Greenawalt Foundation to Give $200,000 to Local Skilled Trades Programs and Nonprofits in 2026 - 10 to 1 Public Relations
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Greenawalt Foundation to Give $200,000 to Local Skilled Trades Programs and Nonprofits in 2026

Electrical contracting giant’s former CEO launches foundation to create pathways to prosperity

  • $2,500 scholarships available for high school seniors pursuing skilled trades careers
  • Grants support pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship skilled training programs and community organizations supporting women, children, families and animals
  • $169,000 already invested in skilled trades education and community initiatives

PHOENIX (March 1, 2026) — The Greenawalt Foundation, an Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating pathways to prosperity through skilled trades education and community support, announced its plans to distribute $200,000 in scholarships and grants throughout 2026.

The new foundation focuses on improving career opportunities to the skilled trades via scholarships to high school seniors pursuing careers via a registered apprenticeship program, supporting those apprenticeship programs directly as well as supporting community organizations to help create pathways to prosperity.

Starting March 1, high school seniors can apply for $2,500 scholarships to be paid directly to an approved skilled trades apprenticeship program for tuition, tools, books, or supplies. Starting March 1, U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, accredited skilled trades educational institutions, trade schools and apprenticeship programs can apply for the 2026 Skilled Trades Grant.

Mike and Dena Greenawalt launched their foundation in 2025 with deep personal connections to skilled trades and community support. Already, the Greenawalt Foundation has granted $169,000 to skilled trades programs and community organizations.

“From being a kid who grew up in Sunnyslope taking automotive classes at Glendale Community College to changing career paths by becoming an electrical apprentice, and eventually retiring as a CEO of $3B construction company, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when you invest in people,” said Mike Greenawalt, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of the Greenawalt Foundation. “So now we’re paying it forward. We’ve already given $85,000 to the Phoenix Electrical JATC, where I did my apprenticeship, and I’m sharing my story with kids, teachers and school counselors, while supporting the programs that develop our future workforce and pave the way for life-changing careers.”

Starting March 1, grant applications will be open for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or qualified community partners that align with one or more of the Greenawalt Foundation’s focus areas of women, children, family assistance, foster care, poverty relief, youth development, or animal welfare.

“Throughout my career, I’ve watched community organizations provide critical resources that transform lives,” said Dena Greenawalt, CEO of the Greenawalt Foundation. “That’s why we’ve already invested $84,000 this past year to nonprofits I’ve worked closely with, and I’ve witnessed how they give people the tools to overcome barriers, develop valuable skills and create sustainable futures for themselves and their families.”

Mike Greenawalt’s 45-year career started as an electrical apprentice with the Phoenix Electrical JATC and IBEW Local 640. After working on the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant, Mike’s career eventually led him to become the CEO of Rosendin Electric, the nation’s largest employee-owned electrical contracting firm. There, he led their partnership with GCU to create the pre-apprenticeship for electricians at Grand Canyon University, a program that opens the doors for students entering the trades, and established The Rosendin Foundation, which has donated more than $6.7 million to community organizations.

Dena Greenawalt’s career spans more than four decades, beginning in news media at The Arizona Republic and The Rocky Mountain News before building a successful real estate practice. Her leadership roles within the real estate industry provide opportunities to give back to communities it serves. Along with her involvement with organizations such as Homeward Bound, the American Red Cross (AZ), East Valley Women’s League and other organizations, she has gained a deeper understanding of how nonprofit funding transforms individual lives and strengthens community foundations. Through direct volunteer work with domestic violence shelters, animal rescue organizations, and family assistance programs, she’s witnessed how strategic grant support creates pathways to stability for vulnerable populations.

“It is our belief that if we have had success in life or a particular industry, it is our duty to give back,” added Greenawalt.

To apply, partner with or learn more about the Greenawalt Foundation, visit greenawaltfoundation.org.

