Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Project Lead The Way Inc is offering a grant of $14,000 to schools looking to implement the PLTW Computer Science program for the first time. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Computer Science courses over the next three years, ensuring that at least one course is available in the first year. This funding will support program implementation costs, with awards distributed directly to PLTW accounts for eligible schools.

The AWI Refinement Research Award, offered by the Animal Welfare Institute, supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing the welfare of animals used in experimentation. With a funding opportunity of up to $15,000, applicants can propose methods to reduce pain and distress, promote species-appropriate care, and address animal abuse in laboratories. Applications are open until October 11, and eligibility is restricted to projects conducted in the U.S. or Canada.

The Philip J. Wyatt Award in Analytical Chemistry, established in 1947 and endowed by the Wyatt Family Foundation in 2026, recognizes outstanding contributions to analytical chemistry. Offered by the American Chemical Society, the award includes a $5,000 prize and a certificate, with up to $2,500 for travel expenses to the award presentation meeting. This award supports diversity and inclusion by being available regardless of race, gender, or background, promoting a global community in the field of chemistry.

The George William Groh Trust Grant supports medical research initiatives by providing funding to organizations that qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of May 1 for consideration at the annual grant meeting. The foundation aims to enhance medical research efforts and contribute to advancements in healthcare.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Edward A. Bouchet Award

This award promotes the participation of underrepresented minorities in physics by identifying and recognizing a distinguished minority physicist who has made significant contributions to physics research and the advancement of underrepresented minority scientists. The program will help publicize the lecturer's work and career development to the physics community, especially among minority physics students. The Lectureship consists of a stipend of $5,000 plus support for travel to an APS meeting where the recipient will receive the award and give a presentation. In addition, the lecturer should arrange to give up to three additional talks at academic institutions where the impact of the visit on minority students would be significant. The purpose of these visits would be to deliver technical lectures or lectures about his/her specialty, to visit classrooms when appropriate, to assist the college/university in pre-college outreach efforts where appropriate, and to talk informally with both faculty and students about research and teaching careers in physics. Financial support will also be provided for travel to these lectures. It will be presented annually.

The Burg-Coleman Iowa State 77 ACI Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in civil engineering focused on concrete structures or materials. Recipients receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, recognition in Concrete International magazine, and coverage of travel costs for two ACI conventions. Open to international students attending institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, this fellowship fosters the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry.

The ASNT Foundation: Charles Hellier III Scholarship aims to support students pursuing studies in nondestructive testing (NDT). This scholarship honors Charles Hellier III, a pioneering figure in the NDT community, and provides financial assistance to aspiring professionals. The Foundation also engages in research, workforce development, and offers scholarships to enhance education in NDT, ensuring that individuals are well-prepared for careers in this vital field.

Village of the Living Dead Kenneth Fulton Memorial Scholarship

Kenneth Fulton was a member of the St. Charles Haunted House since its very beginning in 1985 until his passing at the haunted house in 1998. He volunteered and also brought along with him his kids and brothers to volunteer as well. Ken was a quiet gentle man that loved what the haunted house stood for and who it was all about – the kids. His favorite character to play was Michael Myers. He was tall and quiet and was able to scare the patrons with his eerie silence. He loved the members of the haunted house as his own family. He is greatly missed and would be so proud to be a part of this scholarship.  

Evaluation Criteria

• Community service (50)
• Financial need (25)
• Letters of recommendation from two volunteer organizations (13)
• Extracurricular/school activities (12)

The ASNT Foundation offers the Robert B. Oliver Scholarship to support students enrolled in Nondestructive Testing (NDT) programs at U.S. institutions. With a funding amount of $2,500, the scholarship is awarded to students presenting the best original manuscript on NDT. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and workforce development in the nondestructive testing field, promoting research and training for future professionals.

The Cooperative Education Fund, managed by the Cooperative Development Foundation, offers grants, scholarships, and sponsorships to support cooperative education initiatives. Annually, it allocates between $100,000 and $140,000, providing 10-15 grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Eligible applicants include cooperatives and related organizations within the U.S. The Fund prioritizes research, educational material development, and sponsorship for educational events, ensuring resources remain accessible and non-proprietary.

