Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

About BlackRock

We’re a global asset manager and technology provider dedicated to helping more and more people experience financial well-being. We help millions of people invest to build savings that serve them throughout their lives. The BlackRock Foundation which funds and partners with organizations that strengthen financial security for more people,

BlackRock Future Builders

BlackRock Future Builders is a $100 million philanthropic initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation to expand economic opportunity and power the next generation of America’s skilled trades workers. Through this Request for Proposals (RFP) process, The Foundation seeks to support U.S. nonprofit organizations (i.e., registered 501(c)3 organizations) delivering or supporting high‑quality skilled trades training.

This competitive grant opportunity operates in parallel to other BlackRock Future Builders partnerships and is intended to surface additional, regionally grounded solutions across the skilled trades ecosystem. Organizations may propose direct worker training programs or capacity‑building efforts that enable systems to function more effectively and at greater scale. This first round RFP will be administered by Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that transforms U.S. education and workforce systems.

Focus Areas and Solutions

Applicants may propose worker training or capacity‑building solutions aligned to skilled trades workforce development.

• Worker training interventions may include direct service proposals such as pre-apprenticeship or career navigation programs, workforce training programs, apprenticeship programs, or wraparound participant supports that are supportive of training persistence and completion.
• Capacity-building interventions are organizational and system-focused, rather than in direct service of participants, and may include, but are not limited to, proposals such as ecosystem-building, demonstration projects, technology or tool adoptions, or research, among others.

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports the artist’s legacy through a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, loans of artworks, research and publications, conservation, grants, educational programs for the public and the scholarly community, and the publishing of a catalogue raisonné. It is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts.

Established and endowed by the artist during her lifetime (1928-2011), the Foundation became active in 2013, on the closing of Frankenthaler’s estate. As the principal beneficiary of Frankenthaler’s estate, the Foundation maintains an extensive collection of her work in a variety of mediums, as well as her collection of works by other artists and original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.

Frankenthaler Climate Initiative

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI) is a pioneering grantmaking program established by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. Since its inception in 2021, FCI has distinguished itself as the foremost private national initiative in the United States dedicated to combating climate change specifically within the visual arts sector.

FCI provides visual arts institutions with up to $100,000 to undertake ambitious sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives that directly address carbon reduction and energy efficiency. The scope of its support is broad, encompassing everything from modest, rapid-response projects to comprehensive efficiency audits and feasibility studies, and extending to financial contributions for significant infrastructural renovations and strategic planning for new buildings and major initiatives.

Building on the core values of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, the initiative aligns a commitment to environmental stewardship with a belief in the vital importance of the visual arts and arts education. Through strategic funding and partnerships focused on tangible infrastructure, FCI aims to catalyze a sector-wide shift toward zero carbon operations, promoting a future where the visual arts thrive—while contributing to a more sustainable and ecologically conscious world.

Who We Fund

FCI funds nonprofit institutions in the United States and its territories whose primary focus rests in the visual arts. The visual arts includes but is not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and installations in clay, glass, metal, wood, fiber, paper, film, and mixed media.

Most of our grantees are art museums, nonprofit galleries, archives, noncollecting institutions, art schools, university museums, and artist-endowed foundations.

What We Fund

FCI funds energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects.

FCI meets arts institutions at every stage of the work, through four kinds of grants:

• Catalyst — first actions and stand-alone projects with a quick turnaround
• Scoping — energy audits and assessments that establish a baseline
• Technical Assistance — detailed planning for technically demanding projects
• Implementation — comprehensive capital work addressing a building's environmental impact at multiple levels

Technical Assistance Grants

Technical Assistance grants support projects that have finished initial assessments, and need procurement and financing support for an identified efficiency project. This may include providing designs, specifications, or fees for working with energy services companies (ESCOs) for project support. These grants also support more complex studies or analysis required for pursuing major implementation projects. At the conclusion of a Technical Assistance grant, the applicant should be sufficiently informed to implement a project.

The CAPTRUST Community Foundation provides Crisis Grants to support nonprofit organizations aiding families impacted by natural disasters or emergencies. By dedicating over 10% of its annual budget for crisis assistance, the foundation ensures that funds directly benefit those in need. Grants can be requested up to $5,000 to help rebuild lives during challenging times, reflecting the foundation's commitment to integrity and support for children and families in crisis.

The Cyrus M. Quigley Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt organizations that empower young people through initiatives focusing on courage, self-reliance, and service. Since its inception in 1993, the foundation has awarded over $300,000 in grants, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. The foundation emphasizes physical challenges and community service to help develop essential life skills. Grant proposals are accepted annually until the third Friday in April, with decisions communicated by May 31.

The Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII): EPSCoR Research Fellows program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to enhance research capacity and workforce development in STEM. This initiative fosters collaborations between underrepresented researchers and leading institutions, providing essential resources and support. With two tracks available—one focusing on NSF and the other on NASA—this program uniquely positions Fellows to leverage transformative research experiences and contribute to sustainable advancements in their respective fields.

