Lowe's SkillsUSA Community Service Grants

Geographic Scope: Nationwide (United States)

Focus Areas: Community service projects, school and community enhancement, skilled trades training

Lowe's is the largest corporate donor in SkillsUSA history. These grants support local SkillsUSA chapters in applying their learning to meaningful community service projects while strengthening relationships between local Lowe's stores and SkillsUSA programs. The grants enable career and technical education (CTE) students to hone their knowledge and apply their skills in real-world scenarios while giving back to their communities.

Eligibility:

• SkillsUSA chapters at qualifying schools and institutions
• High schools with SkillsUSA programs
• Postsecondary institutions with SkillsUSA programs
• Programs in all career/technical fields

Award Details:

• Grant Range: $2,000 - $25,000 per award
• Selection Frequency: Multiple rounds annually (Fall 2017 awarded 31 chapters)
• Total Funding: $1.5 million distributed in fall 2017
• Cumulative Support: Lowe's and Lowe's Foundation have contributed over $15 million to SkillsUSA since 2006

Project Types Funded:

• Infrastructure improvements (heating, cooling, networking systems)
• Equipment purchases (saws, appliances, technology)
• Community outreach and service projects
• School and campus enhancements
• Training equipment and facilities
• Mobile equipment (food trucks, portable labs)

Typical Projects Include:

• Building homes for homeless veterans
• Creating food trucks for culinary programs
• Renovating community gardens and farmers markets
• Building STEM outreach parks
• Constructing portable racing tracks
• Creating art galleries showcasing CTE
• Renovating community shelters
• Building portable ramps for accessibility
• Equipment provision for underserved students

Contact Information:

• SkillsUSA: skillsusa.org
• SkillsUSA Executive Director: Timothy Lawrence
• SkillsUSA Address: 673 Potomac Station Dr., PMB #809, Leesburg, VA 20176
• SkillsUSA Phone: 844-875-4557
• SkillsUSA Email: customercare@skillsusa.org

Background: Lowe's partnership with SkillsUSA is focused on addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in the United States. The grants provide hands-on experience for CTE students to apply their skills while helping prepare them for future careers in skilled trades.

Application Process

Submission Requirements:
Applications must include:

1. Project Description - Detailed description of the proposed project
2. Community Impact Statement - How the project will engage and benefit the community
3. Implementation Strategy - Overall strategy for project completion and impact

Selection Criteria:

• Quality and feasibility of the proposed project
• Level of community engagement
• Overall implementation strategy
• Alignment with SkillsUSA mission and CTE skill-building
• Potential for lasting impact

Award Notification:

• Winners announced periodically throughout the year
• Multiple rounds of funding available

Submission Details:

• Specific submission platform and deadlines not provided in available materials
• Contact SkillsUSA for current application information and deadlines