Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Missouri

Stealth Biotherapeutics offers grants and sponsorships aimed at enhancing healthcare education for providers and patient communities. These funding opportunities focus on innovative programs that address rare genetic disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and ophthalmic disorders. To apply, requests must be submitted 60 days prior to the funding start date, ensuring alignment with the therapeutic interests of the organization while providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Pastor Otis L. Cobbins, Sr. Memorial Scholarship

The Pastor Otis L. Cobbins, Sr. Memorial Scholarship honors a young individual(s) who is furthering their education and exemplifies the attributes of Pastor Cobbins, Sr. These attributes include: honest; integrity; hard working; strong character; love of humanity; servant to community and family; trustworthy; and committed.

Who We Are

The Unitarian Universalist Funding Program (UUFP) is a denominational grantmaking program of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Inspired by the richness and diversity of our liberal religious tradition, the mission of the UUFP is to promote the influence of Unitarian Universalist principles through grantmaking.

With funds generously provided by the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock, the UUFP awards grants to Unitarian Universalist (UU) and non-UU projects and organizations. Grants are made that:

• Support the work of social justice.
• Strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions.
• Transform gratitude for being into generosity of living.

Get Out The Vote - 2026

The Fund for UU Social Responsibility has increased funding for grants to UU congregations and organizations working to Get Out The Vote in 2026. Grants of up to $1,000 will be made on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.  

Please note that funds must go to a UU congregation or organization for the work by UUs of the organization. The funds may not be passed through to another organization. Collaboration and partnerships are encouraged.

UU congregations and organizations frequently support the democratic process in an election cycle in a non-partisan* manner by participating in voter registration drives, organizing to stop voter suppression, providing non-partisan educational materials or forums for voters, or by volunteering to help registered voters get to the polls on election day.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs has announced $11 million for a cooperative agreement to combat unfair labor practices and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in Indonesia and the Philippines. This initiative aims to protect American seafood workers by improving labor enforcement and addressing abusive practices in the global seafood supply chain, ultimately ensuring a fair competitive environment for U.S. businesses and their workers.

The Clinton and Nancy Schilling Technical Educational Grant Program, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance vocational and technical education in the Tri-County area (Jasper, Barton, and Dade counties). With a total funding of $200,000, grants of up to $50,000 are available for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations or IRS-approved entities that support educational initiatives. Priorities include classroom equipment, curriculum development, and educator stipends.

Charlotte Street

What We Do

• Provide annual cash awards, project based grants, special commissions and specific travel opportunities to visual and generative performing artists
• Provide free studios and performance and exhibition spaces to theater, dance, music, film/video and visual artists for the creation and presentation of new work
• Facilitate venues and opportunities for public exposure to these exhibitions and performances, and facilitate artistic collaboration and exchange
• Plan and collaborate on behalf of Kansas City artists and the arts community with philanthropic, business and civic leaders
• Engage national philanthropic and cultural leaders with Kansas City artists and the arts community

Creative Confluence Fund: Strengthening Arts-Engaged Organizations

ArtsKC, Charlotte Street, and the Hall Family Foundation are requesting proposals for capacity-building support for art-focused, small organizations (annual budget at or below $500,000) located or serving key geographic areas that represent a broad swath of art forms, offering accessible programming to our community. 

Selected organizations will represent diverse artistic disciplines and forms of social engagement and must provide accessible programming for communities in the geographic areas of the Historic Northeast, Eastside Kansas City, and Northeast Wyandotte County.

• Fifteen arts-engaged organizations will receive $15,000 in unrestricted funding per year for two years.
• ArtsKC will provide capacity-building assessments, subject matter experts, and project implementation support (value of up to $10,000 per year per organization).
• Grantees will be expected to work with ArtsKC to carry out their capacity-building initiatives as well as share learnings with other awardees in a cohort model, which may include artist awardees as well.
• Documentation, evaluation, and/or presentations on projects will be required.

This project seeks to build organizations’ long-term viability, including growing community engagement, stabilizing finances and personnel, identifying and resolving organizational needs, strategic planning, developing evaluation metrics and competencies, or other identified priorities. 

