Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Missouri

The Johnson Controls Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations dedicated to creating smarter, healthier, and more sustainable communities. Since 1952, the Foundation has contributed over $77 million to U.S. charities, emphasizing initiatives in education, health, and environmental protection. Eligible organizations should align with the Foundation’s priorities and demonstrate community impact, particularly in areas with a strong Johnson Controls presence. Each year, approximately $7 million is distributed to support these vital programs.

The AWWA Scholarship Program offers the GFT Forces of Change Scholarship, providing $5,000 to undergraduate or graduate engineering students passionate about advancing the water industry. This scholarship underscores AWWA's commitment to nurturing future professionals who will tackle critical infrastructure challenges. By investing in education, AWWA aims to empower the next generation to innovate and lead in water supply solutions. This initiative highlights the importance of skilled engineers in shaping a sustainable future.

The Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership honors young leaders aged 13 to 22 in North America who excel in environmental initiatives. Awardees receive a $3,000 cash prize, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact. This prestigious program fosters youth leadership and amplifies diverse voices within the environmental movement, encouraging innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges. Over the past 25 years, the awards have celebrated over 100 emerging leaders dedicated to making a difference in their communities.

The John Goddard Prize offers microgrants to empower youth-led environmental initiatives across the nation. This competitive cash prize supports ambitious young leaders seeking funding for innovative projects that promote environmental sustainability. Applications are welcomed from young people dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. By fostering creativity and action, the prize aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

About Us

The Youth Climate Justice Fund aims to support climate justice young leaders with trust-based funding, resources, and capacity strengthening, enabling them to amplify their voices and to keep their vision and influence alive.

Collectively, we have the power to ignite meaningful change and build equitable and sustainable futures. Despite the challenges posed by the current crisis, youth climate justice organizers remain determined to address current issues and explore new approaches.

Mission & Purpose

We work to strengthen existing organizing efforts and support emerging youth-led initiatives with a focus on bridging funders and organizers to enable flexible and impactful support. Through capacity strengthening and resource sharing, we empower and support young people to drive change and build a just and sustainable future.

How To Apply

The Youth Climate Justice Fund provides funding to emerging youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups through a participatory decision-making process.

The FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Idea Development Award aims to fund innovative research that enhances understanding and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The program encourages creative approaches that challenge existing paradigms and fosters impactful discoveries. A special career development option is available for early-career investigators, offering mentorship and a tailored review process to support significant research advancements.

The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) invites applications for FY2028 funding to safeguard privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. This USDA Forest Service initiative collaborates with State agencies to protect vital forest ecosystems threatened by development. Participants can ensure the preservation of traditional forest uses and public benefits such as clean water, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities. For more details, visit the USDA Forest Service website.

The AAAAI Distinguished Clinician Award honors individuals with a significant impact on allergy, asthma, and immunology. Recognizing those dedicated to patient care and clinical research, the award emphasizes excellence in diagnosing and treating allergic diseases. Recipients are selected based on their extensive clinical research and contributions to the field, including published works and presentations at national and international meetings. This prestigious recognition reflects the important role of clinicians in advancing allergy and immunology practices.

The Hope APFED/AAAAI Grant Award aims to support innovative research projects related to Eosinophilic Disorders, excluding asthma, rhinitis, and eczema. This initiative encourages collaboration between the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, providing a platform for independent researchers to secure future funding. Applicants must be AAAAI members and hold relevant academic positions, ensuring a commitment to advancing knowledge in allergy and immunology.

The FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Therapeutic/Diagnostic Research Award aims to foster innovative therapeutic and diagnostic research for Lyme disease and other tick-borne conditions. This award supports early-stage drug discovery and evaluation studies, as well as novel diagnostic methods that can be seamlessly implemented in clinical environments, ultimately enhancing patient care and quality of life.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program focuses on rehabilitating high hazard potential dams that do not meet state safety standards. Funded by FEMA, this initiative aims to protect lives and property by providing federal funds to eligible states, which then pass these funds to non-Federal governmental or nonprofit organizations. Rehabilitation involves repairing, replacing, reconstructing, or removing dams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The Robert Silman Award, presented biennially by the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation, recognizes innovative proposals in the preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment. Open to professionals in various design fields, the award encourages originality and practical applications that advance preservation in the U.S. With a funding limit of $15,000, it seeks projects that demonstrate a clear plan for dissemination and positive community impact, especially for underrepresented groups.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity

About RSVP

Established in 1971 and now one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages people ages 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers tutor children, help prepare simple taxes, assist victims of natural disasters, provide nutrition/food support, facilitate opioid and substance abuse education workshops, and serve in their communities in many other ways. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week. While serving, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers improve their own lives by staying active and civically engaged. 

