Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Delaware

The NSF Geosciences Core Research program funds innovative projects across atmospheric, geospace, earth, and ocean sciences. It encourages proposals that push the boundaries of knowledge in fundamental research, promoting interdisciplinary approaches. This initiative seeks transformative ideas that may not have immediate commercial applications but are crucial for advancing scientific understanding and addressing complex environmental challenges. Researchers are invited to explore various domains or integrate multiple disciplines to enhance our comprehension of the Earth and its systems.

About Spirit of Blue

Our Vision

To become the nation’s leading supplemental provider of law enforcement safety equipment and training across the county.

Our Mission

Spirit of Blue is dedicated to the enhancement of officer safety throughout the law enforcement community by fulfilling unfunded safety equipment and training needs.

Safety Grant Program

Spirit of Blue’s primary initiative is the granting of safety equipment and training to municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies in an effort to protect their sworn personnel. 

Most grants are 100% funded, meaning that no match is required. In the majority of cases, Spirit of Blue conducts the procurement of the goods or services being granted so that the recipient agency isn’t burdened with having to negotiate prices, place orders or track delivery. Rarely, if ever, does Spirit of Blue provide cash awards. Once selected, Spirit of Blue will provide the recipient agency with an official grant award letter outlining everything that is contained in the award. The recipient agency must gain acceptance of the grant, whether on the authority of their agency head or by working with their local governing authority as their policy may dictate. There are no reporting requirements after the award of the grant, but agencies are asked to submit a photo to be used in the announcement of their grant.

Grant Application

The Spirit of Blue Safety Grant Program is designed to award equipment, or in some cases training, that will protect officers serving on duty. You should only request items that you can articulate will have a positive impact on officer safety.

The Arnold Ventures RFP invites proposals for causal research on community safety and the criminal justice system. This initiative aims to generate evidence that informs effective policies to enhance safety and fairness in justice. Applicants should propose robust research designs capable of isolating treatment effects, focusing on real-world outcomes in the U.S. Preference is given to interventions with potential for policy adoption and led by early-career researchers or those without previous funding from Arnold Ventures.

The Brice and Teresa Moczygemba Engineering Scholarship Fund, established by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from accredited programs in the U.S. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students residing in Bexar, Karnes, or Wilson counties, with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This renewable scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and educational expenses, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community well-being.

The ACI Foundation's Tribute to the Founders Fellowship supports graduate students in construction, design, education, or materials. Awardees receive a $10,000 educational stipend, recognition in Concrete International magazine, and travel expenses to two ACI conventions. This fellowship aims to foster the next generation of concrete industry leaders through education and mentorship, while also encouraging personal development and career readiness through a structured internship program.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Theresa Earenfight Scholarship

The purpose of the Theresa Earenfight Scholarship is to support undergrad or graduate students who are passionate about the intersection of social justice and animal welfare within a historical context. Applicants should be studying history, in particular how history intersects with animal activism, animal rights, animal liberation, and other related topics. Preference will be given to students with strong financial need, students of color and those from historically marginalized communities, and/or students who may face barriers to receiving other scholarships. This is a $10,000 annual scholarship renewable through the completion of the student’s degree, assuming the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria. The scholarship may be applied to tuition and fees, or other academic expenses payable to the college or university.

Linda Norton Good Neighbor Scholarship

This scholarship is designed to support exceptional students within the Poudre School District who aspire to pursue degrees in finance, economics, business, or real estate. It embodies Linda Norton’s legacy of community service, advocacy, and significant contributions to the field while providing opportunities for the next generation of students in these related disciplines.

Scholarship amount:

• $1,500

Number of awards:

• 1

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

The Capacity Accelerator for Tribal Offshore Wind Engagement, launched by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to empower Tribal Nations in offshore wind energy decision-making. This initiative offers up to $7.1 million in cash prizes and technical assistance through three phases: Capacity Needs, Capacity Development, and Engagement. Each phase is designed to support Tribes in outlining their priorities, building capacity, and implementing impactful projects in offshore wind energy.

The Eleanor Campbell Charitable Fund offers competitive scholarships to high school seniors and current college students from the Deering, Hillsborough, and Weare areas. With a history of over $900,000 awarded, the fund emphasizes academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. Scholarships are available for full-time post-secondary education, with the potential for renewal based on continued eligibility. Announcements of winners occur during high school graduation ceremonies, ensuring recognition of their hard work and dedication.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Fisher Family Lost Acres Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial assistance to students pursuing agriculture, horticulture, or related majors. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students planning to enroll in accredited post-secondary institutions in the U.S. Scholarships can reach up to $3,000 and may affect other financial aid. Students are encouraged to check with college financial aid offices for guidance on potential implications.

The Diana and Leon Feffer Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial support to residents of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. Eligible students include undergraduates and graduates attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Students can receive up to $3,000, which may affect financial aid. Scholarships can cover tuition and other educational costs, and recipients should confirm tax implications with their colleges or tax advisors.

