Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The SVS Student Research Fellowship, offered by the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation, supports undergraduate and medical students in the U.S. and Canada conducting vascular research. The fellowship emphasizes hypothesis-driven projects, providing a $3,000 award and a complimentary Journal of Vascular Surgery subscription. It aims to enhance students' education while fostering innovative solutions in vascular health, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in applicant eligibility.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Whirlpool Corporation One Power STEM Scholarship

Whirlpool Corporation, in conjunction with One Energy LLC, created a scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation in 2017 to support education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For each wind turbine installed as part of a Wind for Industry® project, Whirlpool/One Energy scholarship partners are giving back to the community with scholarships. These scholarships will impact Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing studies in STEM fields.

Annually, this scholarship fund awards one $5,000 scholarship to a student attending any eligible educational institution. An additional $10,000 in scholarships is available to students attending The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Technical College, or other eligible educational institutions.

The AO North America VET Preceptorships Program offers surgical residents from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons the chance to enhance their skills in Veterinary Trauma and Orthopedics through a structured training experience. Participants can receive up to four weeks of advanced training in AO techniques at designated surgical centers, with funding available for housing and travel expenses, totaling up to $2,750. This initiative aims to foster professional development and improve patient care outcomes.

The Active Fund Grant, offered by the Kelly Brush Foundation, supports individuals with paralysis from spinal cord injuries in acquiring adaptive sports equipment. This initiative aims to foster active lifestyles and inclusivity through sports. First-time applicants are prioritized for the Fall 2025 cycle, with grants averaging around $3,500, though they can vary. Eligible applicants can receive full or partial awards or a Try-It-First grant to gain experience with the equipment. For guidelines, please refer to the provided FAQs.

The Frances M. Culbertson Travel Grant provides essential funding for women from developing countries at the beginning of their psychology careers. This grant helps address the challenges posed by limited resources, allowing recipients to attend international and regional conferences. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and be within ten years postdoctoral, promoting diversity in the field. Preference is given to those attending key psychology conferences, fostering professional growth and networking opportunities.

The OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program aims to enhance the prosecutorial capacity of state, local, Tribal, and territorial agencies by assigning qualified prosecutors as Special Attorneys. These prosecutors will investigate and prosecute fraud and other crimes committed by aliens in the U.S., as well as drug and human trafficking cases. This initiative, coordinated with federal authorities, seeks to strengthen intergovernmental collaboration and ensure effective enforcement of criminal laws.

The Established Investigator Award from the American Heart Association supports established investigators at the associate professor level, emphasizing innovative research in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular sciences. With a budget of $80,000 per year and a maximum award of $400,000 over five years, it aims to enhance the careers of candidates demonstrating significant accomplishments and promising research directions. Eligibility requires a doctoral degree and a full-time faculty position, with specific criteria for appointment levels and funding history.

The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation Grant supports educational, artistic, and outreach initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on projects that yield specific outcomes rather than general operating expenses. While historically centered in Indiana and Florida, the foundation welcomes proposals from across the country. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) designation. This grant is an excellent opportunity for nonprofits aiming to make a tangible impact in their communities.

Community Foundation of the Ozarks

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) provides philanthropic leadership to build stronger communities. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership.

We help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through professional management and investment of charitable funds. We work with nonprofit organizations to help them fulfill their missions through fund administration, grantmaking and learning opportunities. We award scholarships to deserving students to help them achieve their educational goals.

Clonts Anderson Scholarship

• Graduating high school senior from El Dorado Springs High School who is female
• GPA between 2.5 and 3.5; submit transcript
• Must be applying to a two-year or four-year accredited college, university or vocational school
• Demonstrate financial need; submit FAFSA-SAI form
• Describe participation in community service, school activities
• Essay required

The Georgeann Cowles Eiskamp Memorial Scholarship offers a $2,000 award to a female student who has graduated from a high school within the PVUSD boundaries. Eligible candidates must be majoring in an agriculture-related field and have completed at least two semesters of college. Preference is given to those who have participated in 4-H or FFA or have relevant internships. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment.

The AFM Local 802 Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This fund supports basic living expenses, including healthcare, housing, and utilities, to help prevent eviction or shut-offs. To qualify, applicants must be current members in good standing and demonstrate financial need. However, the fund does not cover expenses such as credit cards, personal loans, and tuition.

The American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible performing arts professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support aids in covering essential living expenses, including housing, healthcare, and utilities, to help prevent eviction or utility shut-offs. Applicants must be current members in good standing and provide necessary documentation to confirm their eligibility. This fund aims to ensure the well-being of artists during challenging times.

The Most Valuable Student Award, offered by the Elks National Foundation, provides scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 annually for U.S. high school seniors pursuing a four-year degree at accredited colleges or universities. This initiative aims to support students who demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement, ensuring they have access to education that fosters personal and professional growth. For more information, please visit the Elks Foundation website.

