Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Inc

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.

Visual Arts & Education Grant

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports public engagement with the visual arts through philanthropic, educational, curatorial, and research initiatives. It has expanded its grantmaking to sustain museums and visual arts institutions, supporting exhibitions, scholarship, and education across the field. The Foundation’s grantmaking priorities are currently organized across three areas:

• Climate Action and Sustainability
• Cultural Resilience
• Visual Arts & Education
  • Project-based support for exhibitions, publications, public programs, and academic initiatives that advance the presentation, study, and interpretation of the visual arts.
  • The Foundation supports discrete, institutionally grounded projects that advance the presentation, study, and understanding of the visual arts. Competitive proposals typically include:
    • Exhibitions, publications, and public programs focused on modern and contemporary art
    • Projects that expand access to collections, archives, and curatorial research
    • Academic and institutional initiatives in art history, studio practice, visual studies, museum and curatorial studies, conservation, and related areas of scholarship and teaching—particularly those involving university museums, galleries, and special collections
    • Conferences, programs, or initiatives led by professional organizations whose missions address the visual arts
    • Exhibitions and scholarly or public programs related to the 2028 centennial of Helen Frankenthaler
    • Projects must be clearly defined in scope, duration, and outcomes, and supported by appropriate institutional capacity. Requests for Visual Arts & Education funds should not be framed as general operating support. 

The Freeman Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1924, supports young engineers pursuing graduate studies in hydraulic engineering. Awarded annually to up to three deserving students, it covers tuition, research, and living expenses. This fellowship encourages the next generation of civil engineers to excel in their education and contributes to the advancement of the field, reflecting ASCE's commitment to fostering talent within the profession.

The BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement - Formula Grants Program supports state agencies in enhancing forensic science capabilities. The program aims to improve public safety by funding initiatives that strengthen forensic science and support law enforcement efforts. Eligible applicants can submit their full applications through JustGrants by November 6, 2026. This funding is crucial for addressing ongoing challenges in the justice system, including violent crime and public safety concerns.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

AWS Distinguished Member Award

The AWS Distinguished Member Award was created to recognize outstanding service and commitment of AWS Members to the Society and the welding industry.

To qualify for Distinguished Member status, applicants must accrue 35 or more points from at least three of the four categories listed on the application form. These include National AWS Leadership, Local AWS Leadership, Professional Development, and AWS Membership Recruitment. Members are invited to nominate an individual by submitting the completed application form to the Director, Membership.

Award recipients will receive an AWS Distinguished Member Award certificate, suitable for framing, a Distinguished Member lapel pin, and recognition in the Welding Journal, as well as in the AWS Awards Directory. Allow three weeks for delivery.

To request more information, please contact the Director, Membership.

The Fred and Tana Moses Bridge Engineering Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), aims to advance the field of bridge engineering. This annual fellowship is awarded to a graduate student pursuing an advanced degree in the discipline, providing vital support for their studies. ASCE, representing over 160,000 civil engineers worldwide, is committed to fostering professional excellence and innovation in the civil engineering community.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Robert Paul Dost Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available to graduating high school seniors in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties who are planning to pursue electrical engineering. 

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is committed to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity. Our vision is a world built on science.

What We Do

More than 145 years after our founding, we remain a champion for chemistry, its practitioners and our global community of members.

We’re recognized as a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information. Our 80+ peer-reviewed journals are ranked the “most-trusted, most-cited and most-read.”

We empower our members to advance chemistry, elevate their career potential, expand their networks, inspire future generations, collaborate globally and build communities that provide scientific solutions.

We provide broader networks that facilitate connections and open doors in a way no other professional organization can match!

ACS Catalyst Scholarship

Description

The ACS Catalyst Scholarship is an education initiative designed to support undergraduate students pursuing chemistry or chemistry-related fields. This scholarship offers support to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need or hardship. This program provides $10,000 in funding, with the possibility of renewal in future years, to help students continue their academic journey.

Must plan to pursue a career in the chemical sciences.

Funding for this scholarship is paid directly to accredited colleges or universities to cover essential educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, and books.

The Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) supports early-stage postdoctoral scholars through rigorous research and career development over three years. Applicants must submit their proposals up to a year before or two years after starting their postdoctoral positions. This award emphasizes innovative research ideas and strategic planning for training and mentorship, aiming to cultivate independent investigators in research fields aligned with the missions of NIH Institutes and Centers.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

CWI Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2018, the American Welding Society established the AWS Certified Welding Inspector Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize individual members for a career of distinguished service, leadership, outstanding accomplishments, and innovative contributions towards enhancing the image and technology of welding inspection. Individuals receiving the award may be currently working as a CWI or have worked as one in the past.

• Election as a CWI Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is demonstrated as evidenced by:
• Advancements in the field of welding inspection.
• Mentorship of individuals entering the field of welding inspection.
• Effective application of existing and new inspection technology.
• Evidence of participation in activities directly related to the recruitment, training, education and/or mentorship of individuals entering the field of welding inspection.
• This recognition is selected by the AWS CWI Lifetime Achievement Award Committee based on specific criteria.
• Nominations are reviewed/selected during a fall CWI Lifetime Achievement Award Committee meeting with final approval the following year at the spring Districts Council meeting.
• A maximum of 5 recipients are selected each year, as determined by the selection committee.

The Arthur S. Tuttle Fellowship, established in 1983 through the generosity of ASCE President Arthur S. Tuttle, supports graduate students in civil engineering. Up to four students may receive this annual fellowship, which is intended for their first year of graduate studies. Candidates must be members of the American Society of Civil Engineers and demonstrate financial need and educational merit. This fellowship promotes the development of future civil engineering professionals.

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) 

Founded in 1967, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) is a national community of academic leaders committed to developing an accomplished family medicine workforce, prepared to serve as the foundation of America’s health care system. Our members include physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals, health system executives, administrators, coordinators, fellows, residents, students, and others involved in the education of family physicians. 

F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award

Established in 1990 in honor of Dr. F. Marian Bishop, the F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award is presented by the STFM Foundation to honor senior leaders who have significantly enhanced the credibility of family medicine by a sustained, long-term commitment to family medicine in academic settings.

The award recipient will be honored during STFM's Annual Spring Conference. The award winner will receive a commemorative award and a complimentary registration to the STFM Annual Spring Conference.

The BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement- Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services across the U.S. This funding opportunity supports state and local government laboratories in improving their capabilities to ensure justice and public safety. Applications are due by November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, promoting advancements in forensic practices to better serve law enforcement and communities.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Lillian Grace Mahan Scholarship Fund

The Lillian Grace Mahan Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduate and undergraduate students of library science and is available to Stark County residents who have an outstanding academic performance record and/or who are in need of financial assistance to pursue a degree in library science to become a librarian.

This scholarship is renewable.

Thomas S. Ritter Memorial Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this scholarship fund is to assist students who are attending or plan to attend a college or university and who have demonstrated a strong work ethic both inside and outside of the classroom.

Award

• Varies

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Congressman Mark Foley Scholarship for Political Science Education Fund

Must be enrolled in a degree program with a major in Political Science.

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is committed to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity. Our vision is a world built on science.

What We Do

More than 145 years after our founding, we remain a champion for chemistry, its practitioners and our global community of members.

We’re recognized as a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information. Our 80+ peer-reviewed journals are ranked the “most-trusted, most-cited and most-read.”

We empower our members to advance chemistry, elevate their career potential, expand their networks, inspire future generations, collaborate globally and build communities that provide scientific solutions.

We provide broader networks that facilitate connections and open doors in a way no other professional organization can match!

ACS Graduate Student Success Grant

Purpose

To support graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.), within one year of degree completion, whose education and training were disrupted due to termination or cancellation of research grants. Funding will be given to the Principal Investigator (PI) of the lab. This one-year award, the ACS Graduate Student Success Grant, will enable students to complete their degree programs. The grant seeks to lower the risk of a declining number of U.S.-trained chemists with advanced degrees, thereby preserving the strength and continuity of the scientific community.

Description

The ACS Graduate Student Success Grant provides $25,000 for one year to a faculty member who lost funding after October 1, 2024, that supports one or more graduate students. The award will also connect supported graduate students to ACS career development resources and programming to catalyze their transition into the workforce.

The grant funds will be awarded to exclusively support graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) who are within one year of degree completion and in need of funds to ensure degree completion. This grant supports currently enrolled graduate students who conduct research related to the chemical sciences in a department at a U.S.-based institution of higher education. Each institution of higher education can receive a maximum of one ACS Graduate Student Success Grant.

