Go Big, Go Clean

Go Big, Go Clean is the fourth grant program under the MI Healthy Climate Challenge, designed to support industrial decarbonization feasibility studies that help Michigan industries evaluate practical near-term decarbonization interventions while identifying the technologies, conditions, and support required to achieve deeper emissions reductions over time. In addition to informing facility-level investments, studies are intended to help the State of Michigan understand what is needed to accelerate industrial decarbonization and guide future policy and roadmap development.

Eligible applicants include Michigan industrial companies as well as nonprofits, universities, research institutions, solution providers, and technical or consulting firms applying on behalf of a Michigan industrial facility. Required project roles include a designated lead applicant responsible for submitting and administering the award, at least one participating Michigan industrial facility partner committed to providing data, staff access, and decision-maker involvement, and a team demonstrating the necessary technical, analytical, and financial expertise.

Funding is strictly designated for planning activities, including studies, assessments, analyses, and related planning work that support industrial decarbonization at Michigan facilities. Funding does not cover equipment purchases, construction, or physical project implementation. Projects must focus on at least one Michigan facility, though multi-facility studies are permitted if facilities are sufficiently similar to produce actionable insights.

The application process is a two-step competitive process. Applicants must first submit a mandatory, high-level Letter of Intent (LOI) outlining the facility, potential decarbonization pathways, anticipated impacts, and project partners. Only applicants that receive an 'Encouraged to Apply' response are invited to submit full applications. Full application packages—including the application form, project budget form, and project timeline template—must be submitted via email to Haley Neuenfeldt.