Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Hebert Memorial Scholarship, established by Jacquelyn and Donald Hebert, aims to support Saginaw County residents pursuing higher education. With a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, this scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and current college students enrolled full-time. The Heberts, who valued education and community service, created this fund to help students achieve their academic goals, reflecting their commitment to enhancing the lives of local youth.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Program Development Grants

Colleges and universities that are members of NetVUE are already committed to campus activities that encourage vocational exploration by students. These institutions are making significant investments of their own resources to develop and sustain vocational exploration initiatives. In order to support NetVUE member campuses in their work, Lilly Endowment Inc. has provided funding to CIC to be used for NetVUE Program Development Grants. Many NetVUE campus leaders have observed that grants for program development at even modest levels would enable their institutions to strengthen and expand existing programs significantly.

NetVUE Program Development Grants may be requested in amounts up to $100,000 for use over two years to deepen, expand, or otherwise strengthen programs that are already underway (including those planned or initiated through recently completed NetVUE Professional Development Awards) and supported by the institution itself. A wide range of proposals that augment existing programs in vocational reflection and discernment will be considered; examples include

• mini-grants to support released time for designing or revising courses to include greater engagement with vocational reflection;
• programming that brings faculty members and administrative staff (from, for example, career services, student life, or campus ministry) into partnership for advising, mentoring, and/or experiential learning opportunities; and
• projects that integrate reflection on calling and vocational discernment into an institution’s general education requirements or into their major or minor field requirements.

About Us

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc. was established in 1999 by a group of civic-minded individuals who cherished their community and wanted to ensure future generations experience the same quality of living they had received in Dickinson County. These visionaries secured the future of the Foundation by establishing an Endowed Founder’s Fund.

Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Scholarship - (2 or more) $20,000

The Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Scholarship honors the lives and legacy of Benjamin Woodrow Tyrell and Esther Tyrell, whose commitment to hard work, service, and education continues to benefit students in Dickinson County. Born in Talmage, Kansas, Woodrow Tyrell served in World War II before returning home to work at the Abilene Flour Mill for 33 years. Esther Tyrell, originally from Longford, Kansas, was a longtime educator in Dickinson County. Married in 1952, the Tyrells shared a strong belief in the importance of education. Through their generous endowment at the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, their legacy continues to support students and foster brighter futures through educational opportunity.

About Us

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc. was established in 1999 by a group of civic-minded individuals who cherished their community and wanted to ensure future generations experience the same quality of living they had received in Dickinson County. These visionaries secured the future of the Foundation by establishing an Endowed Founder’s Fund.  

Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Technical Scholarship - (Up to 5) $10,000

The Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Technical Scholarship honors the legacy of Benjamin Woodrow Tyrell and Esther Tyrell, whose lives reflected a strong commitment to hard work, service, and education. Born in Talmage, Kansas, Woodrow Tyrell served in World War II before returning to Dickinson County, where he worked for 33 years at the Abilene Flour Mill. Esther Tyrell, originally from Longford, Kansas, dedicated her career to education in Dickinson County. Married in 1952, the Tyrells believed deeply in the value of education and skills-based training. 

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Grants to Individuals for Vocational Exploration

CIC is pleased to announce the first NetVUE grant program for individual projects by staff and faculty members. While NetVUE offers a number of grant programs for institutions, this new program—Grants to Individuals for Vocational Exploration—is its first program designed explicitly for individual projects by faculty members and staff at NetVUE member institutions.

Many employees at NetVUE member institutions engage and contribute to the exploration of vocation in undergraduate education through their scholarship, teaching, and practice. The NetVUE program seeks to support this work by offering them more resources to support new research and pedagogical innovation. Through the NetVUE Grants to Individuals for Vocational Exploration, CIC will offer funding and guidance to support projects that will generate artifacts or products (such as scholarly articles, course syllabi and learning activities, program designs, or other resources) that will develop and expand the existing field of scholarship, conversation, and pedagogy on vocation in undergraduate education.