About

At Creative Pinellas, we believe the arts are essential to a vibrant, thriving community. Through programs, partnerships, and advocacy, we empower artists and cultural organizations across Pinellas County—enhancing quality of life, driving economic growth, and inspiring residents and visitors alike.

At Creative Pinellas, we’re all about celebrating the power of the arts to bring people together and make life better. We support local artists, spark creative experiences, and help build a cultural scene that makes Pinellas County an inspiring place to live, work, and play. From gallery shows and public art to festivals and performances, the arts play a big role in drawing visitors to the area—boosting local businesses and showcasing everything our vibrant community has to offer.

Arts Tourism Funding Program: Celebrating Pinellas County’s Creative Spirit Grant

Creative Pinellas is spearheading a transformative new arts tourism funding program designed to position Pinellas County as a premier cultural destination while strengthening its creative economy. On Tuesday, March 24, the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners approved the $500,000 program by unanimous vote. Creative Pinellas will direct the program, which is funded by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC) with outreach and event support provided by St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Clearwater Arts Alliance.

The inaugural program will fund a wide range of experiences created by artists and arts organizations selected through a competitive process. The experiences will shape a countywide, multi-week festival of the arts during Fall 2026 featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, public art, and immersive cultural experiences across beaches, parks, downtown districts, and cultural venues. It is expected to reach an estimated 2.5 million visitors during that time.

This marks the first time Creative Pinellas has distributed arts funding to support not only individual artists and nonprofits, but also for-profit arts organizations.

Award Amounts and Frequency

• The panel plans to select approximately 20-30 arts experiences, totaling $350,000 to Individual Artists and Organizations. It is possible that more or fewer experiences will be selected. Another $50,000 is planned for those selected to provide opening and closing experiences for the month of the arts.
• The panel reviewing applications will be asked to fund in two categories: individuals and organizations.
• Individual Artists may apply for $5,000 to $15,000.
• Organizations may apply for $15,000 to $50,000.
• The panel predicts to select a very limited number of arts experiences at the higher funding levels.
• All applicants acknowledge that Creative Pinellas may offer funding at a different amount than applied for.

The AAO-HNSF Health Services Research Grant provides $10,000 for one year to support research that enhances the effectiveness and appropriateness of medical practices in otolaryngology. Projects should yield clinically significant findings within the award period and can be innovative in nature. Eligible applicants include otolaryngologists from the U.S. and Canada, with support letters required from Department Chairs. Funding cannot be used for Principal Investigator salaries or clerical support, and detailed budgeting is crucial for application.

The Boston Scientific Foundation Inc. offers charitable donations to U.S. Health Care Providers (HCPs) and National Associations supporting legitimate charitable efforts. These include funding for public health education, community health research, and charitable sponsorships. Eligible applicants are encouraged to reach out to the division Grant Coordinators for inquiries or submission guidance. This initiative aims to foster community well-being and enhance health outcomes through various charitable activities.

Enhearten Micro Grant supports unseen leaders by providing funding for community-driven projects that embody values of humility, integrity, and love. Grants range from $500 to $1,000 and are awarded after a thorough review process. Enhearten aims to empower these leaders, who often lack access to traditional funding sources, by fostering reparative networks that prioritize equality and justice. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for transformative community engagement and support.

The NSF National Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Teams program aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and marketable technologies. By providing NSF-funded researchers with entrepreneurial education, mentoring, and funding, it accelerates the transformation of foundational discoveries into viable products and services. Participants engage in hands-on customer discovery and business model assessments, leading to improved product-market fit and strategic partnerships. This initiative fosters collaboration between academia and industry, enhancing the commercialization of deep technologies.

The National Scleroderma Foundation's Pre-Doctoral Summer Fellowship Award Program aims to support Ph.D. students conducting vital research on scleroderma. This initiative encourages emerging researchers by fostering their early interest in discovering the causes and potential cures of this challenging disease. By funding innovative research, the Foundation seeks to advance medical knowledge and improve the lives of those affected by scleroderma, reinforcing its commitment to finding a cure.

