Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

The Peter and Doris Skorput Scholarship, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, offers financial support for postsecondary education to residents of West Stockbridge, MA, who have lived there for at least eight years. This initiative, rooted in the foundation's mission to strengthen communities through philanthropy, aims to enhance economic mobility and quality of life in the region, reflecting values of impact, innovation, and equity.

The Robert Annelli Family Scholarship, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports residents of New Marlborough, Monterey, Otis, Sheffield, or Sandisfield, MA, who demonstrate significant financial need. This scholarship aims to cover costs for postsecondary education, including tuition, books, and transportation. Preference is given to individuals pursuing technical or vocational degrees or certificates, particularly in trades or technical fields, fostering economic mobility and community support.

The Sweet Brook Scholarship Fund, established in 1972 by residents of Sweet Brook, supports healthcare education for Northern Berkshire County residents. Initially aimed at staff members of Sweet Brook, the fund transitioned in 2020 to assist local residents pursuing health-related qualifications. The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation now manages the fund, which has provided essential scholarships that empower individuals to enhance their careers in healthcare, fostering community growth and economic mobility.

The Teddy Lee Drumm Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Ted and Buena Drumm in memory of their son, supports Sharon residents pursuing post-secondary education. It aims to assist motivated students whose financial needs will be significantly impacted by the award. Managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the fund embodies its mission of strengthening communities through philanthropy, ensuring local youth have opportunities for academic success and economic mobility.

The William J. Newton Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, honors Bill J. Newton's legacy by supporting Berkshire County residents pursuing post-secondary training in trade and industrial fields. Established in 2006, this fund aims to enhance economic mobility and quality of life through education in vocational programs. With a commitment to community impact and innovation, it seeks to empower local individuals to achieve their career aspirations and contribute positively to their communities.

The Joey Johnson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2019 by the East Texas Communities Foundation, honors Joey Johnson's caring spirit. This scholarship is available for graduating seniors from Gladewater, Sabine, West Rusk, or Overton High Schools, supporting students pursuing any field of study at colleges across the U.S. Financial need is considered, and recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA and full-time status.

American Psychiatric Association Foundation

There is no health without mental health. The APA Foundation is working in your community to provide the support and resources we all need to prioritize mental wellbeing where you live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Backed by the medical expertise of the APA and industry-leading strategic partners, we administer community-changing programs, public education campaigns, grants, and awards aimed at increasing mental health literacy, connecting individuals to needed care, and shifting attitudes toward mental health.

Our Mission is to promote the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. Our Vision is a mentally healthy nation for all – where we live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Diversity Leadership Fellowship

The Diversity Leadership Fellowship identifies and motivates minority psychiatry residents or those interested in minority and vulnerable populations to become well equipped to teach, administer, and provide culturally competent, evidence based mental health and substance abuse services to diverse minority groups and at-risk populations. These populations include—but are not limited to—American Indians/Native Alaskans, Asian Americans/Native Hawaiians/Native Pacific Islanders, Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, LGBTQ, and religious minorities. Program Benefits:

• Sponsorship to attend a minimum of four APA meetings:
  • Two APA Annual Meetings
  • Two Fellowship Forums
• Develop leadership skills in the field of psychiatry and advance understanding of the life experiences of racial ethnic minority communities
• Gain an understanding of APA/APAF Governance through observation and service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative
• Have the opportunity to sit on the APAF Board of Directors as a non-voting member (one Diversity Leadership fellow allowed)
• Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists interested in minority mental health and services through exclusive events and engagements with APA leaders. Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

The National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) offers technical and financial assistance to enhance fish and aquatic organism passage while restoring connectivity to benefit federal trust resources. By promoting fish populations and ecosystem resiliency, the program supports infrastructure modernization through projects like dam removals and culvert replacements. Coordinated by the Fish and Wildlife Service across 51 offices, NFPP emphasizes collaboration with partners to ensure projects align with strategic goals and enhance biodiversity.

The Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

The Mission Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington in 2007, supports graduating seniors from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties who plan to undertake mission trips to Latin America. This scholarship aims to inspire young individuals to engage in community service while gaining cultural insights. Eligible applicants must be juniors or seniors, ready to complete their mission within two years of receiving the award, providing a unique opportunity to make a positive impact abroad.

The Ogburn Family Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports high school seniors from Quincy, Wenatchee, or Eastmont High Schools. Eligible students should plan to pursue education or a medical field, such as nursing or radiology, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to those attending Wenatchee Valley College or Central Washington University's teaching program. This scholarship promotes educational advancement within the community.

