Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

About CKCF

Our Mission

Central Kentucky Community Foundation is the philanthropic focal point in the region, serving as a resource, leader and catalyst to people who wish to improve life in their community.

Available Scholarships

2026 Patrick Eldon Bergman Memorial Scholarship

The Rep. Steve Bratcher 25th District Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hardin County with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship encourages local residents to pursue higher education by providing financial assistance, helping to foster community development and educational advancement in the region.

The Silicon Carbide Cladding Lead Test Rod Development-Phase 1 project aims to advance the use of silicon carbide cladding for nuclear fuel rods. It focuses on the research, development, and fabrication of cladding specimens for reactors, with testing planned for both unirradiated and irradiated samples. The project is poised to provide critical performance data for future commercial lead test rods, enhancing safety and efficiency in light water reactors.

The RPAC Fundraising Grants, offered by the National Association of Realtors, support state and local associations in organizing fundraising events aimed at boosting RPAC contributions. These grants require a fundraising goal three times the amount requested, ensuring tangible results. The initiative emphasizes developing detailed fundraising plans that comply with state laws regarding corporate treasury funds. This program is vital for enhancing RPAC participation and advancing property ownership advocacy.

Selkirk Pickleball Growth Program

At Selkirk, we are committed to growing the sport of pickleball by making it accessible to everyone. The Selkirk Growth Program enables schools and community programs worldwide to access Selkirk equipment.

Our original goal was to give away 3,000+ paddles a year; we have now given away more than 40,000 paddles since we started in 2019. As part of our Growth Program, we are donating gently-used paddles to:

Schools.

• First responders.
• Senior centers.
• Churches.
• Parks & recreation departments.
• Other community organizations looking to expand their programs.

We will also provide a discount on additional paddles, balls, and nets for schools and charities involved in the program.

The Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority Scholarship, established in 2024, offers financial support to students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, South Carolina. This scholarship is both merit-based and need-based, aiming to assist deserving students in pursuing their post-secondary education. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, it reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the region.

The Mentored Clinician Scientist Grant, funded by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, supports the career development of clinician scientists by providing dedicated research time for up to five years. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record in research, evidenced by receiving NIH K08 or K23 funding. This grant is renewable annually based on scientific progress and available funding, fostering a strong future in academic surgery.

The BRAID Fellowship, initiated by Interfaith America, addresses rising prejudice in higher education by fostering a national network of undergraduate student leaders. This program empowers students to promote respect and cooperation across diverse backgrounds. Each fellow receives a $1,000 project award and a $2,000 stipend, along with opportunities for specialized training and community engagement. Through this initiative, Interfaith America commits to cultivating a diverse cohort that represents a wide range of religious and ideological perspectives.

The Aging Services Leadership Fellowship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, is a one-year non-clinical program for recent master's graduates or mid-career professionals with at least five years of experience. The program emphasizes cohort learning, community building, and skill development in aging services. Participants engage in specialized training, networking events, and mentorship opportunities designed to foster leadership and cultural humility, ultimately preparing them to lead in the aging services sector.

The Dr. Glenn Neil Love Medical Scholarship, established in 2014, provides annual financial assistance to individuals pursuing medical training and education. It aims to support nontraditional applicants currently employed in healthcare who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to advancing their skills. Priority is given to those seeking additional certifications or training to enhance their expertise in the medical field.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Winchester Athena Club Students Scholarship

The Athena Club was founded in 1982 as an organization where women in local businesses and professions could meet to network with one another and to learn more about the greater Winchester community. The weekly luncheon meetings were open to all working and retired women. Named for the Greek goddess of knowledge and wisdom, the club’s purpose was to gain knowledge from the weekly speakers, to promote the role of women as leaders in our community, and to contribute to the knowledge of others by giving of themselves so that others might learn. The club has provided leadership to a variety of community organizations and has given financial support to young people who wished to take advantage of educational opportunities. The Athena Club scholarship is awarded each year to a senior from one of the five Randolph County high schools. The club disbanded in 2022, but the scholarship continues to support the club’s focus on education and leadership.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

U & C Scholarship

Given to students who have been accepted into a 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning and are family members of vendors, business associates or children of company employees of B & F Plastics.

The Biomedical Research Environment and Sponsored Programs Administration Development (BRE-SPAD) Program, funded by the NIH, aims to enhance the biomedical research landscape by supporting resource-limited organizations. It targets domestic institutions with limited research resources and few doctoral students in biomedical fields, promoting broader participation in research and boosting administrative capacities for sponsored programs. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, ensuring timely submissions.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Joe & Elizabethe Gardner Scholarship

This scholarship is open to a graduating senior who has applied and been accepted into a University, College, Junior College, or Technical School. Their proposed field of study must be in the area of 1) Home Economics Education, 2) Home Economics Specialty (i.e. dietetics, textiles, etc.), or 3) Home Economics related Health Occupation (listed as nursing, dental assistant, etc.).