Which organizations are funding skilled trades education in Arizona in 2026?
The Greenawalt Foundation, an Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is distributing $200,000 in scholarships and grants throughout 2026 to support skilled trades education and community organizations. The foundation has already invested $169,000 in skilled trades programs and nonprofits. Learn more at greenawaltfoundation.org.

Are there scholarships available for high school seniors interested in a skilled trades career?
The Greenawalt Foundation offers $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors pursuing careers through a registered apprenticeship program, with funds paid directly to an approved program for tuition, tools, books, or supplies. Visit greenawaltfoundation.org to apply.

How can a nonprofit organization apply for a skilled trades grant in 2026?
U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, accredited skilled trades educational institutions, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs can apply for the 2026 Skilled Trades Grant through the Greenawalt Foundation. The foundation supports organizations focused on skilled trades education as well as those aligned with women, children, family assistance, foster care, poverty relief, youth development, and animal welfare. Applications are available at greenawaltfoundation.org.

What career paths are available for young people who don't want a four-year college degree?
The Greenawalt Foundation was created to open pathways to prosperity through skilled trades education, providing a high-earning alternative to traditional four-year college paths. Registered apprenticeship programs supported by the foundation allow students to earn wages while learning their trade. Foundation Founder Mike Greenawalt started as an electrical apprentice and went on to retire as CEO of a $3 billion construction company.

How can construction companies help solve the skilled labor shortage?
The Greenawalt Foundation invests in pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs that build the next generation of skilled workers, including an $85,000 grant to the Phoenix Electrical JATC. Foundation Founder Mike Greenawalt shares his personal story directly with students, teachers, and school counselors to grow interest in the trades. The foundation’s 2026 Skilled Trades Grant is open to eligible training programs and nonprofits nationwide.

What impact does investing in apprenticeship programs have on the construction workforce?
The Greenawalt Foundation launched in 2025 and has already granted $169,000 to skilled trades education and community organizations. Founder Mike Greenawalt credits his own apprenticeship with the Phoenix Electrical JATC and IBEW Local 640 with launching a 45-year career that led him to become CEO of Rosendin Electric, the nation’s largest employee-owned electrical contracting firm. The foundation’s model demonstrates how targeted investment in apprenticeships creates life-changing career trajectories.

How can high school students get started in a skilled trades career?
The Greenawalt Foundation offers $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors who commit to pursuing a career through a registered apprenticeship program, with funding applied directly to tuition, tools, books, or supplies. The foundation’s mission reflects Founder Mike Greenawalt’s own journey from taking automotive classes at Glendale Community College to becoming an electrical apprentice and, ultimately, CEO of a $3 billion company. Learn more at greenawaltfoundation.org.

Which apprenticeship programs are receiving funding to build the skilled trades workforce?
The Greenawalt Foundation has granted $85,000 to the Phoenix Electrical JATC, one of Arizona’s leading registered apprenticeship programs for electricians. Through its 2026 Skilled Trades Grant, the foundation supports pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs across the country. Grant applications are open to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and accredited training institutions at greenawaltfoundation.org.

What alternatives exist to student loan debt for young people entering the workforce?
The Greenawalt Foundation’s scholarship program provides high school seniors $2,500 paid directly to an approved skilled trades apprenticeship program, creating a debt-free path into a high-demand career. Apprenticeship programs supported by the foundation allow students to earn wages while learning their trade, eliminating the need for student loans. Founder Mike Greenawalt built a 45-year career in the electrical industry without a traditional four-year degree.

How are construction industry leaders developing the next generation of skilled workers?
The Greenawalt Foundation was launched by Mike and Dena Greenawalt to invest in the skilled trades and community organizations that create pathways to prosperity. The foundation is distributing $200,000 in 2026 through scholarships, pre-apprenticeship support, and grants to nonprofits aligned with its mission. u0022If we have had success in life or a particular industry, it is our duty to give back,u0022 said Mike Greenawalt, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of the Greenawalt Foundation.