4_CWU Tech Transfer Agenda 20260519

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2 | OLD HEAT REPORT The capital stack begins with public infrastructure investment. As a University-owned asset, the Old Heat Building qualifi es for state and federal capital tools that can stabilize and de-risk the project. State capital appropriations, economic development grants, potential CERB participation, historic preservation incentives, energy fi nancing mechanisms such as PACE, and other infrastructure resources form the foundational layer of the stack. These investments are catalytic rather than charitable. They address code compliance, structural stabilization, preservation of historic elements, and essential life-safety improvements. Public dollars signal seriousness and institutional commitment. They provide the structural base upon which private investment can confi dently build. Securing this public layer is the fi rst execution step in the campaign. During the pre- campaign phase, the University and its affi liated campaign entity will fi nalize the full project budget, confi rm scope defi nitions, assess historic tax credit eligibility, evaluate bond participation where appropriate, and initiate capital budget conversations with legislative partners. By establishing this foundation early, the campaign reduces perceived risk and creates momentum before entering the private fundraising phase. Old Heat Capital Stacking Structure OLD HEAT CAPITAL STACKING STRUCTURE State & Federal Grants / Bonds CERB / Public Infrastructure Tools Historic Tax Credits / Pace / Oz Corporate Anchor Investment Major Sponsors & Naming Rights Community Philanthropy OLD HEAT REPORT | 3 With the infrastructure base in place, the campaign will seek a transformative corporate anchor partner. This is not sponsorship in the traditional sense; it is leadership investment. A regional or national corporation aligned with innovation, workforce development, research partnerships, or sustainability will be invited to serve as the founding partner of the Old Heat Building. Rather than a single one-time gift, the campaign will structure this commitment as a multi-year underwriting pledge, potentially over fi ve years, with an accelerated initial contribution to support early construction needs. This structure mirrors successful corporate underwriting models used in comparable projects, where early capital infusion supports construction timelines while establishing a durable, long-term partnership. The corporate anchor will receive prominent naming rights, exterior visibility, interior recognition, and strategic alignment with the building’s programming. More importantly, the partner will be positioned as a co-investor in regional talent development and innovation infrastructure. The narrative presented to this partner will align with workforce pipeline development, research collaboration opportunities, ESG commitments, green economy initiatives, and economic equity. The Old Heat Building will be positioned not merely as a venue, but as a platform for innovation and industry engagement. Above the anchor layer, major area sponsors will activate defi ned portions of the building. The mezzanine can become an innovation or research collaboration level underwritten by a technology or engineering fi rm. The coal bin level can transform into a collaborative event space bearing the name of a civic benefactor. Training rooms in the annex can align with workforce development partners. Historic preservation elements, including restored architectural features, can attract donors passionate about heritage stewardship. Exterior plazas and gathering spaces can refl ect the leadership of corporations committed to public engagement. Each signifi cant gift completes a defi ned construction component and permanently associates the donor with a physical space inside the building. The fi nal layer of the capital stack is the community itself. Alumni, faculty, families, local businesses, and regional residents will have opportunities to participate through founders’ recognition walls, brick or tile campaigns, small business sponsorships, and community fundraising events. These contributions, while smaller in scale, are powerful in meaning. They transform the building from a University project into a shared civic achievement. When the doors open, the community will recognize its fi ngerprints in the masonry and its commitment in the walls. Old Heat Capital Stacking Structure