-age employment gap - and strives to make targeted interventions to spur economic activity in such areas. The program is intended to benefit targeted communities and local labor markets with a prime-age employment gap of 2.5% or more.
Ultimately, there were two awardees from Ohio. The Site Readiness and Good Jobs Initiative (SDG) based out of Cleveland was awarded Strategy Development funding and the Reconnecting Canton Recompete Plan, led by the Stark Economic Development Board, was designated as a 2023 finalist and awarded Strategy Development funding. By fostering collaboration, leveraging financial support, and securing political endorsements, these partnerships are poised to make a discernible, long-lasting impact that will help the regions thrive, providing sustainable job opportunities and improved economic vitality for years to come.
$3.1M
EDA Good Jobs Challenge
The Good Jobs Challenge was designed to support sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs and advance industries in key technologies. The aim is for these jobs to aid in fortifying the economic and national security of the United States and advance the competitiveness of the applicant’s region. To compete for these awards, this opportunity required applicants to propose sectoral partnerships that advance a key technology focus area (KTFA). Sectoral partnerships affiliated with a Tech Hub designee, such as the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub in Akron, were given benefits of that designation in both the merit evaluation of applications and as a selection factor.
Given the opportunity favored applications tied with a Tech Hub, the Greater Akron Chamber (GAC) applied for funding in partnership with the Sustainable Polymer Tech Hub. It was announced in January of 2025, that the application was one of eight selected awardees for the program. The awarded initiative aims to tackle a crucial need in Northeast Ohio by establishing clear and accessible career and training pathways within the polymer manufacturing sector, thereby creating a skilled workforce to meet emerging technological demands and maintain global competitiveness. The Good Jobs Challenge initiative, led by the GAC, will work to bridge the significant skills gap in the polymer manufacturing sector, allowing the region to fully utilize its strengths by fostering equitable career pathways throughout the polymer value chain. As the only designated Hub in the state, the Sustainable Polymers Technology Hub received support from the Ohio Grants Alliance and the state for the application.
$7M
Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs
The Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program was created to invest in public-private partnerships to develop and scale training programs for jobseekers to expand and diversify the talent pipeline. This program focuses specifically on scaling workforce development initiatives for middle-to-high skilled occupations in industries and sectors that support infrastructure development to maximize the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment. Under this opportunity, there are two potential tracks. The first is a development track for which funding is invested in local/regional partnerships to implement sector-based training programs. The second track is a scaling track which invests in existing programs to expand them to a statewide or national level. Overall, the program is expected to expand workforce partnerships necessary to build equitable pathways to good infrastructure jobs, particularly for workers from underserved, underrepresented, and small/rural communities.
Governor DeWine’s Administration made this grant a priority given the workforce development focus, which encouraged the Ohio Grants Alliance to provide their support as well. Ultimately, two Ohio entities were awarded funding through this program. The first was the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, which was awarded $5 million for the scaling of a preexisting training program. The second award was given to Sinclair Community College, near Dayton, for the development of a training program to support the growing sectors in the area. These funding awards represent an essential investment in workforce development in Ohio which will result in stronger pipelines into key industry sectors for years to come.
$1M
NSF Regional Innovation Engines Development Type-1 Award
The National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines Grant Program is funded by the CHIPS and Science Act and offers a phased opportunity awarding planning dollars in the Type-1 program and Type-2 implementation funding. Each awardee is set to receive up to $1 million over two years. This program aims to transform the nation's innovation landscape, ensuring long-term competitiveness. The recipients, spanning various states and regions, will use the NSF Engines development awards to foster local innovation ecosystems and prepare for future NSF Engine Type-2 application, potentially receiving up to $160 million.
Case Western Reserve University was one of 44 applicants awarded Type-1 funding. This funding will aid Case Western in laying the groundwork for establishing an NSF engine focused on Advanced Manufacturing. Case Western Reserve University is now eligible to apply for FY 2024 or FY 2025 Type-2 funding for up to $160 million over 10 years. This award highlights Northeast Ohio as a leader in Advanced Manufacturing and will positively impact the economic ecosystem of the entire state.
$14.2M
The Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant was authorized through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered through the Grid Development Office (GDO) under the Department of Energy. The program was appropriated $2.5 billion to strengthen and modernize America’s power grid against wildfires, extreme weather, and other natural disasters. The funding amounts are formula based and determined by population size, land area, probability and severity of disruptive events, and a locality’s historical expenditures on mitigation efforts. The parameters of the funding opportunity required a singular grantee to request funding and then distribute it to sub-grantees within a set jurisdiction. As a result, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) submitted a proposal for the formula grant on behalf of the state. The Ohio Grants Alliance assisted the proposal by providing testimony from the perspective of the third-party business community on the importance of the state seeking these funds.
Through the formula grant process, PUCO was awarded $14.2 million in grant dollars. PUCO will distribute the funding to initiatives throughout the state with a priority on those with the potential to have the largest impact on communities. This funding will strengthen the state’s electrical grid and ensure increased electrical reliability for Ohioans. Eligible projects for sub-grantees include placing electrical equipment underground, improving fire resistance, replacing worn out overhead conductors or underground cables, and managing utility poles. This award is a great example of how federal funding awards can impact and benefit every corner of the state.
Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant
Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program
$129M
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants is a program that aims to advance important goals by providing substantial funding for climate action planning and implementation, while maintaining recipients’ flexibility to pursue activities tailored to their unique resources, delivery capacity, and mix of key sectors responsible for emitting and absorbing GHGs (e.g., industry, electricity generation, transportation, commercial and residential buildings, agriculture, natural and working lands, and waste and materials management). The program is a two phase opportunity. The first phase provided a non-competitive formula grant to assist in planning GHG reduction initiatives. Once awarded planning dollars, the grant seekers are eligible to submit for phase two implementation funding. The implementation phase is a competitive process for much larger grants to be used for enacting a broad range of GHG reduction initiatives or pursuing innovative policies and programs to reduce pollution.
Both states and large municipalities were eligible to apply for the CPRG program. In Ohio, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and the State of Ohio received funding through Phase One and sought additional funding through Phase Two. The Ohio Grants Alliance facilitated statewide coordination to ensure applicants were complementary rather than competing. In July, it was announced that Cuyahoga County, in partnership with the City of Cleveland and the City of Painesville, was awarded $129 million in Phase Two funding. This project will fund two initiatives focused on clean electricity and nature-based solutions. The first initiative will support the transition away from a coal-fired power plant in Northeast Ohio by funding the deployment of 63 megawatts of solar installations on brownfield and former landfill sites, along with 10 megawatts of battery storage. The second initiative will restore natural habitats, expand tree coverage, and create pollinator habitats.