The Okanogan Masonic Lodge #169, through the Community Foundation of NCW, has been providing scholarships to deserving Okanogan County students since 1998. This initiative honors the wishes of Herbert and Elizabeth Davis, ensuring their philanthropic legacy supports local youth. The dedicated Masons review applications and select recipients, embodying commitment to education and community development. Their efforts have made a significant impact on students' futures, reinforcing the values of charity and support within the community.

The Pateros Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of NCW, supports Pateros High School students in their pursuit of higher education. This fund encourages academic and financial growth for graduating seniors and previous graduates, including home-schooled students from the Pateros School District. Established in the 1990s, it emphasizes education as a key driver of community development. Renewal is available for prior recipients, allowing for a maximum of two awards.

Ignite Your Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

Lead the future of innovation at your higher education institution with the Ecosystem Futures Fellowship. This fellowship is an evolution of our Course & Program Grants that focuses on scalable science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) ecosystem solutions through the lens of environmental and social sustainability and inclusive innovation. This program offers professional development, immersive learning experiences, and a supportive community of leaders. It enhances the role of faculty and higher education leaders as ecosystem builders in partnership with industry and government.

VentureWell Ecosystem Futures Fellowship

The Ecosystem Futures Fellowship is a one-year program that aims to strengthen campus innovation and entrepreneurship. This fellowship enhances both in-class and out-of-class student engagement and institutional culture by growing ecosystem networks. Teams of two will receive $30,000 in funding—a $10,000 award and $5,000 in travel stipends for each fellow—and 12 months of immersive programming and communities of practice.

The Ecosystem Futures Fellowship is a one-year experience that supports higher education leaders in advancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) ecosystem growth centered on environmental and social sustainability and inclusive innovation.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects should focus on STEM I&E ecosystem expansion, addressing significant social, health, or environmental challenges. Your STEM I&E ecosystem growth goals might align well with the fellowship if they are similar to one of the following:

• Building out a degree pathway that incorporates I&E into STEM disciplines
• Creating or revising courses that focus on STEM I&E through a social and environmental sustainability lens—these should be courses that make connections to I&E beyond the course in order to provide more robust I&E opportunities to a diverse population of students (community-engaged learning, internships, industry partnerships, etc.)
• Connecting existing courses to campus and off-campus extracurricular and co-curricular activities
• Designing new extracurricular and co-curricular I&E activities that connect to community partners
• Working with government, industry, or other community collaborators to expand STEM I&E activities on and off campus for students and other campus collaborators
• Working with administration on campus to change policies or systems that hinder STEM I&E activities on campus (promotion and tenure requirements, tech transfer opportunities, IP policies, etc.)
• Breaking down silos on campus in order to grow connections between disciplines and learning opportunities beyond the classroom
• Strengthening research translation and innovation development opportunities that work to solve the world’s most difficult problems

What support is provided besides funding?

• Mentorship from experienced industry experts.
• Access to a resource library and a collaborative network of STEM educators and students.
• Participation in on-campus immersive experiences, communities of practice, and VentureWell’s annual conferences.

History of AHTF

In the beginning, AHTF’s founders recognized that hand therapy was needed and worked; however, research to support that belief was limited.

The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) was founded in 1977. By the 1980’s hand therapy was growing fast and clinical knowledge of hand care lead to remarkable improvements in the treatment of diseased and injured hands. With improvements, however, came the increased need to further substantiate hand therapy practice.

Tri-Alliance Grant Honoring ASHT Founders

Purpose

To fund impactful research in all levels of experimental quantitative research, including systematic reviews, as well as qualitative research. The AHTF has the responsibility of verifying the appropriateness of the proposed research.

Types of Studies

Grant proposals are accepted for research within any domain of hand therapy. Randomized or experimental study designs, including quantitative, mixed methods, or qualitative designs that aim to advance the clinical practice of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. Ideally, applications should target categories of research identified as part of the current AHTF research priorities.

History of AHTF

In the beginning, AHTF’s founders recognized that hand therapy was needed and worked; however, research to support that belief was limited.

The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) was founded in 1977. By the 1980’s hand therapy was growing fast and clinical knowledge of hand care lead to remarkable improvements in the treatment of diseased and injured hands. With improvements, however, came the increased need to further substantiate hand therapy practice.

Burkhalter New Investigator Grant for Clinical Research in Hand & Upper Limb Rehabilitation

Purpose

In 1993, the AHTF established a grant in honor of Dr. William Burkhalter (1928-1992), a long-time advocate and promoter of hand therapy. The purpose of the award is to support scientific clinical research in the field of hand and upper limb rehabilitation.