The Steel Dynamics Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life and local economies by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include higher education, economic development, and human services, particularly in communities where Steel Dynamics operates. Grants are awarded based on community impact, employee involvement, and organizational integrity. Applicants must demonstrate a strong ethical track record and effective community engagement to qualify for funding opportunities.

The Health Careers Scholarship of Sonoma County, administered by 10,000 Degrees, supports students pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, or allied health fields. Established in 2001, it is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Sonoma County or graduated from its high schools. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA and provide two letters of recommendation, excluding relatives. This scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring healthcare professionals in the community.

The TFF Annual Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations, school districts, and government agencies in Illinois, particularly in counties like Adams and Brown. The program includes rolling grants for requests under $25,000 and cycle grants for larger amounts. Organizations must complete an Interest Form to apply, with opportunities for funding focused on education, families, youth, mental health, and local community needs. The program aims to foster impactful projects that benefit the community.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation administers the Kirschner Trusts, established to honor Phil and Roberta Kirschner's philanthropic legacy. These trusts focus on supporting young individuals with disabilities, Muskogee nonprofits, and Jewish causes. Since their transfer to the foundation in 2013, the trusts have continued to provide vital grants to organizations that align with the Kirschners’ values, ensuring their charitable impact persists in the community.

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program aims to enhance the educational capabilities of HSIs through innovative teaching and community development initiatives. Funded projects will not only serve the Hispanic population but will benefit the entire student body, promoting inclusivity. This program encourages applications that integrate applied research with community outreach, fostering experiential learning opportunities for students. The initiative aspires to set benchmarks for educational excellence at regional and national levels.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLCCF Schreck Family Soccer Scholarship

To award annually a scholarship to a qualified applicant who intends to pursue education toward a 4-year college degree.

The Sparkplug Foundation Grant supports innovative projects from early-stage organizations and established non-profits in education, community organizing, and music. The foundation emphasizes community-led initiatives that address systemic injustices and engage marginalized populations. Grants are available for one year and prioritize projects with small budgets that lack extensive funding sources. The foundation encourages applications from diverse communities, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ individuals, fostering equitable access to resources.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program aims to enhance public safety by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity for various species. With approximately $80 million available through cost reimbursable grants, this initiative supports eligible projects that address these critical environmental and safety concerns. The program may also distribute leftover funds from previous years, contingent on availability, fostering innovative solutions in wildlife management and transportation safety.

The AAO-HNSF/ANS Herbert Silverstein Otology/Neurotology Research Award supports innovative clinical or basic science research focused on auditory and vestibular diseases. Established by Herbert Silverstein, MD, this award aims to assist young academic investigators in launching new projects. Since 2000, it has funded seven grants totaling $175,000, emphasizing projects with clear clinical relevance and potential for future funding. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to research and secure institutional support, with a priority for junior faculty and fellows.

The Hunger to Health Collaboratory (H2HC) 2025 Prizes for Innovation aim to enhance health equity for youth through innovative funding in three categories: Food and Nutrition Policy, Nutrition Education & School Food, and Indigenous Food Justice. Supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, these prizes include $100K grants for policy work and $25K grants for education and justice initiatives. Winners will participate in the H2HC Fall Summit in Boston, fostering collaborative solutions to food challenges.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Scholarship Program supports students aiming to enroll in firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical programs at accredited institutions. Established in 2005, the foundation provides $5,000 scholarships to eligible candidates, including high school seniors and current college students. The program emphasizes commitment to public safety and community service, assisting those pursuing careers as first responders. This initiative highlights the foundation's dedication to enhancing lifesaving capabilities within local communities.

Citizen Security Research Initiative

IPA's Citizen Security Research Initiative (CSRI) supports rigorous impact evaluations, pilot studies, infrastructure and public goods projects, and foundational and contextual research to inform policies and programs on building safer communities and strengthening justice and law enforcement systems. Funding for CSRI comes from the United States Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

Supported projects will generate actionable evidence to inform policy and programming in the citizen security and justice sector, with a focus on studies that challenge common beliefs, pioneer innovative interventions, and produce evidence where little currently exists. Priority areas of research include:

• Countering organized crime
• Combating drug trafficking and production
• Preventing crime and violence
• Strengthening law enforcement and criminal justice institutions

Budgets are expected to adhere to the budget caps outlined in our Call for Proposals (US$75,000 for pilots, US$400,000 for full impact evaluation studies, US$250,000 for infrastructure and public goods creation projects, US$75,000 for foundational and contextual research projects). In recognition that research in some locations or with some populations is more costly, on a case-by-case basis, we will consider budgets over the above award maximums with appropriate justification.

Awards are normally paid on a cost-reimbursable basis.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Louis N. Cassett Foundation provides grants to support a variety of charitable endeavors, particularly focusing on organizations in the Philadelphia and South Florida areas. As a private foundation operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, it empowers tax-exempt organizations to apply for funding. The Foundation does not impose religious affiliation requirements on recipients, ensuring that support is inclusive and aimed at a broad range of charitable, cultural, and educational projects.

