Lowe's Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $24 million+ (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 4-5 months from application close
• Grant Range: $100,000 - $1,000,000 (Gable Grants); Various amounts (Hometowns)
• Geographic Focus: United States (national)

Contact Details

Website: www.lowesfoundation.org
Email: Foundation@lowes.com
Phone: Not publicly listed
Address: 1000 Lowes Blvd, Mooresville, NC 28117

Application Portal: Applications submitted through online portal at www.lowes.com/foundation

Overview

The Lowe's Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1957 by Lowe's Companies, Inc. The foundation operates two major grant programs with distinct missions. Its flagship initiative, the Gable Grants program, represents a five-year, $50 million commitment (2023-2028) to train 50,000 new skilled tradespeople and close the skilled trades labor gap across the United States. Since 2023, the foundation has awarded over $43 million to 60 programs supporting skilled trades workforce development. The Lowe's Hometowns program represents an additional $100 million commitment over five years to restore and revitalize community spaces nationwide. Through 2024, the foundation had invested over $62 million through Hometowns grants. In total, through private and corporate funding, the foundation has awarded approximately $263 million for community projects and programs since its inception.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Gable Grants Program: $100,000 - $1,000,000 (needs-based, 24-month grant period)

• Application cycles: Community/technical colleges apply in March annually; community-based nonprofits in August (invitation only); national nonprofits in September-October (invitation only)
• Decisions announced: July (colleges) and December (nonprofits)
• Supports direct training providers preparing students for careers in skilled trades

Lowe's Hometowns Program: Variable grant amounts (up to $305,000 for signature projects)

• Application cycle: Community nomination-based, typically January-February annually
• 100 signature grants awarded annually plus 1,700+ associate-selected improvement projects
• Recipients announced in late June
• Focuses on large-scale renovations of community spaces

Priority Areas

Gable Grants - Skilled Trades Training:

• Facilities/property maintenance
• Carpentry/construction/masonry
• Electrical/emerging technologies
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Plumbing

Priority Recruitment Populations: The foundation emphasizes programs that actively recruit and serve underrepresented groups in skilled trades, including:

• Women
• People of color
• Individuals living in rural areas
• Adults and opportunity youth (ages 16-24)
• Justice-involved individuals
• Individuals participating in second-chance programs

Hometowns - Community Spaces:

• Transitional housing upgrades
• Food pantry expansions
• Park beautification
• First responder facilities
• Veterans housing
• Community gathering spaces

What They Don't Fund

The Lowe's Foundation will not consider requests for:

• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, country of origin, citizenship, veteran status, or disability status
• Religious organizations (unless engaged in non-sectarian programs benefiting a broad community base with separate 501(c)(3) designation)
• Political action committees, candidates, causes, or lobbying activities
• Four-year universities or private institutions (for Gable Grants specifically - limited to community and technical colleges where associate degree is highest degree awarded)

Governance and Leadership

Board Leadership (2024 Form 990):

• Janice Dupré, Chair - Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Lowe's Companies, Inc.
• Margi Vagell, SVP Vice Chairman
• David R. Green, Trustee Treasurer
• Bill Ellison, Secretary
• Elizabeth Conway, Director
• Lauren Norman, Sr Manager

Additional Trustees:

• David Shoop
• Jason Rutherford
• Donna Neale
• Alvin Ferrouillet
• Steffani McLean
• Gerardo Soto Aycinena
• Kyle Guenther
• Denise Hill

Key Quote from Leadership:

Janice Dupré, Lowe's Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Chair of the Lowe's Foundation, stated: "Collectively, we are writing a comeback story for the skilled trades industry." She added, "We listen closely to contractors and know that many candidates don't have the necessary skills to fill the wide range of open trades positions. Through modern training methods, these nonprofits are unlocking the workforce's potential while building an economy that rewards skills, not just titles or four-year degrees."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Gable Grants Program: Applications must be submitted online through the Lowe's Foundation portal at www.lowes.com/foundation. Email, fax transmissions, and late applications will not be accepted. Through the portal, applicants may create a new application, open an existing application, or collaborate with others on an application.

Application Windows by Organization Type:

• Community and Technical Colleges: March 1-31, 2025 (open application)
• Community-Based Nonprofits: August 1-31, 2025 (invitation only)
• National Nonprofits: September 1 - October 1, 2025 (invitation only)

Note: Community-based and national nonprofit applications are by invitation only. The foundation identifies and invites organizations that fit their strategic priorities.

Lowe's Hometowns Program: Community nomination-based process. Nominations typically open in January-February annually through the Lowe's Hometowns website.

Decision Timeline

Gable Grants:

• Applications go through an internal review process
• Finalists are invited to a virtual Q&A session with Lowe's Foundation Board members
• All applicants receive email notification to schedule Q&A session if invited to next round
• Community/Technical Colleges: Decisions announced in July (approximately 3-4 months after March 31 deadline)
• Community-Based/National Nonprofits: Decisions announced in December (approximately 3-4 months after August/September deadlines)
• All notifications sent via email to primary contact provided on application
• All applicants are notified of approval or denial
• All decisions are made at sole discretion of the Lowe's Foundation and are final and not appealable

Lowe's Hometowns: Recipients announced in late June (approximately 4-5 months after nomination period closes)

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose specific acceptance rates or success statistics. However, available data shows:

• Since 2023, over $43 million awarded to 60 organizations through Gable Grants
• In 2024, 35 organizations spanning 27 states received over $24 million in Gable Grants
• In 2025, 15 nonprofits received nearly $9 million in Gable Grants
• 100 Hometowns signature grants awarded annually

Reapplication Policy

Organizations that are not selected for Gable Grants may reapply annually. Applications are limited to one application per organization type per application period.

