Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The NBRC Frederic Helmholz, Jr., MD Educational Research Fund, established by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, supports educational and credentialing research in respiratory care. With an endowment of up to $5,000, this fund encourages submissions of Master’s Theses, Doctoral Dissertations, and complete research proposals from qualified investigators. Award recipients will receive cash, a certificate of recognition, airfare, lodging, and registration for the AARC Congress, promoting advancements in respiratory health.

The Jeri Eiserman, RRT Professional Education Research Fellowship, funded by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, supports innovative research in respiratory care and airway management. This fellowship honors Jeri Eiserman's contributions to the field and includes awards for high-quality abstracts presented at the AARC Congress. Selected fellows receive a plaque, travel expenses, and registration, promoting advancements in respiratory health through research and education.

The William F. Miller, MD Postgraduate Education Recognition Award, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, provides up to $5,000 to support respiratory therapists pursuing advanced degrees. Established in 1992, this award aims to foster education and professional growth in respiratory care. Recipients also receive recognition, airfare, lodging, and congress registration. Eligible applicants must meet specific educational and recommendation requirements, ensuring that deserving candidates are selected for this prestigious award.

The NBRC Gareth B. Gish Memorial Postgraduate Education Recognition Award, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, honors the legacy of Gareth B. Gish, a pioneer in respiratory care. This award supports respiratory therapists pursuing advanced degrees, providing up to $5,000 in funding, along with recognition, airfare, lodging, and Congress registration. Established in 1999, it seeks to nurture future leaders in the field, continuing Mr. Gish's commitment to education and excellence in respiratory care.

The Skip Thavenet Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, honors Louis "Skip" Thavenet and supports students from 42 towns in Connecticut and Rhode Island. This scholarship, which awards approximately $500, aims to assist those pursuing education in technical fields, particularly in welding, manufacturing, and construction management. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million, demonstrating its commitment to fostering local talent and providing educational opportunities.

The Charles D. McArthur Memorial Scholarship recognizes outstanding third and fourth-year students in accredited respiratory therapy programs. Funded by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, this award honors Charlie McArthur's legacy as a dedicated educator in respiratory care. Recipients may receive up to $1,000, including a certificate, travel, and registration for AARC Congress. Preference is given to Native American students or those from Minnesota, fostering diversity in the field of respiratory therapy.

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.

Adam Murphy Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Memorial Medical Center West Michigan Medical Staff for Tim and Anne Murphy, who created the Adam Murphy Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Adam was a gifted and talented young man. He had a sharp wit and a sense of humor. Adam was a beloved student at Ludington Area Catholic School, where he attended through the eighth grade, and was a freshman at Ludington High School at the time of his passing. He was a board designer and a member of the Varsity Quiz Bowl Team at Ludington High School. Adam actively participated in Spelling Bees and Math Counts and was a state finalist in the You Be the Chemist competition. Family and Faith were also of the utmost importance in his life.

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.

Alberta Muzzin Chamber Alliance of Mason County Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce, which established the Alberta Muzzin Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

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.

Everett J. Liebetreu Education Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Everett J. Liebetreu, who established the Everett J. Liebetreu Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Talbot Co. Public Schools Career and Technology Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Kate Elliott Shannahan Trades Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Omer and Marie Dulin Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue programs in Agriculture.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Judith B. Cutcomb Scholarship

The Judith B. Cutcomb Scholarship is offered by CalRTA Napa Valley and administered by Napa Valley Community Foundation. It is awarded in memory of Judith B. Cutcomb, a St. Helena educator. The Cutcomb Scholarship supports current St. Helena Unified School District teachers who are continuing their education or graduates of St. Helena High School studying to be educators. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply.

The Gage County Agricultural Society Evie Crawford Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing higher education at a two- or four-year college. Applications are available at local offices or online. The scholarship emphasizes integrity, requiring that applicants complete their applications personally and without using handwritten methods. This initiative supports academic excellence and civic involvement among students, contributing to the Foundation's mission of enriching educational opportunities.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Daisy Cavalli Scholarship Fund

The Daisy Cavalli Scholarship Fund benefits graduating seniors who attend a Napa Valley Unified School District high school and will be enrolling in a trade school, community college, or four-year college/university. Recipients will receive funding for each year that they are enrolled as a full-time student.

