Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

The Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach, established by the American Chemical Society, recognizes outstanding volunteer achievements in public outreach that enhance public appreciation for chemistry. Awardees, selected based on their advocacy, creativity, and impact, receive a crystal award and a $2,000 prize. Nominees must be ACS members whose volunteer efforts have significantly increased public awareness of chemistry's importance. This annual award highlights activities that engage diverse audiences, promoting the significance of chemical sciences in everyday life.

The Martin, Lucas Scholarship, provided by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior male from Beatrice High School. Eligible students must have participated in soccer during their junior and senior years and demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork. One reference letter must come from the head boys soccer coach, and financial need will be considered. The Foundation aims to support students seeking higher education.

The Dean Madison Basketball Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards a $500 scholarship to a senior basketball player from Beatrice High School who plans to pursue higher education. This scholarship emphasizes leadership, hustle, and sportsmanship, both on and off the court. The Foundation, established in 1987, manages a $3.8 million endowment to support educational opportunities, providing over $55,000 annually in scholarships to deserving students.

The Altrusa Club of Dayton Kay Webster Scholarship honors the late Kay Webster, a passionate advocate for children's literacy and former president of the Altrusa Club. Established in her memory, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Montgomery or Greene County, Ohio, who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need, particularly those majoring in education or related fields. With a legacy of promoting literacy, the scholarship continues Kay's mission to impact the lives of children positively.

The Alleen O. McCoy Scholarship, established in 2024, honors the legacy of a dedicated educator whose commitment to learning inspired many. This scholarship supports students from Dayton Public High Schools aiming to attend college, with a preference for those attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It seeks to empower future leaders who share Alleen's passion for education and community impact, ensuring her influence continues through the next generation.

The Career Development Grant for Postdoctoral Women awards up to $2,000 to 5-8 eligible postdoctoral women for travel to meetings, laboratory visits, or courses to enhance their research and leadership skills. This grant, offered by the American Society for Microbiology, aims to support women with significant scientific achievements in their professional development while encouraging ongoing engagement with ASM.

The Don Linn Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides $700 to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities in the district and awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Candidates are selected based on academic merit and financial need, with preference given to those who may struggle to pursue higher education. Applicants must submit their FAFSA Student Aid Report to qualify.

The BHS Class of 1961 Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $700 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. This scholarship prioritizes students in the top 40% of their class, demonstrating financial need and exemplary personal ethics. Recipients must provide a Student Aid Report from FAFSA, ensuring assistance for tuition and related expenses. The Foundation, established in 1987, aims to enhance educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District.

The William A. Lumpkin Endowed Scholarship, established in 2019 by Mr. Lumpkin, supports African-American students from Dayton Public or Trotwood-Madison High Schools. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities, promoting the belief that diverse experiences can lead to success. With a focus on leadership, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and acceptance into accredited colleges, this fund empowers students to pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential in higher education.

The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, established in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County, focusing on youth programs. The foundation encourages proposals that directly impact the community and emphasizes the importance of a substantial volunteer base. Special consideration is given to projects that were significant to Eleanor and Henry Jansen. Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds from multiple sources, with priority given to youth-serving initiatives.

The BHS Writing Achievement: Mark Metcalf Award, sponsored by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship to Beatrice High School graduating seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to writing. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities through an Endowment Fund and awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. This award is designed for students who excel in writing and need financial assistance for higher education.

The Siebenthal and Block Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America, supports students from Peoria Manual High School pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers and promote access to college or vocational training. By fostering partnerships and providing vital resources, the program enhances educational opportunities for underrepresented students, ensuring they can achieve their academic goals and minimize debt. Through its commitment, Scholarship America continues to impact lives significantly.

About Us

Overview

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives. ACF also manages the Pick.Click.Give. program.

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Vision

ACF envisions an Alaska where communities come together and have resources to thrive.

Dorothy and Dona Lee Croft Scholarship Fund for Young Musicians

The Dorothy and Dona Lee String Music Scholarship is for students who display talent, dedication to string instruments and a serious commitment to advance in music education through a non-profit music camp.

Dorothy Croft (1910-2009) helped found the Odessa Symphony, serving as the first concertmaster. The Odessa Symphony evolved into the present Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale. In 1949, she became a charter member of the Odessa Music Teachers Association, serving as its first president. She was a founding member of the Odessa Civic Concert Association, serving intermittently as its president. She was an early supporter of the Permian Playhouse of Odessa and later of the Globe of the Great Southwest. Dorothy Croft believed that money shouldn’t stop people from chasing their dreams and taught her students multiple lessons beyond just violin.

Dona Lee Croft was an international performer from the age of fourteen, giving concerts throughout Europe, Mexico, and the USA, the last concert performed in Carnegie Hall. A student of such eminent violinists as Nathan Milstein, Bela Katona and Ivan Galamian, she was a Professor of Violin at the Royal College of Music for 20 years where her lessons were filmed by the Albeniz Foundation of Spain, then shown throughout Europe. She has recorded two CDs, the first featuring violin music of Schumann, Kreisler, Brahms, Debussy, and Vieuxtemps and the second 'Violin Music of the 20th Century’.

