The Patterson Family Foundation's Trades Workforce Development grant program aims to expand access to high-quality training and upskilling opportunities in skilled trades. This initiative supports projects that help address labor shortages in essential, high-demand professions such as HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, welding, diesel mechanics, healthcare, and the legal profession. The grant prioritizes efforts that provide hands-on education, apprenticeships, certifications, and other workforce development models to prepare individuals for immediate and sustainable employment.

Eligible applicants may request funding ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. The program is geographically limited to rural counties in Kansas and western Missouri, defined as those with populations under 50,000 residents. Applicants must register in the Foundation’s Grants Portal prior to submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI). Registration deadlines are April 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM CST for Round 1, and July 3, 2025 at 12:00 PM CST for Round 2. LOIs may be submitted beginning April 1, 2025, with deadlines on April 18 for Round 1 and July 3 for Round 2. Full applications are due May 9 and July 25, respectively.

The Foundation encourages early LOI submissions, as they enable more timely reviews and longer development periods for full proposals if approved. Determinations for Round 1 will be communicated in August 2025, while Round 2 decisions will be shared in October 2025.

The application process is rigorous and highly competitive. Organizations must complete a registration process in the Grants Portal to verify eligibility before gaining access to the LOI form. Once access is granted, applicants can submit their LOI, and if selected, will be invited to submit a full proposal. Participation in the review process does not imply commitment to funding, and all final decisions will be confirmed in writing via formal award letters.

Support is available through Office Hours, scheduled from 1–3 p.m. and coordinated by Sasha Winterowd. Interested applicants should email sasha.winterowd@pffkc.org at least two business days in advance with their name, contact information, preferred session date, and three questions. For general inquiries, organizations may reach out to info@pffkc.org.

The Foundation emphasizes transparency, thoughtful review, and clear communication throughout the process, and will provide approved applicants with guidance on how to publicize their grant after official award confirmation.