Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Braslau Family Travel Grant supports degree-seeking students and early career physicists in the US to attend APS March or April Meetings. Established in 2016, it honors the Braslau brothers, both distinguished scientists. Grants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, prioritize applicants lacking financial support, particularly underrepresented minorities and women. Funds are disbursed post-meeting, contingent on required documentation. This initiative fosters professional and academic interactions crucial for emerging physicists.

The National Facilities program, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides essential research capabilities through specialized user facilities across various scientific disciplines including biology, chemistry, and physics. These facilities offer advanced instrumentation and resources for research in high magnetic fields and nanofabrication. They not only support scientists and engineers but also engage students and teachers through educational initiatives, enhancing public awareness and contributing to curriculum development.

The Edith J. Goode Residuary Trust Grant supports organizations focused on preventing cruelty to animals. Letters of inquiry are accepted from February 1 to May 1, leading to a formal application process for selected organizations. The 2024 focus areas include programs assisting pets of unhoused populations, domestic violence assistance that allows caretakers and animals to leave together, and parrot rescues. Grants are one-time awards based on organizational fit with donor intent and social impact.

The Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists honor exceptional faculty-rank scientists and engineers in the U.S. Recognizing achievements in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemical Sciences, each Laureate receives $250,000 in unrestricted funds. Nominations come from a select group of institutions and previous Laureates, emphasizing innovation and impact. The awards celebrate the future potential of young researchers, fostering diversity in STEM fields. The ceremony takes place annually in New York City.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund Grant, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, aims to enrich the cultural landscape of metropolitan Baltimore. Established in 1964, the fund supports various arts and culture initiatives, focusing on organizational effectiveness and community engagement. Grants range from $1,500 to $45,000, prioritizing inclusive and innovative programming that fosters collaboration among cultural organizations, supports local artists, and enhances the community's sense of identity.

Dwight Nicholson Medal for Outreach

This award recognizes the humanitarian aspect of physics and physicists created through public lectures and public media, teaching, research, or science related activities. Recognition consists of a stipend of $3,000, Nicholson medal, and a certificate which includes the citation for which the recipient has been recognized. Up to $1,500 will be available for the recipient's travel expenses to the meeting at which the Medal is presented. It will be presented annually.

About Us

Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Its mission is: dedicated to the belief that in the profession of medicine we will improve care for all by:

• recognizing high educational achievement;
• honoring gifted teaching;
• encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community;
• supporting the ideals of humanism; and
• promoting service to others.

Medical Student Service Leadership Project Grant

AΩA is committed to preparing future leaders in medicine and health care. Leadership is about making a positive difference and can be developed through education, observation, experience, and by working with leader mentors. Service learning provides excellent opportunities for students to develop as servant leaders. Only one team from each school may be nominated.The Grant

The grant is a $9,000, two-year grant – $5,000 the first year, and $4,000 the second year. The grant will be paid to the sponsoring institution. 

The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program supports early-career faculty in research and education, fostering academic leadership. It encourages proposals from diverse candidates, enhancing STEM equity. Awardees may be nominated for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), recognizing innovative research and community service. These awards underscore the importance of science and technology for the nation's future, aiming to connect fundamental research with national goals.

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. 

Patterson Graff Educational Fund

This scholarship fund will support females in furthering their education, in any field, to reach their educational goals.

The National Science Foundation is piloting a no-deadline submission process for the Division of Chemistry's CLP, CSDM-A, and CTMC Programs. This initiative aims to enhance flexibility for principal investigators and promote interdisciplinary research. However, it may also present challenges and unintended consequences for PIs, reviewers, and institutions. Proposals can be submitted at any time, although certain exceptions apply, including specific deadlines for CAREER proposals and RUI/ROA solicitations.

The PhRMA Foundation's Translational Medicine Predoctoral Fellowship supports promising students engaged in advanced stages of thesis research in translational medicine. The program focuses on innovative research that translates laboratory discoveries into practical applications that enhance patient care. It provides $30,000 in stipend support per year, conditional upon the awardee's ongoing university enrollment. This fellowship seeks to foster a new generation of researchers dedicated to improving health outcomes through rigorous scientific inquiry.

The Simons Foundation's Scientific Software Research Faculty Award supports faculty positions focusing on scientific software development in mathematics and physics. It aims to enhance research capabilities by providing five years of salary support and a $50,000 yearly research allowance. Awardees must have a Ph.D. and demonstrate leadership in scientific software. This initiative addresses the career limitations faced by software experts and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

The Senior Chemists Mini Grant for Local Sections, offered by the American Chemical Society, is designed to support local events that engage senior members in innovative activities. Grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and funding can be used for various events including recognition luncheons, mentoring for undergraduates, collaborative activities with younger chemists, and community support events such as science fairs.

The CORE Funding - AHNS/AAO-HNSF Young Investigator Research Development Award offers $50,000 over two years to support early-career head and neck surgeons in developing research skills in neoplastic disease. This award encourages collaborative projects and requires applicants to submit a detailed budget and letters of support from key personnel. Priority is given to junior faculty and those introducing innovative methodologies. This funding serves as a stepping stone for future NIH grant applications.