The "Opportunities for Collaborative Research with the NIH Intramural Research Program (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)" aims to foster partnerships between NIH intramural and extramural researchers. This initiative supports translational research projects that bridge basic biological discoveries and clinical applications, enhancing health outcomes. By encouraging collaborations, it seeks to accelerate the development of new therapies and prevention strategies, leveraging unique NIH resources to strengthen scientific innovation and address critical disease processes.

The ASM Minority Travel Award aims to enhance diversity in microbial sciences by supporting faculty from underrepresented institutions, including community colleges and historically black colleges. This initiative ensures that diverse perspectives are included in the field, fostering a richer academic environment. Awardees receive complimentary registration and housing for ASM Microbe 2026, promoting professional development and networking opportunities in microbiology.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Coastal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

Investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to build a brighter future—but for many students, the rising cost of college can be a major barrier. In fact, U.S. News & World Report notes that tuition has steadily increased over the past two decades, often outpacing inflation. That’s why credit unions across the Carolinas are proud to support students through meaningful financial assistance.

About the Scholarship

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Fund is designed to ease the financial burden of higher education for students who are members of credit unions in North or South Carolina. This fund supports scholarships for several credit unions in the region, including Coastal, helping students pursue their academic and career goals with less financial stress.

Whether you're heading to a four-year university, community college, or technical school, this scholarship could help cover tuition, books, or other education-related expenses. This scholarship program is more than just financial aid—it’s a reflection of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” By supporting students in our communities, we’re investing in future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Champion Credit Union A. Roland Leatherwood Memorial Scholarship

At Champion Credit Union, education and financial wellness are at the core of our mission. We are proud to award multiple scholarships each year to assist high school seniors within our field of membership who want to further their education by attending a community college or university.

We have partnered with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to offer a simple application process with an easy-to-manage portal for the scholarship applications. An applicant who does not receive a scholarship award from Champion Credit Union is automatically entered in the scholarship pool to receive additional scholarship awards from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.  

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union Community Service Scholarship

Carolina Trust actively demonstrates the credit union philosophy People Helping People in the communities we serve. We are honored to partner with several organizations to provide deserving students with financial assistance to achieve their higher education goals.

Scholarship Amount:

• $5,000.00

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

At Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union, we are firmly rooted in the belief that an educated consumer makes wiser choices and builds a more financially stable community. Advanced education, past high school is one way our members can work towards their own personal wealth goals. Since 2015, we have awarded over $53,000 in scholarships. 

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Allegacy Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

If you’re an Allegacy member pursuing an undergraduate degree, the Allegacy Scholarship Program may be able to provide financial assistance to help you reach your educational goals. Allegacy is proud to partner with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to administer awards up to $10,000 per year to deserving students.

The PEN Translation Prize, awarded annually by PEN America since 1963, recognizes outstanding book-length prose translations into English. A $3,000 prize is conferred to the winning translator, celebrating the art of literary translation. Eligible works must be original translations published by U.S. trade publishers within the calendar year. This award highlights the importance of cross-cultural literature by honoring translators who bridge language barriers, fostering appreciation for diverse voices in the literary community.

The HuFriedyGroup/Esther Wilkins Instrument Scholarships, sponsored by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), support students enrolled in accredited dental hygiene programs in the U.S. This scholarship provides recipients with up to $1,000 worth of dental hygiene instruments of their choice. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be ADHA members. This initiative seeks to enhance educational opportunities and promote professional growth among future dental hygienists.

The George & Elizabeth Davis Trusts Grant provides funding for Protestant charitable and religious institutions in Kansas City, Missouri. It supports general operating and program needs, but not capital requests. Grants last for one year, ensuring that organizations can sustain and enhance their services. This grant aims to promote the development of community-focused initiatives in the region, fostering a stronger support network for local religious institutions.

The Recordings at Risk Grant, administered by CLIR, supports the preservation of rare audio and audiovisual media of scholarly value through digital reformatting. With funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the program aims to award $6.75 million across twelve competitions, offering grants between $10,000 and $50,000. It encourages U.S. nonprofit institutions to preserve vulnerable media, helping them to develop strategies for effective digital reformatting and promoting best preservation practices.

The Change Lab Research Fellow - Civic Engagement position at Forecast Public Art invites talented individuals to explore the intersection of public art and civic engagement. This six-month fellowship offers a $5,000 stipend for research aimed at fostering democratic participation through public art. The selected Fellow will conduct in-depth research, develop a public-facing report, and contribute to a national public art policy platform focused on justice and human dignity.

