Lowe's Foundation Commits $10M to Skilled Trades Training

Funding will expand hands-on training, credentials and career pathways for workers entering high-demand skilled trades.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Lowe's Foundation is investing $10 million in nonprofits nationwide to expand hands-on training, credentials and career pathways for workers entering high-demand skilled trades such as construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. The funding will support community-based organizations that provide pre-apprenticeship programs, job placement assistance, and other wraparound services to help prepare individuals for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

Why it matters

The skilled trades workforce in the U.S. has faced labor shortages in recent years, with many employers struggling to find qualified workers to fill open positions. This investment by the Lowe's Foundation aims to help address this skills gap by supporting training programs that can connect more people, particularly those from underserved communities, with the education and resources needed to pursue in-demand skilled trades careers.

The details

The Lowe's Foundation is providing over $10 million in new 'Gable Grants' to 11 community-based nonprofits and national organizations to expand their skilled trades training programs. The funding will help these organizations modernize training facilities, increase program capacity, and provide wraparound services like job placement assistance, mentoring, and soft skills development to support participants. The grants will support training across a range of trades including carpentry, construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and more.

  • The Lowe's Foundation launched the Gable Grants program in 2023.
  • Since then, the foundation has invested nearly $53 million in 65 nonprofits and community colleges across the country.

The players

Lowe's Foundation

The charitable arm of home improvement retailer Lowe's Companies, Inc. that focuses on supporting workforce development initiatives.

Janice Dupré

The executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe's Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“These nonprofits are working around the clock to connect people with life-changing careers, and their recruitment and training programs are critical to helping us maximize the impact of our growing workforce movement.”

— Janice Dupré, Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Chair of the Lowe's Foundation (roofingcontractor.com)

What’s next

The next Gable Grants application cycle for community and technical colleges will run from March 1 to March 31. Interested organizations can learn more about eligibility guidelines and apply on the Lowe's Foundation website.

The takeaway

This investment by the Lowe's Foundation demonstrates a commitment to addressing the skilled trades labor shortage in the U.S. by supporting community-based training programs that can help prepare more workers, especially from underserved backgrounds, for in-demand careers in construction, electrical, HVAC, and other high-growth trades.