The Early Career Postdoctoral-Faculty Bridge Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, supports postdoctoral fellows or new faculty members in their first 9 months as they establish independent research careers in green and sustainable chemistry. This grant provides funding for up to two years, covering salary, benefits, and travel expenses for a postdoctoral associate. The program aims to foster mentorship and training, ensuring a strong foundation for future academic success.

The Albert J. Beveridge Grant for Research in the Western Hemisphere, awarded by the American Historical Association, supports research on the history of the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Grants, funded by the Beveridge Memorial Fund, are available annually and can cover various research expenses, including travel and access fees. Preference is given to advanced doctoral students and non-tenured faculty. Eligibility is limited to AHA members, ensuring a focus on high-quality historical scholarship.

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.

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. Barry W. McAllister Scholarship Fund

Created in memory of Barry W. McAllister to celebrate his lifelong love of farming and agriculture, this scholarship is available to participants in Washington County 4-H programs. Please see your 4-H advisor for more information.

The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program, funded by Wild Ones, supports projects that foster an appreciation for nature through native plants and natural landscapes. Since 1977, it has empowered schools and nature centers to create educational gardens that engage students and volunteers. Eligible projects include pollinator and rain gardens, tallgrass prairies, and sensory playgrounds, all designed to enhance ecological understanding. Funding is specifically for the purchase of native plants and seeds, promoting sustainable community involvement.

The Gene Haas Foundation offers the Secondary Level Program Scholarship to promote education in CNC machining. This initiative aims to enhance manufacturing education and support local organizations improving community quality of life. The foundation has contributed over $225 million since 1999, focusing on scholarships and training programs for students. It also sponsors robotics and racing teams, ensuring hands-on experience for participants. Grants are awarded exclusively to tax-exempt entities, facilitating educational growth and community engagement.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Clinton Presidential Research Fellowship, offered by the Clinton Presidential Library and the Clinton Foundation, supports graduate students and early career academics in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship enables research into President Clinton's administration and its legacy. Annual funding ranges from $1,250 to $5,000 USD, encouraging students and scholars to delve into American history and presidential legacies. Applications are invited from current graduate students or those who have earned a PhD within the last eight years.

The ACLS Project Grants for HBCU Faculty provide up to $10,000 to support early-stage project design and development over a 12- to 15-month period. This funding facilitates exploratory research and the advancement of existing projects, while offering networking and mentorship opportunities. Applicants must be employed at an HBCU and possess an MA or PhD in humanities or social sciences. The initiative encourages innovative research methods and community engagement, with a focus on higher education outcomes.

Nebraska Humanities Council

The mission of Humanities Nebraska is to help people explore what connects us and makes us human.

There are two organizations that fall under the Humanities Nebraska umbrella — the Nebraska Humanities Council is the entity that conducts programs and makes grants. The Nebraska Foundation for the Humanities works with the Council to secure private funding and advocate for public funding at the state and federal levels to support these programs. A third organization, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, serves as the endowment for both Humanities Nebraska and the Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency.

Sower Award in the Humanities

Humanities Nebraska presents the Sower Award in the Humanities annually to honor an individual who has made a significant contribution to the public understanding of the humanities in Nebraska. This contribution can be made through any combination of time, expertise, or resources. The selection committee will consider how nominees have helped enrich the lives of Nebraskans through the humanities: history, literature, culture, philosophy, and all the ways we explore what it means to be human.

Each year, the Sower Award in the Humanities is presented prior to the annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities. The award recipient must be present. In some past years the Sower Award was presented to organizations or communities; as of 2016, only individuals are eligible for nomination. Current board and staff members of Humanities Nebraska are not eligible.

Previous honorees have included:

• Talented humanities faculty who have taken the humanities to the public beyond their classroom;
• Committed volunteers dedicating their time and energy to enhancing the cultural life of Nebraska;
• Thoughtful journalists and filmmakers bringing the humanities to bear on important public issues;
• Generous philanthropists who have directed significant financial support to humanities-related programs and projects accessible by Nebraskans

The Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics (MMS) Program by the National Science Foundation (NSF) promotes innovative analytical and statistical methodologies for social, behavioral, and economic sciences. It offers various funding mechanisms, including Regular Research Awards, Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement (DDRI), and Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) grants. The program aims to enhance the utility of official statistics through collaborative research and supports early career development initiatives.

The ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowships provide financial support ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 for faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to advance their research projects. The fellowships encourage innovative research outcomes, including scholarly articles and community-engaged projects. Awardees also benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities, with additional funding for their institutions to support humanities programming. This initiative promotes diverse scholarship and collaboration across disciplines, enhancing the academic landscape for HBCU faculty.

The AAAE Women in Aviation Scholarship, offered by the AAAE Foundation, provides seven awards of $5,000 each to support female students in aviation programs at accredited institutions in the U.S. and Canada. Eligibility requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and involvement in community activities. Recipients are selected based on gender, academic achievement, financial need, and a personal statement. Awards are non-renewable and subject to change.