Types of Studies

Experimental, non-experimental, pilot studies, quasi-experimental, measurement, or qualitative studies designed to advance the clinical practice of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation in categories identified by the AHTF research priorities will be considered.

The Black Visual Arts Archives initiative, funded by the Getty Foundation, aims to enhance access to collections related to Black artists. This ongoing grant program supports projects that survey, process, and digitize archival materials while promoting public engagement through exhibitions and community events. By fostering awareness of Black contributions to the visual arts, the initiative strengthens the preservation of cultural heritage and encourages collaboration among libraries, universities, and community organizations.

History of AHTF

In the beginning, AHTF’s founders recognized that hand therapy was needed and worked; however, research to support that belief was limited.

The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) was founded in 1977. By the 1980’s hand therapy was growing fast and clinical knowledge of hand care lead to remarkable improvements in the treatment of diseased and injured hands. With improvements, however, came the increased need to further substantiate hand therapy practice.

Judy Bell-Krotoski "Grab the Evidence" Grant

Purpose

In 2003, AHTF awarded the first “Grab the Future” Grant. This name was changed in 2005, in response to the growing need to fund basic research science and evidence-based studies in hand and upper limb rehabilitation.

The purpose of the award as designed is to serve as a catalyst for a skilled researcher and/or research team to develop their role as principal investigators and to provide seed money for procurement of larger external funding. 

Types of Studies

Experimental studies, pilot studies, or systematic reviews/meta-analyses which support the evidence of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation in the diagnostic categories identified by the AHTF research priorities or by the specific donor’s research priorities will be considered.

The Howard and Beverly Murray Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors high-achieving students pursuing education in math and science. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from Chelan or Douglas high schools with a minimum GPA of 3.4. This scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate a commitment to their academic pursuits in fields like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in further education.

The Ham Family Scholarship Fund, established by Stephanie and CJ Ham along with Essentia Health and the NFL Foundation, supports diverse students in Duluth and Superior. Created to enhance BIPOC retention and graduation rates, it offers $1,000 annually for up to four years. Eligible applicants must identify as BIPOC, demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and engage in extracurricular activities. This scholarship aims to empower students in their pursuit of higher education.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is launching the Centers for Research on Neglected Infectious Diseases (CReNIDs) to enhance research on neglected infectious diseases (NIDs). This initiative aims to tackle substantial health challenges posed by communicable viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, especially in endemic regions. By fostering multidisciplinary research and sustainable local capacities, the program seeks to improve health outcomes and mitigate the spread of these diseases, ultimately safeguarding public health in the U.S. and globally.

BrightFocus Foundation offers Alzheimer's Disease Research Grants to support innovative research aimed at understanding, preventing, and treating Alzheimer's disease. These grants encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, fostering creativity in scientific research. The program includes Standard Awards for early investigators with a maximum funding of $300,000 for three years and Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards for young researchers at $200,000 for two years, promoting the development of independent research careers.

The SPARK Research Match Expansion initiative by the Simons Foundation aims to enhance autism research participation among undersampled groups. By providing incentives for participants in online surveys and other research methods, this program seeks to address the demographic disparities in clinical research. This funding opportunity encourages innovative studies that prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that the research reflects the diverse population of the United States, thereby advancing scientific discovery in autism and related fields.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Opioid Affected Youth Initiative provides funding to support states and localities in combating violent crime and overdose deaths. This initiative aims to enhance prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies for children, youth, and families impacted by substance use disorders. Collaboration among law enforcement, educational institutions, and community organizations is essential to effectively address the needs of at-risk populations and those already involved in the child welfare and justice systems.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Human Trafficking funding opportunity aims to support comprehensive research and evaluation projects. It focuses on preventing human trafficking, assessing the impact of federal policies, and enhancing services for victims. This initiative, led by the National Institute of Justice in partnership with the Office for Victims of Crime, seeks to generate insights that can inform better responses to human trafficking in the U.S.

The Creative Native Call for Art invites Indigenous artists aged 5 to 24 to showcase their talents through diverse artistic expressions. Participants can submit works inspired by the theme of what is sacred to them and their community, with opportunities for national recognition and awards, including a grand prize of $1,000. This initiative aims to celebrate and support young artists in their creative journeys while honoring cultural significance and community values.

The Abrazo/Mitchard Birthmother Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports birthmothers who have placed their children for adoption through Abrazo Adoption Associates. This fund offers financial assistance for tuition and educational expenses for full-time students pursuing various degrees. Eligible applicants include adult learners and current college students. Although the scholarship is not renewable, recipients can apply for an additional year of funding, making education accessible to those in need.