The Lowe's Foundation announced Thursday nearly $9 million in Gable Grants to 15 nonprofits on the front lines of a growing skilled trades workforce movement. 

From Alaska to Mississippi, organizations are preparing new tradespeople as rising wages create more job opportunities. In construction, average hourly earnings increased 4.4% over the past year, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.

"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, Lowe's executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe's Foundation, in a Feb. 27 news release. 

"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," Dupré added.

Since 2023, the Lowe's Foundation has awarded over $34 million in Gable Grants to help educate and advocate for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. 

The grants support training programs in carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliance repair.

"We are grateful for the support of the Lowe's Foundation and their Gable Grants that will help fund the training of the next generation of skilled trade professionals," said Jim Tobin, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders. 

"All of these deserving grant recipients play a pivotal role in helping to strengthen the residential construction workforce, and we stand in support of their efforts," Tobin added.

The new Lowe's Foundation Gable Grants support the following community-based nonprofits:

Alaska Works (Anchorage, Alaska) will expand its free, hands-on construction training program in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Mat-Su region. The expansion includes more funding for carpentry, plumbing, and electrical training, as well as building maintenance and additional support for participants. 

Hope Renovations (Carrboro, N.C.) plans to increase the number of skilled trades graduates by providing additional cohorts at its Raleigh and Durham locations. Its pre-apprenticeship program enables individuals to enter the construction industry while delivering essential home repairs for adults aging in place.

Latino Academy of Workforce Development (Madison, Wis.) will support student cohorts through a bilingual trades program with safety certifications, blueprint reading, and financial education. For over a decade, the nonprofit has partnered with employers and workforce boards, aiding over 10,000 individuals in south-central Wisconsin.

Moore Community House (Biloxi, Miss.) will expand its construction program with an electrical 101 course for residential construction. The nonprofit will also enhance its pre-apprenticeship course with modules introducing masonry, flooring, roof framing, HVAC, and plumbing.

Next Step of West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Mich.) will equip its new facility to continue building small homes through a seven-week training program. The nonprofit provides on-the-job training and employment in construction and carpentry.  

Nontraditional Employment for Women (N.Y.) plans to recruit over 300 individuals annually for building and construction careers. The grant will support individualized employment plans, peer support, and mentoring as the nonprofit grows.

North Alabama Homebuilding Academy (Huntsville, Ala.) will reach hundreds of aspiring skilled trades students in Alabama through new satellite programs and a 16-session course, culminating in a job fair with local employers and supported by the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association, a chapter of the National Association of Home Builders.

SER Metro-Detroit Jobs for Progress (Detroit) will expand ReBuild Detroit, offering a free eight-week apprenticeship readiness training program licensed by Michigan. It provides industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA 30, and career pathways in skilled trades through SER's employer network.

Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh) will boost its 10-week, tuition-free masonry and carpentry training program capacity by 25%, exploring expansion beyond Pittsburgh. The grant will support new instructors and case managers in eliminating employment barriers through life coaching and therapy services.

Uncommon Construction (New Orleans) will enhance its Career Pathways program, develop adult certification curriculum, and complete renovations to its training facility. The organization provides on-the-job training for safe, affordable housing in the area.

The Lowe's Foundation awarded a Gable Grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) as a new national partner. BGCA will enhance skilled trades job readiness programs for young adults (ages 16-24) at three locations: Hobe Sound, FL; Madison, WI; and Seattle.

The foundation renewed partnerships with nonprofits Goodwill Industries International, LISC, NCCER, and SkillsUSA. They will support skilled trades training programs, including workforce development in communities impacted by natural disasters.

The next Gable Grant application cycle for community and technical colleges will run from March 1 to March 31. 

For more information, visit Lowes.com/Foundation.