The Concrete Masonry Checkoff Board accepts submissions for program ideas around one of our four strategic pillars:
Government, civic, and institutional projects
High-volume opportunities for concrete masonry growth
Government, civic, and institutional projects
The Concrete Masonry Checkoff tracks KPIs across these priority areas to measure the impact of funded programs and guide long-term growth. See how the industry is advancing toward a stronger future for concrete masonry
Our mission is to drive demand for block on a national scale and strengthen concrete masonry’s position in the marketplace. Through coordinated programs spanning codes and standards, marketing, education and design assistance, we work to expand market opportunities, drive awareness and engagement, build the knowledge and confidence to specify concrete masonry and convert interest into projects.
Together, these efforts create a unified national approach to growing demand and moving the industry forward.
From full-scale project support to invaluable design resources, the Block Design Collective (BDC) is a national program focused on increasing the effective use of masonry among architects, engineers and contractors (AECs). Available at every stage of the design process, BDC removes barriers to CMU adoption by providing education, simplifying design through practical resources and offering direct project assistance when key decisions are made.
Aimed at helping architects, engineers and contractors expand their skill sets while raising the next generation of concrete masonry professionals, the Block Learning Hub (BLH) offers free courses on the unique benefits of building with CMU. As an AIA continuing education provider, BLH gives builders the chance to earn professional credits while learning the basics about CMU.
Our Concrete Masonry Outreach program raises awareness about career opportunities in masonry. Offering educational resources to students as well as support for instructors to help them teach the trade, this program’s primary objective is to establish stand-alone high school masonry programs within each region — creating pathways for students to explore and engage with the profession. At the national level, the program collaborates with regional initiatives to expand opportunities across the country.
Helping future designers discover the value of concrete masonry starts long before they enter the workforce. The University Relations program connects producers with colleges and universities to introduce students and faculty to concrete masonry units (CMU) through hands-on learning, classroom resources and industry partnerships. By building relationships with future architects, engineers and construction professionals, the program helps ensure concrete masonry is considered earlier, specified more often and supported by the next generation of industry leaders.
Our national marketing campaign, “Beauty of Block,” is the unified voice of the concrete masonry
industry. Focused on changing perceptions about concrete masonry, our campaign showcases the
expansive design possibilities, resiliency, sustainability and strength of CMU. The campaign has been featured across multiple advertising channels, helping broaden awareness of concrete masonry and the possibilities it offers.
Challenging outdated design perceptions — that’s the Beauty of Block®.
Our National Building Codes Education and Outreach Program puts CMU front and center in codes and standards discussions — and helps us demonstrate the safety, resiliency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of concrete masonry. Now in its third year, this program leverages teams of subject-matter experts to educate builders about the adaptability of block across a wide range of code guidelines and other building challenges.
The Concrete Masonry Checkoff Board supports innovative program ideas that make a difference in the industry. Focused on four strategic areas — codes and standards, marketing, education, and design assistance — these programs expand market opportunities, build awareness and engagement, enhance knowledge and confidence, support technical acceptance, and help convert interest into concrete masonry projects. Together, these efforts are designed to support demand for locally made concrete masonry products, strengthen market opportunities and support priority market segments including public buildings, warehouses and single-family homes.
Explore the programs dedicated to shaping the future of the concrete masonry industry.
The Concrete Masonry Checkoff welcomes innovative strategies that grow demand and strengthen concrete masonry’s position in the marketplace.
Submit a proposal for a market development, research, education, or technical initiative. Projects may span up to one calendar year and must begin on or after January 1 and conclude by December 31 of the applicable year.
Learn more about eligibility, funding, program requirements, and the submission process in our Program Overview.