The Wilson Rawls Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports literary-minded students graduating from local high schools. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for students from Edgerton, Evansville, Hillcrest, Idaho Falls, Janesville, and Skyline High Schools. With a commitment to fostering talent in the arts, the scholarship enables recipients to pursue their academic goals at four-year colleges or universities, promoting the growth of creativity and literature in the community.

The National Geographic Content Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports juniors and seniors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Recipients receive a $10,000 award and participate in a one-week immersion program with National Geographic, gaining valuable industry experience and mentorship. This program seeks passionate individuals interested in creative storytelling and environmental advocacy, promoting diversity and inclusion within the media field.

The Early Career Research Development Grant from the Emergency Medicine Foundation supports early career faculty in developing comprehensive career plans and leading impactful research projects. With over $20 million awarded since its inception, EMF aims to enhance emergency medicine research and improve health policy. This grant encourages partnerships between research universities and community emergency departments, fostering collaboration that promotes patient care and effective health policy.

Glass, Paul Memorial Scholarship Fund

A one-time payment for a high school senior or undergraduate college student from Noble County who is pursuing a career in agriculture related field. Awards $750 one time. Students can reapply. 

Amount

$750

Awards Per Year:

1 scholarship

Colleges:

Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

Agriculture

The Gianforte Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Montana that empower individuals and families to achieve sustainable improvements in their lives. With a focus on education, family strengthening, and relationship restoration, the foundation encourages projects that directly benefit Montanans. Since its inception in 2004, it has contributed over $130 million to various initiatives. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and reapply annually, as the foundation does not automatically renew grants.

The NRF Foundation Student Ambassador Program offers NRF University Members the chance to appoint a student as their campus representative for a year. This role allows ambassadors to connect the NRF Foundation with their campus, fostering a community of retail advocates. Responsibilities include promoting NRF programs and events, enhancing student participation in the NRF Student Association, and cultivating leadership skills. Ideal candidates are motivated, resourceful, and ready to lead their peers in engagement activities.

The Steve Rolland Youth Peacemaker Award Fund recognizes high school students in Duluth who exemplify community service and peacemaking qualities. Named after a respected Duluth Police officer, the fund offers a $2,500 award to support youth who volunteer in their communities and embody the values of compassion and justice as articulated by Martin Luther King Jr. This award aims to inspire the next generation of leaders dedicated to making a positive impact.

Ellenbecker, Oliver and Eleanor Scholarship Bachelor’s Program Fund

For Noble County High School seniors (one awarded to a Central Noble High School senior, one awarded to an East Noble High School senior, one awarded to Oak Farm Montessori School senior, one awarded to a West Noble High School senior) who will be attending a four-year college or university as a full-time student. Awards $3,500 one-time.

Awards Per Year:

1 scholarship

Areas of Study:

Any

The Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial support to a Koochiching County resident pursuing a career in criminal justice. Established in memory of Riley Burnell, this scholarship awards $2,500 for one year to students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Eligible applicants must show good citizenship and community involvement while aiming for fields such as law enforcement, conservation, or border patrol.

The Michael Jackson Scholarship, provided by the United Negro College Fund, offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance for Communication and Performing Arts students at UNCF-member colleges during the 2025-26 academic year. This one-time award aims to support students with financial needs, reflecting UNCF's commitment to enhancing minority education and fostering future leaders. With a history of over $5 billion in scholarships, UNCF continues to champion educational opportunities for thousands of students.

The Lou & Carol Calcagno Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,000 award for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, Political Science, History, Marine Biology, Wildlife Management, or Culinary Arts. To be eligible, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and reside in Santa Cruz or Monterey County, or be members of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment.

The Northwoods Educational Opportunities Fund offers financial aid to high school seniors and graduates from Mercer and Chequamegon (Park Falls) schools, as well as residents of the Town of Sherman. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need, community service, and leadership engagement. This initiative aims to support students in pursuing vocational or post-secondary educational programs.

The Teague-Gaudin OTA/SOMOS Active-Duty Military Traveling Fellowship supports early-career military orthopaedic trauma surgeons by providing immersive experiences in leading trauma centers. With a focus on education and mentorship, this fellowship enhances skills in advanced trauma care and fosters military-civilian collaboration. Funded by a generous $150,000 donation, it aims to empower surgeons through exposure to high-volume trauma systems, ultimately improving patient care in the orthopaedic trauma community.

The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) at the NIH aims to advance small molecule drug discovery and development. This program supports investigators in their own labs while offering access to NIH experts and contract research organizations. By combining NIH resources with industry expertise, BPN reduces risks in drug development, enabling partners to undertake late-stage projects. Focused on small molecules, it uses a cooperative agreement mechanism to support innovative, higher-risk projects, fostering essential collaborations for successful therapeutic advancements.