Funding Opportunities for Workforce Development Programs
NAHB has partnered with McAllister & Quinn, a firm that researches and tracks workforce development funding opportunities, to help state and local home builders’ associations (HBAs) with a 501(c)(3) in place to secure financial support for workforce development programs. Consult the “Grant Writing 101: What You Need to Know Before Writing a Federal Grant” guide to help you get started.
Best Practices in Writing State and Foundation Applications Academy
Strengthen your workforce development funding applications through a six-week virtual course for HBAs with intermediate-to-advanced experience in fundraising. The Academy combines hands-on lessons and practical tools to help HBAs improve their applications and strategy to secure workforce development funding through their 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Only 12 HBAs will be chosen to participate. The application deadline is Feb. 20, 2026.
The Academy is designed for HBAs with intermediate-to-advanced experience writing and submitting applications for state and foundation workforce development grants through their 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Applicants should have previous experience writing and managing grant applications for their HBA.
This six-week virtual course features expert-led instruction and real-world examples to help HBAs refine their grant applications. The Academy breaks down what grant funders are looking for, how to write compelling applications and how to put these lessons into practice with your own projects.
Those selected for the Best Practices in Writing State and Foundation Applications Academy must be available to meet for all six virtual sessions. All sessions are held Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. ET.
- April 16: Session 1 - Foundation Grants 101
- April 23: Session 2 - Case for Support and Writing Essentials for Foundations
- April 30: Session 3 - Foundation Relationship and Stewardship
- May 7: Session 4 - State Grants 101
- May 14: Session 5 - Developing a Compelling State Grant Project
- May 21: Session 6 - Best Practices for Writing a State Grant Proposal
State Grant Writing Projects and Foundation Research Reports Programs
Two new opportunities from McAlister & Quinn are available to help HBAs secure grant funding for local workforce development initiatives. These programs are intended for HBAs with at least moderate experience writing and submitting applications for state and foundation grants through their 501(c)(3). Applicants should have a funding proposal currently in progress or have identified the project they want to fund.
HBAs may apply for both programs but will only be selected for one. The application deadline is Feb. 20, 2026.
State Grant Writing Projects Program
Through the State Grant Writing Projects program, selected HBAs will receive direct support with drafting a funding proposal for a grant offered by a state government, foundation or corporation, including assistance with the submission process. Participants should expect hands-on coaching on how to effectively write a grant proposal and tips on key language and ideas to include.
Foundation Research Reports Program
Selected HBAs will receive a detailed list of potential local and state funding opportunities to independently apply to.
Webinar Replays and Presentation Slides
Grant Writing 101
This introductory course is available for association staff interested in learning how to prepare for federal grant applications. Access the webinar slides and the required federal agency registrations guide.
To help HBAs apply for federal funding, McAllister & Quinn has provided two U.S. Department of Labor example applications and other related resources.
- Understanding Grants and Earmarks
- Earmark / Community Project Template
- Grant Foundations: Power Tools for Grant Success
- Earmarks: What they are and how they can help
- Federal Sources of Funding Grants & Earmarks Overview
- DOL FY13 Congressional Directed Spending
- Example A: Towards Employment Incorporated
- Example B: Peckham Vocational Industries, Inc.
- Federal Grant Data Resources
- NAHB Grants Checklist
YouthBuild Grant webinar resources:
Various organizations are willing to support workforce development efforts. For example, The National Housing Endowment’s Career Connections grant program supports activities that introduce young people to career opportunities in residential skilled trades. In addition, the Home Builders Institute has a list of suggested resources for workforce development funding to get started.
Numerous foundations also provide support for career exploration programs. View the NAHB’s Foundation Watchlist.
If you are preparing for grant submissions, review the grant readiness checklist to help you meet general application requirements.
