Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Delaware

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 SODEXO Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge invites K-12 classrooms in the U.S. to enhance existing hunger relief initiatives, such as food drives and backpack programs, by making them more impactful and student-driven. This initiative not only addresses the critical issue of child hunger but also empowers students to take action and lead projects that foster community engagement and social responsibility.

The Home Visiting Research, Improvement, Sustainability and Evaluation Center (HV-RISE) aims to enhance home visiting services for families. By leveraging research, HV-RISE supports programs in testing and implementing effective practices, thereby improving outcomes. This initiative seeks to identify and expand successful strategies, ensuring that families receive the best support possible through evidence-based home visiting services.

The Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award supports students and emerging ceramic artists in the U.S. to enhance their skills and knowledge through research and education for up to twelve months. Eligible applicants include current students and recent graduates in ceramics. The award offers a maximum of $2,000 for travel, education, or research, enabling recipients to explore new techniques, collaborate with mentors, and attend workshops, thereby fostering professional growth in the field of ceramics.

Since 2002, the ACA has partnered with L.L. Bean to sponsor the Club Fostered Stewardship (CFS) Program. The CFS Program provides funding to local and regional paddling clubs and organizations that undertake stewardship projects on waterways in their area. The purpose of the program is to encourage paddling clubs to take an active role in protecting and improving the nation's waterways. 

Many of the stewardship needs of our nation's waters are best addressed at the local and regional level. Paddling clubs and watershed organizations are in an ideal position to lead these efforts. These paddlers are often willing to volunteer their time and assist with local stewardship projects. However, clubs often lack the funds needed to pay project expenses. As a result, they miss an opportunity to leverage dozens and sometimes hundreds of volunteer hours that could improve conditions on their favorite waterway.

CFS Grant Program

That is why L.L. Bean and the ACA have teamed up to sponsor the CFS Program.

CFS grants are available for projects that utilize volunteers in efforts to protect, maintain or restore recreational waterways, to provide for or improve public access, or to enhance safe navigation. 

Grant amounts range from $100-$1,000.

Past projects receiving CFS grants include:

• Removing heavy debris and trash from rivers and bays in numerous locations throughout the U.S.
• Improving access for local paddlers
• Establishing water trails 
• Water quality monitoring 
• Environmentally-sensitive woody debris removal 
• Riparian buffer restoration and improvement 
• Environmental education and outreach programs

ACA also offers additional assistance to clubs and organizations for waterway stewardship projects. Clubs and organizations concerned about liability for injuries that occur during stewardship projects may be able to obtain liability insurance coverage through the ACA. Clubs may request additional assistance using the It is not mandatory to be a paddling club to apply. In the past, grants have been awarded to conservation organizations and watershed groups.

Want to learn more about projects that have been funded through the CFS program? Review reports from past years!

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Medical Scholarship

The Medical Scholarship program provides funds for students pursuing medical degrees. The scholarship is available to students studying to become physicians, veterinarians, optometrists, nurses, dentists, and other medical professions. To be eligible a student must currently be in medical school, accepted to medical school or a four-year nursing program. Two, $2,000 scholarships will be awarded annually.

The Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program (HTPCP) aims to enhance access to essential preventive clinical and public health services for children through community-driven initiatives. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), this program focuses on empowering local communities to implement effective strategies that improve children's health outcomes and promote overall well-being. Projects funded under this initiative will play a vital role in ensuring healthier futures for children.

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.

This funding opportunity supports exceptionally promising Early Stage Investigators in genomics, encouraging innovative research across various fields such as genomic sciences and medicine. Applicants must submit their proposals by 5:00 PM local time of their organization. The initiative, led by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services through the NIH, aims to foster long-term career development in genomic research while addressing its ethical, legal, and social implications.

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. 

About

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Rett Syndrome (RS) Fund

Help with healthcare costs for Rett syndrome.

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses. Check your eligibility with our quick and easy tools below. If this fund is open, apply today for an instant approval decision and use your grant funding right away

About the disease

Rett syndrome (RS or RTT) is a rare, genetic neurological disorder that causes a loss of motor and spoken language skills, as well as other physical and neurologic impairments early in life.

Diagnosis codes

F84.2

The Japanese-Language Learners Event Grant, offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, provides financial support of up to $1,000 for events that promote Japanese language education across various educational levels. This grant aims to motivate learners through contests and presentations, encouraging participation from multiple schools in the region. Eligible expenses include judge fees, venue costs, and production materials, while closed events for single schools are not supported.

The Junior Faculty Development Award, funded by the American College of Gastroenterology, offers $450,000 over three years to support junior researchers in gastroenterology or hepatology. Aimed at ACG members, this award allows recipients to dedicate 50% of their time to clinical research, enhancing their skills and advancing their careers. Eligible candidates include those within seven years post-fellowship who can guarantee protected research time. The initiative fosters novel research that directly impacts gastrointestinal health.

The Established Investigator Bridge Funding Award, supported by the ACG Institute for Clinical Research and Education and the American College of Gastroenterology, offers $300,000 in funding over two years for established researchers facing funding gaps. Designed for clinical gastroenterology and hepatology, this grant aims to sustain impactful research programs during federal funding lapses. Eligible applicants must be ACG members and have at least eight years of experience post-training, along with a proven track record of federal funding in relevant fields.

