Skip to main content

Path to Pro Education Grants: Southern California

The Path to Pro Education Grants program awards grants to accredited K-12 programs, accredited post-secondary institutions (community and technical colleges) and nonprofit organizations focused on construction skilled trades training in Southern California. Grants are awarded at up to $10,000 in Home Depot gift cards to provide tools, products, equipment and new or remodeled training spaces.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What organizations qualify for this program?

  • Accredited K-12 schools with an existing construction skilled trade program
  • Accredited post-secondary institutions (community and technical colleges) with an existing construction skilled trade program
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with an existing construction skilled trade program 

 

What region does this grant program serve?

  • The Foundation awards grants to qualifying organizations/programs within 60 miles of Los Angeles, CA and an emphasis on carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and construction management trades 

 

What are the eligibility requirements for the program?

Organizations must:

  • Be based in California (within 60 miles of Los Angeles)
  • Have a current operating budget of at least $300,000 and audited financial statements from the past three years
  • Be an accredited K-12 school, an accredited post-secondary institution or a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • Have an existing program with a mission focused on training, job placement and/or career-readiness for the skilled trades industry

 

What causes or organizations are ineligible?

  • Individual pursuits or personal grants, including scholarships or tuition costs
  • Events and fundraisers
  • Certain sponsorship opportunities
  • Organizations newer than three years old
  • Programs supporting only 4+ year degrees
  • Organizations that discriminate, including but not limited to, discrimination based on the following protected classes: race, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, country of origin, citizenship, veteran or disability status
  • Religious organizations, unless they are engaged in programs that are non-sectarian, benefit a broad base of the community and have a separate 501(c)(3) designation
  • Political action committees, candidates, causes and lobbying
  • Labor, alumni, or fraternal groups
  • Recreation, athletic or sports teams, programs, or leagues
  • For-profit entities, including small businesses
  • Endowment or capital funds
  • Other notes: Only one request per organization; Funds must be used for program-related expenses

 

How do I submit a grant application? 

  • To access the grant platform CLICK HERE
  • If you have previously applied for a grant, select “Forgot Password” on the homepage and enter the email address associated with the previously submitted grant.
  • If you are a new applicant OR you do not receive an email after using “Forgot Password”, select the “Register” button.
  • Once you’re logged in, select "Open Funding Opportunities" and "Apply Now" on the "Path to Pro Education Grant" line.

 

When will I know if my project is approved?

  •  Applications are being accepted now through September 15, 2025. Applications will re-open on November 1, 2025, through December 15, 2025.
  • The Home Depot Foundation will contact you within 30 days after your grant is received to confirm if the grant was approved.
  • If approved, more information will be provided on the timing for receiving the grant payment. 

 

Whom should I contact if I have questions or concerns?

 

How do I access a saved application? 

  • CLICK HERE to log into the grant portal and access a saved application.
  • Once on the home page, you will find your saved application under the “Existing Applications” header in the “Draft Applications” folder.
  • You will find the status of your application after submitting by checking the “Submitted,” “Revisions Requested,” “Documentation Required,” or “Approved/Declined” folder.

 

What if I am an individual needing assistance?

  • Individual pursuits or personal grants, including scholarships or tuition costs would not qualify for this program.
  • Individuals seeking skilled trades training programs should visit our partnerships page to find partners who are already funded to assist qualifying applicants.
  • For more skilled trades training information and resources, please visit PathToPro.com