Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Morris Animal Foundation is dedicated to improving the health of animals through scientific research and funding. With a focus on domesticated cats, the Feline Health First Award supports innovative research that addresses the welfare of both community and pet cats. Grants are available for projects lasting up to 24 months, with a maximum budget of $120,000. This initiative encourages collaborations that translate research findings into practical applications for veterinarians and cat caretakers.

The Engagement Award: Dissemination Initiative by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) aims to enhance patient engagement in healthcare decisions through comparative clinical effectiveness research. Since 2010, PCORI has funded over $3 billion for nearly 2,000 projects, focusing on improving health outcomes by providing actionable information. The initiative emphasizes transparency and stakeholder involvement, ensuring that results are accessible to both patients and clinicians, ultimately fostering informed healthcare choices.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund

The Martin Luther King Scholarship Endowment is one of our most tenured scholarships, opened in 2001, with the intention to provide scholarships for traditionally underrepresented populations to encourage them to pursue secondary education. The one-time $1,000 scholarship is for current college students OR graduating high school seniors who attended high school in Wichita or Wilbarger counties in Texas. The scholarship can be used at any college/university in Texas or Oklahoma or a HBCU, for any field of study. To be eligible, students must have a 2.5-3.8 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, and have a household income below $90,000.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Martin Luther King Center – Dorothy Roberts-Burns Scholarship

The Dorothy Roberts-Burns Scholarship fund was opened at WFACF in 2014 in association with the Martin Luther King Center of Wichita Falls, to honor the life and memory of Dorothy Roberts-Burns. Ms. Burns was the first director of the MLK Center and founded the MLK Breakfast in 1987 to raise scholarship money for local students. After 40 years working various positions for the city, Dorothy "retired" and went on to serve 8 years on the city council, and as Mayor Pro Tempore. She is remembered for loving people, loving her community, and for the lasting impact the MLK Breakfast has had and continues to have each year, helping to fund local students' education. The one-time $1,000 scholarship is for current college students OR graduating high school seniors who attended high school in Wichita or Wilbarger counties in Texas. The scholarship can be used at any college/university in Texas or Oklahoma or a HBCU, for any field of study.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Kelley Gill Bloodworth Memorial Scholarship

The Kelley Gill Bloodworth Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 by the Bloodworth family, in memory of their loving wife and mother. The family wanted to honor her memory by establishing this award for the school and community that Kelley was so passionate about, Henrietta, Texas. The scholarship is for graduating seniors in Clay County, with preference for Henrietta High School students, attending any 4-year college or university in the US, majoring in Business, Finance, Accounting, or Education.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

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.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. We serve Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg Counties.

Scholarships

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation partners with donors to administer 12 scholarship funds for the benefit of students in the Pee Dee. All scholarship opportunities are established through specific funds established at ECCF with criteria determined by the donor. 

The Michelle Yolanda Glenn Carey Scholarship

This fund provides a scholarship to a graduating Pee Dee area high school senior who plans to major in education and teach at the elementary level. The fund was established in memory of Michelle Yolanda Glenn Carey who dedicated twenty years to the teaching of kindergarten students at Theodore Lester Elementary School in Florence, South Carolina.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Charles Philbin Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Charlie Philbin, grandson of Dianne and Mark Prothro. Charlie and his two brothers were all Eagle Scouts and recognized the importance of scouting and service to their community. The scholarship is available to one new student each year, and is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate education with a 3.0 GPA. Graduating high school seniors and current college students who have participated in the Scouting America Northwest TX Council and are from Archer, Clay, and Wichita counties are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Extra-curricular activities will be considered, and preference given to those obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

North Carolina Community Foundation

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about. Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

A Focus on Rural

We serve the entire state, with a focus on rural North Carolina. Our 53 affiliate foundations serve as our roots in North Carolina’s rural communities and our expertise provides our fundholders with local insight that strengthens our grantmaking – and our communities.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. All NCCF scholarship opportunities are established with criteria determined by the donor. 

Ralph Edwin and Ruby Irene Holloman Davis Scholarship Endowment

Applicants are graduating seniors from high schools in Johnston County who are continuing their education at a college, university, community or junior college, technical school, nursing school, or other post-high school training leading to a degree or associate degree, with preference to those who have financial need.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Follow Your Dreams Scholarship

The Follow Your Dreams Scholarship, established in 2025, supports students from Cashmere High School who are pursuing post-secondary education through a trade school, apprenticeship, or certificate program. This scholarship is designed to encourage and assist students as they take the next step toward building practical skills, meaningful careers, and a future aligned with their goals.

William and Eleanor Cleveland Scholarship

The scholarship provides assistance to dependent children of members of Columbus Division of Fire.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $1,000

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Gary W. Troll Memorial Scholarship

The Gary W. Troll Memorial Scholarship Fund, created in 2002, supports higher education for students who reside in the service area of the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center, where Gary Troll (1947-2002) served as superintendent.

Recipients of the Troll Scholarship may come from any of the high schools in the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center’s district, including Marion County—Elgin, Pleasant, Ridgedale, and River Valley; Seneca County—Bettsville, Hopewell-Louden, New Riegel, Old Fort, and Seneca East; and, Wyandot County—Carey, Mohawk, and Upper Sandusky. They will be seniors with a GPA of 2.75 or above.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Mildred Dresselhaus Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomaterials

The Dresselhaus Prize recognizes an outstanding scientist in the areas of nanoscience or nanomaterials. The prize is conferred annually and includes a $10,000 stipend, a certificate citing the contributions of the recipient, and a reimbursement of up to $2,000 for travel to an APS meeting to receive the honor and deliver an invited talk.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

The Ganelle Hargrove Cook Scholarship

The Ganelle Hargrove Cook Scholarship was established in 1999 to provide annual scholarships to deserving individuals residing in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County who are pursuing a two- or four-year degree. Preference will be given to applicants of Hispanic/Latino heritage. Scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply annually for up to four years as long as the recipient continues to meet scholarship criteria and funds are available. The intent of the scholarship sponsor is to provide scholarships for Hispanic/Latino individuals.

The Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, a private funder, established the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Endowment to support local RMHC Chapters in the U.S. and Canada that lack adequate backing from Alpha Delta Pi collegiate or alumnae associations. Since 1979, over $22 million has been contributed to RMHC, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 available for houses, renovations, and family room expansions, fostering a strong philanthropic partnership.

The Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports advanced research in atmospheric sciences through specialized facilities like the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and Community Instruments and Facilities (CIF). These resources enable the geosciences research community to conduct essential fieldwork and studies by providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and logistical support. Detailed information is available on the NSF website.

The IATSE Local 798 Fund offers emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support helps cover essential living expenses, including housing, utilities, and healthcare, to prevent eviction or service shut-offs. Eligible applicants must be union members for at least two years and have experienced unforeseen financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as injury or natural disasters.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Saunders Brothers, Inc. Scholarship

Saunders Brothers, Inc. is proud to be a premier supplier of superb-quality plant material for garden centers, landscapers, and public gardens throughout the Eastern United States. The Saunders family is excited to offer this scholarship opportunity to all residents of Nelson County, as well as the employees of Saunders Brothers, Inc., and their children and grandchildren.

Description

Established to provide educational scholarship assistance to high school seniors who are Nelson County residents and/or Saunders Brothers, Inc. employees and/or their family members. Candidates for the Scholarship must have demonstrated a desire and passion to pursue higher education. 

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Roxanne Harsh Staufer Memorial Scholarship

Roxanne Harsh Staufer graduated from Fort Defiance High School in 1967. She attended Bridgewater College for two years before transferring to and graduating from Manchester College.

Description

The Roxanne Harsh Staufer Memorial Scholarship was established to provide funds for educational scholarships to Augusta County residents of any age, with preference given to applicants pursuing a degree in Elementary or Early Childhood Education.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Peter Veglahn Memorial Scholarship

The Peter Veglahn Memorial Scholarship serves as a memorial to Peter “Pete” Veglahn who was a long time member of the Shenandoah Valley Society for Human Resource Management (SVSHRM) and a member of the Virginia SHRM State Council. Through Pete’s work on behalf of SHRM and his career as a professor at James Madison University, he made many positive contributions to the advancement of the human resource profession.

Description

The Peter Veglahn Memorial Scholarship was established to provide funds for college scholarships to college students pursuing a career in human resources. The successful candidate must reside or attend school in the SVSHRM membership area of Shenandoah, Rockingham, Page and Augusta Counties, including the cities within those Virginia counties.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to an individual who is a resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and who intends to pursue a degree from a college or university.

The Amy Heryford Ousley and James Heryford Ousley Educational Fund, established in 2005, provides scholarships to Klamath and Lake County students attending nonprofit colleges in the U.S. The fund, initially valued at $6.5 million, has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships. Eligible students must have attended a Klamath County high school for four years, maintain a minimum GPA, and enroll as full-time students. Scholarships can reach up to $3,000 annually for up to five years.

Hermann K. Brauer Memorial Scholarship Fund

Students must be preparing for a professional career in medicine, dentistry, nursing, engineering or other science, teaching or law. The scholarship will not be used for career preparation in veterinary medicine, funeral direction, mortuary science, or in the ministry. The student must demonstrate clear financial need. To maintain the scholarship, the student must remain in good academic standing as defined by the college or university and have no failing subject. The student must demonstrate clear financial need. To maintain the scholarship, the student must remain in good academic standing as defined by the college or university and have no failing subject.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

The NIDCR Small Grant Program for New Investigators (R03) supports early-stage scientists in dental and craniofacial research. It funds pilot studies and developmental projects aimed at generating preliminary data for future Research Project Grant (R01) applications. Key deadlines for applications include February 16, June 16, and October 16 from 2025 to 2027, addressing the need for timely submissions in this competitive funding landscape.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Scholarships

Our scholarships support students of all ages (high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school) residing in Staunton, Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson. 

Henry and Carolyn Obaugh Memorial Scholarship

Henry and Carolyn Smith Obaugh were long-time members of First Baptist Church of Staunton, and their lives were deeply rooted in Christian faith and service. In their memory, their son, Dean Obaugh, established this scholarship to honor their enduring commitment to a life of spiritual purpose and community involvement.

The Henry and Carolyn Obaugh Memorial Scholarship supports individuals of any age who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies with the intent to pursue vocational ministry, either full-time or part-time.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Scholarships

Our scholarships support students of all ages (high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school) residing in Staunton, Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson. 

Community Scholarship of Excellence

The Community Scholarship for Excellence was established in 1998 to provide funds for college scholarships to outstanding seniors attending high schools both public and private in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County.

The criteria for the Community Scholarship for Excellence will be based upon merit only. Merit will be based upon the individual’s scholastic achievement, extra-curricular activities, and community involvement and leadership during high school. This scholarship is extremely competitive. 

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.” 

Lillian McGillicuddy Republican Party of Arkansas Scholarship

For students involved in the Young Republicans organization.