Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education initiative aims to foster partnerships between Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and graduate programs to enhance equitable learning environments. Grants of up to $500,000 will support projects addressing systemic barriers, promoting effective practices, and ensuring seamless transitions from MSIs to advanced degrees in various STEM fields. The initiative seeks to create lasting impacts on student access and success in graduate education.

The Cecelia Springmeyer Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support North and South Decatur students pursuing post-secondary education in law enforcement, criminal justice, animal husbandry, agronomy, or teaching. Applicants must reside within the Decatur County Community Schools district and may receive a minimum scholarship of $1000 to ease their educational costs. For more details, visit ndsdscholarships.com.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.

The Zimmerman, Edward and Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund offers $1,000 to West Noble High School seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university, with priority given to those demonstrating community service and maintaining a GPA between 2.50 and 3.00. Preference is also given to students studying agriculture, education, social work, or accounting. This scholarship reflects the values of its donors, Edward and Beverly, who were dedicated community members and supporters of local education.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

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.

Microsoft Disability Scholarship

This scholarship supports high school seniors living with a disability defined by WHO (World Health Organization — an impairment in a person’s body structure or function, or mental functioning (visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, speech, or other disability). Eligible applicants must plan to study Engineering, Computer Sciences, Computer Information Systems, Law, Business (including Paralegal, Pre-Law, Finance, Business Administration, or Marketing) at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. This scholarship is a $5,000 award with up to eight (8) scholarships granted.

The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation Grant supports a range of subjects including education, children's welfare, medical care, medical research, and Jewish philanthropic endeavors. Established in honor of Cindy Silvian, the foundation has awarded over $30 million since 2008. Applications are by invitation only, and organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for funding. This year, the foundation allocated over $2.4 million to more than 110 organizations, highlighting its commitment to impactful philanthropy.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education initiative aims to foster partnerships between Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and graduate programs. By addressing barriers in graduate education, the initiative seeks to promote equitable learning environments. Planning grants will support collaborations that assess needs and develop systemic changes to enhance pathways for students in STEM fields, ensuring that all students can thrive in their academic pursuits.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's initiative, "Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education: Seed," aims to enhance graduate education access for students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The program provides grants of up to $500,000 to foster partnerships between MSIs and various higher education institutions. Projects should focus on overcoming barriers to success in graduate studies, including recruitment and admission processes, thereby promoting equitable learning environments in STEM fields.

The Menasha Corporation Foundation, established in 1953, supports nonprofit organizations across North America, focusing on community betterment, education, environmental sustainability, and health initiatives. Grants are awarded to projects that enhance the lives of individuals and strengthen communities, particularly in areas where Menasha Corporation operates. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and prioritize non-public funding. The foundation also encourages involvement from Menasha Corporation employees in supported projects.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Margaret Thorne-Dilley Scholarship for Science Teachers Scholarship

Eligibility

Equally weighted as a need and merit based award for a Raleigh County high school graduate with a 3.5 cumulative GPA; Pursuing baccalaureate degree in education at an accredited institution; Preference will go to students pursuing a science field including the biological, physical and natural sciences. If none apply with the preferences listed, mathematics will also be considered.

About NIF

Advancing Equality for All Israelis

The New Israel Fund (NIF) helps Israel live up to its founders’ vision of a society that ensures complete equality to all its inhabitants. Our aim is to advance liberal democracy, including freedom of speech and minority rights, and to fight the inequality, injustice and extremism that diminish Israel.

From Israel’s first rape crisis centers, to fighting discrimination, NIF-funded organizations have driven positive social change and furthered justice and equality. NIF has provided over $350 million to more than 950 organizations since our inception in 1979.

Naomi Chazan Global Activism Fellowship

Want to travel to Israel/Palestine while advancing equality, democracy, and peace for all?

The New Israel Fund’s Naomi Chazan Global Activism Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit Israel/Palestine, meet frontline Israeli and Palestinian activists, and learn about issues of war, peace, and inequality by seeing the reality on the ground. 

Fellows will visit Israel/Palestine on November 3-10, 2026.

This trip is a great opportunity to learn alongside peers and friends (ages 21 – 35). NIF is based on the simple idea that those of us who share a commitment to Israel/Palestine and to progressive values can join together to work for equality, freedom, and human rights. You will join a cohort of participants from the U.S. and Canada building relationships across borders to be sustained for years to come.

Following the trip, participants are expected to organize at least two NIF events in their home communities, with support from NIF staff. These events could look like a report-back highlighting the participants’ learnings from the trip, educational programs featuring NIF grantees/partners, or something else entirely that is tailored to the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of the fellow’s communities.

