Boots off.
Tools on.
Tools for Troops: 5% of VetsJobs profits go toward helping veterans start careers in the skilled trades. Each recipient gets a $1,000 Tools for Troops starter grant to buy the tools their trade actually requires, whether that's a welder's first hood and gloves, an electrician's meters, or a mechanic's starter set. Our first drawing is Veterans Day, November 11, 2026.
First $1,000 starter grant awarded Veterans Day — Nov 11, 2026
How Recipients Are Selected
- • First recipient selected on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026 — apply before then to be considered.
- • Verified honorable service in any branch
- • Actively enrolled in or accepted to a trades program, apprenticeship, or first trades job
- • Demonstrated need and clear plan for how the tools launch their career
- • Recipients selected by a panel of veteran tradespeople
How Veterans Apply
Step 1: Create your free VetsJobs account. An account is required to apply and be considered for a $1,000 Tools for Troops starter grant.
Step 2: Sign in and fill out a short application telling us about your service, the trade you're pursuing, and the tools that would help you launch your career. No fluff. No paperwork mountain.
Create Free AccountAlready have an account? Sign inOur Mission
The trades need warriors. Warriors need tools.
America is short more than half a million skilled tradespeople — electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, welders, builders. Veterans bring the discipline, grit, and leadership these trades are starving for. But starting out costs money: boots, belts, meters, torches, impact drivers. Tools for Troops bridges that gap so a tight budget never stops a veteran from going to work.
How It Works
Built into every transaction.
5% Always Goes Back
5% of every paid employer listing is set aside for the Tools for Troops fund. No exceptions.
Fund Hits $1,000
Each time the fund reaches $1,000, we use it to purchase real tools and equipment for a deserving veteran transitioning into the trades.
Veterans Get to Work
Recipients get the gear they need — boots, hand tools, power tools, safety equipment — delivered ready for their first day on the job site.
Military Cell Plan Spotlight
Verizon Military Discount Plans
Verizon offers exclusive discounted service plans for veterans and active military. Stay connected with the nation's most reliable network at a price that honors your service.
Unlimited Welcome
from $25/line
4 lines
Unlimited Plus
with 30GB
hotspot included
Unlimited Ultimate
with 60GB
hotspot included
Military verification required via ID.me
With 4 lines on Unlimited Welcome. With Auto Pay and paper-free billing. Plus taxes & fees. Eligible military only.
Past Recipients
Veterans we've equipped.
Our first $1,000 starter grant will be awarded on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026.
Recipient stories will be posted here as the program awards its starter grants. Apply now to be considered.