Federal Match Program

The Federal Match Program is designed to support Michigan businesses by matching or cost-sharing funds to increase their competitiveness when applying for federal funding opportunities. Eligible opportunities must be related to and align with MEDC’s strategic focus industries and guiding principles. They must also target an advanced technology sector of our strategic focus industries with the goal of developing and commercializing new products or processes to grow and secure the technology sector. The federal opportunity must require matching funds and must not be part of the SBIR/STTR program.

This program may provide up to 50% of the required cost share associated with the application depending on the scope and size of the potential federal award, alignment with the MEDC’s strategic plan, and the availability of funds. It is anticipated that most applicants will receive up to 25% of the required cost share.

Eligibility

Applicants must fall into one of the below categories:

• A for-profit business in Michigan, with 500 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees worldwide, meeting the federal grant opportunity eligibility requirements.
• A non-profit organization registered in Michigan and applying as part of a public-private partnership, meeting the federal grant opportunity eligibility requirements.

Additional Requirements: 

• Only applications targeted at an advanced technology sector will be considered.
• The intent must be that all (or substantially all) of the project be performed within Michigan with the acknowledgment that the state funding must be used solely within the state.
• The applicant must also intend to continue to have a significant presence in the state of Michigan for the five-year period following receipt of the Federal Matching Grant.

Application Process

The online application can be accessed by clicking on the "apply now" button below. 

Apply Now

Application Requirments:

• Along with company/organization information, the application will require you to include a high-level scope of the project, a list of all partners involved and a project budget – including how MEDC funding will be used.
• The application must be submitted to MEDC prior to submitting the proposal to the federal agency and at least three weeks prior to the submission due date. Applications that are received after the submission to the federal agency will not be considered.
• The MEDC will review the application to determine eligibility of the organization applying and the scope of the proposed project.

If the program director issues a letter of support upon approval of the project, the award is contingent upon:

• Receiving the federal funding/award
• The Applicant being in good standing with the State of Michigan and completion of their background check.
• The budget approval and availability of funds

Reporting Requirements

• In most cases, the funding will be in the form of a reimbursement-based grant between the lead applicant and the MEDC.
• The term of the grant will match that of the federal agreement.
• The awardee will be required to report at the same frequency as the federal agreement requires.
• Report(s) to the MEDC will include expenses, the report submitted to the federal agency with any proprietary information removed, and any other negotiated milestones and metrics per the MEDC grant agreement.

Questions?

Please email any questions related to this opportunity to: federalmatchprogram@michigan.org.