Make a Difference with Manufacturing Works

Giving Tuesday, observed annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is a global movement that encourages generosity and community support. This year, it falls on December 3, 2024. 

Download our 2024 highlights report to see our impact through some of the work we have completed this year.

Manufacturing Works, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to strengthening manufacturing and the local economy in Northeast Ohio.

We are the bridge between the education sector, community development organizations, government officials, and industry. That's what makes our organization unique; at the heart of it all, we are connectors.

On this Giving Tuesday, we invite our community to support our mission through various forms of generosity:

Financial Contribution

Make a financial contribution. Financial contributions, or "treasure," are vital to the success of Manufacturing Works. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors to fund programs, sponsor events, and provide resources that directly benefit local manufacturers. Here's how your donations make an impact:

• Develop our region's workforce: Your support enables us to offer training programs at a deeply discounted fee that enhance the skills of manufacturing employees, such as the training of 72 frontline supervisors from 32 different companies.
  
  
• Advance technology: Your contributions enable us to assist companies like yours in adopting cutting-edge technologies, as demonstrated by our support for over 15 innovation projects.
  
  
• Engage the manufacturing community: Your donations make it possible to host events that connect manufacturers through education, training, and community-building activities, such as the 30 Manufacturing Works events attended by 762 participants this year.
  
  
• Economic development: Your support helps us implement programs that lead to job creation which improves the local economy.

HOW TO DONATE
Contribute securely through PayPal or check. Instructions are on this page. Note that many companies match employee donations. Check with your employer to see if this option is available to you.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers' talent is key to the mission of Manufacturing Works, providing essential support across various facets of our organization. Here's how your time and expertise can make a significant impact:

• Support our daily operations: Join a taskforce to improve organization's efficiency, allowing us to allocate more resources directly to programs that benefit the manufacturing community.
  
  
• Participate in the community: Serve on committees such as Manufacturing Excellence, People, or Workforce Development to influence strategic decisions and program development, ensuring our initiatives align with industry.
  
  
• Lead and inspire: By leading workshops and training sessions, you bridge the gap between theory and practice, and ensure participants are well-prepared to meet industry demands.

SIGN UP
Express your interest visiting our volunteer page for additional information on current opportunities. By volunteering with Manufacturing Works, you are making a tangible difference. 

Share Your Story

Personal testimonials, anecdotes, and stories from those who have engaged with Manufacturing Works are invaluable assets in our fundraising efforts! Here's why your shared experiences are essential:

• Humanizing our mission: Sharing your personal experiences illustrates the impact of our programs, transforming abstract goals into relatable narratives that resonate with potential supporters.
  
  
• Building trust and credibility: Testimonials serve as social proof, demonstrating the effectiveness and reliability of our organization. When prospective donors hear firsthand accounts of positive experiences, it reinforces their confidence in our ability to deliver on our promises.
  
  
• Inspire action: Authentic stories like yours highlight real-world challenges and successes, encouraging others to join our journey and contribute to our mission.
  
  
• Demonstrate impact: Detailed anecdotes showcase how contributions make a difference, providing transparency and assuring donors that their support leads to measurable outcomes.
  
  
• Amplify our message: We incorporate testimonials across various channels (such as our website, newsletters, and social media) and that broadens our reach while attracting a wider audience that we can serve.

Your voice is powerful. By sharing your journey with Manufacturing Works, you help us build a stronger, more supportive community dedicated to the growth and success of Northeast Ohio's manufacturing sector.

EMAIL YOUR STORY
Connect with Tiffany Rashada, trashada@mfgworkscle.org.

Open Your Doors

Hosting facility tours offers local manufacturing companies a unique opportunity to observe diverse processes and equipment firsthand. It creates a collaborative environment for learning and connection.  

The key benefits include: 

• Showcase your operations: Hosting tours allows participants to see your machinery and equipment in action, confirming your facility's production capabilities, safety, and operational standards.

• Share best practices: By opening your doors, you provide a platform for manufacturers to connect, observe innovative methods, and identify areas for improvement within their own operations.

• Build trust and credibility: Demonstrating transparency through facility tours builds trust and strengthens connections within the industry, offering stakeholders a tangible understanding of manufacturing processes.

By hosting facility tours, you contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the industry we all love.

SCHEDULE A TOUR
Contact Mari-Elen Sammon at mesammon@mfgworks.org to arrange a visit.

"Manufacturing Works has become a resource that has directly helped accelerate the growth of our business.  We look forward to working closer with the network as opportunities present themselves."

Tom Lazzaro, President, Midwest Transatlantic Lines, Inc.

Make a Difference

Every act of generosity counts and contributes to our shared goal of strengthening the manufacturing sector in Northeast Ohio. Join us this Giving Tuesday (or any other day of the year) to make a meaningful impact!

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission to build a stronger manufacturing community through connection, education, and training.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact us directly at info@mfgworkscle.org.