Manufacturing Grants After the Midterms: What Could Change—and How to Prepare
This article was prepared by Micki Vandeloo of Lakeview Consulting, NFFS’s grants partner. For tools and support to help identify funding opportunities for your foundry, explore our NFFS Grant Resources.
As we enter the last quarter of 2026, we look forward to fall, cooler weather and sweater season. One event we may greet with less enthusiasm is the upcoming midterm election—and the political advertisements that come with it.
Beyond the campaign season, manufacturers have a practical question: How could the election affect the grant funding available to support their businesses?
At Lakeview Consulting, we are frequently answering questions from clients about how the 2026 midterms could affect federal and state funding opportunities. Below, I share how I believe three possible outcomes could influence the grant landscape, along with steps manufacturers can take to prepare regardless of the result.
The Key Takeaway
You do not need to wait for the election results to get grant-ready.
Organizing your investment plans, customer industries, project team and expected outcomes now can help you respond when relevant funding opportunities become available.
How Could the Midterms Affect Grants?
The short answer is: it depends. Here are three possible election outcomes and how I believe each could affect grants at the federal and state levels.
SCENARIO 1
Party Control Remains Unchanged
If neither the House nor the Senate changes party control, I believe the grant landscape will largely continue as it is.
The current approach to manufacturing grants includes federal funding provided to states for training, environmental and other programs shaped around each state’s manufacturing growth priorities. Many federal grants also focus on specific industries, such as critical materials mining and processing. I do not see that changing under this scenario.
Some longstanding manufacturing grant programs are on hold, including USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Industrial Technical Assistance Center (ITAC) grant program. Those programs could remain on hold or restart, depending on federal budgets and political support.
SCENARIO 2
Party Control Changes in One Chamber
If either the House or the Senate changes party control, I expect passing legislation to become more difficult and budget negotiations to be lengthy and contentious.
Ultimately, I do not expect the resulting grant landscape to differ substantially from Scenario 1.
SCENARIO 3
Democrats Control Both Chambers
This is the scenario in which I believe the largest changes could occur. I see greater potential for renewed federal funding and efforts to restore some programs eliminated or placed on hold by the Trump administration.
In my view, programs supporting solar technologies, Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAAC), ITAC and REAP would have a better chance of restarting under this scenario. I would not expect those changes to be realized until at least six months after the election.
While many federal programs would likely remain focused on specific industries, I believe this scenario offers the greatest potential for expanded manufacturing grant support.
Four Ways to Prepare Your Foundry for Grant Opportunities
Regardless of the election outcome, manufacturers can take these steps now to prepare for future federal and state grant opportunities.
-
Organize your capital investment plans.
Identify where you plan to spend money over the next year or two. This helps our team look for grants that could support those purchases before you issue purchase orders. Planning ahead is important in any political climate.
-
Document the industries your customers serve.
Many grants support specific industries—such as shipbuilding, critical minerals, transportation, dairy and meat processing—as well as their supply chains. Maintaining a list of the industries you support can help our team assess whether an industry-specific opportunity may fit your business.
-
Update your organizational chart.
Most grants ask who will carry out project activities and what qualifications those individuals bring. An updated organizational chart can help you identify key project personnel more efficiently when preparing an application.
-
Define realistic, measurable project outcomes.
Describe what will change as a result of each planned project. Clear outcomes make it easier to identify grants that align with your effort. Keep your assumptions realistic: funders need credible expectations, rather than unsupported claims about community impact or dramatic business growth.
The upcoming midterms could bring significant changes—or relatively little change—to the grant landscape. Whatever the outcome, there are steps you can take now to prepare your business to pursue funding.
Put Your NFFS Membership to Work
Start Preparing for Your Next Funding Opportunity
NFFS members can explore the Manufacturing Grants Database, review grant resources and connect with Lakeview Consulting through expert office hours. Bring your project plans and questions to the resources available through your membership.