Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in California

The James P. & Mildred Gregg Zucco Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from specific high schools who contribute to their school, church, or community. This scholarship awards an average of $750 to eligible students, with a focus on their dedication to local activities and service. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement and aims to assist students in their academic pursuits.

The Solidaire Network's Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund supports frontline organizers facing security threats while fostering long-term safety. With $7.9 million allocated, the fund aids groups working towards racial, climate, gender, and reproductive justice. Despite a pause on new applications due to high demand, the fund remains committed to resourcing movement partners and addressing the disproportionate targeting of marginalized leaders amidst rising aggression from right-wing forces.

The Guy Bradley Award, established in 1988 by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), honors individuals who have made significant contributions to wildlife law enforcement. Named after the first wildlife officer killed in the line of duty, this award recognizes the vital role of law enforcement agents in wildlife conservation. Eligible candidates include current and retired personnel from state and federal agencies who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to protecting wildlife and advancing enforcement goals.

The Tri-M Foundation's Performing Arts Grant Program aims to support innovative and high-quality performing arts projects by regional non-profit organizations. The program prioritizes projects that align with the organization's mission, engage audiences, and provoke important discussions. Grants range from $3,000 to $10,000, intended for diverse artistic expressions, including theatre and dance. Applications are encouraged from eligible organizations that demonstrate detailed project planning, inclusivity, and a commitment to addressing sensitive topics.

Camden Property Trust Scholarship

Benefiting dependents of Camden employees.

About the Scholarship Award:

• Multiple scholarships awarded for the 2026-27 academic year. Award amount varies by college/degree type:
  • 4-year college and trade schools: $5,500
  • 2-year college: $3,000
• Reapply guidelines:
  • Students in a four-year degree program may reapply up to 3 years after initial award (maximum 4 years of funding)
  • Students in a two-year degree or certificate program may reapply up to one year after initial award (maximum 2 years of funding)

What can this scholarship be used for?

• The scholarship will be mailed directly to the student's college to be used towards tuition, required academic fees, and/or book expenses.
• Scholarship funding cannot be distributed directly to the student. Funding cannot be used for room and board, rent, meal plans, parking passes, or other similar living expenses.
• Scholarships cannot be used for a summer semester or for graduate degrees.

The Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports varsity athletes in the top 25% of their graduating class from specific counties. This scholarship honors outstanding high school athletes and coaches in the Abilene area, promoting academic and athletic excellence. Applicants must have participated in varsity sports during their junior and senior years and provide a recommendation from a varsity coach. This initiative aims to empower students to pursue their college education dreams.

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 Gerald D. Peet Scholarship honors the legacy of Gerald D. Peet by providing financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate or professional students pursuing degrees in Medicine at accredited institutions. This need-based award, administered by Native Forward, offers varying amounts from $100 to $30,000 per academic year, based on financial aid information from the institution's Financial Aid Office.

The Capacity Building for Global, Regional, and National Immunization Programs aims to enhance immunization efforts in key countries, focusing on the prevention and control of vaccine-preventable diseases like polio and measles. By strengthening immunization services and surveillance systems, the program will better address emerging health threats and reach under-immunized populations. Additionally, it will support sustainable practices through National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups and manage the National Stop Transmission of Polio program in Pakistan.

The CDC has announced funding for FY 2027 to enhance state capacity in alcohol epidemiology and prevent excessive alcohol use through the NOFO CDC-RFA-DP-27-0072. This initiative aims to equip states with essential tools and knowledge for effective public health measures against excessive alcohol use, a major preventable cause of death in the U.S. The program will also provide expert technical assistance and training on effective prevention strategies over a 5-year performance period.

The VFW Post 2326 Ward-Goff Memorial Scholarship, established by Mr. and Mrs. Elgin Ward and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Goff, honors their sons who served in the Vietnam War. This scholarship provides financial assistance to children and grandchildren of active military personnel and veterans. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit necessary documents, including transcripts. The scholarship emphasizes financial need and aims to support outstanding students pursuing their educational goals.

