Foundation Labs · Baltimore · 501(c)(3)
Foundation Labs combines scholarly research, vacant-property rehabilitation, and paid apprenticeships — building pathways to economic power for underserved communities in Baltimore. Our AI Agent Research Summit extends that mission into publishable scholarship and policy-ready evidence.
1
Ashburton proof-of-concept complete
Research
Summit & scholarly journal
Active
Apprenticeship & rehab pipeline
What We Do
Foundation Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that turns vacant Baltimore properties into homes and careers — and publishes the scholarly work to prove what works. We pair field programs with the AI Agent Research Summit and Labs research journal so underserved communities gain evidence, policy voice, and economic pathways — not just promises.
Publishable studies, summit sessions, and journal outputs that document economic impact for underserved communities.
We acquire vacant city-owned properties and transform them into safe, code-compliant homes through professional renovation.
Paid apprenticeships on live job sites plus block-by-block stabilization that restores safety, pride, and local wealth.
Our Impact Framework
Vacant Properties → Quality Homes
Transform abandoned houses into safe, affordable housing through strategic acquisition and professional rehabilitation.
Acquire city-owned vacant properties
Execute full-scope renovations to code
Create homeownership and rental opportunities
Stabilize blocks and reduce blight
Training the Next Generation
Hands-on apprenticeship programs that combine real construction projects with structured education.
Paid apprenticeship positions
Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC training
Certifications and licensure pathways
Mentorship from licensed contractors
Digital learning platform powered by iShareHow Labs
Community Rebuilding
Engage residents, volunteers, and partners to restore neighborhood pride and safety.
Volunteer coordination and engagement
Block-by-block stabilization strategy
Community events and awareness
Crime reduction through occupancy
Measurable neighborhood impact metrics
Growing Local Businesses
Support apprentices and tradespeople in launching and growing sustainable blue-collar businesses.
Business development support
Marketing and branding services
Contract pipeline connections
Tools and equipment access
Financial planning and operations training
Our Process
01
Partner with Baltimore City to purchase vacant properties marked for demolition, often for $1 with $90K+ committed for rehab.
02
Recruit apprentices from the community and pair them with licensed general contractors on live construction sites.
03
Execute full rehabilitation using best practices, modern systems, and quality materials — all documented and tracked digitally.
04
Deliver finished homes to new owners or tenants while graduating trained tradespeople ready for careers or entrepreneurship.
Proof of Concept
Our pilot project demonstrated the Foundation Labs model in action: a city-owned vacant property fully rehabilitated by our builder partner with apprentices learning on-site. A house that many had given up on — we showed up.
This project is our proof of concept, our statement of intent, and the first chapter in Baltimore's story of revival.
Status:
Completed
Scope:
Full Gut Renovation
Training:
Live Apprenticeship Site
Outcome:
Ready for Occupancy
Location
617 Ashburton St, Baltimore, MD
Started
March 2025
Status
Completed
Scope of Work
Full structural assessment & stabilization
Roof replacement & waterproofing
Electrical rewiring & panel upgrade
Plumbing — full replacement
HVAC installation
Kitchen & bath gut renovation
Hardwood floor restoration
Exterior facade & landscaping
Technology & Operations
Foundation Labs leverages cutting-edge SaaS technology from iShareHow Labs to manage projects, track training, measure outcomes, and report to funders — all in one integrated platform.
Timeline, budget, tasks, and milestones for every rehab.
Digital curriculum with modules for each trade.
Real-time dashboards showing outcomes, certifications, and impact.
Coordinate donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Automated grant reporting and audit-ready documentation.
Operations & Knowledge Partner
SaaS platform, project management, training content, BI dashboards, CRM for volunteers/donors, and marketing support for trades businesses.
Construction & Training Partner
Property scoping, permitting, construction management, and on-site training of apprentices under written contracts with the foundation.
Tradespeople
Tools by Foundation Labs · Powered by iShareHow Labs
Foundation Labs graduates get fully configured operational systems — CRM, AI chatbot, lead tracking, and business intelligence — so you can focus on growing your trade business.
4
Core Trades
$0
Platform Cost*
CRM + AI
Bot Included
Baltimore
Based
*For qualifying Foundation Labs apprenticeship graduates
What We Provide
Everything you need to run and grow a professional contracting business — configured and ready to go.
Track Every Prospect, Job, and Client.
