Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Missouri

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Cornell Goodman Scholarship

Adam and Gina Goodman created this scholarship fund in 2011 to honor the memory of Adam’s grandfathers Maurice V. Cornell and Bertram Goodman, longtime residents of the Marion area.

Maurice (1912-2001) was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and The Ohio State University. He held membership in Lombda Chi Alpha fraternity, Elks Lodge #32, 32nd degree Mason, Rotary, First Presbyterian Church, the Marion Country Club, and Symposiarchs. He served in the US Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. He was vice president of Marion Power Shovel for eight years and retired as the regional manager of Bucyrus-Erie Co. after 10 years.

Bertram (1921-2003) was an orthodontist in Marion from 1946-1980. He was a US Navy veteran who served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Marion Lions Club and Temple Israel.

The scholarship supports students who have attended a high school in Marion County. The fund gives special consideration to students pursuing a college degree in a business-oriented field, such as accounting, economics, finance, or marketing. Recipients must rank in the upper 25th percentile of their high school graduating class, or, if in college, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.

The Liv A Life of Love Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support high school seniors from various local schools who are pursuing a major in Health Science. With a scholarship amount of $1,200, applicants must demonstrate community service involvement, submit an essay, and provide a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 along with financial need documentation. This initiative empowers students to further their education while contributing positively to their communities.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. McBride Family Scholarship

Created in memory of the late Doris Elaine McBride (1928-2022), the McBride Family Scholarship Fund was created by Russ & Marilyn McBride in 2023.  Applicant should have attended any Marion County high school and will major in education, medicine, or health care.

The Chris Bell Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $3,000 scholarship for graduating high school seniors from Springfield public schools. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.8 or higher and an ACT score of 26 or above, along with a transcript. A compelling essay and a letter of recommendation are also required. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited four-year colleges or universities.

The Boesl-Gentry Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support graduating high school seniors from specific schools pursuing studies in Ministry or related fields. This $1,200 scholarship requires an essay and a letter of recommendation. Eligible students must apply to accredited post-secondary institutions and provide transcripts. The foundation is committed to enhancing community quality of life through various initiatives, underscoring values of integrity, respect, leadership, and vision.

The Kevin T. Riedel Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support young individuals from the Las Cruces area in pursuing higher education. This scholarship is open to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those identifying as BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, and students with disabilities. It encompasses various educational paths, including vocational and professional certifications, ensuring accessibility for all committed learners seeking to enhance their academic and professional journeys.

The McMichael Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports women over 21 who are residents of Crown Point, IN. This non-renewable scholarship is designed for college students and adult learners, providing financial assistance to help meet various educational needs. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, tailoring support to the specific criteria set by generous donors, thereby enriching the quality of life in South Lake County.

The Alvin & Kathryn Schmidt Scholarship, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports adult learners, particularly women aged 21 and older returning to education. This non-renewable scholarship emphasizes the importance of education for residents of Crown Point, IN, and aims to enhance their quality of life by providing essential financial assistance. The scholarship committee evaluates applications based on criteria set by generous community donors, ensuring tailored support for individual needs.

The Harold Cousland Fund for Young Journalists Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support aspiring journalists pursuing various educational paths. This scholarship is open to students from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Southern New Mexico, the fund seeks to empower the next generation of storytellers and media professionals.

The Charles and Marjorie Quickle Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports South Lake County residents pursuing degrees in divinity, theology, or religious ministry. This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult learners, with the ability to reapply annually. It aims to enhance educational opportunities while fostering community growth and engagement.

The Crown Point Community Foundation Scholarships support graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult learners from Crown Point, Winfield, Cedar Lake, or Lowell. With over 80 scholarship funds established by local donors, the foundation ensures financial assistance is tailored to community needs. Eligible applicants may attend colleges, universities, or vocational schools, but the scholarships are non-renewable. This initiative enriches the quality of life in South Lake County by maximizing charitable giving.

The Crown Point Youth Baseball Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school students from Crown Point who have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and have participated in Crown Point Cal Ripken Baseball for at least three years. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to enhance educational opportunities for local youth, fostering community engagement and growth through sports participation and academic achievement.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Harold W. Hall Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years.

