Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Grandview Heights Marble Cliff Arts Council (GHMCAC) Nancy E. Kukla Fund

The Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Arts Council (GHMCAC) established this scholarship as a way to assist graduating high school seniors, who are residents of Grandview Heights or Marble Cliff, pursue post-secondary education. The award is given in honor of Nancy E. Kukla.

The Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship supports residents of western North Carolina whose education funding has been affected by Hurricane Helene. Offered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, this scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students attending two- or four-year colleges. The minimum award is $1,000, aimed at helping students overcome financial hardships caused by the disaster and continue their educational pursuits.

The AMVETS Veteran, Active Duty & Guard/Reserve Scholarship provides financial assistance up to $12,000 for qualified U.S. Veterans and active military members pursuing undergraduate degrees. This scholarship is designed to bridge the financial gap after all other federal and state aid has been utilized. Eligibility includes being an honorably discharged veteran or active service member, enrolled in an accredited institution, and demonstrating financial need. AMVETS is dedicated to serving those who have served our country.

The Alexandra Armstrong Innovation Grant, offered by the Foundation for Financial Planning, recognizes nonprofits that demonstrate exceptional creativity and impact in pro bono financial planning services. Established in honor of Alexandra Armstrong, a dedicated advocate for community service and financial planning, this grant aims to expand access to vital financial advice for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply annually to receive funding that supports innovative programs designed to enhance financial well-being.

The Scheidel Foundation offers Integrative Cancer Care Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with cancer. This initiative supports organizations that promote awareness and adoption of integrative practices, targeting both the medical community and patients. The Foundation seeks proposals that foster long-term solutions and innovative programs, focusing on evidence-based information and practices. Grants are available through a selective process, emphasizing transformative impacts in the field.

Arnold Ventures invites proposals for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate social programs and policies. Focused on evidence-based solutions, this RFP aims to fund rigorous research that identifies effective interventions for pressing social issues. By supporting RCTs, Arnold Ventures seeks to enhance the understanding of what works in policy implementation, thereby informing decision-makers and improving resource allocation. Proposals exceeding $500,000 may require additional approval time.

The U.S. Western Digital STEM Scholarships aim to support underrepresented and underserved youth in pursuing STEM degrees. Offered by Western Digital and administered by Scholarship America, this program provides a $5,000 award to students transferring from community colleges to four-year universities. Eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.7 and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to first-generation college students and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, fostering diversity in STEM fields.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Robert & Lynn Ness Scholarship

The Robert & Lynn Ness Scholarship was created by ODW Logistics on its 50th Anniversary to honor founder Robert (Bob) E. Ness and his wife Lynn Ness. Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit lead to the founding of the company in 1971. His leadership and commitment to ethics and integrity enabled ODW’s growth over the years. Bob learned the value of hard work, education and perseverance from his parents. He earned his Eagle Scout and attended Wittenberg University where he met Lynn. Lynn was a school teacher and then an active school volunteer as she raised her family. Together Bob and Lynn have invested in education and students throughout their lives. Bob served on the Board at Wittenberg for 25 years, Lynn earned an Honorary Degree from Wittenberg and together they endowed a chair at the university. Bob also served on the school board in Upper Arlington while Lynn spent decades volunteering in the schools and community. Their dedication to family, ODW, and their Christian (Lutheran) faith have inspired the company to develop this opportunity for the families of ODW Logistics. This scholarship is available to dependents of ODW Logistics employees to pursue their educational goals.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant - Books for Ownership program supports local literacy initiatives by providing funding for diverse books and literacy resources. Established in 1966, RIF aims to foster a culture of literacy among children in under-resourced communities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to double their impact through matched funds, ensuring children have access to high-quality books that reflect their experiences and broaden their perspectives.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant for Read for Success empowers local organizations to enhance literacy by providing matching funds for books and resources. Since 1966, RIF has partnered with communities to foster a culture of reading among children in need, offering diverse books that reflect their lives. This grant matches local investments dollar-for-dollar, maximizing the impact of funding for educational programs. Eligible applicants include schools and youth-serving organizations across the U.S., supporting children from birth through grade 12.