Funding Priorities

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP programming is designed to meet community needs. Applicants may propose activities intended to address community needs by thoroughly explaining the unmet need and activities to be completed by volunteers to address that need. In addition, AmeriCorps is interested in programming that addresses agency priorities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP priorities for this funding opportunity are:

• Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers: Provide respite, support groups, system navigation, care coordination, and resources for older adults, including custodial grandparents, and caregivers.
• Helping Older Adults Re-enter the Workforce: Offer job readiness, mentoring, training, and remove barriers to employment for older adults (volunteers provide services, not seek jobs).
• Building Strong Families: Support parents in helping children succeed, mentor parents, connect families to resources, and strengthen community partnerships.
• Preventing and Mitigating Fraud and Scams: Use digital navigators and other strategies to protect older adults from financial fraud and exploitation, including emerging AI-driven scams.
• Reducing Homelessness: Develop or renovate affordable housing, assist people experiencing homelessness in finding and maintaining permanent housing, and address housing needs for vulnerable populations.
• Supporting Behavioral Health Initiatives: Improve mental health, reduce isolation, prevent substance use, provide harm reduction tools (Naloxone, fentanyl test strips), peer support, and recovery services.

Award Funding Requirements

Applicants must construct the budget in the following manner. The federal share of the budget must not exceed $75,000 plus up to $350 for every unduplicated volunteer, whether or not they serve in an outcome-based work plan. 

The AAAAI Allied Health Recognition Award honors non-physician members who have significantly contributed to allergy and immunology education or research. As part of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, this award emphasizes the importance of allied health professionals in advancing patient care. Eligible recipients include AAAAI Allied Health members who demonstrate excellence in their field, ensuring that contributions to the specialty are recognized and celebrated.

The AAAAI Travel Scholarship supports eligible professionals to attend the AAAAI Annual Meeting in Philadelphia from February 27 to March 2, 2026. This event features plenary sessions, workshops, and presentations on current research in allergy and immunology. The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also fosters opportunities for networking and collaboration among attendees, enhancing their knowledge and experience in the field.

The AAAAI Mentorship Award honors dedicated mentors who significantly impact the careers of trainees and colleagues in the field of allergy and immunology. By supporting and guiding more than one mentee, awardees embody the core values of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. This prestigious recognition highlights the importance of mentorship in fostering professional growth and advancing the specialty, benefiting both individuals and the broader medical community.

The AAAAI Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding contributions from members of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. This prestigious award honors those who have demonstrated long-standing commitment and service to the organization, focusing on their influence in advancing the field of allergy and immunology. Eligible recipients include senior members and past presidents, particularly those nearing retirement, thereby celebrating their dedication to the specialty and the patients they serve.

The AAAAI Distinguished Layperson Award recognizes non-medical citizens for their significant contributions to the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology. Established by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), this annual award honors individuals who have promoted public education, supported research, and influenced positive change in legislation related to allergies. This acknowledgment reflects the growing importance of citizen volunteers in advancing the specialty and improving patient care.

The Sustainable Forests and Communities Grant aims to foster environmentally and economically sustainable forest communities in the U.S., particularly where the Weyerhaeuser Family has interests. It prioritizes projects enhancing the environment, economy, and community through sustainable practices. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities operating in forested areas, focusing on integrated approaches that value forest ecosystem services. This initiative encourages local job creation, sustainable economic activities, and innovative partnerships to achieve sustainability goals.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Jeanette Zaichkin NRP Nursing Grant for Excellence and Innovation in NRP Education supports nurses dedicated to enhancing neonatal resuscitation training. This grant, offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides up to $10,000 for innovative projects addressing key gaps in transitional physiology and evidence-based practices. Eligible applicants must be current NRP Instructors and work in neonatal care settings. The initiative aims to empower nurses in teaching essential skills for successful newborn resuscitation.

The Emergency/Medical Workers Behavioral Health Fund aims to support emergency workers facing trauma and anxiety due to their roles. Established by the HealthWell Foundation, it provides financial assistance for treatment-related costs, including copayments for prescription drugs, counseling, and transportation. In 2024, the Foundation awarded over $1.2 billion to underinsured patients, ensuring no one is denied essential healthcare due to financial barriers. This initiative helps address the critical mental health needs of those who serve on the front lines.

The Paul L. Busch Award, provided by the Water Research Foundation, honors individuals for innovative research in water quality. This prestigious award supports promising researchers with a $100,000 grant to advance their work. The selection process is inclusive, with no restrictions based on race, gender, or nationality, and encourages applications from diverse candidates. Recipients are expected to collaborate with U.S.-based organizations, fostering practical applications of their research in the water environment.

The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of children by supporting health, wellness, and community initiatives. This private foundation seeks to fund 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, focusing on charitable causes. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, and applicants must meet eligibility criteria. However, the foundation does not accept applications from individuals or for non-charitable items such as autographs or game tickets.

This funding opportunity from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute aims to enhance health decision-making through comparative clinical effectiveness research, focusing on critical areas such as cancer, maternal health, and mental health. The initiative encourages robust observational studies that utilize existing data to derive patient-centered insights. Applications must address specific themes approved by PCORI and demonstrate potential benefits to the U.S. healthcare system, thus ensuring relevance and stakeholder engagement in research efforts.

The Quality of Life Grants Program, managed by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, provides funding of up to $25,000 for projects that support individuals living with paralysis. This program emphasizes community engagement and health promotion in all U.S. states and territories. It focuses on funding initiatives that directly impact those affected by various conditions, such as spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis, fostering inclusion and well-being.

The Policy Campaign Grants by the Deaconess Foundation empower organizations to drive systemic change through policy advocacy and grassroots efforts. With funding up to $100,000, these grants aim to support urgent campaigns that enhance voter engagement and community organizing. By strengthening local movements, the foundation seeks to address racial and structural inequities in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois, fostering a path towards liberation and community well-being.