This grant is intended to support innovative projects in the scholarship, pedagogy, leadership, and/or practice of vocation in undergraduate education. Proposals are welcome from both new and established scholars and practitioners. Particularly welcome are projects that seek to make vocational exploration and discernment available to all students, as well as projects that invite the NetVUE community toward fresh considerations and new frameworks in vocation as a lens for undergraduate education.

Chicken & Egg Pictures Inc

Chicken & Egg Films was founded in 2005 by documentary film industry veterans Julie Parker Benello, Wendy Ettinger, and Judith Helfand. As filmmakers, teachers, funders, and impact producers, they were inspired to utilize their collective expertise to uplift the power of fellow women storytellers. Chicken & Egg was thus created to help address financial and creative challenges uniquely faced by women in the field–a model that married funding with mentorship to create not just an organization, but a growing community. 

Chicken & Egg Films shapes a more equitable and just world with the catalytic power of documentary films by providing funding, mentorship and industry access to a global community of women and gender-expansive filmmakers. 

Chicken & Egg Award

The Chicken & Egg Award recognizes women and gender-expansive filmmakers at advanced stages in their careers who are poised to reach new heights in their creative and impact trajectories across the world.

Despite progress by talented women and gender-expansive documentary filmmakers across the globe, there are often still numerous roadblocks that stand in the way of a true industry breakthrough. These barriers are often tied to gender, race, class, disability, and geography. Only a few women and gender-expansive nonfiction directors in the United States and abroad are able to work full time as independent storytellers, and few are folks of color, from working-class backgrounds, or from under-represented countries. 

There are, however, a growing number who are getting close. Each has made several films, and each is an influential leader for the issues they explore on screen. With this Award, Chicken & Egg Films is making a bold investment in these creatives and a statement about gender equity. A greater diversity of voices participating in storytelling drives change. We believe this effort is inextricably connected to elevating critical social justice, environmental, and human rights issues. 

The Chicken & Egg Award consists of a $75,000 USD cash award and a year-long mentorship program. Of the total, $50,000 is unrestricted, allowing filmmakers to decide how to use the funding to support their creative and business practices. The additional $25,000 is a grant for the project(s) the filmmaker will work on during their program year. Our in-depth mentorship program is focused on strengthening Awardees’ professional infrastructure, increasing their visibility, and fulfilling their personal and creative goals.

Implementing Germline and Somatic Testing for Precision Medicine in Community-Based Prostate Cancer Care 

The intent of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to invite organizations to submit applications to host a 2.5-to-3 hour medical education program at or nearby the organization, to be led by 1-2 Visiting Professors (VPs) with expertise matched to the organization’s unmet educational and pragmatic needs related to integrating and acting on germline and somatic (tumor and/or ctDNA) testing for patients with prostate cancer. Following the education program, organizations will implement their action plan to incorporate, increase, or improve the use of guideline-concordant germline and somatic testing to improve prostate cancer patient care.

The total budget for the RFP is $250,000 USD, with plans to support 5-7 organizations. Individual project budgets should not exceed $50,000 USD.

The National Scleroderma Foundation supports pediatric scleroderma research with up to $500,000 in funding for new and established investigators. Their mission focuses on advancing medical research and promoting awareness of scleroderma, with the vision of improving the lives of those affected. This initiative aims to encourage innovative research that could lead to better treatments and a potential cure for pediatric scleroderma, enhancing support for affected families.

Blue Meridian Partners Grant aims to transform lives of young people and families in poverty by investing in scalable strategies that enhance economic and social mobility. The organization seeks stand-alone nonprofits with a proven track record, a compelling vision, and strong leadership. With a commitment to performance-based investing, Blue Meridian provides significant capital, often exceeding $100 million, to foster impactful solutions and address pressing social challenges effectively.

