The Ohio Industry Sector Partnership Grant is for both existing and emerging partnerships. Applicants may choose to apply to either the Spark Grant or the Accelerant Grant.

Spark Grant

The Spark Grant is designed to provide "seed funding" for emerging sector partnerships to fund startup activities and become self-sustaining.

Minimum Award: $50,000
Maximum Award: $100,000

Each awardee will receive 50% of the total award immediately upon notification of award. The remaining 50% of the award will be available to partnerships as a two to one match for funds raised ($2 of the grant award for every $1 raised).

Accelerant Grant

The Accelerant grant is designed to invigorate the work being done by existing sector partnerships, expanding both reach and impact.

Minimum Award: $50,000
Maximum Award: $250,000

All funds will be available to partnerships as a two to one match for funds raised ($2 of grant award for every $1 raised).

Eligible Matching Funds

To qualify for matching funds, resources must be provided by an organization outside of the lead applicant and fiscal agent. Only matching funds received after October 1, 2021 will be eligible. Proof of matching funds may be submitted to Development once per month and can include:

• Cash funds raised;
• Equipment costs, including computers, training equipment, software, subscriptions, and other items directly related to partnership operations; and/or
• Facility costs, including acquisition, rent, utilities, and other costs incurred directly related to partnership operations.

The following do not qualify as matching funds:

• Salaries and fringe benefits provided in-kind by the lead applicant, fiscal agent, or partnership member organizations;
• Salaries and fringe benefits paid by the lead applicant, fiscal agent, or partnership member organizations to training or educational program participants; and
• Funding granted through other programs administered by Development.