Blue Collar Philanthropy

Spring/Summer 2022

• Generation-T Support

Upgrade was able to speak with Lauren Norman, Community Relations Manager of Generation T. In 2019, Lowe’s introduced Generation T, a digital-first movement and non-profit aimed at rebuilding the skilled trades by changing people’s perception. Using unique digital storytelling, compelling social media and an innovative online jobs platform to help connect prospects and businesses together, Generation-T is helping Upgrade connect individuals to opportunities in the trades.

• Harbor Freight Endorsement

Shelly Polczynski, Community Engagement Specialist at Harbor Freight, was able to send $200 in support of the Upgrade Foundation.


• Partnership with Building Talent Foundation

Branka Minic, CEO of the Building Talent Foundation, and Andrew Hutchinson, CEO of Upgrade, were able to correspond in a series of meetings that will bring interested individuals in the trades with collaborative events held by BTF in the San Diego area in the future.

Fall 2021

Strategic Inquiry Study 

(Sep. 2021)

The Upgrade Foundation sought to clarify its mission: "What will allow us to make the biggest impact? What form does Blue Collar Philanthropy take in the marketplace?" After researching and interviewing over 18 programs with industry professionals, the answers were clear: hands-on training, sustainable practices, and trade advocacy would be the emphasis. Read more to understand our new direction.

Read The Report

Consultant Carlee Taggart (www.carleetaggart.com) and her team delivered a final report that informs stakeholders and potential partners about the future of The Upgrade Foundation.

With input from industry leaders, business owners, project managers, journeymen and women, and other nonprofits, our report on feasibility and findings is now available. 

Winter/Spring 2021

The new year marks a new chapter for The Upgrade Foundation. At this time we are conducting a feasibility study, where companies will have an opportunity to buy into our project, establish their position, and help give back to trade industries.

Right now we are identifying an industry problem where we are quantifying the most pressing needs within the marketplace for blue collar jobs. 

For employers in the trades, the question is simple. What will make your business better? We aim to answer this question in the following areas:

  • Education
  • Experience (familiarity with the trade)
  • Trainability
  • Loyalty/Longevity in the Trade
  • Expertise (accuracy/proficiency)