The Ed Hiestand Memorial Veterinary Student Scholarship, awarded by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, invites current veterinary students to submit papers on wildlife rehabilitation topics. The scholarship includes a $1000 award, symposium registration, and a banquet ticket. Winners will present their findings at the NWRA Symposium, with eligibility requiring original, unpublished manuscripts. This initiative supports veterinary education and promotes wildlife conservation efforts.

The Conagra Brands Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in the USA that address food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles. Eligible organizations must align with core focus areas like food access, nutrition education, and cooking skills. Grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and provide entrepreneurial skills. Nonprofits must uphold a non-discrimination policy protecting various characteristics. Applications are accepted through a Letter of Intent from January 1 to February 15, 2025.

The CDC's initiative, 'Holistic and Evidence-Informed Wellness for STI Prevention', addresses the significant public health burden of STIs in the U.S. by promoting a comprehensive approach that emphasizes healthy choices and relationships. By supporting a coalition of sexual health experts, the program aims to enhance STI prevention through strategic resource allocation and the dissemination of high-quality, evidence-based materials, targeting priority groups most affected by STIs. This holistic strategy seeks to reduce STI morbidity and improve overall sexual health.

The Ken and Eileen Gross Memorial Scholarship, established by friends of the couple, supports Saginaw County high school seniors pursuing a teaching degree. With a focus on fostering education, this scholarship honors Ken, a dedicated educator, and Eileen, a successful property manager. Eligible students must demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need, ensuring that those committed to teaching can pursue their aspirations. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, empowering the next generation of educators.

The Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program aims to foster the development of American Indian and Alaska Native scientists by funding eligible Tribal Entities. This initiative focuses on creating effective training and mentoring activities for individuals pursuing doctoral degrees in biomedical research. Ultimately, it seeks to enhance the capability of researchers to address health disparities within AI/AN communities, ensuring culturally appropriate and ethically responsible research practices.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Richard and Helen Daron Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington Area School District, which established the Richard and Helen Daron Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This scholarship is presented to graduating seniors of Ludington High School. Award recipients must pursue a degree or certification at any two- or four-year accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school. Award recipients are eligible to receive up to three renewals.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants are designed for organizations that have a specific character program or project in mind and sufficient capacity to successfully implement that program or project starting in 2027. 

We welcome both individual and joint applications to the Implementation Grant Program.

Individual Applications 

Individual applications are for programs and projects that will be implemented by and for a single organization. Single organizations can propose programs and projects to be implemented across multiple sites — this would be considered an individual application as there is a single coordinating entity, and the small number of sites (less than six) operate more or less the same within this organization.

Joint Applications

Joint applications are for programs and projects that will be implemented by up to five organizations that will receive one grant award to implement programs and projects across each of the organizations. In this case, the organizations are either distinct and functionally independent from each other or are sites that operate more or less independently or with different programmatic foci from one another. One organization will submit the application and serve as the primary point of contact. Applicants submitting a joint application will be asked to identify the additional organizations in the application and to reflect budgetary allocations to these organizations

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) aims to advance the identification and evaluation of candidate biomarkers for neurological and neuromuscular disorders. By facilitating the clinical development of neurotherapeutics, the FOA encourages research that includes both animal studies and preliminary human evaluations. The ultimate goal is to produce biomarkers ready for rigorous analytical and clinical validation, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments in clinical practice.

The Eviction Protection Grant Program (EPGP) aims to support low-income tenants facing eviction by offering competitive awards to around 16 nonprofit organizations and government entities. These grants will fund no-cost legal assistance, covering pretrial, trial, post-trial, and alternative dispute resolution services. The initiative, backed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is designed to ensure that vulnerable tenants have access to essential legal resources, ultimately reducing eviction rates and promoting housing stability.

American Brain Foundation

The American Brain Foundation funds research across the spectrum of the brain and nervous system, because it is our best hope for improving treatments, advancing prevention strategies, and discovering cures. Brain diseases, disorders, and injuries are interconnected. When we cure one, we will cure many.