The Leonidas Berry Health Equity Research Award, presented by the ACG Institute, honors Dr. Leonidas H. Berry and supports innovative research aimed at reducing health disparities among underrepresented groups in gastrointestinal health. With a funding opportunity of $75,000 over two years, this award encourages eligible U.S. or Canadian physicians to develop impactful research careers that enhance our understanding of health equity in gastrointestinal practice. Applications are open until June 30, 2028.

The ACG/ASGE Epidemiologic Research Award in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy supports research projects that study the use and outcomes of gastrointestinal endoscopy through the GI Quality Improvement Consortium (GIQuIC). Co-sponsored by the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, this award is aimed at enhancing the quality and outcomes of GI endoscopic procedures, benefiting both practitioners and patients.

The ABMS Research and Education Foundation grants support innovative research aimed at enhancing healthcare quality through board certification. By encouraging collaborations among ABMS Member Boards, the program seeks original studies that inform improvements in certification processes. Proposals are reviewed based on relevance to the ABMS mission, research novelty, methods, team composition, and potential impact. Applications from diverse health organizations are welcomed, provided the principal investigator is unaffiliated with ABMS.

The Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Fund, established by the Patient Advocate Foundation, offers vital financial assistance to patients managing the costs of treatment for primary biliary cholangitis. This fund covers out-of-pocket healthcare expenses such as medication copays and health insurance premiums, enabling individuals to access necessary treatments. Since its inception, the foundation has empowered millions by providing personalized support and resources, aiming to improve patient care and health outcomes.

The Resident Clinical Research Award, supported by the ACG Institute and the American College of Gastroenterology, fosters original clinical research by medical residents in gastroenterology and hepatology. This award encourages promising trainees to undertake a mentored research project, with funding for diverse studies and reimbursement for travel to the ACG Annual Scientific meeting. Since 1994, over $31.9 million has been awarded to more than 745 recipients, promoting careers in clinical research.

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.

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.

The Annual NRA Club Awards Program

Each year the National Rifle Association recognizes outstanding clubs, state associations, youth clubs and an individual or organization for public service. The Annual Awards program recognizes significant accomplishments achieved in areas of organization, operation and public service rendered. 

Public Service Awards

The Public Service Award is presented to the individual who has most generously volunteered their time and services on behalf of the shooting sports. The recipient of this award is instrumental in promoting the objectives of the NRA on a NATIONAL level or whose activities have had NATIONAL impact.

All Club Award recipients receive:

• A free range evaluation from an NRA Range Team Advisor
• A free year of club membership
• $1,000 award

The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship supports the educational aspirations of military families by providing financial assistance to eligible applicants. This scholarship is open to veterans with service-related disabilities, surviving spouses, and children of deceased servicemembers. Since its inception in 2012, over $1 million has been awarded, making a significant impact on the education of those who serve our country. The application process requires proof of eligibility and documentation to ensure support for education-related expenses.

The Pompe Disease Health Equity Fund, supported by the Patient Advocate Foundation, offers crucial financial assistance to patients diagnosed with Pompe disease. This fund helps cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays and health insurance premiums. Eligibility requires a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan, along with meeting specific income criteria. With a mission to enhance health equity, the fund empowers patients to access necessary care and improve their quality of life.

The Pompe Disease Fund, supported by the Patient Advocate Foundation, offers vital financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with Pompe disease. This fund covers out-of-pocket healthcare costs including medication copays and health insurance premiums. Eligible patients must have a confirmed diagnosis and be receiving treatment or planning to start within 60 days. With over 3.8 million patients helped since its inception, the fund aims to alleviate financial burdens and enhance access to necessary treatments.

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.

CBC Charities Scholarship

Continental Building Co. (CBC) is a full-service construction management firm headquartered in Columbus, OH, with an office in Pittsburgh, PA. During our 35 year history, CBC has grown and evolved dramatically, investing in our people and the most effective technologies for communication and construction – while spanning geographically from coast to coast. We work with national developers and private clients to build facilities that affect lives daily … places where people live, work, stay and shop.

Methodist Foundation of Mississippi 

The Methodist Foundation of Mississippi was founded in 1967 to provide financial resources and expertise to Wesleyan churches and missions. Since then, we have served nearly 1,110 organizations and 3,500 accounts, while growing the collective investment portfolio to $180 million. This benchmark means more than financial success. It opens the door to a level of opportunity and security not usually available to individual churches and charities.

Thanks to this position, the Foundation is able to offer both short and long-term investment products for churches to maximize returns with greater freedom and lower fees (or no fees) than typical banks or investment firms.

Scholarships We Offer

The Foundation seeks to provide Mississippi Methodist/Wesleyan Heritage students a financial boost to further their educational goals. Our scholarship committee awards scholarships from generous donors and endowments. Eligible students must be Mississippi residents, active in a United Methodist/Wesleyan Heritage congregation or Wesley Foundation in Mississippi. Non-seminary graduate & undergraduate students are eligible for up to four(4) scholarship awards.

Seminary Scholarship

Students must be a certified candidates for Ordained Ministry. Seminary students are eligible for up to four scholarship awards. 

Applicants seeking scholarships for seminary studies must submit a Pastor Certification Form signed by the District Superintendent of the District that holds their candidacy information.

The AHA Predoctoral Fellowship aims to enhance research and clinical training for pre-doctoral students pursuing careers in cardiovascular health. Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant doctoral program and demonstrate collaboration with a mentor. The fellowship provides an annual stipend of $28,224, plus health insurance support and project funding. Eligible candidates are full-time students who have completed initial coursework and can commit to research efforts. This opportunity fosters the development of independent researchers in the field.