Today there are several options to find funding for manufacturing sustainability initiatives. There are several funding options available in the USA for sustainability projects in the manufacturing sector. business. A growing number of manufacturers are realizing the substantial financial and environmental benefits from incorporating sustainability projects. Today, in conjunction with many government agencies, manufacturers across the country are finding funds to help offset their green initiatives.
Can these resources help your business reach sustainable goals for your future? Engage Energy & Industrial Consulting has compiled a list of resources for manufacturers in the USA for grant and alternative funding options for sustainable projects. In this blog we are going to look at grants as well as various government agencies, non-profit organizations, and foundations offer grants specifically for sustainability projects in the manufacturing arena.
Federal Sustainability Programs:
Today, there are many federally funded programs that focus on sustainability for manufacturing companies in the United States. Here are some of the more prominent federal programs, but your state and local governments may also have funds for projects.
#1 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact that manufacturing has in the USA. To support sustainability initiatives, the EPA sponsors more than 25 grant programs. Everything from sustainable materials management for electronics, to lifecycle assessments. Visit the EPA resource page for more sustainability programs for manufacturers HERE.
#2 The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Food manufacturing in the United States today embraces advancements in sustainable processes to make the food we eat safer, and the impact on our environment as minimal as possible. Today, NIFA sponsors grants centered on Agriculture and Food Research Initiatives (AFRI) and Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS).
“NIFA programs invest in and advance food manufacturing technologies supporting the Administration’s R&D priorities to implement advanced manufacturing in support of the bioeconomy and address USDA’s strategic goals in tackling food and nutrition security and expanding market opportunities of agricultural and food products.”
-NIFA
#3 The Department of Commerce
The United States Department of Commerce is a national network of manufacturing assistance centers. They provide a series of grant programs and educational materials to support the manufacturing sector with sustainable programs. Some of their programs include E3- Economy, Energy and Environment as well as grants for Sustainable Manufacturing.
#4 Department of Energy (DOE)
The U.S. Department of Energy offers a number of grants, loans and financing programs for everyone from small businesses to large manufacturers. If you are looking to improve your energy footprint there may be an opportunity for your business to offset some of the improvement costs. Learn more about some of the opportunities from the DOE website HERE.
#5 Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
This global nonprofit organization attacks climate change. They view climate change as the greatest challenge of the modern era. The goal of the Environmental Defense Fund is to help stabilize the climate, strengthen people and nature’s ability to thrive, and support better health initiatives for the planet. This is great news for manufacturers around the world.
Tax incentives:
Many manufacturers are leaning on the IRA tax credit to expand their renewables manufacturing capacity and increase demand for new clean energy sources. One example of this is the Ford Motor Company that announced in 2023 that they were investing $3.5 billion to build a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall, Michigan/ Learn more about other companies utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act incentives to enhance renewables in manufacturing HERE.
How Can Engage Energy & Industrial Consulting Help Your Manufacturing Become More Sustainable?
Today, it is common to look for funding for sustainability projects through different grants and government programs. Our team can help you with research and evaluate the various options available to find the best fit for your manufacturing facility. Additionally, we can help you to understand the potential environmental and financial benefits of initiating sustainability programs that will help to attract investors and secure funding. Contact us today to get started!