The OREF Resident Clinician Scientist Training Grant aims to prepare residents for research-intensive careers in orthopaedic surgery. Grants up to $20,000 are available for one year, covering research expenses without salary. Projects must demonstrate clinical relevance and be feasible for residents as independent studies. Both laboratory and clinical research are encouraged, with potential for publication. Progress reports and annual reviews are required to ensure funding compliance.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Ethan Cheesman Memorial Scholarship

Ethan Taylor Cheesman, a promising young athlete and student at Union Jr./Sr. High School, went to heaven on May 6, 2009 at the age of 15. Born in Muncie to Gregory D. and Paula K. (Clevenger) Cheesman, Ethan was a well-rounded individual with a passion for sports, music, and animals. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Losantville and excelled in various extracurricular activities, including track and field, basketball, cross-country, student council, and baseball. He was also a member of the band, playing both trumpet and French horn. Ethan’s kind and gentle nature, coupled with his great sense of humor, made him beloved by his friends and family. This scholarship honors his memory and supports students who embody his spirit and dedication.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

The Maria Gomez Dream Scholarship

Sponsored by the MG Dream Foundation, the Maria Gomez Dream Scholarship was established in memory of a friend and daughter who lost her battle with cancer in 2014. Maria cared about her community, giving her time and talents to make the world a better place. Through this scholarship, the MG Dream Foundation honors Maria by supporting college-bound youth in pursuit of higher education. Our vision is to set forth a ripple effect and create a positive generational change in students' lives.

Bojangles Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship

The Bojangles Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in 2024 by Arnold Dale Haywood in the spirit of helping students take a step towards building a brighter future. Mr. Haywood’s parents, John and Diane, were humble, hardworking, and ethical people. They understood that the foundation of parenting is to give their children love and support, as well as encouragement to always believe in the promise of tomorrow. They gave him the chance to chase his dreams.

Mr. Haywood has established the Bojangles Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship to honor his parents and to give local youth the same encouragement and opportunities that were afforded to him.

The Doyle O. and Lelia Jane Bateman Scholarship

The Doyle O. and Lelia Jane Bateman Scholarship, established at the Community Foundation in 2018, honors the memory of husband and wife of 46 years, Doyle and Jane Bateman. Jane worked as a successful realtor in Waynesboro for over 25 years and enjoyed giving back to her community.

The Doyle O. and Lelia Jane Bateman Scholarship will provide college scholarships to deserving students of any age, to include high school seniors (public, private, and homeschool) as well as adult students residing in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. Selection considerations for the scholarship include, but are not limited to, financial need, involvement in school and community activities, and a strong desire to succeed in school and life.

The Rona Jaffe Foundation Fellowship supports emerging women writers with a fully funded 7-month residency at the Fine Arts Work Center. Established by the Rona Jaffe Foundation, it includes a $2,500 prize to assist with travel and living expenses. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents, at least 18 years old, and not enrolled in a degree program during the fellowship year. This prestigious fellowship aims to nurture exceptional literary talent.

The Urology Care Foundation's Health Equity Fellowship Grant aims to train early-career urologists dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities in marginalized communities. Over two years, fellows will engage in didactic education and hands-on advocacy projects, gaining skills to implement innovative solutions. The program emphasizes mentorship and collaboration with Temple University, providing a unique opportunity for urologists to enhance their understanding of urban bioethics and community engagement while receiving a recognized certification upon completion.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gretchen Moss Memorial Scholarship

The Gretchen Moss Memorial Scholarship has been awarded yearly since June, 1993.

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Charles Warren Center at Harvard University offers the Summer Travel Grant for Dissertation Research, aimed at supporting Ph.D. candidates in American history. Grants, which can reach up to $3,000, assist with necessary summer travel for dissertation work. Eligible applicants must have passed their general exams and require a letter of support from their dissertation adviser. This program emphasizes historical methodology and is competitive, with limited funding available.

The ASPB Innovation Prize for Agricultural Technology honors industry scientists who successfully translate research into practical agricultural advancements. Established in 2015, this biennial award not only recognizes outstanding contributions but also promotes awareness of high-quality scientific work within the industry. Recipients receive a monetary reward and a one-year membership in the American Society of Plant Biologists, highlighting the career opportunities available in this vital field.

The Harvard Charles Warren Center Term Time Research Grant supports Ph.D. candidates in American history, allowing them to conduct focused dissertation research without teaching duties for one semester. Eligible candidates must have passed their general examination, be enrolled as G-6 or below, and employ a historical methodology in their projects. Annually, 6-8 grants are awarded, offering a stipend to aid research efforts, though tuition may not be covered for all candidates.

The Harvard Charles Warren Center Dissertation Completion Grant offers a ten-month stipend for PhD candidates in American history to complete their dissertations without teaching obligations. Eligible applicants must have completed two chapters and be in the G-5 to G-7 stages of their program. This grant covers health insurance and facilities fees, ensuring that students can focus fully on their research without financial distractions.

The OREF New Investigator Grant offers seed funding of up to $50,000 for promising research projects aimed at enhancing the scientific training of orthopaedic surgeons. This grant is specifically for new investigators who have not previously secured substantial research funding. Applicants must be orthopaedic surgeons meeting the NIH definition of a new investigator. The grant period lasts one year and requires periodic progress reports and an annual review.