Next Generation Research Grants

The American Brain Foundation’s Next Generation Research Grants (NGRGs) support early career investigators conducting high-quality research aimed at better understanding, treating, and curing brain diseases. These grants are offered in collaboration with disease-focused partner organizations and reflect ABF’s Cure One, Cure Many research philosophy: the belief that breakthroughs in one area of research accelerate progress across many others.

McKnight Clinical Translational Research Scholarship in Cognitive Aging and Age-Related Memory Loss

This award aims to support young investigators in clinical studies relevant to age-related cognitive decline and memory loss. The award also recognizes the importance of rigorous training in clinical research and encourages young investigators to seek opportunities to establish future careers in the area of human cognitive aging.

Please Note: The focus should NOT be on a neurodegenerative dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease); however, proposals that focus on the combined study of cognitive aging and neurodegenerative cognitive changes may be considered.

For the purpose of this scholarship, research is defined as patient-oriented research conducted with human participants, or translational research specifically designed to develop treatments or enhance identification of age-related cognitive decline and memory changes. These may include epidemiologic or behavioral studies, clinical trials, studies of disease mechanisms, the development of new technologies, and health outcomes research. Disease-related studies not directly involving humans are also encouraged if the primary goal is the development of therapies, diagnostic tests, or tools to mitigate age-related cognitive decline and memory loss.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to head-of-household, single parents for post-secondary education to help them improve their lives and those of their children.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and amounts vary; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

A former St. John Fisher College professor who understood and greatly admired the hard work and challenges of single-parent students created this scholarship to support their higher education endeavors and to improve their employability, their lives, and the lives of their children.

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.

About

It is the mission of the Community Foundation of Whitley County to inspire philanthropy, enrich community, and serve donors by creating an enduring source of charitable assets.

Whitley County Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship

Established by the Whitley County Retired Teachers’ Association to ensure students pursue the field of teaching, this scholarship is available to a graduating senior from any public high school in Whitley County who is planning to attend a 4-year college or university in pursuit of a Baccalaureate degree. 

The U.S. Department of Justice is inviting applications for the FY26 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) to streamline the grant process for federally recognized tribes. This initiative combines various competitive funding opportunities into a single application, allowing tribes to address public safety and victimization comprehensively. Eligible areas include criminal justice, substance use, and support for victims of domestic violence. The deadline for applications is October 22, 2026.

Margot Eiseman Scholarship Fund

Established to carry on Margot Eiseman's legacy as an artist and educator by helping young artists pursue their dreams of an education and career in art.

Amount: Varies

• $1,000-$3,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

The David “Fuzz” Wilfong Agricultural Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Whitley County, honors the legacy of a dedicated farmer and South Whitley High School graduate. This scholarship supports Whitley County seniors pursuing education in agriculture, encouraging the next generation of agricultural leaders. With a focus on philanthropy and community enrichment, the foundation aims to create lasting support for students passionate about agriculture.

Richard L. Averitte Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established by the Coming Together Project in memory of Richard L. Averitte, who was a music educator with Akron Public Schools for 31 years before becoming the first executive director of the Coming Together Project. The fund provides scholarships to Akron-area seniors who have participated in a music program.

Amount: Varies

• $500-$1,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Who We Are

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

2026-2027 Lincoln Financial Scholars Program

The Lincoln Financial Scholars program provides college students with professional development and scholarship assistance to help prepare them for internships and early career opportunities

The Experience

Through engagement in live webinars and online learning management system, scholars will receive training in the following key areas to prepare for internship opportunities and early career opportunities

• Exploring the True Colors Personality Lens 
• Exploring Transferable Skills: Emotional Intelligence 
• Cultivation of Professional Skills: Networking - Branding - Managing Up 
• Financial Wellness

Each eligible student will be awarded a one-time, scholarship award of up to $3,000.