The John R. Gentille Foundation
OUR MISSION: JRGF articulates and funds the mechanical contracting industry’s most critical human resource and research needs by cultivating and supporting activities that allow professionals in the mechanical contracting industry to succeed in their businesses.
The John R. Gentille Foundation was founded in 1989 by members of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), led and marshaled by Foster McCarl, Jr., McCarl’s, Inc., Beaver Falls, PA, as the non-profit foundation arm to provide needed education and research programs or products that the association either could not or should not undertake.
These industry pioneers envisioned an organization that would identify and work to solve the issues that confront the organized mechanical construction and service industry, challenges such as future workforce, productivity and technology. They wanted and worked to establish an institution that could lend both professional and neutral insights into these issues; one that could work fluidly across organizational and political boundaries. The Foundation has broad access to the capabilities and resources of MCAA, an internationally-recognized trade association.
The foundation was renamed in March 2020 to the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) to recognize and honor John Gentille, an industry leader and JRGF supporter who has retired as MCAA’s leader and CEO after 24 years of dedication and service. John Gentille has left an indelible mark on the foundation and the entire mechanical industry.
Please consider making a contribution to the John R. Gentille Foundation for a project, initiative or cause. JRGF is designated as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) by the IRS. Your support will be greatly appreciated and will be used to enhance the mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, HVACR service and industrial piping industries.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
JRGF underwrites industry-critical research conducted by leading experts and consultants. This research provides our best chance of addressing our industry’s largest challenges. Current projects in development are listed below.
STUDENT CHAPTER AWARDS & GRANTS
Learn more about JRGF scholarships, grants and awards for student chapters.
EMPLOYER & LOCAL AFFILIATION GRANTS
Grants to employers and affiliated associations provide valuable support. Learn more about our grants.
Through the John R. Gentille Foundation, we invest in research, education, and scholarships that directly support mechanical, plumbing, and service contractors. Our focus is simple: develop practical knowledge, strengthen the workforce, and help contractors build smarter, more competitive businesses
Brian Helm – JRGF, CEO, Helm Group
INITIATIVES
JRGF undertakes initiatives that build strong working relationships with many industry practitioners, academics, manufacturer/supplier representatives, and industry consultants.
Research projects funded by JRGF help provide the valuable education component necessary to solve our industry’s most complex problems.
JRGF underwrites over $110,000 in scholarships annually to 25 students interested in pursuing a career in mechanical contracting.
Grants are offered to student chapters to assist in getting started as a new chapter, to encourage industry participation and to highlight both the Chapter and Educator of the Year.
JRGF provides grants for hands on summer mechanical experience for faculty advisors, as well as funding for peer-to-peer education through the MEAC program.
LATEST JRGF NEWS
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Virginia Tech Testing Shows Type II Helmets Provide Stronger Protection
Why do some helmets reduce the risk of skull fractures by as much as 75 percent? The answer comes down to how they are tested.
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Secure Your Employment Picks at MCAA26!
Nearly 200 students from 33 MCAA student chapters will be attending MCAA26. Those still on the hunt for a summer internship or their first post-graduation full-time position…
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2026 JRGF Student Chapter Internship Grants Awarded to 18 MCAA Student Chapters
2026 JRGF Student Chapter Internship Grants—totaling $69,000—are being awarded to 18 MCAA Student Chapters this spring for their work encouraging students to seek internships and full-time…
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New JRGF Video Shows How Type II Helmets Reduce Skull Fracture Risk by 75%
A new video from the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) takes a direct look at one of the most important safety questions facing construction today: What…
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Secure Your Employment Picks at MCAA26!
Nearly 200 students from 33 MCAA student chapters will be attending MCAA26. Those still on the hunt for a summer internship or their first post-graduation full-time position…
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Inside the Partnership: How JRGF and Virginia Tech Are Changing Construction Helmet Safety
In Part 2 of the Construction Helmet Research Program video series, we take a closer look at the partnership behind the data.
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MCAA Student Chapter Competition Celebrates 25 Years – Final Four & Merit Teams Announced
Twenty-nine MCAA Student Chapters submitted a proposal for the MCAA Water Park project. Congratulations to the Final Four and Merit Award teams. Final Four teams will present…
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Post to the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board Monthly for Internship and Entry-Level New-Hire Needs
Ensure your company is ready to roll with your summer employment needs by posting internship and full-time new hire positions each month to the MCAA GreatFutures…
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2026 Internship Grants – Now Available for Student Chapters, Employers and Affiliated Associations
The 2026 JRGF Internship Grant program provides valuable support directly to MCAA student chapters, employers and affiliated associations. Applications are currently available for all three categories. Click the…
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JRGF “Legacy” Part 2 Internship Grants – Final Due Date 12/31/25
The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Internship Grant program was upgraded in 2025 to offer a new level of support for the multiple entities involved with…
JRGF Foundation
Support Us
Please consider making a contribution to the John R. Gentille Foundation for a project, initiative or cause. JRGF is designated as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) by the IRS. Your support will be greatly appreciated and will be used to enhance the mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, HVACR service and industrial piping industries.