Ohio · National Grant

Lowe's Foundation: Skilled Trades & STEM (Ohio)

The Lowe's Foundation funds skilled trades, STEM, and workforce development programs across the U.S., supporting Ohio schools and nonprofits that build hands-on technical skills and connect youth to career pathways in building, technology, and engineering.

Funding

$10,000–$100,000

Eligibility

U.S. nonprofits and community colleges

Grade Focus

6-12 and postsecondary

Subject

Skilled Trades / STEM / Workforce

Deadline

Annual (check Lowes.com/l/foundation)

Type

National Grant

About This Grant

Lowe's Foundation invests in workforce development through its Gable Grants and skilled trades education programs, helping close the trades and technical skills gap in the U.S. Ohio, with its significant construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades economy, is a natural priority state for Lowe's Foundation's workforce-focused education investments.

Lowe's Foundation education grants support programs that give students hands-on technical skills — including coding, electronics, engineering, and construction technology — and connect them to career pathways. Ohio career and technical education programs, vocational schools, and STEM programs with workforce relevance are well-positioned applicants.

Forward Education's physical computing kits and maker-oriented curriculum fit Lowe's Foundation's vision of hands-on technical learning. Students who build and program physical devices gain skills directly relevant to the technical workforce that Lowe's Foundation is trying to develop.

View Lowe's Foundation: Skilled Trades & STEM (Ohio) →

Eligibility

U.S. nonprofits, community colleges, and educational institutions
Ohio programs focused on technical skills, STEM, or career pathway development for youth
Programs that demonstrate workforce preparation outcomes
Career and technical education programs at Ohio high schools and community colleges

Allowable Uses

Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
CS and AI literacy curriculum
Teacher professional development
Workshop tools, construction materials, and maker education equipment

Forward Education Products for This Grant

Forward Education offers classroom-ready kits that align with Ohio CS standards and fit cleanly into grant budgets. All kits include teacher guides and curriculum.

micro:bit Starter Kit — Entry-level physical computing, perfect for introducing coding and computational thinking.
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — Hands-on AI literacy curriculum covering machine learning concepts for K-12 classrooms.
Coding for Good Kit — Project-based learning kit connecting coding skills to real-world community challenges.
micro:bit Robotics Kit — Advanced robotics and engineering challenges for deeper CS exploration.

Keep in Mind

Workforce development and career pathways are essential — position your Ohio STEM program as a pathway to technical careers, not just academic enrichment.
Ohio's manufacturing and construction economy gives Lowe's Foundation applications strong local workforce context.
Community colleges with dual-enrollment connections to Ohio high schools are strong Lowe's Foundation applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lowe's Foundation fund K-8 programs?

Lowe's Foundation focuses primarily on grades 6-12 and postsecondary, where workforce preparation is most relevant.

Can a high school apply directly?

Community colleges and nonprofits are typical applicants. High schools often apply in partnership with a career and technical education organization.

Does the foundation fund technology hardware?

Yes. Tools, equipment, and materials for hands-on technical learning are fundable. The workforce preparation rationale must be clear.

Is there a Lowe's community grant separate from the foundation?

Yes. Lowe's stores run local community grants separate from foundation grants. Both are worth exploring for Ohio programs.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Ohio CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for qualifying applications. Reach out before you apply.