The B. Charles Tiney Memorial ASCE Student Chapter Scholarship, established in 1980 by Mrs. Hazel M. Tiney, provides financial support to deserving undergraduate civil engineering students. This scholarship aims to assist with tuition expenses for those enrolled in ABET-accredited programs. Recipients are chosen based on their commitment to the civil engineering field and must be members in good standing of the American Society of Civil Engineers and their respective student chapters.

About

Paul Newman was born and raised in Ohio by parents who owned a successful sporting goods store. He enlisted in the Navy and completed his military service as a radioman/gunner in the Pacific during World War II. Seeing his father’s business ethic during the Great Depression and experiencing the war fueled his desire to help others in need.

In 1958, Paul made his acting debut on Broadway in “Picnic,” where he also met his future wife, Joanne Woodward. Paul started a successful race car driving career inspired by training for the film Winning. He went on to win second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest endurance race event. After years of acting and being recognized for his achievements on screen and stage, he received many accolades including an Oscar for Best Actor in The Color of Money.

Paul used his fame for good. He was dedicated to civil rights–attending the March on Washington in August 1963–women’s rights, and gay rights. He used his platform to advocate for equal pay for his female co-stars. He was a vocal political advocate committed to ending the nuclear arms race and determined to elect opponents of war and militarism. President Jimmy Carter appointed him to a United Nations General Assembly session on nuclear disarmament.

In 1982, Paul Newman and his friend Hotch founded a food company on a bit of a lark. They turned a profit selling salad dressing that first year, and did something truly radical when they decided to “give it all away” to good causes.

Paul established Newman’s Own Foundation to ensure the continuation of his philanthropic legacy after his passing. 40+ years since its founding, his first of its kind food company and its innovative business model are still going strong.

Garden Grants

Through Whole Foods Market’s Garden Grant program, schools turn outdoor spaces into powerful hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity and support classroom curriculum.

Ann Query Scholarship

Graduating senior who attends public, private, or home school and resides in the Zeeland Public School District area (student does not have to attend Zeeland Public Schools to be eligible)

The AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science recognizes outstanding early-career scientists and engineers for their significant contributions to public engagement in science. Established in 2010, the award includes a $5,000 prize, a plaque, and recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting. Eligible nominees must be actively conducting research in STEM fields and demonstrate engagement beyond their job responsibilities, with one awardee chosen annually.

Dr. Jill Biden Scholarship - Biden Breast Health Initiative

Essay:

• Why have you chosen a career in health care or education, and why do you feel it is important to encourage others to adopt a healthy lifestyle?

Awards:

• One time award of $2,500; one award per county. 

This grant aims to enhance safety and health in U.S. mining operations through research in automation, robotics, and intelligent systems. It addresses critical issues like emergency communication and self-escape reliability while supporting the development of field-ready solutions. By leveraging advanced technologies, the initiative seeks to improve miner safety and health, reduce hazardous exposures, and foster community engagement. Applicants must be U.S. academic institutions with accredited mining programs, linking project goals to documented health burdens.

About Us

Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

Beck - O.J. Beck, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Purpose:

Established in memory of O.J. (Junior) Beck, Jr., a respected general contractor and builder in the Coastal Bend with a reputation for attention to his projects and friendly relations with owners. He served his community as a member, director, vice president and president of the South Texas Chapter of the Association of General Contractors, the Business Development Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Ada Wilson Hospital, United Way, YWCA and many other organizations. He came to an untimely death on April 15, 1982.

About Borealis Philanthropy

Borealis Philanthropy is a philanthropic social justice intermediary that works to resource grassroots leaders and social justice movements for transformative change. We help funders expand their reach and strengthen their impact through donor collaboratives that support a variety of issues, communities, and movements. Borealis is home to nine donor collaboratives, including the Disability Inclusion Fund and Disability x Tech.

DIF x Tech Fund

For the Disability Inclusion Fund at Borealis, part of our efforts for disability rights and justice includes the ways disability and technology are working towards shared goals in our movements. The DIF x Tech initiative, supported by the Ford Foundation’s Technology & Society Program and the MacArthur Foundation’s Technology in the Public Interest, invites proposals that are working to bring about transformational change at the intersections of disability, justice, and technology

About the Disability Inclusion Fund and DIF x Tech

The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) supports U.S.-based groups run by and for people with disabilities to lead transformational change. The Fund is supported by donors including the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy, which is comprised of foundation presidents who are committed to disability inclusion as part of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion within philanthropy.

Part of the efforts of disability rights and justice includes the ways disability and technology are working towards shared goals in our movements. This newly launched initiative is housed at the Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) and supported by Ford Foundation’s Technology & Society Program and the MacArthur Foundation’s Technology in the Public Interest. 