The Terry Linda Potter Scholarship, awarded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students from Northwest Ottawa County pursuing health-related degrees. Established in memory of Terry Linda Potter, this scholarship prioritizes financial need and academic performance. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to further education and submit necessary documentation, including transcripts and recommendation letters. This fund honors Terry's legacy, providing vital financial assistance to aspiring healthcare professionals in the Tri-Cities area.

Face the Future Scholarship

At Bubble, we believe the next generation of builders, creators, and changemakers deserves support.

The Face the Future Scholarship provides financial awards to students who embody our core values of authenticity, creativity, innovation, and community impact as they pursue their academic goals.

In 2026, we're awarding 20 scholarships totaling $55,000 to students across the U.S., UK, and Canada.

One recipient will also earn a Spring 2027 internship at Bubble's New York City headquarters.

Vanguard Resident FellowshipThe American Psychiatric Association has participated in the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) since 1973. The program goals are to advance the quality of mental and substance use disorder prevention and treatment services and improve mental health care outcomes for all. The program seeks to increase the number and quality of psychiatrists who teach, administer services, conduct research, and provide direct mental and/or substance use disorder services to our Nation’s communities, and to treat and serve populations with higher prevalence of behavioral health challenges and conditions more effectively.Program Benefits: 

• Funding to support your own innovative and creative Capstone Project
• Monthly virtual professional development sessions
• Gain access to employment opportunities through a virtual job fair
• Gain an understanding of gaps in mental health care through the LEAD Institute curriculum
• Receive mentorship from leaders in psychiatry through the Advocate & Protégé Program
• Attend the Learning Lab, Fall Mental Health Summit, and Spring Leadership Summit, with the goal of enhancing your leadership skills in psychiatry by advancing your understanding of mental health inequities
• Attend the APA Annual Meeting with the opportunity to present a poster or oral presentation of your Capstone Project
• Gain understanding of APA Governance through service on an APA Council, committee or work group
• Receive access to a lifetime network of psychiatrists
• Establish long term relationships with resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

Community Diversity FellowshipThe Community Diversity Fellowship is a unique opportunity for psychiatry residents from diverse backgrounds and residents who are committed to serving minority and vulnerable populations. The fellowship provides professional development, training, mentorship, and a field placement component (up to 15 hours per month) designed to add exponential impact in the delivery of culturally competent psychiatric care across hard to reach and traditionally underrepresented communities. 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:

• Attend one APA Annual Meeting
• Attend one Fellowship Forum
• Develop leadership skills in the field of psychiatry and advance understanding of the life experiences of racial ethnic minority communities
• Gain hands on experience through field placement in a traditional underrepresented community mental health setting (up to 15 hours per month)
• Gain an understanding of APA/APAF Governance through service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative 
• Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists interested in minority mental health and services through exclusive events through engagements with APA leaders.
  • Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Gribler Loving Trust Nursing Education Scholarship

Each year, the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation awards the Gribler Loving Trust Nursing Education Scholarship to three students who live in Lincoln County, are pursuing a degree in nursing and who intend to practice in the community when they graduate. Up to $3,000 is awarded to each student and students who receive the scholarship are eligible to apply for a second year.

The scholarship is awarded in honor of Bill and Olga Gribler, Newport residents since 1947. Bill taught music, providing entertainment throughout the community, and Olga worked for the phone company and later the Bank of Newport. They established this generous scholarship to help address the ongoing need for quality nurses in the region.