Consideration is given to first generation college students (i.e. neither parent has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree).

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Edward W. Solomon Scholarship

The Edward W. Solomon Scholarship is offered by CalRTA Napa Valley and administered by Napa Valley Community Foundation. It is awarded in memory of Dr. Edward W. Solomon. The Solomon Scholarship is given to support current Napa County teachers/educators who are continuing their education. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate the potential for academic success by having been accepted in an upcoming college or university upper division or graduate level education program or course. Community college courses are acceptable only for current teachers who want/need to supplement their credential authorizations, and if the community college course is acceptable to the CTC Credentialing Office.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

George & Gwendolyn Goodin Endowment Fund

The George and Gwendolyn Goodin Endowment Fund provides one-year college and university scholarships to Napa County residents who are military veterans, or Napa County residents who are dependents of military veterans who were wounded or died while in active service. The number of scholarships awarded and the amount of each scholarship will be determined by the Fund’s Scholarship Selection Committee.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Jack O. Weimer, Jr. Scholarship Fund

The Jack O. Weimer, Jr. Scholarship Fund assists current or former residents of Stark County enrolled or accepted in a graduate program in a business-related field. Preference will be given to individuals demonstrating financial need. Personal interview may be required.

This scholarship is renewable.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The John Onaitis Memorial Scholarship Fund

The John Onaitis Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to Stark County vocational student graduates pursuing post-secondary education from a college, university, trade or apprenticeship program.

This scholarship is renewable.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund was established to assist Stark County, OH high school graduates attending a two or four year university, college, or technical school. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The Kansas Osteopathic Medical Service Scholarship aims to attract primary care physicians to rural Kansas. It provides $41,000 annually for up to four years of study at accredited osteopathic schools. Recipients must commit to practice in designated underserved areas of Kansas for one year for each year of funding received. Eligibility requires residency in Kansas and completion of financial aid applications by specified deadlines.

The Niagara Cares SkillPointe Scholarship offers $1,000 to $3,000 for individuals pursuing high-demand careers in manufacturing. Administered by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative addresses the skills gap by funding vocational training for candidates enrolled in post-secondary institutions. With over 1,000 scholarships awarded and a 97% employment rate among recipients, this program empowers workers and strengthens the economy by promoting essential skills without requiring a four-year degree.

The AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship is a prestigious 10-week summer program designed for science, engineering, and mathematics students to work at media organizations across the U.S. This fellowship enhances public understanding of science by equipping fellows with skills to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Participants will receive an $8000 stipend and gain invaluable experience in journalism, fostering collaboration between scientists and media professionals to create engaging science stories for the public.

The Ron and Suzanne Borto Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to adult learners residing in Lake County, IN, who are over the age of 25. This non-renewable scholarship aims to support individuals pursuing educational opportunities, helping to enrich the quality of life in South Lake County. With a focus on meeting community needs, the scholarship reflects the Foundation's mission to maximize charitable gifts and direct resources effectively.

The Elks National Foundation's Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of Elks members. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors and can apply online. The program supports educational pursuits at accredited U.S. institutions, ensuring that the legacy of community service and support continues. With criteria focusing on family connections to the Elks and a commitment to education, these awards promote opportunities for future generations to thrive and contribute to society.

About Us

We are one of over 900 community foundations in the US. We serve the 7 county Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our area of the state.

Who We Are

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, founded in 2006, is the newest community foundation in South Carolina. We have a permanent endowment to meet the changing needs of the Pee Dee.

• We foster philanthropy.
• We build resources for nonprofits.
• We support our local communities.

South East Express Scholarship

In 2019, to commemorate its 25th anniversary, South East Express, Inc. in Timmonsville, SC, established a permanent endowed scholarship at Eastern Carolina Community Foundation. The award is designated for a graduating senior from Florence One High Schools in Florence County, SC where the company is located. In addition, South East Express also plans to sponsor a paid summer internship for the winning applicant to learn more about the company and how it impacts the quality of life in Florence County.

The Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) supports individuals with clinical doctoral degrees to develop their research careers in biomedical and behavioral fields. This program emphasizes a structured mentoring approach, aiming to address the nation's health-related research needs. Key application deadlines include June 12, 2024, and October 12, 2024, among others, providing opportunities for both new and renewal submissions.