The Kindness Creates Community Foundation is offering up to $30,000 in matching funds to support construction education and workforce development for Western Slope students.

The foundation, the charitable arm of the Grand Junction Area Realtor Association, will match contributions made to Careers in Construction Western Slope through the end of 2026. The match includes donations from individual GJARA members through Parade of Homes participation and other fundraising events.

If enough contributions are made to receive the full match, the effort could generate $60,000 for the program.

Careers in Construction Western Slope is supported locally through the Housing & Building Association of Western Colorado. The program connects area students with construction education, industry certifications and local professionals.

“KCCF believes in investing in our future and what better way than investing in the local education of future tradespeople,” said Don Potter, president of GJARA and KCCF.

Potter said Careers in Construction works with District 51 high schools to train, support and mentor students interested in construction careers. He also connected the investment in workforce development with the region’s need for additional housing.

Shayna Heiney, executive director of the Housing & Building Association of Western Colorado, said the matching grant gives the community an opportunity to increase the impact of contributions to the program.

“This grant gives our community an incredible opportunity to double the impact of every donation made through the end of the year,” Heiney said.

Donations made before the end of 2026 are eligible for the matching effort.

For more information about KCCF or GJARA, contact M.H. Ripley at 970-243-4422 or rip@gjrealtors.org, or visit the Kindness Creates Community Foundation website.