Applicant must provide a signed letter on institutional letterhead from the Vice President of Research (or equivalent), confirming the institution’s support, including the following:

• The PI’s loss of funding due to grant termination or cancellation after October 1, 2024.
• The names, current academic status, and anticipated graduation time of the impacted graduate students.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Meggan Eiben Memorial Scholarship Fund

Provides financial assistance to students of Marquette Area Public Schools entering a college educational program in the field of teaching. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) 

Founded in 1967, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) is a national community of academic leaders committed to developing an accomplished family medicine workforce, prepared to serve as the foundation of America’s health care system. Our members include physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals, health system executives, administrators, coordinators, fellows, residents, students, and others involved in the education of family physicians. 

H. Winter Griffith Resident Scholarship

The H. Winter Griffith Resident Scholarship honors H. Winter Griffith, MD, who was an advocate for patient engagement through patient education. Thus, this award recognizes outstanding patient interaction, education, care, and outcomes by a resident or resident team in the family medicine medical home setting. 

 Entries will be judged on the following:

• The extent to which the project emphasized improvements in patient centered care
• Effectiveness or outcomes of the project
• Feasibility of the improvement project for dissemination to other health centers or systems

The Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program, administered by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the capabilities of eligible institutions in agriculture and related fields. By providing financial support, the program encourages institutions to compete for federal funding, disseminate vital information, and foster community engagement in educational and research initiatives. This initiative is crucial for developing infrastructure, promoting faculty development, and establishing graduate assistantships to address national and regional agricultural priorities.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Ken and Mary Beth Monnier Engineering Scholarship

Shelby County high school senior with a GPA of no less than 3.0, who is pursuing an ABET accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Demonstrated community and school service, academic ability, financial need, and recommendations.

Awards

• Two $2,000 scholarships

About PLTW EngineeringPLTW Engineering students adopt a problem-solving mindset, are engaged in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers, and are prepared with skills to step into any career path they take. Lockheed Martin has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in adding PLTW.Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has partnered with PLTW to address the nation's critical need for future engineers, computer scientists, and math- and science-trained professionals, and to equip all students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Lockheed Martin supports PLTW programs in school districts across the nation and has contributed to the development of PLTW's middle school and high school courses focused on aerospace engineering and flight. Since the first school district partnership in 2014, over 855 PLTW programs have been implemented and more than 145,328 students have gained access to PLTW.Program Requirements:Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year. Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering course of their choosing. Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship

Open to graduating high school seniors from West Michigan Aviation Academy, or to second year undergraduates from any high school, studying Aviation/Flight Science and have a pilot’s license, with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

The Roots & Shoots Project Grant, offered by the Jane Goodall Institute, empowers U.S.-based youth to initiate community-action projects that positively impact people, animals, and the environment. With a funding opportunity of $250, this grant encourages young leaders to take charge and make a difference in their communities. Eligible applicants include children, teens, educators, and community groups. Join the movement to foster change and celebrate local initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future.

The MMUF Advancement Program offers Adjunct Faculty Fellowships designed for alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. These fellowships provide essential resources and time to focus on research and scholarship, aiding individuals in securing tenure-track positions. Each fellow receives a $10,000 stipend, a six-month award period, a mentor, and funding to attend a conference. This initiative supports diverse perspectives in higher education, fostering an inclusive academic environment.

The American Bar Endowment's Opportunity Grant Program provides funding for innovative, boots-on-the-ground initiatives that address urgent legal needs of the public. This grant focuses on increasing access to justice for underserved populations, improving the justice system, and enhancing public understanding of legal rights. Eligible applicants include public charities and organizations directly impacting local communities, with a strong emphasis on projects that leverage technology and address immediate legal challenges.

The Skadden Fellowship Foundation, established in 1988, offers two-year fellowships for law graduates to engage in public interest law. With a focus on serving the legal needs of impoverished communities, the program has funded over 900 fellows who contribute significantly to public service. The fellowship covers salaries and benefits, ensuring dedicated legal talent addresses critical issues. Skadden fosters ongoing support through newsletters and reunions, solidifying its commitment to improving legal services across the United States.