BlackRock Future Builders is part of The BlackRock Foundation’s $100 million philanthropic initiative focused on expanding economic opportunity and strengthening America’s skilled trades workforce. Through this competitive RFP, the Foundation plans to award two-year grants ranging from $500,000 to $1 million to eligible U.S. nonprofit organizations that are advancing skilled trades training, workforce development, and related capacity-building efforts.

The opportunity is designed to support both direct workforce training programs and broader ecosystem-building initiatives that help skilled trades systems operate more effectively and at greater scale. Priority occupations should demonstrate a connection to infrastructure-related industries, including energy, transportation, data center construction, and related supply chains.

🔧 What it supports:

Funding may support direct worker training programs such as pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, career navigation, workforce training, and wraparound supports that improve persistence and completion. It may also support capacity-building activities including ecosystem development, technology adoption, data infrastructure, demonstration projects, research, and other system-strengthening efforts.

🎯 Key focus areas include:

Skilled trades workforce development

Infrastructure-related occupations and career pathways

Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs

Career navigation and workforce readiness

Employer engagement and industry partnerships

Workforce ecosystem coordination

Technology, tools, and data infrastructure

Training capacity expansion

Participant support services that improve completion and employment outcomes

Regional workforce solutions aligned with labor market demand

💡 Why it matters:

This is a significant workforce funding opportunity that combines substantial grant awards with a strong emphasis on long-term systems change. The Foundation is looking for solutions that can increase the number of workers entering high-demand skilled trades careers while strengthening the broader workforce ecosystem. Organizations that can demonstrate measurable outcomes, employer engagement, and scalable regional impact may find this opportunity particularly attractive.

Organizations focused on workforce systems change, employer engagement, workforce technology, or capacity building within the skilled trades ecosystem

Organizations exploring skilled trades workforce funding should evaluate how their programs align with infrastructure workforce needs and measurable employment outcomes. The New Growth Team can help assess fit, shape strategy, provide grant writing support, and build a competitive proposal for this high-value funding opportunity. Reach out for a conversation about positioning your organization for success.