Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), today announced over $999,000 in support through BlackRock Future Builders, a national philanthropic initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation to train and support 50,000 American workers as they pursue careers in the skilled trades. BlackRock Future Builders is designed to help meet the country’s growing demand for skilled workers while expanding access to careers that can provide pathways to lasting financial security.

The grant will help Helmets to Hardhats connect more transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard members and Reservists with registered apprenticeships and employment in the construction trades. Funding will support three dedicated case managers serving 14 states across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, providing individualized career guidance and connecting participants with opportunities through a network of more than 500 affiliated training centers. The expansion will help meet the growing demand for construction workers driven by infrastructure investment while supporting participants as they translate their military experience into civilian careers.

“We are deeply moved and appreciative of the opportunity The BlackRock Foundation is providing H2H to advance our mission of serving the men and women of the military as they transition into middle-class, rewarding careers in the union building trades,” said Martin Helms, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats.

H2H is one of 15 organizations to be selected from more than 1,000 applications for grants nationwide. BlackRock Future Builders partnered with Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit with workforce development expertise, to support the application review process.

“Skilled trades careers create pathways to economic opportunity and financial wellbeing for individuals, families, and ultimately, communities,” said Claire Chamberlain, President of The BlackRock Foundation. “Through BlackRock Future Builders, we’re proud to partner with Helmets to Hardhats as it expands access to training and helps more people gain the skills and experience needed to build lasting careers.”

The broader BlackRock Future Builders initiative launched in March 2026 as a $100 million, five-year philanthropic effort funded by The BlackRock Foundation. Through its first national RFP, BlackRock Future Builders has expanded into new communities across the U.S. and is supporting organizations in over a dozen skilled trades.

About H2H/CMRAVE

Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) is a national program that connects veterans, transitioning active-duty military service members, National Guard, and Reservists with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry. The program was created by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment, and Veterans Employment, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, joint labor-management driven entity. The program is designed to help military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality career in the construction industry. Over the last twenty years, Helmets to Hardhats has built a solid network of relationships and communication lines that are unique and invaluable to our nation’s veterans, transitioning active-duty service members, National Guard, and Reservists. In this time, H2H has helped over 42,000 military service members find quality careers and training in the construction industry. Please visit https://www.helmetstohardhats.org/ for more information.

About BlackRock
BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

About The BlackRock Foundation
Guided by BlackRock’s purpose to help more and more people experience financial well-being, The BlackRock Foundation funds and partners with organizations that strengthen financial security by helping people earn, save and invest – earlier, more often and for their futures.