The AHA Predoctoral Fellowship aims to enhance research and clinical training for pre-doctoral students pursuing careers in cardiovascular health. Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant doctoral program and demonstrate collaboration with a mentor. The fellowship provides an annual stipend of $28,224, plus health insurance support and project funding. Eligible candidates are full-time students who have completed initial coursework and can commit to research efforts. This opportunity fosters the development of independent researchers in the field.

The Young Investigators Research Forum offers a unique opportunity for early career sleep scientists to enhance their research skills. Funded by the AASM Foundation, this program provides travel scholarships for participants to attend the 2025 forum in Bethesda, MD. Participants will engage with senior investigators, learn about funding mechanisms, and refine their research proposals. This forum is designed to build a supportive network, fostering collaborations and mentorship in the field of sleep and circadian research.

The ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering (ECLIPSE) program aims to advance plasma science research by addressing societal challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration. It encourages proposals that integrate fundamental scientific inquiries with technological applications, fostering innovation in areas such as environmental remediation, advanced manufacturing, and nanotechnology. Proposals should align with NSF priorities and promote diversity in STEM, enhancing workforce development and broadening participation from underrepresented groups.

The Sleep Research Program for Advancing Careers, funded by the American Academy Of Sleep Medicine Foundation, aims to develop early-career sleep scientists through a structured grant writing curriculum. Participants receive mentorship and training to submit competitive federal career development grants, such as NIH K awards. The program includes lectures and grant review sessions, ensuring applicants complete their proposals successfully. Additionally, a travel scholarship is offered for in-person meetings, fostering collaboration and growth in sleep research.

The AMA Foundation's Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship offers four $10,000 awards for medical students pursuing sleep medicine in 2025. Eligible applicants must be entering their final year, demonstrate financial need, and express interest in sleep medicine in their personal statement. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to excellence in medical education and the advancement of sleep medicine as a vital field in healthcare.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

The Paramo Foundation Scholarship Award

The Paramo Foundation Scholarship Award is awarded annually to low income students attending a college or university focused on the trades, including but not limited to, cosmetology programs. The scholarship will provide a full scholarship for one year at a trades school.

The Laura Brown Memorial Scholarship offers a $4,000 award to students pursuing degrees in agriculture or culinary arts. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 and reside in Santa Cruz County or Pajaro Valley. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment and can be distributed over a maximum of four years. Preference is given to students who have participated in 4-H programs, supporting their educational journey in these fields.

The PVA Education Foundation Grant Program, offered by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, supports innovative projects aimed at improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D). Grants of up to $75,000 are available for initiatives in consumer education, professional development for healthcare providers, and research translation. This funding enables the development of essential educational tools and resources to enhance health, independence, and quality of life for the SCI/D community.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship

The Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship for Midwifery and Doula Education was established in 2008 by Patrick Hazleton, husband of the late Jeanne Hazleton, and funded by numerous contributions made by family and friends. The purpose of the Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship Fund is to honor Jeanne’s lifetime service and contribution to the community as a practicing Doula and Midwife and to encourage women to enter or continue their education in the birthing profession. The scholarship program is designed to help residents of Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties begin or continue their education for Doula and/or Midwife training, certification, or licensing.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Watts Mountainside Community Foundation Scholarship

Blanche M. and George L. Watts were long-time Mountainside residents. Blanche was a school teacher and George was employed by Western Electric. When they passed, the Watts Mountainside Community Foundation was created to aid organizations delivering services to Mountainside residents and provide local students with scholarship assistance. Applicants for this scholarship must be Mountainside residents, may attend any high school inside or outside of Mountainside, and must be a graduating senior. Students must plan to continue their education at a two-year college or a four-year college/university or enroll in an associate degree program or a certificate program at an accredited technical or trade school. 

The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience offers Scholar Awards to early-career neuroscientists focusing on learning and memory disorders. The awards provide up to $225,000 over three years, emphasizing research that could lead to significant clinical advancements. Eligible candidates must work as independent investigators at U.S. non-profit institutions, hold an Assistant Professor position for less than four years, and demonstrate their research program's potential. The program aims to foster innovative solutions in neuroscience.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Oral Health - Community Outreach Grant offers up to $2,500 for PA-led initiatives that enhance oral health awareness and treatment. Open to certified PAs, PA students, and organizations, this grant aims to empower applicants to bridge healthcare gaps in oral health. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting continuous engagement in advancing community health. This initiative highlights the vital role of PAs in enhancing access to oral healthcare services.

The AVID: Syage Family Scholarship Fund aims to support high school seniors from Orange County, CA, who have been enrolled in the AVID elective class for at least three years. This scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, promotes educational advancement by offering financial assistance for undergraduate studies. Applicants must demonstrate community commitment, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and show financial need, making this opportunity crucial for those seeking to further their education at four-year colleges.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Clanseer and Anna Johnson Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, Black/African-American graduating high school senior from the greater Newark area or Paterson who has pursued a rigorous course of study (with particular emphasis on math and science courses). Applicants will show evidence of readiness for and a commitment to pursue a STEM major. Students will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.