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

Funding will support nonprofits nationwide that prepare workers for high-demand careers in construction, electrical, HVAC, and more.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Lowe's Foundation is investing $10 million in nonprofits across the country to expand hands-on training, credentials, and career pathways for workers entering high-demand skilled trades. The new Gable Grants will support organizations that provide pre-apprenticeship programs, job placement assistance, and wraparound services to help prepare participants for rewarding careers in fields like carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.

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 candidates to fill open positions. By investing in community-based nonprofits that offer training and support, the Lowe's Foundation aims to build a stronger pipeline of skilled workers and help address these workforce challenges.

The details

The Lowe's Foundation is committing over $10 million in new Gable Grants to expand skilled trades training programs nationwide. The grants will support nonprofits that provide hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and career placement assistance in high-demand fields like construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Some of the recipient organizations include Building Futures in Rhode Island, Flintridge Center in California, and Skillpoint Alliance in Texas.

  • The Lowe's Foundation launched the Gable Grants program in 2023.
  • The next Gable Grants application cycle for community and technical colleges will run from March 1 to March 31, 2026.

The players

Lowe's Foundation

The charitable arm of Lowe's Companies, Inc. that invests in initiatives to support home, community, and workforce development.

Janice Dupré

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 (wconline.com)

The takeaway

The Lowe's Foundation's investment in skilled trades training demonstrates a commitment to addressing workforce shortages and creating pathways to rewarding careers, particularly for underserved communities. By supporting community-based organizations, the foundation is helping to build a more diverse and skilled workforce that can meet the growing demand for construction, electrical, HVAC, and other critical trades.