The Equus Veterinary Research Fellowship, established by the Equus Foundation and The Foundation For The Horse, offers a $5,000 scholarship and a $500 travel stipend to support equine research. Open to graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary schools nearing residency or doctoral completion, this fellowship encourages innovative research in horse health care. Applications are accepted from mid-July to August, promoting the advancement of equine veterinary practices and the training of future researchers.

The Mobile Learning Fund provides grants to adult literacy programs in the U.S. and Canada, enabling access to digital learning solutions. These grants support various online learning tools, such as New Readers Press, Learning Upgrade, and EnGen, aimed at enhancing literacy, math, and digital skills. Eligible programs must implement the solutions within 30 days and ensure active learner engagement. This initiative empowers educators to expand their reach and improve student outcomes through innovative digital resources.

The John E. Blair Fund for the Visually Impaired Grant is a charitable endowment aimed at supporting organizations that assist visually impaired individuals in the Greater Hartford Region. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 are available depending on project scope. Eligibility includes nonprofit organizations and those partnering with fiscal sponsors. The foundation prioritizes effective governance and initiatives that address equity and social mobility disparities in the community.

The Native American Church Property Grants, administered by the Presbyterian Foundation, support essential repairs and improvements to Native American church properties. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the infrastructure of churches and chapels, ensuring their safety and functionality for congregations and visitors. The program reflects the Presbyterian Church's commitment to serving Native American communities, fostering faith and ministry. Through these grants, urgent needs are addressed, strengthening the presence and mission of Native American congregations within the PC(USA).

Foundation

The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1991 by members of the Bureau County Farm Bureau. The mission of the Farm Bureau Foundation is “To carry out charitable, scientific, literary and educational work that benefits Bureau County farm families and agriculture.”

The Foundation supports agricultural programs aimed at:

• Scholarship
• Education
• Leadership
• Research

Bureau County High School Senior Agricultural Scholarship

To provide for persons studying agriculture and agriculture-related fields including but not limited to education, vet medicine, and leadership development.

The Andy and Carol Hilger Pro-Life Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, supports high school seniors and college students from the St. Cloud Diocese area who advocate for pro-life causes. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll full-time in a two or four-year college. This scholarship reflects the Hilgers' commitment to empowering individuals and fostering community connections through education.

The Arthur A. Cater Scholarship, administered by CommunityGiving, aims to empower high school seniors pursuing full-time education at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. This scholarship supports students from various high schools in the region, emphasizing the importance of local philanthropy and community engagement. By fostering educational opportunities, it helps create a lasting impact on students' lives and encourages future generations to give back to their communities.

The Bernick Family Foundation Scholarship, provided by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship recognizes well-rounded students from the Bernick Service Area who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. With 10 scholarships available, each worth $2,000, the foundation seeks to inspire philanthropy and empower local communities through education. Applications are accepted online, and candidates must have or create a Scholarship Management System account to apply.

The Greater Cincinnati African American Scholarship Fund, administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, offers scholarships for high school seniors in the Greater Cincinnati area. With awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, the program aims to support students pursuing higher education. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded over $170,000 in scholarships, empowering local youth to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation was established in 1994 by a group of visionaries determined to empower communities throughout the state to grow and prosper. They believed that with the right tools and resources, people could build the hometowns of their dreams.

Through philanthropy, our team helps communities develop strong local economies, high quality of life, and abundant leadership and volunteer opportunities. We empower local leaders to identify community assets, invest in their own resources, and bring about their own positive change. 

BCAFF Scholarships

The Butler County Area Foundation Fund is offering three scholarships to graduating seniors who meet individual scholarship criteria. These scholarships are the Butler County Clinic Scholarship (medical field major); Charles O. & Grace M. Stoops Scholarship in Agricultural or Environmental Studies; and Butler County Area Foundation Fund Scholarship.

Butler County Clinic Scholarship

Funding for the following scholarships through the Butler County Area Foundation Fund has been provided by the Butler County Clinic, P.C.

• Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded annually. Graduates of Aquinas High School, David City High School, and East Butler High School may apply. Only one scholarship per school will be awarded. Each applicant may be an entering freshman or an upperclassman enrolled for post-secondary education at an accredited school of higher education in a medically-related major.

• One half of the scholarship funds ($1,000) will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first semester and achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The remaining half of the scholarship funds ($1,000) will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first academic year with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and has declared a major within a medically-related major.

• Upperclassman recipient funds will be paid in full ($2,000) directly to the school after the student has successfully completed a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and has declared a major within the area of medicinal studies.

The Retail Food Safety Regulatory Association Collaboration program supports state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) food safety initiatives to mitigate food-borne illness risks. Funded by the FDA, this initiative aids SLTT agencies in research and intervention implementation, aiming to enhance public health and establish a cohesive national food safety framework. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations connected to higher education institutions, focusing on retail food safety.

The Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty supports early career investigators in aging research, focusing on -omics studies related to biological aging and age-related diseases. Research areas include genomics, proteomics, and interventions targeting aging. Eligible applicants are independent researchers at U.S. not-for-profit institutions, with 10 years or fewer since their postdoctoral training. The award may cover overhead costs, promoting innovative research in the vital field of gerontology.

The AAFP Foundation's Center for the History of Family Medicine Oral History Grant offers up to $3,000 annually for oral history interviews in family medicine. Aimed at researchers, physicians, and students, it encourages the documentation of family medicine's history in the U.S. The grant supports travel and research expenses to enhance the oral history collection, ensuring a diverse representation of experiences and perspectives in the field.

Parkview Health Foundation

The Parkview Health Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Parkview Health and its ability to provide expert, specialized healthcare to our entire region. As the area’s largest health system, Parkview Health serves a population of more than 1.3 million in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

Since 1878, charitable giving has been an important part of Parkview’s ability to deliver excellent care for every person, every day. The Parkview Health Foundation helps ensure philanthropic donations are used to support Parkview patients and the community at large by enhancing the patient experience through comfort and healing.

Scholarships

Helping train and educate the next generation of Parkview caregivers is an important part of our purpose. Through the generosity of donors, we are able to offer scholarships to Parkview co-workers and area students who are pursuing their nursing degrees or EMT certifications — helping ensure the excellence in care continues.

Parkview LaGrange Hospital Scholarship

The Parkview LaGrange Hospital Scholarship was established upon the recommendation of hospital volunteers as a way to give back to the community with the funds raised from the hospital’s gift shop and Parkview Health Foundation donors. The scholarship is open to students and adults who reside in LaGrange County and who are pursuing a degree in healthcare-related field. 

The Bill and Joyce Coborn Memorial Scholarship supports Coborn's employees and their dependents pursuing private high school or post-secondary education. Offered by CommunityGiving, this scholarship provides up to 20 awards of $1,000 each, fostering educational advancement and community empowerment. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and graduate students who are children of Coborn's employees with at least one year of service. This initiative honors the legacy of Bill and Joyce Coborn while promoting lifelong learning.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation (ILTF) offers a Cultural Awareness Grant aimed at revitalizing the cultural and spiritual values related to Indian land. This initiative supports American Indian nations in enhancing their ties to the land, which is vital for traditional practices and beliefs. Eligible entities include tribal governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Ineligible activities encompass advocacy efforts, land purchases, and direct funding to individuals, ensuring resources focus on community-centered cultural preservation.

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

Awards

The NRA is proud to recognize the contributions of those who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion of the Second Amendment, significantly impacted the preservation of the shooting sports, advanced the purposes and goals of the NRA and exemplified leadership through public service. Each year, women, youth, clubs, law enforcement officers and NRA Foundation volunteers are awarded for their efforts in pursuit of these principles.

NRA Law Enforcement Instructor Of The Year

The recipient is selected by NRA Law Enforcement Division staff and must be a currently certified NRA Law Enforcement Firearm Instructor. The winner will receive a plaque and a firearm, donated by Smith & Wesson, in recognition for this achievement.