BlackRock Future Builders Request for Proposals is sponsored by The BlackRock Foundation. This national RFP supports nonprofits that are connecting workers to skilled trades careers and economic opportunity across the country. Grants will expand programs that provide access to high-quality skilled trades training and career pathways.

Powering the Next Generation of American Workers Powering the Next Generation of American Workers RFP Powered by Jobs for the Future 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. RFP release date : Monday, June 1 Submit questions to FutureBuildersRFP@jff. org by : July 1, 2026 Proposals due : Friday, July 10 by 11:59 p.

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PT Anticipated award notification date : Late September 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: Pipefitters and steamfitters Construction equipment operators This application is open to U.S. ‑ based 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.

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 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) Learn more about the Future Builders RFP, the goals of this funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, and what applicants should know before submitting a proposal.

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) 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. Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) 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. For RFP-related questions and assistance, please email: FutureBuildersRFP@jff.

org Questions submitted by prospective applicants may be incorporated into the public FAQ to ensure all applicants have access to the same information. Applications must be submitted through Submittable. JFF will not accept emailed submissions.

Applicants will be required to create a Submittable account in order to complete and submit their application. Before beginning the application, applicants are encouraged to download and review the application questions so they can prepare all required responses and materials in advance.