The BlackRock Foundation is providing more than $2 million in new grants to organizations helping veterans and military families build financial security and navigate the transition to civilian life. BlackRock announced the grants on Veterans Day.
Through BlackRock Future Builders, Helmets to Hardhats and National Veterans Transition Services Inc. (NVTSI) each received approximately $1 million. The $100 million philanthropic initiative is funded by The BlackRock Foundation.
Helmets to Hardhats will use its grant to connect transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard members and reservists with registered apprenticeships and jobs in the construction trades. The funding supports three case managers serving 14 states across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, offering career guidance and access to a network of more than 500 training centers.
NVTSI, which operates as REBOOT, received a grant to expand skilled-trades career pathways in San Diego. Its Operation Future Builders program will help participants turn military experience into trades-readiness profiles and connect them with apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, college programs and employers.
The foundation also awarded a new $250,000 grant to the Bob Woodruff Foundation. It works on challenges facing veterans, service members and their families through grants, research, community building and public education.
Last week, BlackRock Global Head of Corporate Affairs John Kelly and Helmets to Hardhats Executive Director Martin Helms discussed skilled-trades jobs and veteran employment at the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s Veterans Employment Symposium. Helmets to Hardhats has helped more than 41,000 military service members into careers, the organization said.
