Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants

The Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants program is a five-year, $50 million initiative launched in 2023 to address the growing skilled trades labor shortage across the United States. The foundation’s mission focuses on cultivating a sustainable pipeline of trades professionals, aiming to recruit, train, and prepare 50,000 job-ready individuals. The program supports both community and technical colleges and community-based nonprofit organizations that provide scalable and sustainable workforce development programs in the skilled trades, specifically in fields such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, construction, masonry, and property/facility maintenance. The Gable Grants program distributes funding through three annual cycles, segmented by organization type. Community and technical colleges can apply between March 1 and March 31. Community-based nonprofits have an invitation-only application window from August 1 to August 31, while national nonprofits are invited to apply from September 1 to October 1. The grant period spans 24 months, with awarded initiatives expected to commence in the semester or term following award notification. Throughout the grant period, recipients must use funds exclusively for program-related expenses, which may include staffing, materials, equipment, stipends, capacity-building efforts, and facilities development or renovation. Regular impact measurement and reporting are required during the two-year term. Eligibility for Gable Grants is limited to U.S.-based public community or technical colleges as defined under Section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act, with associate degrees being the highest degrees awarded, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Community-based nonprofits must act as direct training providers, operating at the local, state, or regional level. All applicants must offer skilled trades training programs targeting underrepresented populations such as women, people of color, rural residents, opportunity youth aged 16–24, and justice-involved individuals. Applications must be submitted through the Lowe’s Foundation’s dedicated online portal. The application process includes narrative questions on recruitment strategies, inclusion practices, training methods, long-term funding plans, and partnerships. Applicants must provide demographic data, program enrollment and completion projections, budget documentation, and information about community impact, both direct and indirect. Organizations may also need to demonstrate alignment with community-identified opportunities and explain how their leadership reflects the populations served. The evaluation process includes an internal review, virtual Q&A sessions with Lowe’s Foundation board members for finalists, and final award decisions issued by the board. Community and technical colleges are notified of outcomes in July, while nonprofit organizations receive decisions in December. The foundation may spotlight funded programs through its public communication channels. For support or additional information, applicants can contact [email protected]. Recipients also benefit from peer learning opportunities and access to Lowe’s resources as part of a broader community of practice.

Strong emphasis is placed on targeting underserved populations and measuring long-term outcomes. Demonstrated ability to train and place job-ready tradespeople is prioritized.