Metalforming Micro-Grant Program

Metalforming Micro-Grant Program is sponsored by PMA Educational Foundation. Provides funding to member companies implementing projects to enhance public experience and exposure to manufacturing careers.

Micro-Grant Program - Precision Metalforming Association PMA Member Companies Awarded Metalforming Micro-Grant Program The manufacturing skills gap is real, and the Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation (PMAEF) is here to support our industry. Take advantage of our micro-grant program, designed to help you build a talent pipeline, and positively impact your community.

PMAEF has allocated $15,000 for the Metalforming Micro-Grant Program to foster the growth and promotion of metalforming careers and initiatives. Funds are exclusive to PMA member companies. The program aims to provide funding to member companies that implement projects or programs to enhance the public’s experience and exposure to manufacturing/metalforming careers in collaboration with MFG Day initiatives.

Ranging from $500 – $1000, the micro-grants support innovation and encourage member companies to dedicate funds to develop and implement programs that impact manufacturing. Funds will be awarded based on participation and impact.

Projects or programs focused on exposing youth (K-12) to manufacturing, whether at your company or in partnership with local schools or community organizations; Efforts to increase exposure and awareness to manufacturing/metalforming; Innovative projects or programs that demonstrate creativity, which can serve as a model for others; Strategic engagement with post-secondary or trade schools; and Partnerships with other companies, community agencies/organizations.

The 2026 Micro-Grant Program will begin accepting applications in June 2026. View PMA Member MFG Day Photos Download the micro-Grant overview flyer apply for a pMA Micro-Grant Since 2019, PMAEF has been awarding PMA member companies with grants to help promote and grow careers in metalforming.

Check out all the past recipients: 2020: program paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic Micro-Grant Key Information Grants must be applied for in advance. Retroactive requests will not be accepted. The 2026 Micro-Grant application period will open in the beginning of June.

Micro-grants will be distributed once applications are accepted, reviewed and approved. Applicants will be notified within 2-4 weeks. Micro-grants may be awarded up to $1000, but not less than $500.

A match of twenty-five (25) percent is required. Match may be quantified with in-kind services. Funds cannot be used to subsidize salaries; however, substitute teacher reimbursement is allowable at a cost of no more than $60 per day, per sub.

Allowable bussing reimbursement may not exceed $300. Food is not a permissible expense. PMAEF requires all grant recipients to provide a final project report.

Reports must include: A short description (400 words or less) explaining your project or program; Outcome: what did your project or program build, improve, develop or accomplish; Who participated: audience, identify volunteers, community partners, and any others who helped make your project or program a reality; Impact, areas of success, testimonials, qualitative data; How many people did your project or program reach/impact; and Keys to success and lessons learned: what worked/what did not.

Micro-Grant Program Questions? If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help! No, the program is only available to active PMA manufacturing and manufacturing supplier member companies.

Does my event or program have to take place on MFG Day? No, your event or program can take place anytime during Manufacturing Month. What can the funds be used for?

Any event, project or program that focuses on exposing then next generation of workers to a career in manufacturing.

Director of Exhibitions-FABTECH Technical Program Manager Membership Engagement Specialist Workforce Development Manager & Education Support Manager of PMAEF Prior to joining the PMA staff, Mary held positions as a program specialist for the Educational Center of Northeast Ohio and as an administrative program coordinator in the professional development department at Baldwin Wallace University.

Meetings and Events Manager Membership Engagement Specialist Membership Insights Data Manager Meetings and Events Manager Senior Editor Louis Kren has worked as an editor in trade and technical publishing since 1988. Before joining MetalForming in April 2000, he served as editor-in-chief of Forging magazine. During his career Lou also served as an editor with Foundry and 33 MetalProducing magazines.

Member Engagement Manager Membership Engagement Manager Art Director/Graphic Designer Meetings and Events Manager Accounting Assistant/Office Manager Damon Wolf joined PMA as the sales manager for MetalForming magazine in the fall of 2018. In 2025, Damon was promoted to associate publisher. In April 2026, Damon was promoted to publisher.

