Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.

The John M. O'Quinn Foundation Grant, established in 1986, has contributed over $192 million to various charitable activities, focusing primarily on Houston and its surrounding areas. The Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations and governmental units, emphasizing conservation, education, healthcare, and programs for underprivileged youth. Grants are not available for type III supporting organizations, individuals, or foreign charities, ensuring a targeted impact within the local community.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The SC Ministry Foundation provides annual grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations aligned with the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. These grants can be used for core programs, planning, and program expansion. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial sustainability and avoid duplication of services. The application process starts with a pre-application survey, and funding decisions are typically made by June 30. Priority is given to projects in education, healthcare, and social services.

Our mission is to enhance quality of life, today and in the future, by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Building a permanent endowment
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Meeting needs through grants, awards, and scholarships

CFCC: Mark C. and Dorothy I. Morgan Scholarship

Amount

(1) $2,000 scholarship, (2) $1,500 scholarships

This scholarship is not renewable and previous recipients may not reapply.

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.

The Tuttleman Foundation, established in Philadelphia in 2003, provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 to 501c3 organizations. Guided by the legacy of Stanley and Edna Tuttleman, the foundation focuses on areas such as education, community building, health care, arts and museums, basic human services, and spirituality. Their engaged philanthropy aims to support enduring benefits for the communities they serve, reflecting the founders' commitment to impactful giving.

The Clarence and Bonnie Shaffer Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support students affiliated with Trinity United Methodist Church pursuing post-secondary education in ministry, music ministry, or education. Preference is given to first-year undergraduates, but graduate students may also qualify if no undergraduates apply. This scholarship represents a commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering educational opportunities within the community.

The Read Conmigo School Impact Grants, offered by The Kemper Foundation, provide $10,000 grants annually to Title I elementary schools in select locations. Aimed at supporting dual-language initiatives, eligible schools must have an established Spanish-English program and be located in California, Florida, or Texas. Funds can be used for resources, technology, professional development, and community engagement. Applications must be submitted by the school principal by the deadline.

The Donaghue Foundation's Greater Value Portfolio Grant Program aims to enhance healthcare value by funding innovative research projects for two years, with awards up to $400,000. It encourages proposals that address issues such as high costs, disparities, and inefficiencies in care. Eligible applicants include Ph.D. researchers at nonprofit institutions partnered with healthcare organizations. The program seeks actionable solutions to improve patient care and reduce the burden of low-value healthcare on communities.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Internet Crimes Against Children On-Line Child Protection System (ICACCOPS) funding opportunity aims to enhance and maintain critical investigative tools for child exploitation cases. ICACCOPS provides a robust IT infrastructure to support data services, network security, and management tools for law enforcement. This initiative strengthens the efforts of the national network of ICAC Task Forces, which are dedicated to combating technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation across the United States.

August Corso Scholarship Fund

Scholarships shall be awarded to residents of Erie County, Ohio pursuing a post-secondary education. Preference shall be given to students pursuing a degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science or Agricultural Business. Financial need is a consideration for the scholarship award.

Scholarships are available for students planning to attend an accredited nonprofit college or university, or planning to receive licensure, accreditation, or a certificate from a nonprofit vocational or apprenticeship program in the United States.

The scholarship may be renewed for a second, third, and fourth year.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Luzerne County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

About RWJF

At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we take bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We take our responsibilities seriously, and pledge to work in ways that reflect our values.

Connecting Champions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Health Professions

RWJF seeks to fund one lead organization or consortium to serve as a national network-weaver for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the health professions. The selected grantee will connect and support leaders, organizations, and institutions across the ecosystem, strengthening relationships, aligning strategy and communications, and facilitating shared learning and collective action. By building the connections and infrastructure needed for collaboration, the grantee will help advance belonging, accountability, and systems change across health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Achieving a healthcare system grounded in equity requires both a diverse health professions workforce and institutions committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). While diverse teams improve quality of care and health outcomes, RWJF has learned that increasing representation alone is insufficient without addressing structural and institutional barriers that shape belonging, leadership, advancement, and accountability. Structural racism and other forms of systemic inequity continue to limit opportunity across the health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Lasting change requires not only supporting diverse leaders, but also strengthening connections among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, professional associations, accrediting and credentialing bodies, students, advocates, community actors, and others within the health professions ecosystem, whose relationships, actions, practices, and mindsets shape health outcomes for the communities they serve. These relationships create the support, trust, shared learning, and coordinated action necessary to advance DEIB and build a more equitable healthcare system. 

The CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, administered by the National Education Association, aims to enhance racial equity within education by funding initiatives that promote awareness, leadership development, and solidarity among diverse racial groups. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $75,000, supporting projects that address racism and foster equitable policies in educational settings, thereby accelerating efforts towards social justice.

The Rodgers Family Civil Engineering Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Fauquier County pursuing civil engineering degrees. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, initiative, motivation, and leadership qualities. With a history of over $39 million in community support since 2000, this scholarship exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities. Award amounts may vary and are renewable, making it a valuable resource for aspiring engineers in the region.

The Game On-Community Places to Play Initiative, led by The DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation and LISC, offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 for community organizations to enhance youth sports facilities in under-resourced areas. This initiative focuses on improving safety, accessibility, and quality of athletic spaces for youth aged 6-24. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record in real estate development and ensure community access to the facilities.

About AGC of California

Since 1920, we have worked together with our members to provide advocacy, education, career development, and networking opportunities to experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals. From the moment you become an AGC member, we go to bat for you with state and local governments, while helping you connect with industry leaders through services, innovative programs, and events.

The AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF) provides resources, support, and training through innovative programs in order to attract, develop, and retain a strong, motivated, and skilled workforce. We believe construction careers transform lives. We connect people and communities to meaningful work and rewarding futures. We inspire the industry to be a place where people belong, grow and build lasting legacies.

AGC CEF Skilled Trades Scholarship

This scholarship is designed to support students pursuing post-secondary construction industry training programs. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $2,500.

The NIAID aims to enhance our understanding of the interplay between chronic and infectious diseases through innovative precision systems biology research. By utilizing advanced technologies such as multi-omics and artificial intelligence, the initiative focuses on uncovering critical pathways that connect infections to chronic health issues. This multidisciplinary approach leverages longitudinal patient data to inform and improve prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately seeking to provide insights into disease progression and host-pathogen interactions.

The Artist in Business Leadership (ABL) Fellowship supports Native artists in building sustainable art-centered businesses. This yearlong program provides $10,000 in funding along with professional development and networking opportunities. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, reside in the U.S., and be enrolled in or have lineage from a federally recognized tribe. The fellowship aims to empower artists to thrive within their communities while honoring their cultural heritage.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

The East Texas Estate Planning Council Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors pursuing careers in accounting, law, finance, banking, investments, insurance financial planning, or philanthropic planning. This scholarship reflects a commitment to education and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students in East Texas. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, with FAFSA required, and can attend any college in the United States for one year.

The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program, managed by the Environmental Leadership Program, aims to foster conservation and clean energy careers for emerging leaders of color. This two-year paid fellowship provides recent graduates with professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Ideal candidates are those with a passion for social and environmental justice, who identify as part of historically marginalized groups, and are committed to community engagement. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental sector.

The Ed & Mildred Schroeder Scholarship, offered by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend through educational support. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors or current college students pursuing a degree in education, demonstrating financial need, and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. By providing effective grants and scholarships, the foundation fosters community philanthropy and addresses local educational needs.

The CZI Community Fund empowers non-profit organizations in San Mateo County by enhancing access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, and education. This initiative aims to foster social and economic equity, particularly for marginalized communities, including low-income households and BIPOC individuals. Through annual grantmaking and capacity-building programs, the fund provides the necessary resources for organizations to effectively achieve their missions and facilitate community engagement.

The Norman Foundation Grants aim to empower communities in the U.S. to enhance their economic, environmental, and social well-being. By supporting projects that promote economic justice, prevent toxic waste disposal, and link grassroots efforts to broader reform, the foundation seeks to foster systemic change. It prioritizes organizations with annual budgets under $1 million, ensuring funds are directed to initiatives that resonate with the aspirations of those most affected by social issues.

The BJA FY 2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative aims to empower local law enforcement in rural areas to combat violent crime effectively. This funding opportunity provides resources for personnel, technology, and data analytics to enhance crime prevention strategies. Eligible applicants can utilize updated equipment and training to address specific violent crime challenges, ensuring safer communities through innovative approaches and strategic resource allocation. Applications are due by November 6, 2026.