CleanTech Research & Development Grant

Empowering Allegany County-based Environmental Technology Solutions

CleanTech Research & Development Grant

The CleanTech Research & Development Grant (“CRD Grant”) seeks to advance new innovations in environmental science and technology through subsidizing research and development costs to local firms associated with work that is contracted through the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Appalachian Laboratory (“Appalachian Lab”). The grant will provide a 1:1 match for research costs, up to $50,000 per project, incurred from and paid directly to the Appalachian Lab.

What to know before applying

Program Eligibility and Details

Applicants must be for-profit, tax-paying entities that are in good standing with Allegany County and the State of Maryland. Any applicant that is not in good standing with the County or State of Maryland is ineligible for funding. Applicants may only apply via a formal invitation from a qualified member of Allegany County Economic and Community Development or an indication from a staff member of the Appalachian Lab.

Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and subject to funding availability. Businesses must be physically present in Allegany County through the ownership or long-term commercial lease of a physical asset. Those businesses that are operating out of personal residencies can also apply, as long as it is clearly illustrated that they intend to eventually expand to a commercial location, as part of their narrative. Business must clearly illustrate the ability to offer a tangible product or service. This can be done through patents filed, existing sales figures, taxes paid, assets owned or through the availability of capital or financing. Eligible uses of funding include any and all costs incurred from the use of or research contracted through the Appalachian Lab and/or its staff, for the purposes of developing a new product or service.

How the Grant Works

Grant Details and Award

Awards will be capped at $50,000 per project and will fund half of the overall project cost. Projects that total more than $100,000 will not be subsidized more than the $50,000 maximum for a 1:1 (i.e. 50%) match.

Allegany County will pay the Appalachian Lab directly via invoices, or any other arrangement so agreed upon by the Appalachian Lab and the County through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). As such, all projects require a quote for research services or lab usage from the Appalachian Lab before they can be considered for approval. The fund shall be capitalized for $100,000.00 at the beginning of every fiscal year. All applications will be reviewed by Allegany County before any approval will be granted or inferred. The Department of Economic and Community Development and the Appalachian Lab will make final recommendations and submit them to the Commissioners for grant approval.

What can qualify for the grant
Project Definition and Scope
A project is defined through a narrative indication of the use of funds to conduct research and testing that will be used in service to develop a specific technology or product. All research must be performed at or by the staff of the Appalachian Lab. Only those costs and expenses billed directly by the Appalachian Lab will be paid for through the use of this grant.

All research and development projects shall comply with federal, state, and local codes, laws, and ordinances.

Application Requirements and Terms

The CRD Grant will require a clear project narrative to accompany a quote from the Appalachian Lab, as means to illustrate that the research will create progress towards the development of a new product or technology. This must also include a letter of approval from the Appalachian Lab, clearly indicating the scientific value of the proposed research, as well as confirming that it is in-line with their mission.

Allegany County reserves the right to dictate the terms of grant disbursement to applicants, based on project details, cost and scope. Applicants shall agree that their collaboration with the Lab and participation in the program may be made public and may be used for promotional purposes of Allegany County Government. Applying for the grant does not mean the project will be awarded. Awardees must maintain a commercial presence in Allegany County for at least four (4) years after being awarded the grant. Those that relocate away from Allegany County within that period shall be required to reimburse Allegany County for the value of the grant.

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Required Supporting Documents

The following documents will be required once the application process opens. Please prepare in gathering the necessary documents in the interim to prepare for applying.

Short narrative (1 to 2 pages) explaining the project using lay terms and outlining the overall vision and need
Costs analysis associated with the research or facilities usage, provided in conjunction with the Appalachian Lab
A letter approving the research from the Appalachian Lab, confirming that it meets the necessary criteria to be conducted at the facility

How the grant is awarded and paid

Scoring, Disbursement, and Reporting

All projects will be scored either as a “yes” or “no” recommendation for approved usage of the CRD Grant program. The Allegany County Board of Commissioners will make all final decisions.

Allegany County and the Appalachian Lab will agree upon a billing plan, wherein the County shall make all payments directly to the Appalachian Lab. It is understood that said payments will be deducted from the grantee’s balance with the Appalachian Lab. Grantee must provide written reports, every quarter, on the progress of the project, until its completion. Allegany County reserves the right to discuss the project directly with representatives of the Appalachian Lab, in order to ascertain more detailed information on the status of the project, if deemed necessary.

How to Apply

Applicants that are interested in applying should click the button below to fill out a contact form. A member of Allegany County Economic and Community Development team will reach out to discuss your research project, and help facilitate contact with the Appalachian Lab.