The FY 2025 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs aim to enhance economic growth and resilience in distressed communities. EDA invites ongoing applications for funding, focusing on innovative approaches that leverage regional strengths. The updated NOFO emphasizes timely reviews and outlines submission procedures for core programs under the Public Works and Economic Development Act. Grantees are encouraged to develop unique initiatives that foster lasting economic prosperity.

This grant aims to address drug shortages by exploring the landscape of products susceptible to health fraud and finding ways for outsourcing facilities to fulfill these needs. By funding research and development, the initiative seeks to enhance the production of critical medications, thereby stabilizing the drug supply chain and protecting public health from fraud-related risks.

The Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, a private funder, established the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Endowment to support local RMHC Chapters in the U.S. and Canada that lack adequate backing from Alpha Delta Pi collegiate or alumnae associations. Since 1979, over $22 million has been contributed to RMHC, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 available for houses, renovations, and family room expansions, fostering a strong philanthropic partnership.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

The Sally Ann Forrester Scholarship

The Sally Ann Forrester College Scholarship is a $1,000 – $2,000 scholarship awarded to a female bluegrass musician. Students may be majoring in any subject, including bluegrass music. The IBMA Foundation administers the scholarship, which is funded by an endowment at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Sally Ann Forrester played accordion and sang as a member of Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys from 1943-1946, thus becoming the first female professional bluegrass musician in history.

The Gloria Belle Memorial Scholarship, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors pioneering bluegrass musician Gloria Bernadette Flickinger. This $1,000 annual scholarship supports students engaged in the bluegrass music community, either as performers or in supportive roles. With over $25,000 raised since June 2024, the scholarship aims to expand funding to $2,000 annually by 2025, promoting education and participation in bluegrass music.

LeRoy T. Walker

LeRoy T. Walker (June 14, 1918 – April 23, 2012) was an icon. A noted author, professor, coach, and administrator in the disciplines of physical education and athletics, he was a barrier-breaking and remarkable human being who was dedicated to promoting and uplifting young people.

Walker was Chancellor Emeritus of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC. He was elected President of the Athletics Congress (now USA Track & Field), the national governing body of USA Track & Field. Walker was elected President Emeritus of the United States' Olympic Committee (the first and only American to hold this position) and was a former president of AAHPERD (from 1977-1978, also the first African American to be elected to this position). Walker was inducted as a member into 17 Halls of Fame, awarded 16 Honorary Doctorates from a variety of institutions, and received numerous awards, including the Luther H. Gulick Award (1982), SHAPE America's highest honor.

The LeRoy T. Walker Young Professional Award

The LeRoy T. Walker Young Professional Award is given to a minority member of SHAPE America who is 36 years old or younger who has demonstrated superior promise in the areas of service, teaching, scholarship and commitment to the goals of SHAPE America focusing specifically on under-represented and/or underserved populations and promotion of diversity and inclusiveness. Not more than one LeRoy Walker Young Professional award shall be given annually.

The Amy Heryford Ousley and James Heryford Ousley Educational Fund, established in 2005, provides scholarships to Klamath and Lake County students attending nonprofit colleges in the U.S. The fund, initially valued at $6.5 million, has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships. Eligible students must have attended a Klamath County high school for four years, maintain a minimum GPA, and enroll as full-time students. Scholarships can reach up to $3,000 annually for up to five years.

The General Montgomery (Monty) C. Meigs Scholarship, offered by the Folded Flag Foundation, honors individuals who embody Monty Meigs' exceptional leadership and dedication. This scholarship is available to high school and college students who display academic excellence and commitment to service. Applicants must submit academic records, a recommendation letter, and a personal essay. Designed to support the next generation of leaders, this scholarship reflects Monty's legacy of service and achievement.

The Union Plus Scholarship, offered by the Union Plus Education Foundation, supports students from working families pursuing post-secondary education. Since its inception in 1991, over $5.6 million has been awarded to more than 4,000 beneficiaries. Scholarships range between $500 and $4,000 for studies starting in Fall 2025. Applicants must be current or retired union members, their spouses, or dependent children, ensuring access to higher education for diverse families across the U.S. and Canada.