Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Alaska

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship

The Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship, funded by Charles and Betty before their passing, is a reflection of their commitment to education. Charlie, who was extremely successful, left school at an early age to care for his family, but retained a strong belief in higher education.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Response & Emergency Needs Fund

The NAFC Response & Emergency Needs Fund is designed to address urgent and unforeseen challenges that threaten operations or patient access to care within NAFC member organizations. These organizations often operate with limited reserves, making them especially vulnerable to unexpected repairs, equipment failures, workforce disruptions, or community emergencies. This fund provides rapid, flexible support to help stabilize operations and ensure continuity of care for uninsured and underserved patients.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Jean M. Brown Nursing Scholarship Fund 

Jean M. Brown graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in 1938. She went on to become Caterpillar’s first Industrial Nurse, a role she deeply valued. Inspired by her career, she wanted to help others pursue nursing as well.

Through her will, Ms. Brown established an endowed scholarship to support nursing students with financial need, with preference given to those pursuing a career in Occupational Nursing. The scholarship fund was created following her passing in October 2000.

The Logan Nainoa Fujimoto Memorial Scholarship, established in 2005, supports students pursuing Automotive Technology at the Universal Technical Institute or community colleges in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be residents of Hawaii. Preference is given to past recipients and those attending the Universal Technical Institute. This scholarship honors the legacy of Logan Nainoa Fujimoto, encouraging academic and vocational excellence in the automotive field.

The USA Track & Field Foundation was established in 2002. Our Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track & field programs, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth and elite athletes.

Mission: 

To support the development of emerging elite athletes, while fostering integration within the broader track & field community. To facilitate the physical, educational, social and character development of youth track & field athletes and to help prepare them to mature and succeed in adult life.About USATF Maternity GrantTo be considered for a USATF Foundation Maternity Grant, please begin by filling out the Elite Grant Application. Our Maternity Grant Committee will utilize the application information to consider your grant request. In addition to the Elite Grant Application please send along a formal letter for the committee to review. USATF Foundation is accepting formal letters of request for funding throughout the year. The Maternity Grant committee will consider and award grants on a quarterly basis dependent on available funding.

Please include in your letter:

• A detailed description of your current situation (expecting or recovering from childbirth)
• Timeline including estimated due date and estimated time frame when your training became affected by pregnancy
• Include your intentions and plans for after child birth
• List your most recent competition date where you were in peak form and the time / mark of the performance
• Were you ever ranked in the top 20 in the US or top 50 in the world within the 2 years before you became pregnant? If yes, please list the ranking, month/year and by what source.
• How Foundation funding would benefit you personally and in your track & field/running career.

Mary Jo DeVleeschower Scholarship

Mary Jo DeVleeschower was a native of South Bend, Indiana, born January 14th, 1941. She graduated in 1968 from Andrew Jackson High School in South Bend, and graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana in 1972 with a degree in “special education.” Mary Jo taught at the Alexander Graham Bell School beginning in 1972 working with students who were hearing impaired. She attended the University of Southern California (John Tracy Clinic) and received her Master’s degree in 1978 from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a teacher at the Alexander Graham Bell School, Mary Jo worked through a grant with Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. for the Wole Language Program for the hearing impaired, publishing a related article in a national magazine. Mary Jo DeVleeschower loved the children with whom she worked, and poured her whole heart into her work. She had a special relationship with her students, demonstrated on the day of her memorial when some shared a tribute to her in American Sign Language. She further demonstrated her love and support for her students through the creation of the scholarship through her will.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The LearningTimes Foundation is excited to announce the Fall 2025 Emerging Educational Filmmaker Grant, which aims to support new filmmakers creating educational films. With funding up to $10,000, this initiative seeks to empower storytellers to address significant societal issues and foster meaningful discussions through their work. The grant encourages diverse narratives, especially from underrepresented communities, and aims to connect projects with specific learning communities for impactful engagement.

The Cytokinetics Communications Grant Program provides five grants of $20,000 each annually to patient advocacy organizations focused on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and heart failure. This initiative aims to enhance communication and outreach efforts, helping organizations expand their community engagement and awareness. By supporting crucial marketing initiatives, Cytokinetics fosters improved resources for advocacy groups, ensuring they can effectively address the needs of patients facing muscle performance challenges.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

The Ryan Legacy Scholarship

Melanie Ryan was an incredible mother, wife, friend, and nurse for almost 30 years. Her kindness, generosity, and compassion will be remembered forever by those who had the honor to know and love her. She passed away from Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer in June of 2024. Her husband Tom was the love of her life and also and incredibly kind and caring husband, father, manager and friend. He passed away from Hodgkins Lymphoma in November of 2022. This scholarship remembers this beautiful couple by assisting graduating high school seniors and current college students in pursuing a college degree. Preference will be given to student athletes in memory of Tom’s love of sports and students pursuing a healthcare related degree in memory of Melanie’s incredible nursing skills and heart.

The Systems-Based Approaches to Improve Patient Safety program aims to enhance patient safety by prioritizing healthcare worker safety and well-being. By focusing on systemic improvements, this initiative seeks to create a safer healthcare environment, recognizing that worker safety is integral to patient safety. The funding opportunity encourages innovative proposals that bring new insights from healthcare professionals, ultimately supporting AHRQ's mission to strengthen the patient safety movement.