The Friedrich Katz Prize in Latin American and Caribbean History, awarded by the American Historical Association, honors the best book published in English on Latin America, including the Caribbean, with a prize amount of $1,000. Eligibility includes books bearing a copyright of 2024, and nominations can be submitted by authors or publishers. Winners will be announced on the AHA website in October 2025 and recognized at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

The NIH Director's Early Independence Award encourages exceptional early-career researchers to embark on independent research immediately after completing their doctoral degree or clinical training. This initiative accelerates the transition to independent research careers while supporting innovative projects across all areas of biomedical sciences. It is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research program, aiming to foster groundbreaking discoveries.

The AAO-HNSF Rande H. Lazar Health Services Research Grant offers $10,000 for one year to support research in otolaryngology. It aims to enhance participation in health services research by gathering socioeconomic data. Eligible applicants include otolaryngologists in the U.S. and Canada, including independent practitioners and residents. Projects must demonstrate clinical significance and innovation, with priority given to those that can attract further funding. Special consideration is given to research focusing on the socioeconomic impact of otolaryngology services.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics Research

Recognizes a particular recent outstanding achievement in plasma physics research.

The award consists of $5,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, and a travel reimbursement of up to $2,000 to attend the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) meeting. Information on allowable travel expenses appears here.

In the case of multiple recipients, the stipend and travel reimbursement will be divided equally.

The recipient will receive a DPP meeting registration waiver. In the event of a team larger than five (5), DPP may cap the number of registration waivers.

It will be awarded annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

Prior to 2007, this award was originally named the Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Lev D. Landau and Lyman Spitzer Jr. Award for Outstanding Contributions to Plasma Physics

Recognizes outstanding theoretical, experimental, or technical contribution(s) in plasma physics and for advancing the collaboration and unity between Europe and the United States of America by joint research or research that advances knowledge which benefits the two communities in a unique way.

The award may be given to a team or collaboration of up to four persons affiliated with either European or United States institutions.

The award consists of $4,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, and a registration fee waiver to attend the meeting at which the award is to be presented.

The person or team receiving the award will be offered an invited talk at the forthcoming annual conference of APS-DPP (usually early November) or EPS-DPP (usually end of June, or first week of July), depending on the affiliation of the recipient(s).

On years that DPP is hosting, in the event of a team larger than five (5), DPP may cap the number of registration waivers.

About the Community Foundation of Washington County

The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. Artist of Change Scholarship

Provides scholarships to deserving students in Washington County, MD whose art, charitable work, or intended career path promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, and/or justice for communities that have faced historical oppression.

The Pilcrow Foundation offers the Disaster Relief Grant to support libraries in rural areas of the United States affected by natural disasters. This grant provides $800 worth of quality, hardcover children's books to aid in rebuilding children's departments. Libraries must demonstrate a commitment to serving their communities and possess a limited operating budget. This initiative ensures that children in disaster-stricken regions have access to new books, enhancing literacy and fostering a love for reading.

The John C. Lasko Foundation Trust Grant supports the construction of worship spaces across the nation, requiring churches to fund at least 50% of the project costs. Established by John C. Lasko, the foundation aims to build enduring churches that adhere to its mission. Grants are specifically for sanctuary construction, and applicants must own the land designated for the church. Notably, funds are not available for debt repayment or non-sanctuary areas.

The AAO-HNSF Resident Research Award provides $10,000 to support innovative resident research in otolaryngology. It encourages projects that enhance patient safety and quality improvement, focusing on collaboration with preceptor investigators. Applications must include letters of support and a detailed budget. This grant aims to foster original, scientifically valid research that can significantly advance the field of otolaryngology and improve healthcare outcomes.

The Corporation Associates Seed Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, provides up to $5,000 per year for innovative projects in chemical sciences education, public engagement in the chemical industry, and safety enhancements in chemistry. This grant supports one-time initiatives that align with the goals of the ACS Committee on Corporation Associates. Note that funding excludes research, equipment purchases, travel, and illegal activities, ensuring resources are allocated to impactful educational endeavors.