Grantees who have previously received funding are eligible to reapply after their grant period is complete (after the 24-month grant period concludes).

Application Success Factors

Based on publicly available information about funded organizations and foundation priorities, the following factors appear important for successful Gable Grants applications:

Alignment with Foundation's Core Mission: Programs must demonstrate sustainable, scalable skilled trades education with emphasis on the five priority trade areas. The foundation seeks organizations that challenge outdated perceptions about trade careers and help individuals "see what's possible in the trades, in their communities and in their own lives."

Focus on Underrepresented Populations: Applications are "thoroughly evaluated to ensure programs directly recruit, train, and prepare for the future skilled trades workforce, including increasing the talent pool by actively recruiting women, people of color, adult and opportunity youth (16-24 years old), individuals in rural areas, and individuals who are justice-involved or participating in second-chance programs."

Connection to Employment Outcomes: The foundation prioritizes programs that connect graduates directly to employment opportunities. Successful programs demonstrate clear pathways from training to job placement.

Innovation and Scalability: Recent press releases highlight the foundation's interest in "innovative" programs. Examples of funded organizations include:

• She Built This City (received $1 million) - focused on bringing women into the trades
• Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont ($800,000) - comprehensive workforce development
• Community College of Baltimore County ($601,000) - enhancing HVAC and building maintenance programs with cutting-edge skills
• Pima Community College - supporting Metallica Scholars training with comprehensive career advising

Modern Training Methods: Per Janice Dupré's quote, the foundation values "modern training methods" that unlock workforce potential. Applications should demonstrate contemporary approaches to skilled trades education.

Wraparound Services: The foundation has renewed partnerships with organizations providing wraparound services, suggesting they value comprehensive support for students beyond just technical training.

Documented Community Need: Successful applicants should demonstrate clear demand for skilled trades workers in their community or service area.

Virtual Q&A Performance: Since finalists participate in virtual Q&A sessions with Board members, the ability to effectively communicate program impact, scalability, and alignment with foundation priorities is critical.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Timing is critical: Community and technical colleges have open applications in March; community-based nonprofits are invitation-only in August. Plan accordingly and ensure all materials are ready before the application window opens.

• Emphasize diversity and inclusion: The foundation places strong emphasis on programs that actively recruit and serve underrepresented populations in skilled trades. Quantify your recruitment strategies and outcomes for women, people of color, rural residents, opportunity youth, and justice-involved individuals.

• Focus on one of the five priority trades: Applications should concentrate on facilities/property maintenance, carpentry/construction/masonry, electrical/emerging technologies, HVAC, or plumbing. Programs outside these areas are unlikely to be competitive.

• Demonstrate employment pathways: Show clear connections between your training program and job placement. Include employer partnerships, placement rates, and career support services.

• Prepare for the Q&A session: If selected as a finalist, you'll present to the Foundation Board. Have compelling data about program outcomes, scalability plans, and community impact ready to discuss.

• For community-based nonprofits: Since applications are by invitation only, building awareness of your organization's work in skilled trades training may help you get on the foundation's radar for a future invitation. Consider reaching out to Foundation@lowes.com to express interest.

• Grant amounts are needs-based: Awards range from $100,000 to $1,000,000, so clearly articulate your budget needs and how the investment will create lasting impact over the 24-month grant period.

References

• Lowe's Foundation Official Website, "Gable Grants Program," https://www.lowesfoundation.org/gable-grants (Accessed January 2025)
• Lowe's Foundation, "About Us," https://www.lowesfoundation.org/about-us (Accessed January 2025)
• Lowe's Corporate, "Closing The Skilled Trades Gap," https://corporate.lowes.com/our-responsibilities/lowes-foundation (Accessed January 2025)
• Lowe's Foundation, "Gable Grants FAQs 2025," https://corporate.lowes.com/sites/lowes-corp/files/2025-01/gable-grants-faqs-2025.pdf (Accessed January 2025)
• Lowe's Corporate Press Release, "Lowe's Foundation Grows Skilled Trades Career Opportunities Through Nearly $9 Million in Gable Grants," February 27, 2025, https://corporate.lowes.com/newsroom/press-releases/lowes-foundation-grows-skilled-trades-career-opportunities-through-nearly-9-million-gable-grants-community-based-and-national-nonprofits-02-27-25 (Accessed January 2025)
• Lowe's Corporate Press Release, "Lowe's Foundation Investment in Solving Skilled Trades Labor Shortage Grows to $43 Million," July 18, 2025, https://corporate.lowes.com/newsroom/press-releases/lowes-foundation-investment-solving-skilled-trades-labor-shortage-grows-43-million-07-18-2025 (Accessed January 2025)
• Lowe's Corporate, "2024 Impact and Culture Report," https://corporate.lowes.com/sites/lowes-corp/files/2025-07/2024%20Reports/Lowes_2024_ICR_6.30.25.pdf (Accessed January 2025)
• Lowe's Corporate, "Lowe's Hometowns," https://corporate.lowes.com/our-responsibilities/lowes-hometowns (Accessed January 2025)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, "Lowes Foundation Form 990," https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/566061689 (Accessed January 2025)
• Candid Foundation Directory, "Lowes Foundation Profile," https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=LOWE008 (Accessed January 2025)