The Northrop Grumman Corporation Graduate Education Scholarship, part of the Graduate Education Fund, supports Australian students pursuing graduate-level studies in the USA. Offering up to $40,000 for one year, it is aimed at fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Physics, and Aerospace Engineering. Eligible candidates must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and have a formal offer from an accredited American institution. This scholarship promotes academic exchange and fosters international collaboration in specialized disciplines.

Taos Diplomats Scholarship

The Taos Diplomats Scholarship was first established in 2015 by Peter Winter (Taos High ’04) and Dori Winter, who have served as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Department of State. During college at the University of Southern California, Peter studied International Relations and Mandarin Chinese, later studying abroad in Beijing, China. Dori, a graduate of the University of South Carolina and Texas A&M University, studied in China and France. Both have represented the United States government at embassies and consulates around the world, including assignments in Northern Ireland, Egypt, Pakistan, China, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

This award is open to graduating High School Seniors from Taos County (GPA of 3.0 or above) who are interested in pursuing a degree in fields such as international affairs, political science, public and government policy, global communications, international education and development, global health, international business, and foreign languages or studying abroad. This scholarship is open to those applying to 4 year colleges and universities as well as 2 year vocational/trade schools. The award ranges from $250.00 to $1,000.00 and is paid directly to the student’s account at the college or university attended.

The Silvio O. Conte Digestive Diseases Research Core Centers (DDRCCs) program invites applications to enhance communication and collaboration among researchers in digestive and liver diseases. Funded by the NIDDK, DDRCCs focus on shared resources that foster productivity and innovative research ideas. Each center must revolve around a central theme aligned with the NIDDK's mission, ensuring effective research support while avoiding overlap with other NIH Institutes' funding areas.

The Community Traffic Safety Grants, initiated by the Road to Zero Coalition, aim to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050 through innovative, evidence-based approaches. The program invites proposals from Road to Zero Coalition members, particularly non-profits and government entities, to implement effective countermeasures that enhance traffic safety and address mobility disparities. Projects should be replicable and scalable, demonstrating measurable outcomes and contributing to a positive safety culture on U.S. roads.

About Us

We are a philanthropic organization committed to catalyzing the impact of social entrepreneurs who are expanding access and opportunity in America. 

At New Profit, we partner with social innovators, philanthropists, and other impact leaders who are creating a more inclusive and prosperous America. We invest in and support leaders and organizations that are transforming our education, economic, and democratic systems. And we are guided by the belief that those who are most proximate to the communities we serve are the best positioned to develop effective and sustainable solutions.

We seek and support leaders and organizations with scalable solutions that match the size of the problems we face and expansive visions that match the scale of our ambitions for America.

Connected Futures Cohort Grant

New Profit is launching Connected Futures, a Catalyze cohort for organizations that bridge divides and bring people together to solve problems collectively. Submit a Discovery Form to signal your interest and to be considered to submit an application for this funding cycle. 

New Profit’s Catalyze cohorts support innovative social impact organizations expanding access and opportunity in America. This model brings together cohorts of organizations with similar focus areas and stages, providing each with a one-year $100,000 unrestricted grant, a $10,000 grant for leadership development, and strategic advisory support.

Social Entrepreneurs* participate in a year-long cohort experience designed to build community, facilitate peer learning, and provide capacity-building support, including workshops on topics such as board development, fundraising, scenario planning, and storytelling. 

About Connected Futures

Connected Futures is a new Catalyze cohort for organizations that help people move across active divides to take action toward common goals. We are looking for organizations that build trust, strengthen collaboration, and create ways for people to act together when mistrust, polarization, exclusion, or disconnection would otherwise keep them apart and prevent them from solving problems together.

These organizations may work in the health, economic mobility, democracy, and/or education sectors. What connects them is not a single issue area, but a common approach to bridgebuilding: creating the relationships, skills, and structures people need to work together toward positive change.

Catalyze cohorts are at their best when cohort members are fully engaged. The Social Entrepreneurs that lead selected organizations are expected to participate in the Catalyze support model and peer learning community in the following ways:

• Social Entrepreneurs attend three in-person convenings, each of which are held over 3-4 days in cities across the United States. Convening dates for this cohort will be shared with organizations invited to complete a full application.
• Social Entrepreneurs attend three virtual learning sessions, each lasting 2-3 hours. Webinar dates for this cohort will be shared with organizations invited to complete a full application.
• Social Entrepreneurs engage with the New Profit team via 1:1 strategic advising, including a minimum of six virtual sessions over the yearlong cohort.
• Entrepreneurs receive a $10,000 stipend specifically to support their own leadership development goals.
• Programming requires a commitment of 6-8 hours per month on average. New Profit covers the cost of travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for each in-person convening.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers financial support for various community projects through its Company Giving program. Focused on four key areas—Health Care, Veterans' Support, Education, and Crisis Management—this initiative aims to enhance the well-being of local communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and civic groups, while organizations that primarily benefit their members or have high management overhead may be excluded. The program underscores J.B. Hunt's commitment to corporate social responsibility.