The federal government is deploying billions of dollars in grants to rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity and secure critical mineral supply chains. Unlike loans, grants don't need to be repaid—making them the most attractive form of capital available. This guide identifies the major grant programs and provides strategies for winning awards.
Major Grant Programs for 2026
Department of Energy (DOE)
Battery Materials Processing and Manufacturing Grants
Amount: — $50 million to $100 million per projectFocus: — Domestic processing of battery-grade lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphiteEligibility: — U.S. companies with processing capabilitiesApplication: — Through DOE funding opportunity announcements (FOAs)
Critical Minerals Research and Development
Amount: — $1 million to $10 millionFocus: — Novel extraction, separation, and recycling technologiesEligibility: — Companies, universities, national labs, consortiaApplication: — Through ARPA-E and EERE FOAs
Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization
Amount: — $5 million to $50 millionFocus: — Energy-efficient manufacturing processesEligibility: — Industrial manufacturersApplication: — Through EERE Industrial Efficiency program
Department of Defense (DoD)
Defense Production Act Title III
Amount: — $1 million to $100+ millionFocus: — Critical defense manufacturing capabilitiesEligibility: — U.S. manufacturers of defense-critical itemsApplication: — Through DPA Title III program office
Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program
Amount: — $500,000 to $5 millionFocus: — Advanced manufacturing processes for defenseEligibility: — Manufacturers with defense applicationsApplication: — Through service-specific ManTech offices
SBIR/STTR Programs
Phase I: — Up to $275,000Phase II: — Up to $1.75 millionFocus: — Innovative technologies with defense applicationsEligibility: — Small businesses (SBIR) or small business + research institution (STTR)Application: — Through DoD SBIR/STTR portal
Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grants
Amount: — $100,000 to $5 millionFocus: — Economic development, job creation, infrastructureEligibility: — Businesses in economically distressed areasApplication: — Through EDA regional offices
NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
Amount: — Subsidized services (not direct grants)Focus: — Technical assistance for small manufacturersEligibility: — Small and medium manufacturersApplication: — Through local MEP centers
Department of Interior
Critical Minerals Mining and Reclamation
Amount: — VariesFocus: — Responsible mining and land reclamationEligibility: — Mining companies and land managersApplication: — Through Bureau of Land Management and OSMRE
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Brownfields Grants
Amount: — Up to $5 millionFocus: — Environmental assessment and cleanup for redevelopmentEligibility: — Communities and businesses redeveloping contaminated sitesApplication: — Through EPA regional offices
How to Win Grants
1. Start with Research
Monitor SAM.gov and Grants.gov dailySubscribe to agency mailing listsAttend pre-application webinarsReview previously funded projects
2. Build Relationships
Contact program managers before applyingAttend agency industry daysParticipate in public comment periodsJoin industry working groups
3. Write Winning Proposals
Technical Approach (40-50% of evaluation)
Clear problem statement aligned with program goalsInnovative and feasible technical approachRealistic timeline and milestonesQualified team with relevant experience
Impact and Benefits (20-30% of evaluation)
Job creation and economic impactContribution to national securityEnvironmental benefitsCommunity impactScalability and sustainability
Management and Budget (15-20% of evaluation)
Detailed project management planRealistic and justified budgetRisk mitigation strategiesClear roles and responsibilities
Past Performance (10-15% of evaluation)
Relevant prior workSuccessful project completionsCustomer referencesTechnical publications or patents
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not following instructions — Read the FOA carefully and comply exactlyMisaligned objectives — Your project must match the program's goalsUnrealistic budgets — Too high or too low raises red flagsWeak team — Include qualified personnel and partnersMissing deadlines — Late submissions are never acceptedPoor writing — Clear, concise, and compelling writing wins
Grant Management Best Practices
Once you win a grant:
Comply with all terms and conditionsSubmit reports on time — (quarterly, annual, final)Track costs meticulously — Grants are auditedCommunicate with program managers — No surprisesDocument everything — Photos, data, correspondencePlan for sustainability — What happens when the grant ends?
Conclusion
Grant funding is the most attractive form of capital available—free money that doesn't dilute ownership or require repayment. The competition is fierce, but with the right approach, small manufacturers and critical minerals businesses can win significant awards. Start monitoring opportunities now and build the relationships and capabilities needed to submit winning proposals.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're a small manufacturer seeking defense contracts, a government buyer looking for qualified suppliers, or a business owner pursuing CMMC certification, KDM & Associates and the V+KDM Consortium are here to help.
Join the KDM Consortium Platform today:
Schedule a free introductory session to learn how we can accelerate your path to government contracting success.
Whether you're a small manufacturer seeking defense contracts, a government buyer looking for qualified suppliers, or a business owner pursuing CMMC certification, KDM & Associates and the V+KDM Consortium are here to help.
Join the KDM Consortium Platform today:
[Register as a Supplier (SME)](/register?type=sme) — Get matched with government contract opportunities, access capacity-building resources, and connect with prime contractors.[Register as a Government Buyer](/register?type=buyer) — Discover qualified, defense-ready small businesses and streamline your procurement process.
*Schedule a free introductory session to learn how we can accelerate your path to government contracting success.*
