Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Alaska

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Peruzzi Family Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA and enroll full time in a four-year, higher education institution. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Rudisill Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate student with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in education and in their full internship. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

The Coast Fork Scholarship supports graduates or graduating seniors from Cottage Grove or Al Kennedy Alternative High Schools pursuing higher education across the United States. This scholarship is aimed at those who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges, with a focus on applicants dedicated to helping others or improving their communities.

The Laurel High School Alumni Association offers the Helen Kirk Deputy Ellis Scholarship for graduating seniors pursuing higher education. The Delaware Community Foundation, which awarded $850,000 in scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year, supports this initiative. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.50 and do not need to be alumni members. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students, fostering community growth and equity.

The Mentored Clinician Scientist Grant, funded by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, supports the career development of clinician scientists by providing dedicated research time for up to five years. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record in research, evidenced by receiving NIH K08 or K23 funding. This grant is renewable annually based on scientific progress and available funding, fostering a strong future in academic surgery.

The AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant Program provides funding of up to $500 for K-12 teachers to enhance student learning in STEM subjects, particularly in Aerospace. The program encourages innovative projects that address unmet educational needs. Schools can apply for a maximum of two grants per year. Eligible projects include STEM demonstration kits and robotics supplies, while funding for items like audio-visual equipment and travel is not permitted.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Since 1995, we’ve been a resource for students and parents who are looking for a way to offset the cost of tuition while bypassing the use of student loans.

Heritage Classic Foundation Scholarships

Every year we award Heritage Scholarships to 11 high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, community service and leadership skills. Since the program began in 1993, we’ve distributed $5.75 million in scholarships to 408 students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

Ron Brown Scholar Fund

The Ron Brown Scholar Fund is a public 501c3 charity and administers the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP). Established in 1996 by Anthony M. Pilaro to honor the late Secretary of Commerce, RBSP is a college scholarship and leadership program for African American students. Our three initiatives support young people who share Ron Brown’s dedication to individual excellence, leadership, and public service

Ron Brown Signature Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.

RBSP competitively awards 20 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Since the Program’s inception in 1996, 683 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Desert Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship was created in order to help those who have encountered and overcome some sort of personal challenge or adversity.

This scholarship is renewable.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Jane Starke Boyd and Alexander Boyd Charitable Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is for students pursuing healthcare-related majors.

The Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants support innovative projects aimed at enhancing the lifesaving efforts for cats and dogs in U.S. shelters. Eligible organizations, including public and private shelters and rescue groups, can apply for up to $50,000 to fund initiatives like intake prevention services, medical care for at-risk pets, and shelter enrichment programs. All projects must align with the mission of increasing adoption rates and improving animal welfare within the Best Friends Network.

Nellie G. Allen Curiosity Shop Scholarship

Award:

• One-time award of $1,000.

The Champion At Large Scholarship, offered by the Cherokee Nation Foundation, supports Cherokee Nation citizens who are full-time students or graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This one-year scholarship is specifically for those residing outside the Cherokee Nation jurisdiction and accepted into a two-year or four-year higher education institution. It aims to alleviate student debt and enhance educational opportunities for Cherokee students.

The Special Needs Grant, provided by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), offers financial support to Active Duty members facing increased financial demands due to dependents in the Coast Guard Special Needs Program. Eligible members can receive up to $3,000 every 60 months for various services and resources tailored for special needs, including adaptive equipment and membership fees for relevant organizations. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life for families with exceptional needs.

Margaret A. Stafford Nursing Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $2,000. 

HLP Hamakua Community Foundation: Annual College Scholarship

Taka Domingo was a lifetime resident of the Hamakua and founding board member of the HLP Hamakua Community Foundation. He was born in Kukuihaele and attended Honoka'a High School. After working for 30 years at Hamakua Sugar Company as an electrician, he embarked on a career in public service representing Hamakua on the Hawaii County Council for the 20 years. This vocational scholarship is being offered in his honor.

The HLP Hamakua Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed to benefit the people of Hamakua. An annual scholarship is awarded to encourage students that graduate from Honoka'a High School or students who live in the Hamakua District to further their education upon graduation.

Individual award amount:

• $2,000.00. Scholarships will be awarded upon proof of enrollment and must be claimed by November 1, of the year the scholarship is awarded.
• Applications are available at your school counselor’s office or online.

Julie H. Shenk Memorial Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $1,000.

The Microplastics Research and Resource Coordination Center aims to foster collaboration among researchers in biomedical and material sciences to understand the health impacts of micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs). This initiative will enhance research reliability by standardizing sampling, analytical practices, and data harmonization. The center will lead efforts in best practices and provide essential guidance to the M/NPs research community, ultimately advancing knowledge and methodologies in this critical area of study.

