Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

Grants for Research About Urban Communication Issues

Since our launch in 2005, the Urban Communication Foundation has provided awards and grants to dozens of distinguished scholars, researchers, and journalists to recognize and support provocative work that contributes in significant ways to the discourse around urban communication issues.

While most of our recipients hail from academia and journalism, we also encourage submissions from other practitioners whose work will lend new insights into the discipline, raise broader awareness of related socio-political, economic, and cultural concerns, or influence public policy.

The Michael Brill Research Award in Urban Communication

Sponsored by the Urban Communication Foundation and the Environmental Design Research Association

The Michael Brill Award for Urban Communication, Design, and Human Behavior supports innovative research that seeks to enhance the quality of community life by examining human communicative behavior in the context of the technologies and the physical environments in which those interactions occur. This research should address and connect theoretical perspectives from the fields of communication, design and the social sciences. Research supported by the Brill Grant may focus on how physical community places influence the mode, nature, and content of human communicative behavior OR use a communication lens for examining community places and human activity.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Milton and Ruby McClendon Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The AccessLex Bar Success Research Grant Program aims to fund innovative and rigorous studies focused on the bar examination, including predictors of performance and effective preparation methodologies. By encouraging collaborations among educational institutions and stakeholders, the program seeks to enhance bar passage rates for at-risk students. Grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 are available for projects lasting 12 to 24 months, promoting well-designed research that addresses critical issues in legal education.

The Kevin Ernst Memorial Scholarship, established in 1995, honors a compassionate young man who aspired to teach mathematics. Offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this competitive scholarship supports students residing in the Tri-Cities studying mathematics or accounting, with a priority on financial need. Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts and additional documents as needed. This fund reflects the legacy of Kevin Ernst, encouraging future educators to pursue their dreams.

Invest in Others

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation amplifies, celebrates, and inspires the charitable work of the financial services community.

We provide a platform for financial professionals to make an impact on the causes they care about, channeling the philanthropy and volunteerism of the finance industry to make a difference where it’s needed most. We provide critical grant funding for nonprofits nationwide, helping fill gaps left by shrinking budgets and growing need.

Invest in Others Awards

About the Awards

The Invest in Others Awards recognize the charitable work of financial advisors and honors recipients at an annual awards gala in Boston.

Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists will be selected in each of the five categories with one recipient being chosen for each award.

Award finalists and recipients will receive grants from Invest in Others for their designated charities:

• Honorable mentions will receive $2,000
• Finalists in all five categories will receive $25,000
• Recipients in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $60,000
• The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will receive $100,000

Emerging Impact Award

Presented to an advisor 45 years of age or younger who is making a mark in their community through their outstanding commitment of time, talent, and resources to a nonprofit over a period of at least 3 years, demonstrating exceptional promise in what they have already contributed and paving the way for the future.

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs, funded by the NIH, aims to support early-career scientists as they transition into entrepreneurship. This program invites eligible small business concerns to apply for STTR Phase I and Fast-Track grant applications, which include funding for research and development, as well as essential entrepreneurial training and mentorship. It is designed for first-time Principal Investigators, emphasizing the importance of industry mentorship in project development.

The Fanny Vought Fink Memorial Scholarship, established by Louise Van Vliet in 2007, supports single mothers pursuing education at accredited institutions. Funded by The Dayton Foundation, a key philanthropic organization in Greater Dayton, Ohio, this scholarship aims to empower women by easing financial burdens associated with higher education. With a focus on promoting equitable opportunities, it is a vital resource for those seeking to improve their lives through education.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

About The Community Foundation of Hancock County

We are a nonprofit, public charity that encourages philanthropy, convenes and leads community initiatives, provides educational support, and supports nonprofit organizations. We are here to assist you in helping others…your friends, your neighbors, as well as some residents you’ve never met but need support.

Our Mission

We provide philanthropic leadership by encouraging giving, learning, community pride, and civic engagement. 

Our Vision

We envision a county in which each person has the opportunity to pursue dreams, enjoy daily life, and invest in meaningful causes. 

Scholarships for Adults & Non-Traditional Students

The Community Foundation of Hancock County offers educational support for Hancock County, Indiana adults who are seeking post-secondary training or schooling to improve their career prospects. There are also some opportunities provided by specific businesses in the area. The application is open year-round until all funds are used.

Helen Roath Memorial Fund

Established by Helen’s husband, Rollo, the fund is intended to help adult students return to the classroom.

The African-American Community Foundation - Wahid Abdullah Memorial Scholarship, established in 1997 by Jim Bucher, honors the memory of Wahid Abdullah, a promising young scholar whose life was tragically cut short. This scholarship aims to support Montgomery County students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. The Dayton Foundation, a key philanthropic partner in the region, manages this scholarship as part of its mission to promote equitable opportunities and strengthen the community through education and charitable initiatives.

The African-American Community Foundation - Major John F. Harris, Jr., Memorial Scholarship aims to support JROTC graduates from Dayton Public Schools in pursuing higher education. Established by The Dayton Foundation, it honors Major John Harris, Jr., a dedicated instructor who inspired students to achieve independence. Eligible applicants must demonstrate leadership and be accepted into accredited educational institutions. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and empowering youth in the Greater Dayton area.