Stay on top of your pipeline with a CRM built for tradespeople. Automated follow-ups, status tracking, and pipeline views keep your business organized.
Lead capture from chatbot + forms
Job status tracking (new/active/done)
Client contact database
Automated follow-up reminders
Never lose a lead again — every opportunity tracked automatically.
24/7 Lead Intake That Talks to Your Customers.
Captures name, phone, service needed, location, and routes everything straight to your CRM — even while you sleep.
Customized for your trade
Natural conversation flow
Instant lead capture to CRM
Works on your website 24/7
Your digital front desk — always on, always professional.
See How Your Business Is Performing at a Glance.
Track revenue, job completion rates, customer satisfaction, and growth trends — all in one place.
Real-time performance metrics
Revenue and job tracking
Customer satisfaction scores
Growth trend analysis
Data-driven decisions for a stronger business.
Professional Branding and Digital Presence.
Stand out from the competition with a polished brand, professional website, and digital presence that builds trust.
Custom logo and brand identity
Professional website
Google Business setup
Social media templates
Look professional from day one.
Simple Process
01
Complete your apprenticeship in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC.
02
We set up your personalized platform — CRM, chatbot, and dashboard.
03
Your AI chatbot and intake forms go live, bringing in prospects around the clock.
04
Use real data and business intelligence to scale your contracting operation.
Who This Is For
Tradespeople is designed for graduates of Foundation Labs apprenticeship programs across four core trades.
Framing, finish work, cabinetry, and general carpentry contracting.
Residential and commercial electrical services and installations.
Pipe fitting, fixture installation, and plumbing repair services.
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning installation and maintenance.
Coverage Area
We provide business tools and support to contractors across six major areas.
Our home base. Foundation Labs operates here. Fastest onboarding and support.
Full coverage for contractors working residential and commercial projects.
Including Annapolis, Glen Burnie, and surrounding communities.
Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding areas.
Bel Air, Aberdeen, and northeastern Maryland coverage.
Southern Maryland and DC-adjacent contractor coverage.
Get the tools you need to manage customers, capture leads, and grow your contracting operation.
Foundation Labs graduates receive priority onboarding. Mon–Fri 9am–6pm EST · Baltimore, Maryland
Join the Movement
Baltimore's revival starts with people who believe in it. Whether you have time, money, or expertise — there's a place for you here.
Your contribution directly supports property acquisition, apprentice wages, tools, and materials. Every dollar funds active projects.
Donate NowJoin us on-site, mentor an apprentice, or support administrative and outreach efforts. No experience required.
Sign Up to VolunteerFoundations, corporations, city agencies, and trades organizations — let's collaborate and build something together.
Become a PartnerPaid positions available for Baltimore residents ready to learn a trade and rebuild their community.
Apply NowGet updates on our projects, events, and how your support is making a difference.
Real outcomes. Real accountability. Real impact.
1
Properties Completed
1+
Properties in Pipeline
4
Core Trades
100+
Volunteer Hours
617
Ashburton — Completed
$0
Cost to Qualifying Businesses
FAQ
How do you select properties?
We work with Baltimore City to identify vacant properties eligible for the $1 sale program or other acquisition pathways, prioritizing blocks where multiple properties can be stabilized together.
Are you a church or ministry?
Foundation Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on housing and workforce development. We welcome people of all backgrounds and do not require religious participation.
How do you ensure quality and compliance?
All work is performed by licensed contractors, inspected by the city, and tracked digitally using iShareHow Labs technology. We maintain full transparency and audit-ready records.
Can I donate a property or materials?
Yes! Contact us to discuss property donations, material contributions, or in-kind support.
How is Foundation Labs different from other housing nonprofits?
We uniquely combine property rehab with paid apprenticeships and business development — and we use modern SaaS technology to track outcomes, scale impact, and stay accountable.
What is Tradespeople?
Tradespeople is the business toolkit for Foundation Labs graduates — CRM, AI chatbot intake, business intelligence dashboards, and marketing support configured so apprentices can launch and grow contracting businesses.
Who qualifies for the $0 platform cost?
Qualifying Foundation Labs apprenticeship graduates in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC receive fully configured operational systems at no platform cost. Contact us to confirm eligibility and coverage in your area.
What areas does Tradespeople cover?
We support contractors across Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Harford, and Prince George's counties in Maryland.
Contact