Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund

The U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund, a collaboration among Walmart, the Walmart Foundation, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), is focused on the development of U.S. manufacturing, with the specific goal of making it more feasible and competitive to make consumer goods in the U.S. The fund provides grants in support of applied research projects advancing innovative solutions to key challenges that have the potential to lower the cost of making consumer products in the U.S. More specifically, projects should advance the fundamental research, development, and commercialization of science and technology solutions to key challenges faced by companies interested in manufacturing their products in the U.S.

The fund has prioritized textile manufacturing activities for funding in 2016-2017, including: 1) weaving; 2) fabric dyeing; and 3) cut and sew. Projects are encouraged to advance innovative solutions to key challenges that have the potential to:

• Lower the cost of making consumer products in the U.S.
• Lead to broader innovation for overall manufacturing processes, with an emphasis on sustainability
• Jumpstart innovation leading to commercialization of new manufacturing technologies in selected focus area industries
• Ultimately drive job creation within the U.S.

Amount: Awards of at least $100,000 will be made. The award period is up to three years.

Eligibility: Applicants must satisfy the following minimum eligibility requirements:

• Must be a (i) tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (other than a Type III supporting organization), or (ii) public university that is an instrumentality of a state government or any political subdivision thereof or the District of Columbia, including city and community colleges, for exclusively public purposes.
• At least 50% of project teams must be based in the U.S., with U.S.-based management
• Applicants must have the endorsement of a mayor of a USCM member city when submitting full proposals
• Projects should address a technological innovation that can advance U.S. manufacturing
• Projects must have a budget exceeding $100,000 per year
• Overhead costs must not exceed 10% of total budget
• Applicants should demonstrate a proven ability to execute the proposed project via expertise and/or past experience

Link: http://corporate.walmart.com/article/walmart-us-manufacturing-innovation-fund

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