He handles all print and online sales related to the magazine and leads the strategic direction of the magazine. Damon comes to PMA from GIE Media, where he served for 10 years as regional sales manager for that company’s three manufacturing publications. Prior to that, he sold for American Machinist , then a publication of Penton Media, and other B2B industry magazines, totaling 18 years of B2B publishing experience.

Dean Phillips joined the PMA staff as director of technical training in May 2024. Prior to this, he was heavily involved with PMA Tennessee District, served on the PMA safety committee, and was a contributor to MetalForming magazine. Dean has been an active member of the forming and fabricating community for the past 35 years.

He started his career at Niagara (later Clearing Niagara Bliss, CNB), serving as service tech, regional sales manager and fabrication product director. Later, he was the fabrication product director for Piranha / Allsteel and designed the Titan press brake with Tennsmith as its director of fabrication products. Dean also was national sales manager for SEYI Presses.

Dean is an expert in IIoT and strategy for AI-based systems, as well as an expert on safety and controls, working to make manufacturers as productive and safe as possible. Dean spent 20 years with Link Systems and is designing VR/AR as president of Longevity Industries’ “Reality Safe. ” You can hear Dean, the host/producer of PMA’s “Destiny of Manufacturing” podcast, with industry leaders and technical experts.

Director of Membership Sales Mark Fortuna joined the Precision Metalforming Association in 2018 and currently serves as director of membership. With more than 30 years of experience in sales and relationship management, Mark leads PMA’s membership strategy, helping manufacturers connect with the resources, advocacy and networking opportunities that drive their success.

Throughout his career, Mark has held a variety of sales and leadership roles across multiple industries, developing a strong foundation in customer service, strategic growth and team collaboration. His diverse background allows him to bring a fresh perspective to PMA’s mission, focusing on building meaningful relationships and creating long-term value for members.

Mark is currently completing his MBA, which he expects to earn in December 2025. Brad Kuvin began his career in 1984, accumulating nearly 40 years of experience in covering metal forming and fabricating technologies. Brad served as Editor of Welding Design & Fabrication and Gases & Welding Distributor magazines before joining PMA and MetalForming magazine in 2000.

Director of Workforce Development & Executive Director of PMAEF Prior to joining PMA in May 2022, Connie King served as the director of professional development for Baldwin Wallace University, where she created and delivered original, competency-based learning programs for external organizations and university employees.

She previously worked for the University of Akron as a manager of business solutions, where she developed and implemented internal and external organizational development programs, and created community, industry-based consortiums for assessing and satisfying skills demands.

Prior to her higher education career, Connie worked in a variety of corporate and entrepreneurial positions which included expertise in marketing, trade show/events management, publishing, and training and development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Baldwin-Wallace College and an MBA from the University of Akron.

Drew Gutierrez is the director of marketing at the Precision Metalforming Association and MetalForming magazine, where he leads marketing strategy, communications and brand initiatives across digital and print platforms.

With nearly a decade of experience in industrial and association marketing, Drew drives member engagement, event promotion and audience growth through data-driven campaigns and creative storytelling that connect manufacturers with resources, insights and opportunities for success.

Director of Government & Communications Christie Carmigiano is the government and communications director at the Precision Metalforming Association, where she works with PMA’s Washington, D. C. , team to advocate for policies that ensure a strong U.S. manufacturing sector, and to promote the industry and association in the media and to the public.

Prior to joining the PMA staff in 1996, Christie worked as a legislative correspondent for then-U.S. Senator Mike DeWine. Executive Director of Member Services Katlyn Stratis is the meetings and events director at the Precision Metalforming Association, where she leverages over 13 years of expertise in planning and executing high-impact events that support the association’s mission and engage its members.

Specializing in conferences, educational seminars, small-format tradeshows, roundtables and networking events, Katlyn and the events team ensure that every event creates innovative, member-focused experiences that deliver value, foster collaboration and align with the association’s strategic goals.