Walmart, Walmart Foundation and the U.S. Conference of Mayors Launch $10 Million U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund

Grants to advance innovative solutions to increase U.S. manufacturing

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Mar 13, 2014, 02:17 ET

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Walmart, the Walmart Foundation and the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) today launched the Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for grants of $100,000 or more, funded by the Walmart Foundation, to help create solutions to challenges many companies face with on-shoring and growing U.S. manufacturing.

The first year of the initiative will focus on innovation in textiles manufacturing and common manufacturing processes that apply to a broad range of consumer goods, including small motor manufacturing and tooling for injection molding. Anticipated participating organizations include research and academic institutions, think tanks and other non-profit entities focused on innovations in manufacturing.

"Through the Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund, we hope to help remove the barriers to revitalizing and growing U.S. manufacturing, creating jobs and building a stronger American economy," said Cindi Marsiglio, vice president of U.S. sourcing and domestic manufacturing for Walmart. "This is part of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation's broader commitment to foster new ideas and jobs to promote strong communities and grow America's manufacturing footprint."

Today's announcement is part of Walmart's commitment to buy an additional $250 billion in products that support American manufacturing. It represents a significant investment to accelerate U.S. manufacturing and create American jobs. The Boston Consulting Group estimates the initiative will add 1 million jobs in the United States.

"The U.S. Conference of Mayors is committed to helping bring manufacturing jobs back to America's cities, and our partnership with Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will strengthen our metro economies that drive the national economy," said Tom Cochran, USCM CEO and executive director.

Applications are due April 22, 2014. Selected proposals will receive grants ranging from $100,000 and above for award periods of at least one year, with the option of reapplying for continued funding. Each applicant will need sponsorship from the mayor of a USCM member city.

For more information and to apply for a grant please visit www.usmanufacturingfund.com. Learn more from Cindi Marsiglio. And join the conversation @WalmartNewsroom.

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere -- in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit our 11,302 stores under 71 banners in 27 countries and ecommerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2014 sales of over $473 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com/.

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women's Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

About The U.S. Conference of Mayors
The United States Conference of Mayors is the official non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are nearly 1,400 such cities in the country today. Each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. The primary roles of the Conference are to promote the development of effective national urban/suburban policy; strengthen federal-city relationships; ensure that federal policy meets urban needs; provide mayors with leadership and management tools; and create a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information. www.usmayors.org

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SOURCE The U.S. Conference of Mayors