Trades Workforce Development Grant

The Trades and Workforce Development Open Call Grant, offered by the Patterson Family Foundation, is designed to advance economic mobility in rural Kansas and western Missouri by supporting workforce initiatives that lead to sustainable, well-paying careers. This grant opportunity is part of the Foundation's broader focus on economic opportunity, aiming to assist both new workforce entrants and incumbent workers in gaining the skills and credentials necessary for employment in their regions. The Foundation emphasizes local employment pipelines and seeks to promote job readiness through training, education, and employer engagement. Eligible projects must demonstrate clear pathways to employment and provide participants with access to high-quality training programs, work-based learning opportunities, or apprenticeship models. Applicants are expected to report on measurable outcomes, including the number of participants served, credentials or skills attained, job placements or work-based learning achieved, and the strength of employer partnerships developed or improved through the initiative. The Foundation places priority on programs that enhance regional career infrastructure and equip residents with in-demand skills relevant to their rural contexts. The grant supports a broad array of allowable expenses related to workforce development, including costs associated with technical training programs, upskilling and reskilling, licensing and educational support, as well as funding for supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or other barriers to participation. Additionally, applicants may use funds to purchase equipment, develop curriculum, or engage with employers to build or expand workforce pipelines. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public school districts, or government entities. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed when the sponsoring organization meets eligibility requirements and agrees to participate in the Foundation’s due diligence process. While applicants do not need to be physically located within the Foundation’s rural catchment area, they must serve one or more of the 119 designated rural counties in Kansas and western Missouri. Projects that have already secured 25% or more of their total budget and include plans for sustainability and evaluation will receive priority consideration. The application process begins with registration in the Foundation’s Grants Portal, followed by submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI). If the LOI is approved, applicants are invited to complete a full proposal, which includes detailed narratives, budget forms, and supporting documents such as financial statements and IRS determination letters. The Foundation operates two grant cycles per year. For 2026, LOIs for Round 1 are due by February 18 with full proposals due April 3; Round 2 LOIs are due by May 13 with full proposals due June 29. Awards are communicated in June and September, respectively, with funds disbursed the following month. The Foundation emphasizes that participation in the application process does not guarantee funding. All awards are made based on alignment with priorities, feasibility, readiness to implement, and potential for community impact. Once confirmed through an award letter, grantees may publicly share their partnership with the Foundation. For questions, applicants are encouraged to contact program staff via the Grants Portal or the support email. Assistance is also available in Spanish.

Priority given to projects with 25% funding secured and evaluation/sustainability plans.