Powering the Next Generation of American Workers

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Initiative Overview

BlackRock Future Builders is a $100 million philanthropic initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation to expand economic opportunity and power the next generation of America’s skilled trades workers. Through this Request for Proposals (RFP) process, The Foundation seeks to support U.S. nonprofit organizations (i.e., registered 501(c)3 organizations) delivering or supporting high‑quality skilled trades training.

This competitive grant opportunity operates in parallel to other BlackRock Future Builders partnerships and is intended to surface additional, regionally grounded solutions across the skilled trades ecosystem. Organizations may propose direct worker training programs or capacity‑building efforts that enable systems to function more effectively and at greater scale.

The BlackRock Foundation intends to commit $25 million over two funding cycles to support two‑year grants ranging from $500,000 to $1 million through this RFP process. This first round RFP will be administered by Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that transforms U.S. education and workforce systems.

Scroll down for key details about the RFP process and application.

Focus Areas and Solutions

Applicants may propose worker training or capacity‑building solutions aligned to skilled trades workforce development.

Worker training interventions may include direct service proposals such as pre-apprenticeship or career navigation programs, workforce training programs, apprenticeship programs, or wraparound participant supports that are supportive of training persistence and completion.

Capacity-building interventions are organizational and system-focused, rather than in direct service of participants, and may include, but are not limited to, proposals such as ecosystem-building, demonstration projects, technology or tool adoptions, or research, among others.

Occupational Focus

All skilled trades are eligible, provided applicants demonstrate a strong connection to infrastructure projects such as data center construction or related supply chains, energy infrastructure, or transportation infrastructure

Examples of eligible occupations may include, but are not limited to:

Electricians
HVAC technicians
Plumbers
Pipefitters and steamfitters
Ironworkers
Insulation workers
Construction equipment operators

This application is open to U.S.‑based (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) nonprofit organizations that align with The BlackRock Foundation’s charitable purpose to strengthen financial security for more people, and meet The Foundation’s standard eligibility requirements.

Eligible Applicants

Be a U.S.-based (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) nonprofit organization
Be recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity or equivalent
Propose funding for a specific program or project, not general operating support
Demonstrate sound governance, leadership, and financial health

Typically, no more than 25% of an organization’s annual budget should be directed to administrative and fundraising overhead. Applicants may request grant funding ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.

Not Eligible

The following organizations are not eligible for consideration:

Organizations that discriminate against any person or group of people in their hiring and employment practices, codes of conduct, programs, services or in any other aspect of their operations or activities on the basis of a person’s or group of people’s personal characteristics or attributes
Lobbying groups, partisan political organizations, political candidates, or others to support or challenge specific legislation
Personal or family foundations (private foundations)
Civic organizations (e.g., a local fire department)

Key Documents and Resources

Use the resources below to learn more about the funding opportunity and prepare your application.

BlackRock Future Builders RFP Guide (PDF)
This guide supplements this BlackRock Future Builders RFP website and provides applicants with additional detail, including the application text, to support proposal development and submission.
BlackRock Future Builders RFP Budget Template (.xlsx)
(Updated 6.3.26)
This budget template is designed to provide a clear, high-level overview of the resources required to implement the proposed project. Detailed instructions can be found on the first tab. Budget template updated on 6.3.26 to clarify 25% limit on operating overhead rate.
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
(Updated 6.8.26)
This FAQ document will be updated on a weekly basis until July 1, 2026, based on applicant questions. If you have a question, please send it to FutureBuildersRFP@jff.org by July 1.