The program is subsidized by generous donors in the NIF community. All “on-the-ground” costs—your hotel accommodation and almost all meals—will be covered by NIF. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own airfare and travel/health insurance. If the cost of airfare is a barrier for you, please apply anyway. Limited airfare subsidies may be available.

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) is offering funding for innovative research aimed at improving health outcomes for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. This grant will support preparatory and pilot activities that focus on understanding health disparities, testing interventions for chronic diseases, and promoting health behavior changes in collaboration with community partners. Projects should address critical health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and maternal health.

The James A Wharton Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports students from Chelan and Douglas Counties pursuing trade education, particularly in collision repair. Open to graduating seniors and nontraditional students, this scholarship encourages enrollment in vocational programs, emphasizing a commitment to learning. Recipients may renew their scholarships by reapplying competitively, ensuring continued support for those dedicated to advancing their skills in the trades.

The Louder Than Words Grant Program, supported by the Finish Line Youth Foundation, focuses on empowering diverse and underserved communities in Indianapolis and beyond. With grant cycles addressing areas like health, workforce development, and safe communities, organizations can request up to $10,000 to support impactful programming. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to fostering positive change, particularly for communities of color, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.

The ISF Documentary Film Grant supports emerging Muslim filmmakers creating impactful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Established in 2014, this grant has allocated $625,000 to over 111 filmmakers, focusing on projects in production or post-production. It offers funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, emphasizing journalistic integrity and originality. Eligible projects must depict American Muslim themes and be consistent with ISF's mission of using art to influence public policy and opinion.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

David W. Moore Memorial Scholarship

Open to graduating seniors from Atwater, Golden Valley and Oakdale pursuing a degree in agriculture, ag-related fields, animal science or teaching or primary healthcare. Students must demonstrate financial need, community involvement and have a 2.5+ GPA.

Award Amount:

• $2,500

The Clarence W. Winter Charitable Trust, established from Mr. Winter's Will, provides annual grants of $3,000 to $5,000 to support tax-exempt organizations focused on charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. While there are no geographic restrictions, the Trust prioritizes organizations in Bucks County, PA. With a commitment to community betterment, Mr. Winter's legacy continues to support impactful initiatives for years to come.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative provides funding for energy efficiency projects in visual arts museums, addressing climate change through innovative cultural leadership. Grants up to $25,000 support institutions in evaluating energy mitigation opportunities, enhancing efficiency, and reducing emissions. Eligible applicants include museums and visual arts schools across the U.S. The initiative encourages sustainable practices while assisting organizations in understanding their energy needs and planning for effective interventions within a project timeline of 18 months.

The Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on health & wellness, hunger, and youth education. Since its inception in 2013, the foundation has granted over $800,000 to eligible organizations that align with these key areas. Applications from 501(c)(3) entities are prioritized, with a one-year waiting period for previous grantees. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare and making a positive impact.

The Russell Sage Foundation offers Dissertation Research Grants to support innovative research addressing key social science questions. Focus areas include behavioral science, immigration, and economic inequality, particularly benefiting underrepresented doctoral students. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for projects that demonstrate rigorous methods and relevance to U.S. social conditions. The foundation prioritizes diverse applicants and those lacking funding resources to ensure impactful research outcomes.

The Chicago Commitment: Civic Partnerships aims to foster a more equitable city by supporting local organizations and partnerships that address systemic racism and promote racial equity. With an emphasis on inclusive actions, the initiative focuses on community-driven solutions to pressing challenges. By investing in diverse voices and creative sectors, the foundation seeks to uplift marginalized communities and create a resilient environment where all Chicagoans can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Established in memory of Melinda “Mindy” Henning.

The AMA Foundation Section Involvement Grant Program supports local campus section leaders at medical schools in enhancing student recruitment and engagement. Grants can provide up to $1,500 per year, with specific allocations for recruitment and community service activities. Examples of supported activities include organization fairs, public health lectures, and community workshops. This initiative aims to foster student involvement and empower local AMA sections to address important health topics within their communities.

The Robert Rector Scholarship honors a legacy of education in machining and tool making, founded by Robert Rector, who believed in the power of learning. This scholarship aims to support graduates from Cascade, Cashmere, and Richland High Schools who are pursuing careers in metallurgy. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and demonstrate interest in Material Science classes. This initiative encourages young talents to develop essential skills in a high-demand industry.

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.