The Marion Rotary Club Harold Hall Scholarship was created in 2024. It honors the late Harold Hall, philanthropist and businessman. His scholarship provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors who have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club Scholarship

For more than 110 years, Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world. Rotary links 1.2 million members to form an organization of international scope. It started in 1905 with the vision of one man, Paul Harris, in Chicago. He formed Rotary so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. Rotary is truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today, members in nearly every country are committed to service.

Locally, the Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years. 

The Marion Rotary Club’s Scholarship Fund migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It provides scholarship support for Marion County high school seniors.

BASF Corporation, a leading chemical company based in Florham Park, New Jersey, is committed to charitable giving that aligns with its corporate social responsibility goals. The focus areas include science education, environmental sustainability, and health and safety. Donations are only made to eligible non-profit organizations under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that contributions support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in BASF communities and promote a sustainable future.

The John Coleman Prince, American Legion Post 9 Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports graduating high school seniors from New London. This $1,000 award honors veteran Anthony John "Tony" Basilica and encourages civic engagement through postsecondary education. Eligible students must demonstrate interest in community activities like NJROTC or scouting, paving the way for a brighter future through higher education.

The Joan & Bob Rutman Scholarship, established in 2001 by longtime New London residents, aims to support graduating high school seniors from various Connecticut towns in pursuing four-year degrees. With an approximate award of $4,000, this scholarship reflects the Rutmans' commitment to giving back to their community. Financial need is taken into consideration, ensuring that deserving students receive the assistance they need to further their education and build successful careers.

The Harold Dean Wade Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors a dedicated Christian educator who believed in the transformative power of education. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Texas and Oklahoma who plan to attend Christian colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must rank in the top 15% of their class, ensuring that deserving students continue to pursue their academic dreams while upholding Harold's legacy of service and education.

The Gilbert Cook Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors Gilbert Cook, a devoted community leader and philanthropist. This scholarship aims to support graduating seniors from local high schools planning to attend accredited colleges or universities. Through this initiative, the foundation continues its mission of fostering educational opportunities and empowering students to achieve their dreams, thereby contributing to a thriving Abilene community.

The Catherine Aileen Smith-Jones Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports graduating high school seniors who are members of Holy Family Catholic Church and plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States. This scholarship honors Cathy Smith-Jones, who valued community, resilience, and the gift of life, leaving a lasting legacy through her organ donations and commitment to helping others.

The Ashley and Sarah Abel Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors two sisters who cherished their bond and creativity. Designed for graduates or undergraduates from Region 14 high schools pursuing careers in English, literature, or communications, this scholarship reflects the sisters' dedication to education and artistic expression. It aims to support students in achieving their college dreams, continuing the legacy of Ashley and Sara Abel's passion for learning and community involvement.

The Gilbert W. Mead III Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut who show talent in the Arts and have financial need. Offering an award of $500, the scholarship aims to assist these students in pursuing their educational goals. Priority is given to those with physical limitations or disabilities, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to inclusive education since 1983.

The Gunvor Lund Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, awards between $500 and $2,000 to students from Southeastern Connecticut pursuing studies in engineering or the sciences. Since 1983, over $11.9 million has been distributed through various funds to support students in their educational journeys. Scholarship awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, aiding students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The United Nations Association of Connecticut Scholarship, managed by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provides financial support ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for current high school students in Connecticut. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, engage in international issues, participate in Model UN or similar programs, and study a foreign language. This initiative aims to empower students committed to global citizenship while ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities.

The Tim Considine Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, offers two $1,250 scholarships for Torrington residents who are high school seniors or vocational technical students aiming for university admission. Preference is given to those involved in organized sports and faith-based activities, highlighting academic achievement and character through community service. This scholarship is non-need-based, ensuring accessibility for dedicated students.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Buckhorn Tavern Scholarship Fund

Scholarships are awarded to Socorro County residents studying to complete their GED or HiSet. Other considerations will be given to nontraditional students pursuing a degree in a vocational learning institution

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Catherine Ferguson Scholarship

For more than 110 years, Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world. Rotary links 1.2 million members to form an organization of international scope. It started in 1905 with the vision of one man, Paul Harris, in Chicago. He formed Rotary so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. Rotary is truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today, members in nearly every country are committed to service.

Locally, the Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years. 

The Marion Rotary Club Catherine Ferguson Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Catherine Ferguson, the first woman inducted into the Marion Rotary Club and its long-standing club secretary. It provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.