Purpose

The intent of this scholarship is to assist a resident from Lincoln County, Oregon:

• To secure training in order to enter or re-enter the field of nursing.
• Who is pursuing a career as a Registered Nurse.
• Who needs training to improve working skills.
• Who has obligations in addition to those of providing for their education

The American Parkinson Disease Association offers Post-Doctoral Fellowships to support research focused on Parkinson's disease. These fellowships, lasting two years, provide up to $75,000 per year to eligible post-doctoral trainees at U.S. institutions. Applicants must have completed their MD, PhD, or residency within two years prior to the award. Funding can cover direct research costs, but not travel or publication expenses over $1,000, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for impactful research.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Mountz Girls ScholarshipThe Mountz Girls Scholarship Fund was created in 2022 by Patricia Anne Chapman to honor her mother and aunts — Virginia M. Duffey, Glenna L. Rodman, and Jean A. Kibler, and her mother, Rachel F. Chapman. An inheritance from her Aunt Glenna Lou was the seed money to start the scholarship, to be awared to female students — seniors and graduates — of high schools in Marion County pursuing an education in the fine arts, visual arts, commercial art, or art education.

The Scholarship America Dream Award, established by Scholarship America Inc, aims to eliminate financial barriers to higher education for students. This program supports U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients, who are at least 17 years old and pursuing their first degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By partnering with various organizations, Scholarship America has provided over $5.7 billion in scholarships to millions, ensuring equitable access to education and fostering student success.

The Bedford Community Health Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for individuals pursuing certification, degrees, and advanced degrees in health-related fields. Students can be full-time nursing students, employed nurses seeking additional education, full-time allied health students, employed health providers wanting to specialize and high school students enrolled in the Governor’s Health Academy at Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center.

Allied Health and Graduate Studies Scholarship 

Allied Health/Graduate Scholarship is designed to assist those who seek to enter into or advance in a health-related field. This scholarship is for full-time students pursuing an undergraduate degree and for those pursuing a graduate degree in a health-related field. Examples of professionals and degree programs include dietitians, speechlanguage pathologists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, audiologists, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, dental hygienists, certified nurse’s assistant, nurse practitioner and licensed practical nurse to name a few.

The Spotlight Fund Grants aim to enhance racial equity in K-12 education by providing flexible funding to BIPOC educators. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, these funds are essential for sourcing tools and materials that support diverse student needs. As schools face budget cuts exacerbated by COVID-19, this initiative focuses on proven strategies that foster an inclusive learning environment for students of color, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive.

The Paul J. Laninga Memorial Scholarship, established by Tamara Laninga in memory of her husband, supports graduating seniors from Northwest Ottawa County pursuing careers in accounting or business. This competitive scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating financial need and academic excellence, while encouraging applications from those planning to attend public universities. It aims to honor Paul's zest for life and create positive opportunities for future leaders in business.

The Ken Broo Memorial Scholarship, offered by The Dayton Foundation, recognizes exemplary graduating seniors who are accepted into a two- or four-year institution and plan to major in business or accounting. This scholarship aims to honor Ken Broo's legacy of hard work and mentorship, encouraging students to demonstrate their commitment through community service and volunteerism. The Dayton Foundation, established in 1921, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Greater Dayton, Ohio.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s George Brown Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years.

The Marion Rotary Club George K. Brown Scholarship was created in 2020. It honors the late George K. Brown, philanthropist, businessman, and a member of one of Marion’s founding families. His scholarship provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors who have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Special consideration will be given to applicants who intend to pursue an education and career in or related to business or management.

The Alexander-Bickley Scholarship, established in 2016, supports female graduating seniors from Dayton Public Schools pursuing STEM degrees at accredited colleges. Inspired by Manuel Bickley's entrepreneurial spirit, this scholarship aims to empower recipients to achieve academic excellence and pursue their aspirations. Preference is given to applicants who have participated in band, emphasizing the importance of creativity alongside academic goals. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and honoring the legacy of the Bickley family.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is inviting applications for the Alzheimer's Drug-Development Program (U01 Clinical Trial Optional). This initiative seeks to support pre-clinical and early-stage clinical development of innovative drug candidates aimed at preventing Alzheimer's disease or treating its symptoms. The program encourages collaboration among researchers and aims to enhance the therapeutic pipeline for AD through targeted approaches. This notice allows potential applicants time to prepare robust projects.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Karl W. Schell Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years.

The Marion Rotary Club Karl W. Schell Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Karl Schell and provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who intend to pursue an education and career in, or related to, business, management, or the real estate industry.