The Diana Jo Dreyer Memorial Scholarship, established by INDATEL Services LLC and the family of Diana Jo Dreyer, supports female students pursuing a business degree. This scholarship honors Diana's impactful career in telecommunications and her dedication to empowering women in the industry. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, U.S. citizens, sponsored by an NTCA member, and interested in returning to rural communities after graduation. This initiative enriches the lives of young women in rural America.

Who We Are

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is a nonprofit organization focused on partnering with donors to build opportunity and advance equity in Delaware.

Our mission is to strengthen Delaware by maximizing community-based philanthropy.

Our vision is a Delaware where generosity expands opportunities for all.

Looking for some financial help this school year?

The DCF awarded scholarships totaling a record-breaking $850,000 to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year.

Section 4: Unique Scholarships requiring a separate application

Scott Kammerer Scholarship

One-time award of $2,000.

The Janosik Family Scholarship, awarded by the Delaware Community Foundation, offers a one-time financial assistance of $2,000 for graduating seniors from specific Eastern Shore High Schools. This program emphasizes citizenship qualities, work ethic, and community service as key selection criteria. In 2024-2025, the foundation distributed a record-breaking $850,000 in scholarships to support students pursuing undergraduate degrees, promoting educational opportunities and equity across Delaware.

The Waneta Drake Miller Edmison Non-Traditional Student Scholarship is designed to support individuals aged 24 and older from Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, or McCook counties in South Dakota who are pursuing further education. Applicants must be enrolled in at least twelve credit hours at an accredited institution and have completed at least six credit hours in a degree program. This scholarship exemplifies the commitment to lifelong learning and community enrichment.

The Hovland Scholarship, offered by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, supports college students of Norwegian descent. Eligible applicants must be full-time students entering their third year at an accredited four-year institution in the U.S., maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. Multiple renewable scholarships are available, contingent upon meeting requirements and funding availability. This scholarship aims to enrich the quality of life through education and philanthropy.

The Vernier Science Education Inspiration Grants support innovative K-12 and college educators in the U.S. who creatively use Vernier technology to engage students in hands-on STEM education. Each grant includes $1,000 in Vernier technology, a one-year license for the Vernier Graphical Analysis™ Pro app, and three hours of virtual professional development. This initiative aims to inspire scientific curiosity and enhance STEM literacy among students.

Michigan Sugar Company

Since our founding, more than a century ago, when six independent sugarbeet companies merged, Michigan Sugar Company has perfected the process of turning one of the region’s largest cash crops—the sugarbeet—into pure, all-natural sugar.

Today, Michigan Sugar Company is the third largest beet sugar processor in the United States, producing an annual average of about 1.3 billion pounds of sugar.

Michigan Sugar Company is proud to offer several scholarships to students in our sugarbeet growing areas. 

Michigan Sugar Festival Queen Scholarship

The Michigan Sugar Festival Queen Program, managed by the Sebewaing Chamber of Commerce and Festival Committee and sponsored in part by Michigan Sugar Company, celebrates and promotes the sugarbeet industry. This scholarship is designed for candidates with strong ties to Michigan sugarbeet farming, reflecting the importance of industry connection and representation.

All contestants will attend the Opening Ceremony of the Michigan Sugar Festival.

Contest winners will be required to attend a certain number of parades, events, and social commitments requested by Michigan Sugar Festival Committee. In addition, the following year’s Michigan Sugar Queen Interview Day, Michigan Sugar Queen Crowning Event, the Michigan Sugar Festival Grand Parade as the past year’s queen and court, along with parades in Bay, Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties.

Recommendations in support of applications could be from teachers, counselors, pastor, employer, or other respected business officials.

The Special Angels Foundation Grant provides essential support for children with special needs, focusing on accessible therapy within established networks. Due to high demand, applications from outside California are temporarily suspended. The grant covers therapy expenses and requires a letter of medical necessity from a pediatric professional. Applicants must be under 18 and reside in the U.S. The foundation aims to maximize impact by prioritizing in-network resources and ensuring financial clarity for families.

The OREF Resident Clinician Scientist Training Grant aims to prepare residents for research-intensive careers in orthopaedic surgery. Grants up to $20,000 are available for one year, covering research expenses without salary. Projects must demonstrate clinical relevance and be feasible for residents as independent studies. Both laboratory and clinical research are encouraged, with potential for publication. Progress reports and annual reviews are required to ensure funding compliance.