District Grants
PMAEF District Grants Program Overview
The Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation (PMAEF) is proud to support our industry as it works to overcome and close the manufacturing skills gap. PMAEF will provide grants of up to $5,000 exclusively to PMA Districts for innovative partnerships and projects that strengthen local and regional talent pipelines. Projects must align with the PMAEF mission “to enhance the supply of skilled workers in the metalforming industry.”
Though the type of project best suited to a District may differ, samples of ideal programs are included for reference:
- Programs that enhance the perception of industry careers for youth or re-careering adults, including Manufacturing Day programs, STEM events, and educator workshops
- Ongoing mentorship by employees of PMA member companies in a District working with local robotics teams during the school year and through competitions
- Professional development sessions featuring industry experts to address issues in workforce development and the skills gap in the manufacturing sector
- Creation and support of apprenticeship programs
- Creation and support of community coalitions and cohorts that strengthen the skilled worker pipeline
Grant Policies
Timeframe
2020 district grant cycle is now closed and applications are no longer being accepted.
Final Report
Districts must complete a final report before the balance of the grant funding will be disbursed. Reports must include:
- A description summarizing your project or program
- Outcomes: what did your project or program build, improve, develop or accomplish
- Who participated: audience(s), volunteers, community partners and others who made your project a reality
- Impact: areas of success, testimonials, qualitative data
- Budget reconciliation and receipts for program-related expenses
- Recommendations on whether to repeat the project or share information with other PMA Districts to replicate and scale elsewhere
Grant Budget Requirements
Allowable project expenses are direct and indirect costs associated with completing the project. Examples of allowed expenses are defined below:
- Personnel- If hiring a program consultant or contractor to complete the program on the District’s behalf—may not exceed 25% of overall request
- Supplies- Training costs, costs for materials, including technology supplies that benefit the program
- Transportation/Mileage Reimbursement- bussing for student transportation or funds to support a consultant’s travel—may not exceed 5% of the overall request
- Advertising and Promotions- print and electronic media including flyers, photographs, and videos to document and promote the program
Additionally, PMA Districts applying for a grant must provide a match of 25% of the total project budget. The match can be made with funds but may also include in-kind contributions (goods and services) such as:
- Volunteer hours and pro-bono professional services (up to $25 per hour)
- Equipment and Supplies- costs associated with running a company machine (e.g. a stamping press) to support the program and/or other program supplies
- Advertising and promotions- can be contributed by the District or requested through the grant
- Food - can only be paid by the District or other program partner, not requested through PMAEF funds
- Competition or event entry fees - can only be paid by the District or other program partner, not requested through PMAEF
In the application, please include itemized costs for program expenses, the total of in-kind support for the project, and the amount requested from PMAEF to help the District complete the project.
Please note: Grant funds cannot be used for food, for competition or event entry fees, or subsidize employee salaries. The District in-kind match may include food, competition or entry event fees, or a portion of employee salaries if they volunteer on company time.