Building Louisiana's construction workforce, one investment at a time
The Louisiana Construction Education Foundation was established in 2009 by construction industry leaders who recognized a straightforward problem: Louisiana needed more skilled craft workers, and the training programs producing them needed sustained financial support. LCEF was created to bridge that gap, connecting private industry investment with the education and training programs that build Louisiana's workforce from the ground up.
$1.6M+
Invested since 2009
501(c)(3)
Charitable organization
Est. 2009
Founded by Louisiana industry leaders
Our Mission
LCEF increases interest in careers in construction in Louisiana through expanding education and training availability and sourcing new funding to expand where needed.
LCEF funds programs that produce skilled, credentialed workers ready to enter Louisiana's construction and industrial workforce. We prioritize training that meets or exceeds NCCER certification standards, guides students toward meaningful career opportunities, and demonstrates a commitment to improving both the quality and reach of craft education across the state.
How we Work
A focused foundation with a clear process
LCEF operates as a targeted grantmaking foundation. We review applications from training programs, schools, and workforce organizations across Louisiana and award grants to projects that align with our funding priorities. Our board of directors, drawn from Louisiana's construction industry, brings direct professional experience to every funding decision we make.
We are a small organization with a focused mission. Every dollar contributed to LCEF goes toward funding programs and scholarships rather than administrative overhead, and we hold ourselves to the same standard of responsible management that we require of our grantees.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
LCEF does not operate on a fixed grant cycle. Eligible organizations may submit an application at any time throughout the year.
Board-driven review process
Every application is reviewed by LCEF's board of directors, composed of experienced construction industry professionals from across Louisiana.
Funds go directly to programs
LCEF maintains a lean administrative model so that the vast majority of every contribution reaches the training programs and students it is intended to support.
Outcome reporting required Grantees are asked to provide a brief outcome report at the close of their grant period, ensuring accountability and informing future funding decisions.
Industry Connections
Managed by one of Louisiana's most established industry organizations
LCEF is managed by the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA), a regional industry association representing Louisiana's petrochemical, construction, and manufacturing sectors. GBRIA provides the administrative and operational support that allows LCEF to function as a charitable grantmaking organization, keeping overhead low and directing the majority of contributions toward funded programs.
GBRIA's membership includes many of Louisiana's largest industrial employers, which means the foundation's work is informed by direct familiarity with the workforce needs of the industry it serves.
Learn more about GBRIA at gbria.org →