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs aims to support early-career scientists transitioning into entrepreneurship. Funded by the NIH and CDC, this initiative encourages small business concerns to apply for SBIR Phase I and Fast-Track grants. Key components include research funding, entrepreneurial training, and mentorship. Potential applicants are urged to prepare their projects and identify mentors, ensuring the inclusion of experienced personnel committed to the project. This opportunity is tailored for first-time Principal Investigators.

The Jefferies-Park Scholarship, established in 1988 by Evelyn Jefferies-Park, honors her commitment to education. It supports graduating seniors from Ord High School, Nebraska, who are in the top 15% of their class and plan to pursue a four-year degree. This scholarship reflects the legacy of generosity fostered by the Lincoln Community Foundation, which has provided over $606,000 in scholarships to local students in 2025 alone.

The Oregon Barber and Hairdresser Grant Program, administered by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, offers one-time financial assistance to low-income students attending eligible barbering and cosmetology schools in Oregon. This grant aims to support students with significant financial need, ensuring they can pursue their education without financial barriers. Limited funding means only those with a demonstrable need receive support, and grant amounts may vary yearly based on fund performance.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The United Advisory Scholarship Commission Scholarship, established in 1982 by William and Cordula Freese, supports students with visual or physical impairments in Saginaw County. This scholarship aims to aid those who are graduating high school seniors or currently enrolled in college, ensuring they can pursue higher education full-time. Preference may be given to previous recipients, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to supporting the community's unique needs.

The Greater Evansville USBCA Scholarship, established by the Greater Evansville USBCA, supports students from Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties who engage in community service and bowling activities. Eligible applicants must have been members of the USBCA for two of the past four years or be children of members with a minimum 2.0 GPA. The selection process considers academic performance, bowling involvement, community service, and submitted essays and recommendations.

The Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to support innovative research that optimizes movement and enhances societal health. With a commitment to addressing health disparities, the foundation will award $40,000 for one or two years to promising researchers. This initiative not only strengthens the physical therapy profession but also contributes to the growing evidence base that underscores the value of physical therapy in various healthcare settings.

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Don and Teara Buren Scholarship

Eligibility:

This scholarship was established in memory of Sara Cottrel and is available to graduating or graduated high school students attending Congress Community Church located at 10691 Franchester Rd., West Salem, Ohio.

Applicant should demonstrate a balance among:

academic achievement of at least a 3.75 GPA if attending high school or at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA if attending an accredited college, university or technical school;

participation in extra-curricular activities; and

participation in community service and/or part-time employment.

Preference will be given to those with the greatest financial need.

If no eligible students from Congress Community Church qualify, then the scholarship will be available to any Northwestern High School graduating senior, based on the criteria listed above.

Past recipients may reapply, up to a maximum of four years. These applications will be included in the pool of candidates for the current year's selection process.

The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to support land trusts in conserving private lands for bird protection. With funding for up to fourteen grants, the initiative encourages capacity building and management projects that enhance bird habitats. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to expand conservation efforts through collaboration and innovative strategies, fostering partnerships that leverage additional funding and community support. This initiative highlights the importance of birds in land stewardship and conservation.

The Ruth Regina Halcli Memorial Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors a remarkable woman known for her strength and generosity. This scholarship aims to encourage individuals to give back to their community while pursuing their educational goals. Eligible applicants must be Saginaw County residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA, enrolled in high school or college, and pursuing various degrees, including Career and Technical Education. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000.

The Arnold Fields Community Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, provides a $1,000 award to a deserving high school senior from Hampton County. Eligible applicants must be graduating from one of the specified high schools with a minimum GPA of 2.25 and plan to pursue further education at a college or university. This scholarship aims to support local students in achieving their educational goals.

The Greater Tindall Neighborhood Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, aims to support residents of Tindall Heights pursuing post-secondary education. It offers $2,000 per recipient, renewable for up to four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and enroll full-time at an accredited institution. The scholarship fosters educational growth and community development, ensuring that residents have the necessary resources to succeed in their academic endeavors.

The George W. Mallinckrodt Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports MC/MPA students who demonstrate courage, vision, and a strong commitment to ethics and good governance. This fellowship is aimed at individuals who aspire to improve public policy and leadership, contributing to a just and sustainable society. It is based on merit and financial need, without discrimination based on citizenship or other protected classifications. Applications are accepted after admission applications are submitted.

The Dunkirk Community Funds: Marilee & Gayle Gaunt Scholarship, established in 2007 by The Dunkirk Foundation, honors the memory of Betty L. Gaunt's daughters, Marilee and Gayle, who tragically passed away in 1966. This scholarship aims to support residents of Dunkirk, IN, or those living within two miles of its boundary, by providing financial assistance for educational and vocational training at post-secondary institutions.

The Delesky-Wetmore Scholarship, established in October 2025 by Cathy Delesky and Doug Wetmore through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support high school seniors in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, or Colleton Counties, South Carolina. This scholarship focuses on students with financial need pursuing a four-year degree in STEM, finance, or economics, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.5 and above-average ACT or SAT scores.

The Graduate Professional Advancement Grant at Montana State University provides funding for graduate students in their 3rd semester or higher to present at professional conferences. This grant encourages scholarly research and supports students by covering travel costs, up to $750. Applications are reviewed monthly on a first-come, first-serve basis, and funding is limited based on availability. Students must be in good standing and have their committee on file to be eligible.