DIF x Tech Fund Values

All Disability x Tech award decisions will align with the DIF guiding values. The DIF guiding values are:

• Participation: Movement funding accountable to the disability rights movement. Those impacted by injustice/exclusion should be involved in strategies to advance justice/inclusion.
• Intersectionality: Acknowledging that disabled people have multiple and intersecting social and political identities that can influence their ability to have access and inclusion including race, gender identity, class, sexual orientation.
• Radical inclusion: Deeply committed to removing barriers and ensuring access so that those most affected by intersecting identities can participate, valuing lived experience.
• Leadership of those most impacted by ableism: Emphasis is given to organizations led by people subject to systemic bias and impacted by underrepresentation, particularly disabled people of color, queer, gender nonconforming and women with disabilities.
• Cross-movement solidarity: Intentional focus on collaboration and bridge- building amongst disability justice activists and across movements.
• Sustainability: Resources and tools that support the growth of grassroots disabled-led organizations, and expand operational capacities for ongoing movement building. 

What we fund

We invite proposals that are at the nexus of technology, disability rights and justice. This opportunity may be a good fit for your organization, if you are doing work in any of these areas below:

• Disabled people sharing technical skills and knowledge with others in the community.
• Disabled people leading policy, rights, and disability justice activism work related to tech. 
• Disabled people participate in all stages of the design and development of new tech that will enrich lives of people with disabilities.
• Enabling collective and equitable access to digital infrastructure. 
• Expanding the participation, leadership, and thought partnership of overlooked and under-resourced people with disabilities in all areas of the technology sector.
• Partnerships between disability-focused engineering design labs and maker spaces within schools, centers for independent living, or local nonprofit organizations.
• Permissible Policy Work:
  • We may support nonpartisan policy education and advocacy related to disability and technology. Any lobbying must remain within applicable 501(c)(3) limits and Borealis grant restrictions.

About Us

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to providing leadership in support of anthropology and anthropologists worldwide.

Our Mission

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is committed to playing a leadership role in anthropology. We help anthropologists advance anthropological knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify the impact of anthropology within the wider world. We dedicate ourselves to broadening the conversation in anthropology to reflect the full diversity of the field.

Engaged Research Grant

General

This program supports longstanding research partnerships that empower those who have historically been the subjects of anthropological research, rather than researchers themselves. Designed in alliance with individuals who have borne the impact of marginalization, these partnerships bring together scholars and their interlocutors in an effort to expand anthropological knowledge, combat inequality, and help communities flourish. The program supports projects that will make a significant contribution to anthropological conversations through collaboration and engagement.

Anthropological research involves forging ethical relationships. Researchers must acknowledge the contributions of interlocutors and compensate them appropriately for their labor and time. Projects funded by Engaged Research Grants go even further. Not only are interlocutors participants in the research, but they have an active role in determining the problems explored. This grant program targets projects, growing out of a scholar’s established relationship with a community, that show greater potential when undertaken as a partnership, beginning with the formulation of research questions and extending to data gathering, skill sharing, scholarly communication, and public mobilization. Engaged research occurs in a broad range of settings, including communities, courtrooms, government offices, and laboratories. It results in findings that are meaningful and potentially transformative for research participants and others with a stake in the collaboration. Through this program, the Foundation seeks to demonstrate how engagement can foster innovation and further anthropological knowledge.

Award Money

The maximum Engaged Research Grant is $25,000. There is no limit to the duration of the grant, and applicants may request funding to cover distinct research phases (for example, two summers) if this is part of the research design.

Committee of 100 Academic Scholarship

Awards:

• One time award of $5,000.

About Us

Our Mission

The Marfan Foundation drives research, education and support – and builds community – to improve outcomes, save lives and empower all people to thrive who are living with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, and related genetic aortic and vascular conditions.

Our Vision

Quality of life, longevity, and cures for all people with genetic aortic and vascular conditions.

Career Development Award

The Career Development Award will support two-year $100,000 grants ($50,000 per year) in basic, translational, or clinical research studying any discipline involved in Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other related conditions. This grant program is designed to support investigators early in their career to derive preliminary data in a key concept area that has high potential to lead to extended funding from NIH, EU, and other large research funding sources.

The NABG Scholarships support full-time undergraduate and graduate students in Geoscience programs at accredited institutions, with over $300,000 in funding raised through donations and events. Candidates must exhibit academic excellence, aiming to equip them for future careers in the geosciences. This initiative, backed by the National Association of Black Geoscientists, fosters diversity and prepares the next generation of professionals in the field.

The Eugene C. Figg, Jr. Civil Engineering Scholarship, established by Figg Engineering Group in 2002, honors the legacy of Gene Figg, who was renowned for his artistic bridge designs. This scholarship aims to support undergraduate civil engineering students with a passion for bridge design and construction, facilitating their education in an ABET-accredited program. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and Student Members of the American Society of Civil Engineers in good standing.