Community Grants Program

Geographic Scope: Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana regions

Primary Funding Priorities:

1. Construction Education - Support for construction-related programs at:
   • Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
   • Northern Kentucky University
   • University of Cincinnati
   • Trade and vocational programs in the region
2. Workforce Development Programs - Projects advocating construction careers to:
   • Middle school students
   • Secondary school students
   • Vocational/technical school students
3. Local Interest Projects - Organizations directly or indirectly affiliated with construction industry that enhance the community or create educational opportunities

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be: Community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit or other proof of non-profit status
• Must be: Qualified educational institutions reflecting Spirit of Construction values
• Must engage: Youth and young adults in hands-on activities as a requirement
• Cannot be: Controversial organizations or ones requiring significant transfer of local funds to national/international parent organizations
• Preference for: Middle school children engagement

Award Information:

• In 2025, 16 non-profits received grants from 28 applications totaling $458,323.60 requested
• Additional funding available through Endowment-Funded Career Initiatives
• Special grant requests (not limited in dollar amount) may be submitted for Board approval
• Example: Construction Advocate/Middle School Construction Careers Outreach Program

What They Don't Fund:

• Scholarship programs (handled separately)
• Controversial organizations
• Programs transferring significant funds to national/international parent organizations

Contact Information:

• Phone: (859) 525-6817
• Email: amanda.smith@spiritofconstruction.org
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 17203, Lakeside Park, KY 41017
• Grant Selection Committee Chair: Sean Foley, foleys@nku.edu, (859) 802-0441

Background:
Spirit of Construction supports local community outreach initiatives that introduce and educate young people about opportunities within the construction industry. They provide not just funds but also volunteers who share insights and make industry connections.

Application Timeline for 2027 (Based on 2026 Timeline):

January 5 - February 13, 2027 - Application Period

• Grant Guidelines and Applications available online at spiritofconstruction.org
• Application must be submitted electronically no later than February 13
• Amanda Smith logs all applications including: organization name, contact name, telephone, email, amount requested

February 16 - March 2, 2027 - Initial Review

• Grant Selection Committee members familiarize themselves with each applicant

March 2 - March 13, 2027 - Evaluation & Shortlisting

• Committee meets as group to evaluate and rank candidates
• Interviews scheduled as necessary

March 16 - March 30, 2027 - Interviews

• Final recommendations submitted to Outreach Committee

April 6, 2027 - Approval

• Outreach Committee approves recommendations
• Submitted to Spirit Board for approval (electronically)
• Recipients notified by April 13

May 12, 2027 - Grant Recipients Collaborative Meeting

• Meeting to share knowledge, resources, identify synergies
• Discuss measurement criteria and provide support

May 13, 2027 - Public Presentation

• Presentation of checks at SOC Spring Fling event

June 1 - August 28, 2027 - Follow-up

• Emerging Leaders Committee members follow up with recipients
• Provide support and discuss final reporting

October 13-30, 2027 - Final Reporting

• Final reports due from Grant Recipients
• Final wrap-up meeting with all recipients

Form Questions to Answer:

1. RATIONALE AND CONTEXT
   • Describe what you hope to accomplish
   • Explain expected return on investment to construction industry
2. DESIGN AND ACTIVITIES
   • Describe proposed project activities in detail
   • Include timetable for completion
   • Describe organization's capacity to implement and administer
   • Describe status of work and accomplishments to date (if applicable)
3. SUMMARY
   • One paragraph explaining why organization deserves the grant
   • Articulate passion for the organization
4. Additional Required Documents:
   • Letters of Recommendation: 1-3 letters from construction industry professionals
   • Annual Report: One copy of organization's most recent annual report
   • Board Members List: Complete listing of board members
   • Grant Proposal: Detailed proposal supporting the application

Grant Application Guidelines:

Applications should address the following metrics where appropriate:

• Focused age group
• Number of children and young adults served
• Number of construction trades involved
• Types of construction trades involved
• Number of volunteers involved
• Program duration
• Brief program summary
• Community engagement
• Business partners involved
• Other funding sources

Important Requirements:

• Limit grant request to no more than 3 pages
• Attach additional sheets detailing grant proposal as needed
• Answer questions in order presented
• Applicants MUST engage young people in hands-on activities
• Engagement of middle school children encouraged

Submission Instructions:

• Complete form and upload all proper documents
• Preferred: Upload documents through application portal on website
• Alternative: Email supporting documentation to Amanda Smith
• Submit prior to deadline to ensure timely receipt
• Application filed electronically

Grant Reporting Requirements:

• Grant Recipients must meet with Spirit of Construction Outreach Committee (scheduled May 12)
• Required to report on project metrics in final report
• Final report due in October 2026 (or October 2027 for 2027 cycle)

Communication Channels:

Grant availability communicated through:

• Spirit of Construction Board Member Communications
• Website postings on construction affiliated organizations including:
  • Allied Construction Industries
  • American Society of Professional Estimators
  • Associated Builders & Contractors
  • C.O.A.T.S.
  • CURT
  • Construction Specifications Institute
  • National Association of Women in Construction
  • Society of Marketing Professionals
  • Construction Financial Management Association
  • C.R.E.W. (Commercial Real Estate Women)
• Contact with previous grant recipients