The Mitchell Patrick Mielnik Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Mitchell Mielnik, a passionate hockey player who exemplified integrity. This scholarship supports scholastic hockey players demonstrating excellence in athletics and academics. By fostering Mitchell's spirit of generosity, the foundation aims to empower young athletes to excel in their personal and professional lives, ensuring a positive impact on the community for years to come.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The Pete and Mary Houck Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors the legacy of Pete and Mary Houck, long-time residents of Wenatchee Valley. This scholarship aims to support local students pursuing healthcare degrees, reflecting the couple's commitment to education and community. Eligible applicants must be residents of Chelan or Douglas County and plan to attend accredited programs in healthcare-related fields, ensuring a brighter future for the community.

The Graduate Student Scholarship: Student With a Disability Scholarship, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports graduate students with disabilities pursuing degrees in communication sciences and disorders. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited program. This scholarship aims to foster academic achievement and provide financial assistance for educational expenses. Applicants may also consider additional scholarship categories but can only receive one award. Up to 15 scholarships of $5,000 are available.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The NEI Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Cooperative Agreement aims to support small businesses in conducting early-stage clinical trials that pose greater than minimal risk. The program focuses on Phase I and II trials designed to evaluate interventions for vision disorders. Key deadlines for applications include January 30, 2024, and May 24, 2024, among others. Applicants are encouraged to consult with NEI staff prior to submission to ensure alignment with funding opportunities.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Kenneth P. Rutter (Rotary) Scholarship Fund

The Kenneth P. Rutter Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to award a scholarship to a traditional or non-traditional applicant residing in Westmoreland County, who has achieved a high school diploma or equivalent including a GED or Home School certificate. Preference will be given to students who seek to enter the Christian Ministry, and/or who have exhibited a strong interest in Community Service and Humanitarian Service.

• Average Award: $2,500
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Carolyn Gallmeyer Scholarship, provided by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports students from Kent County pursuing college or career training. This scholarship aims to remove barriers to education, empowering students to achieve their aspirations. With awards typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, it directly contributes to tuition and essential costs. The foundation emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive in their academic journeys.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is one of the most well-respected, knowledgeable leaders on charitable giving in the nation. We make giving convenient and efficient for donors through donor-advised funds and other types of charitable giving accounts that maximize and organize giving.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Kansas City Pride Community Alliance Scholarship Fund

The KCPCA Scholarship provides needed financial assistance to support LGBTQ+ students who are resident of Jackson, Clay, Platte or Buchannan counties in Missouri and Johnson, Wyandotte or Douglas counties in Kansas of all background and educational interests. We prioritize LGBTA+ students who need it most and who have some or all of the following experiences:

• People of color, Black, Indigenous
• Trans, Non-binary, Gender Expansive, Two spirit people
• People with disabilities – including people living with chronic illnesses, HIV, neurodivergence, mental health challenges
• People who have or are experiencing housing instability
• People living in rural areas
• People who have financial need without access to financial support
• People who have experienced family rejection.

Award

• $1,000

The Apraxia Kids Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Clinical Research Grant focuses on funding high-quality research applicable to childhood apraxia of speech. With an award of up to $50,000, it supports studies addressing early diagnosis, treatment approaches, and the impact of CAS on literacy and phonological skills. Apraxia Kids encourages proposals that consider diverse populations and comorbid conditions, aiming to enhance understanding and outcomes for children with CAS.

Kothari Family Fund Healthcare Scholarship

This scholarship, made in memory of Kathy Jowsey, is for graduates of Ten Broeck Academy/Franklinville High School who demonstrate financial need, have worked hard academically, and exemplify school spirit through extracurricular activities, sports and/or volunteerism. Preference for this scholarship will be given to students majoring in business, accounting, sports management or journalism.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Eugene "Babe" Fabrizi Fund to Educate Music Students

The Eugene “Babe” Fabrizi Fund to Educate Music Students of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to support young or adult musicians.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

Gainesville Chicken Scholarship

This scholarship supports college students pursuing a degree in poultry science or a related agricultural degree. Applicants should be graduating high school seniors or current college students pursuing a career in the poultry industry, majoring in Agricultural Business, Poultry Science, Food Science, Animal Science, Food Marketing, Agricultural Economics, etc. In 2026, one $2,000 scholarship will be offered.

This grant opportunity from the US Department of Health and Human Services aims to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on healthcare safety. It invites applications to investigate how AI systems can enhance patient safety and improve healthcare delivery. Applicants are encouraged to identify both the benefits of AI technologies and the potential risks to ensure safe implementation. This initiative addresses the need for effective, efficient, and affordable healthcare while safeguarding patient welfare.

Gainesville Symphony Orchestra Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduating seniors at public, private or homeschools in Hall County. Applicants must reside in Hall County and must play a musical instrument. In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,500 will be offered.

The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, honors the legacy of Jacquilyn Billey, a dedicated advocate for the blind. With thirty merit-based scholarships of $10,000 each available, applicants must be legally blind, reside in the U.S., and plan to pursue full-time post-secondary education. Awards are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership, with finalists attending the NFB National Convention in July for selection.

The Jacquilyn Billey Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, provides thirty merit-based scholarships of $10,000 each to legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education in the U.S. The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists are selected in spring and must attend the NFB National Convention in July for the award announcement. This initiative empowers blind individuals to pursue their educational and career aspirations, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and opportunity.