Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants

The Lowe's Foundation Gable Grants program is a national initiative designed to address the critical shortage of skilled tradespeople in the United States. With a substantial commitment of $50 million over five years, the foundation aims to prepare 50,000 individuals for careers in the skilled trades, directly aligning with its mission to build and revitalize homes, communities, and infrastructure for the future. This strategic investment underscores the foundation's belief in the power of workforce development to create sustainable, positive change at both individual and societal levels, contributing to a robust economy and well-maintained communities. The program specifically targets postsecondary aged adults and places a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Target beneficiaries include women, people of color, individuals residing in rural areas, and those who are justice-involved or participating in second-chance programs. By focusing on these often underrepresented or underserved populations, the Lowe's Foundation seeks to foster equitable access to high-demand careers, thereby driving significant social and economic impact. The overarching impact goal is to develop a diverse and skilled workforce capable of meeting future demands in key trades, ultimately strengthening local economies and community resilience. Gable Grants prioritize organizations that demonstrate a proven ability to deliver sustainable and scalable skilled trades education programs. The funded programs must focus on specific areas: appliance repair, carpentry/construction, electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and/or plumbing. This targeted approach ensures that the grants support training in trades that are most essential for community development and infrastructure maintenance. The grant application process is highly competitive, reflecting the foundation's commitment to investing in high-quality, impactful programs that can genuinely prepare participants for successful careers. Expected outcomes of the Gable Grants program include the successful training and placement of 50,000 individuals into skilled trades careers. The foundation anticipates measurable results in increased employment rates among program participants, enhanced skill sets in critical trades, and a more diverse workforce in the skilled trades sector. This initiative reflects the Lowe's Foundation's strategic priority of investing in workforce development as a key driver for community revitalization and economic growth, operating on a theory of change that by equipping individuals with valuable skills, they can contribute to their own economic well-being and the overall prosperity of their communities.