Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Dr. Colin Richman and Family Perio.-Ortho. Interface Award fosters innovative research at the intersection of orthodontics and periodontology, addressing critical issues such as alveolar bone deficiencies and airway management. Annually, $20,000-$40,000 will be awarded to support clinical or basic science research aimed at enhancing patient outcomes through collaborative treatments. This grant aims to complement existing institutional support rather than replace it, ensuring that groundbreaking research in this field continues to thrive.

The Patty & Paul Levi Research Award, administered by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, offers a $5,000 grant to support research in periodontics. This award is specifically for predoctoral dental students who have a mentor from a periodontal faculty. Applications may be submitted after graduation if the research was conducted during their predoctoral studies, but immediate family of board members are ineligible.

The Robert S. Schoor Research Award Program, supported by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, offers a $2,000 annual award for resident-written manuscripts in periodontology. It encourages significant research topics related to clinical practice, honoring Robert S. Schoor, DDS, a leader in periodontal education. Full-time residents in accredited US periodontal programs are eligible to apply, with co-applications accepted under certain conditions. Manuscripts should be suitable for submission to the Journal of Periodontology.

The Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award, funded by the American Academy of Periodontology, honors outstanding research in periodontal regeneration. With a $10,000 scholarship, it is open to second- and third-year residents or recent graduates in accredited periodontal programs who have contributed original research. Applicants must be AAP members and U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aiming to advance clinical therapies in periodontics. This award commemorates Dr. Jo Rummelhart's legacy and the impact of her work in the field.

The $20,000 Nevins Teaching and Clinical Research Fellowship, offered by the American Academy of Periodontology, aims to support emerging periodontal educators facing educational debt. This fellowship is awarded over two years, providing $10,000 annually to assist with income alongside full-time academic teaching roles. Eligible candidates include board-certified periodontal educators with one to five years of teaching experience in U.S. programs, selected through a competitive application and interview process.

Franklin County Retired Teachers Association Peggy Grate Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Franklin County Retired Teachers Association scholarship fund assists current teachers in a Franklin County public school system as they return to school to pursue their Master's degree.

Award Amount:

• Two $1,000 graduate level scholarships

The Bristol Bay Foundation offers a Higher Education Scholarship Program supporting both full-time and part-time students pursuing 4-year or advanced degrees. Eligible applicants must be shareholders of the BBNC or their descendants, have a high school diploma or GED, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Scholarships are based on academic performance and life experiences, with applications due in April for the next academic year.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Nathan A. Blizzard Memorial 4-H/FFA Scholarship

The purpose of Nathan A. Blizzard Memorial 4-H/FFA Scholarship is to provide scholarships for high school graduates in Carroll County, Maryland, who are current or former 4-H or FFA members.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Ryan MacKenzie Memorial 4-H Scholarship

The purpose of Ryan MacKenzie Memorial 4-H Scholarship is to provide scholarships for high-school graduates in Carroll County, Maryland who participate in the Carroll County 4-H Programs (sheep or horses) and meet the Fund’s criteria.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Carroll County Food Services Association Scholarship

The purpose of this Fund is to provide scholarships to seniors graduating from any public high school in Carroll County, Maryland. The Carroll County Food Services Association Scholarship will be awarded one or more students who have successfully completed high school; been accepted at an accredited college, university or culinary arts school; and met the criteria established for this award.

Bring Back the Trades Tool Grant Program 

Across the country, vocational programs are often forced to teach with outdated, broken, or consumer-grade equipment. The Bring Back the Trades Grant Program changes the narrative by putting “Nothing But Heavy Duty” technology into the hands of students. By providing professional tools, we show students that their education—and their future career—is worth the highest standard of equipment.

Thanks to numerous schools and programs letting us know they need help supporting future tradespeople, we have made a commitment to grant $1,500 in tools monthly to a public school or nonprofit. Milwaukee Tool committed to supporting the program through 2026, so the awards in 2026 will be shipped directly to winning organization by Milwaukee Tool!

Objective: To equip public schools and community nonprofits with professional-grade Milwaukee Tool kits, fostering a culture of craftsmanship, safety, and respect for the tools of the trade.

