Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

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 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 Wild Ones Seeds for Education Grant Program aims to engage youth in environmental stewardship by funding projects that promote the use of native plants. This initiative supports schools and community organizations in creating native plant gardens, fostering a deeper understanding of biodiversity and sustainable practices among students. By providing necessary resources, the program encourages hands-on learning experiences for preschool through high school students, aligning with Wild Ones' mission to enhance natural landscapes.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Robert Woolley Scholarship

Open to graduating seniors from Stanislaus County attending a four-year university to study horticulture.

Award Amount:

• $10,000

The Zimmer Biomet Foundation offers educational grants to support organizations that focus on scientific, clinical, or healthcare education. These grants promote educational programs, independent conferences, and resident education, ensuring that the content remains unbiased and free from influence. Eligible applicants include educational institutions, training hospitals, and medical associations, while requests from individuals or private practices are not supported. By fostering education in healthcare, the foundation aims to improve community well-being and advance medical knowledge.

The McDaniel Scholarship at Adams State University aims to provide full-tuition scholarships to students in junior standing or above, including post-graduate and graduate students. Established by Dr. John E. McDaniel, this scholarship honors past students while supporting the educational aspirations of future scholars. As part of Colorado's premier Hispanic-Serving Institution, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equitable access to education and empowering historically underserved populations.

The NewSchools: Learning Solutions Grant Program aims to empower K-8 students by enhancing their literacy and numeracy skills, crucial for overcoming educational challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. With a focus on innovative learning solutions, the program seeks to fund early-stage ideas that engage students and support educators. By leveraging research and technology, including generative AI, it aims to create equitable educational opportunities, fostering a brighter future for all students.

The Pilcrow Foundation offers matching grants to rural public libraries for acquiring new, quality children's books. Libraries can receive up to $1,200 in funding by contributing $200-$400 through local sponsorships. Eligible libraries include independent rural and Native American Tribal libraries, with a focus on those serving communities with populations under 10,000. The initiative supports libraries in rural areas of the U.S. to enhance their children's book collections and promote literacy.

The De Colores Rapid Response Fund, established by the Peace Development Fund, aims to provide swift financial support to grassroots organizing efforts in marginalized communities, particularly focusing on communities of color and low-income individuals. Inspired by the traditional Mexican song that symbolizes diversity and solidarity, this fund seeks to create impactful opportunities for strategic interventions in urgent social situations. Grants are available for projects under $5,000 that align with these goals.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Clemens-Clair Future Educators Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is named for Clemens J. Rosen and Clair J. Hemphill – two fathers who encouraged and paid for their daughters to pursue college educations. Both believed an educated woman had more opportunities and would be better able to take care of herself and her family.

Clemens Rosen (1919-2016) did not finish grade school as he was needed on the farm. However, nobody could beat him in Scrabble. He served in WWII on a B24, was shot down twice and was held in a Nazi POW camp until the end of the war. He then took employment in Peoria, IL, first working for Western Electric and then as a foreman for Caterpillar Tractor Company.

Clair Hemphill (1912-1979) finished high school and was a life-long farmer in Elwood, Illinois. Clair’s father was a farmer as was his grandfather and others before him. Clair’s mother was a teacher until she married. He had a strong belief in women pursuing education and was proud that his daughter did just that.

This scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, awarding $5,000 for two consecutive years providing that students maintain their enrollment status. 

The URM Travel Grants, established by the American Economic Association (AEA), support junior faculty from underrepresented minority groups in economics, including American Indian, Black, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander individuals. These grants cover up to $1,000 in expenses for meals, travel, lodging, and conference registration to attend the annual ASSA meetings. The initiative aims to enhance the professional development of URM junior faculty and promote diversity within the economics field.

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. 

STFM Diversity Award

This award recognizes an STFM member who promotes innovative leadership, impact, and change that advances diversity, equity, and/or inclusion in family medicine education through the nominee’s work as a family medicine faculty member. Priority is given to work with underrepresented minorities in medical education.

This award is for work that encourages dialogue, promotes reflection, builds community, and inspires action for equity and change. Priority will be given to nominees who are teaching residents and/or medical students the ideals of diversity and who have disseminated these ideals as part of their precepting and patient-, family-, and relationship-centered care. The activities should have significance at the local, regional, or national level.

NASA's ROSES25: A.13 Accelerating Earth Solutions aims to enhance the integration of Earth-observing satellite data in decision-making across three key areas: identifying critical issues, developing actionable solutions, and scaling the impact of existing initiatives. Proposals can span one to three years, depending on the focus area, and are designed to foster innovative approaches to environmental challenges.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Wright, Gary C Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Gary C Wright by his family to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District intending to major in education with preference given to those in math and/or science.

Guidelines:

• Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in August.
• Awards are non-renewable.

