In a bold move to strengthen America’s skilled labor force, Lowe’s Foundation has announced a new $9 million round of grants aimed at equipping the next generation of tradespeople with the tools and training they need to succeed.
The funding will support 15 nonprofit organizations across the United States that specialize in preparing individuals for careers in the trades—sectors like construction, carpentry, electrical work, HVAC, plumbing, and appliance repair. These grants come at a crucial time, as demand for skilled trades workers continues to grow and wages in the field rise steadily.
Meeting the Demand for Skilled Labor
One of the driving forces behind this initiative is the ongoing shortage of trained workers in trade professions. In the construction sector alone, average hourly earnings have increased by 4.4% over the past year, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors.
These figures underscore the economic opportunity available in the trades, but also reveal a growing gap between available jobs and the number of people qualified to fill them.
“We listen closely to contractors and know that many candidates don’t have the necessary skills to fill the wide range of open trades positions,” said Janice Dupré, executive vice president at Lowe’s and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation.
“Through modern training methods, these nonprofits are unlocking the workforce’s potential while building an economy that rewards skills, not just titles or four-year degrees.”
A Nationwide Effort
The scope of this initiative is impressively broad. From Alaska to Mississippi, the 15 nonprofit organizations receiving funding are delivering hands-on, practical training to individuals looking to enter the trades. These groups are embedded in their local communities and understand the unique employment challenges and opportunities in their regions. Many of them focus not only on teaching technical skills, but also on building confidence, leadership, and a pathway to long-term employment.
Among the grant recipients is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which will use the funding to strengthen its job readiness programs for young people aged 16 to 24. Three of their club locations—in Hobe Sound, Florida; Madison, Wisconsin; and Seattle, Washington—will implement enhanced skilled trades training for youth.
“This funding will directly bolster their efforts to equip young people with the skills needed to enter the workforce, particularly in the skilled trades,” said Jennifer Bateman, Senior Vice President of Youth Development at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “It’s an investment in their future and the future of our community.”
A Strategic Long-Term Vision
This $9 million in funding is part of a much larger vision set forth by the Lowe’s Foundation. Since launching its Gable Grants program in 2023, the foundation has invested more than $34 million in workforce development. These investments are strategically targeted to support scalable, modern training initiatives that can serve as models for workforce readiness across the country.
The National Association of Home Builders praised the initiative, calling it “a pivotal role in helping to strengthen the residential construction workforce.” That sentiment is echoed by each of the organizations involved, which have seen firsthand how transformative access to proper training can be—not just for individual trainees, but for entire communities.
Looking Ahead
Lowe’s latest investment in skilled trades training is not simply about filling current vacancies. It represents a broader commitment to reshaping the American workforce by prioritizing hands-on education, community-based training, and the value of skilled labor. By recognizing that success doesn’t always require a four-year degree, Lowe’s and its partners are making a compelling case for the trades as a vital and viable career path.
As the skilled trades continue to evolve alongside technology and sustainable practices, these programs ensure that workers are not only prepared for today’s jobs but also ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
With this substantial support from Lowe’s, communities across the nation can begin to bridge the labor gap and cultivate a new generation of capable, confident, and well-trained trades professionals.
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