Application Deadline: Rolling. A winner will be chosen each month from applications received over the previous six months. The winner will be notified via phone or email. The winner will receive the tools requested (based on availability and up to $1,500 in retail value). Tools and equipment/supplies will be shipped only to the address on the application. Applicants that have not been chosen as a winner of the grant may reapply after six months. Schools/organizations may win no more than once in a 3-year time period.

Bettye Davis East High School STEM Scholarship Fund

The East High School STEM Scholarship is established to honor Sandra and Kenji Kusano.

The Bettye Davis East High School STEM Scholarship was established to honor Sandra and Kenji Kusano. Like many others, Sandy and Kenji Kusano followed their dreams to Alaska. Sandy's first job at ARCO turned into a 51-year career in the same building. Kenji started a Japanese restaurant, Yamato Ya, which they owned for 26 years. This scholarship honors their inspiring work ethic and dedication to providing opportunities for others.

Bettye Davis East High School STEM Scholarship supports a graduating high school senior from Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School pursuing a bachelor degree in STEM.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Eugene J. Andolsek Memorial Scholarship

Eugene Andolsek was a gifted artist who used the medium of drawing to convey his struggles and insecurities, spending hours at the kitchen table with a compass, ruler, inks and graph paper creating intricate and complex pieces of art. Unable to pursue his education at a higher level due to family circumstances, Eugene felt he was denied the opportunity to reach his potential and be valued in life. Eugene was a quiet, frugal man who spent many years of his life creating pieces of art which on the surface communicate order and uniformity, whilst giving you a glimpse of the many complexities that must have existed in Eugene’s thoughts. Art was quite simply his escape. In 2005, when Eugene was 84 years of age, his work was featured in the exhibition ‘Obsessive Art’ at the American Folk Art Museum in New York, his work garnered much critical acclaim and proved to Eugene that despite being an untrained artist he was remarkably gifted and much sought after.

The Eugene J. Andolsek Memorial Scholarship is a lasting tribute to a man who valued education above most other things. From the proceeds of Eugene’s vast portfolio this memorial scholarship will enable a young student to continue their education in a way he was never able to. This scholarship has significant value and is renewable for up to 4 years of post secondary education.

Award Type: Multi-year (up to 4 years). Recipients must maintain 3.0 GPA.

The TESOL Leadership Mentoring Program connects TESOL members with experienced leaders for mentorship and professional development. Participants receive free registration to the annual convention, up to $1,000 for lodging, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships within the TESOL community. This program is designed for members in good standing, with a preference for individuals from underrepresented groups, fostering inclusivity and active participation in the association's initiatives.

The TESOL Teacher of the Year Award, presented by National Geographic Learning, honors exceptional English language teachers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication in the classroom for at least three consecutive years. The winner receives $1,000, a one-year TESOL membership, and free registration for the TESOL International Convention, including travel accommodations. This recognition not only highlights the importance of teaching excellence but also fosters a community of learning and collaboration among educators around the world.

The TESOL Award for Excellence in Research honors outstanding empirical research in language teaching and learning, promoting advancements in English language education. Sponsored by Dr. Deborah Short, this award includes a $1,500 grant, an additional $1,500 for conference expenses, a featured session at the TESOL convention, keynote speaking opportunity at the Graduate Student Forum, a one-year subscription to TESOL Quarterly, and a featured article in TESOL Connections.

The Ron Chang Lee for Excellence in Classroom Technology award recognizes three TESOL members for their innovative use of technology in English Language Teaching. Established in 2018, the award offers prizes of $1000 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third. Eligible candidates must be TESOL members with at least two years of classroom experience and have designed the materials used for this award. Applications from certain countries may be ineligible due to international regulations.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Dr. Matthew R. Hadley Scholarship Fund

The Dr. Matthew R. Hadley Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships awarded to one or more graduating seniors from McKeesport Area, Clairton City, Steel Valley, South Allegheny or East Allegheny High Schools.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund

The Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for Pennsylvania resident undergraduate students enrolled or planning to enroll in a degree program studying the conservation of wildlife and related fields.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Carroll A. Lambton Memorial Fund

The Carroll A. Lambton Memorial Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide undergraduate and graduate scholarships for the educational needs of the employees and children of employees of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) along with members and children of members of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

CASE Scholarship for Higher Learning

In an effort to encourage and retain membership, the Carroll Association of School Employees has established CASE SCHOLARSHIP FOR HIGHER LEARNING, a scholarship fund of the Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. The purpose of the Fund is to provide scholarships for CASE members’ children, stepchildren and grandchildren who want to continue their education or are graduating from high school and who have been accepted at an accredited institution of higher learning.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Catherine Anne Mullikin Memorial Scholarship

The Catherine Anne Mullikin Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by “Catherine’s Cause” a Carroll Community Foundation Fund. A drunk driver killed Catherine in 1998 and her family is keeping her memory alive by offering scholarships for students pursuing a degree in education. Student must maintain full time enrollment status (12 or more credit hours) during the entire semester that the scholarship award has been designated. The scholarship is based on academic achievement, community service and extracurricular activities.

$1000.00 Scholarship for a Teacher Education Major from Any Carroll County High School.

The Local President Release Grant, offered by the National Education Association, aims to support local associations by providing financial assistance for the release of local presidents. This program facilitates critical leadership work, professional development, and member engagement within the community. Eligible local associations, including those offering part-time release, can apply to enhance their capacity without compromising existing programs. The initiative ultimately strengthens the effectiveness of local associations in achieving NEA's strategic priorities.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.

Munising Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Unendowed FundGiven to an Alger County graduate who has completed one full year (2 semesters) in the medical field. Students may receive scholarships twice, providing college transcripts.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Dr. Saleem Shah Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Saleem A. Shah Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by Catherine’s Cause, a Carroll County Community Foundation Fund. Dr. Shah a leading Psychologist with the National Institute of Health was hit head on in November of 1992 by a Drunk Driver on his way home. He left a family with a wife, six daughters and eight grandchildren at that time. Dr. Shah’s daughters regularly volunteer with Catherine’s Cause and are strong advocates on working to alert the public on the dangers of Drinking and Driving. To honor Dr. Shah’s memory the family along with Catherine’s Cause are offering this Scholarship in the field of Mental Health in his honor.

Betsy Rueb Scholarship

The late Mary “Betsy” E. Rueb created this generous scholarship through a gift from her estate. Born in 1936 in Tiffin, Ohio, Betsy moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University, where she met her husband, Floyd. Early in their marriage, Floyd taught Betsy about investing—a skill she quickly mastered. After many years of living simply and investing wisely, Betsy left the largest endowed gift ever received by The Columbus Foundation, totaling $55 million.

Described as charitable, modest, charming, frugal, opinionated, and intelligent, Betsy enjoyed doing needlepoint, watching golf tournaments, and meticulously tracking and researching her investments. Betsy also deeply loved children and wanted her gift to open the door to educational opportunities for young people. 

Through her wise investments and generous heart, Betsy Rueb was able to create a legacy that will provide meaningful and significant support to promising students throughout central Ohio in perpetuity.

Award Amount:

• Each award amount is determined based on the need of the recipient.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

John Grason Steffey Scholarship

The purpose of the John Grason Steffey Scholarship is to provide scholarships for two graduates of Williamsport, Maryland, public high school, and if none qualify, then unto two high school students residing within Williamsport and the general vicinity thereof in Washington County, Maryland. The scholarships shall be for those students who may need or request assistance to attend schools of higher learning appropriate to develop their capacities and capabilities. Need for financial assistance shall be taken into consideration.

The amount of the award will vary based upon the earnings of the trust; but in no event shall be less than $1500 per year per scholarship.

The scholarships shall be for a maximum of four consecutive academic years. After the initial award the recipient must reapply to the selection committee each year. To be eligible to receive the subsequent years' award, the recipient must submit an official transcript from the institution they attend showing a 2.5 grade point average, and submit a letter of recommendation from an instructor or administrative person from the institution they attend.