Amount:

• $250 - $500

The NRC Research Associateship Grant Program, managed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, provides prestigious research opportunities for postdoctoral and senior scientists at federal laboratories. This program promotes scientific excellence through mentorship and access to advanced facilities. Eligible candidates must hold a relevant doctorate and demonstrate significant research potential. With annual deadlines on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1, this initiative aims to enhance the career development of promising researchers.

The ACS-Hach Professional Development Grant provides up to $2,500 to support high school chemistry teachers in the U.S. as they pursue professional development opportunities. This grant aims to enhance teaching and learning in chemistry by funding activities such as conferences, workshops, and educational resources. It is designed to improve educators' skills and boost student achievement, thereby fostering a better learning environment in chemistry classrooms.

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants of up to $5,000 for innovative STEM projects aimed at grades 6-12. These grants support teachers seeking to enhance science and math education through creative project-based learning. Eligible applicants include public and nonprofit private school teachers, with a focus on fostering engaging classroom experiences. Projects must be endorsed by a school official, and funding is not available for general operations or equipment purchases.

Middendorf Foundation Arts and Culture GrantsThe Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.The Foundation believes that arts and cultural institutions help define and create vibrant communities and foster sustainable economic development. We view investing in this sector as an integral component of supporting well-rounded, inclusive and dynamic community growth.The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.

Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

The Lisa Libraries Book Grants provide essential resources to organizations in low-income or underserved areas, enabling them to establish or enhance small libraries. Founded in 1990 to honor children's book editor Lisa Novak, the initiative has donated over one million books to help children gain access to literature. If your organization serves children in need of books, consider applying for support to create a nurturing reading environment.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded to graduating seniors of Trumbull County public high schools planning to major in education or pursue a teaching career in K-12 education and to Trumbull County public high school graduates that are in their Junior or Senior year of college and studying education or pursuing a teaching career in K-12 education.

ASPCA Reimagining Racers: Grants for Adopting Out Retired Racehorses Grant

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and organizations actively participating in the warm-up ring (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) are invited to apply for a grant to support an increase in capacity and/or efficiency of programs aimed at adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses. 

Funding requests for this grant initiative should focus on:

Activities that increase capacity, decrease length of stay, reduce cost of care or increase efficiencies, and/or improve humane outcomes in other ways. Examples:

• Training programs
• Programs that engage new adopters and grow the market share for adoption
• Medical make-ready or rehabilitation with a focus on innovation and/or sustainability
• Collaborations with other equine industry organizations to increase support for retired racehorses

Proposals will be evaluated on their potential (within the 12-month grant term) to: 

• Increase capacity (the number of horses that can be rehabilitated, trained, and placed)
• Decrease length of stay
• Decrease cost of care
• Reduce risk, harm or suffering for retired racehorses

Requests may be for the creation of new programs or the expansion of existing programs. Programs that test innovative ideas are welcome.

Grant Amounts

Grants will generally range from $10,000-$40,000, with a maximum individual grant amount of $60,000. The total funding amount available for this grant opportunity is $200,000. 

Eligibility

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and active Warm-Up Ring participants (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) whose mission or operations focus significantly on serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Adoption organizations must be up to date on reporting data biannually to the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC). If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you may contact therighthorse@aspca.org to confirm before applying.   

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans. We invite all voices to join us in working together to improve the lives of animals in need.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive primary and preventive health services. This initiative addresses essential health needs through competitive funding opportunities, ensuring that health centers can effectively serve their designated areas. Additional service areas may be announced as needed if current centers are unable to continue their operations, thus maintaining service continuity.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. and its territories. This funding opportunity supports comprehensive preventive and primary health care delivery. Each SAC announcement details service areas available for competition, with potential additional areas announced throughout the year. This initiative is crucial for ensuring continuous access to quality health care for vulnerable populations.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive primary and preventive care. This initiative will support health centers in delivering high-quality services, addressing the needs of populations that face barriers to care. Each funding opportunity will specify service areas available for competition, ensuring effective resource allocation to improve community health outcomes.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive preventive and primary health care. The initiative supports health centers in delivering essential services, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need. Service areas for competition are announced periodically, and additional areas may be added if existing centers are unable to continue their services.

The Limited Competition Small Grant Program for ORIP SERCA K01 Recipients provides funding to early-stage veterinary scientists to enhance their research capabilities and transition to independent investigator status. This initiative addresses challenges faced by these researchers, including reliance on funding from senior investigators. Grants support pilot studies, secondary data analysis, and development of research methodologies, aiming to foster independence within a two-year timeframe without funding clinical trials.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program, established in 1975, supports the exhibition of significant art and artifacts by minimizing insurance costs for international exhibitions. Administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, it covers U.S. owned art during exhibitions in the country. The program evaluates applications through advisory panels and the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities, ensuring that vital cultural works are accessible while providing necessary financial protections.