Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

The Dean Madison Basketball Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards a $500 scholarship to a senior basketball player from Beatrice High School who plans to pursue higher education. This scholarship emphasizes leadership, hustle, and sportsmanship, both on and off the court. The Foundation, established in 1987, manages a $3.8 million endowment to support educational opportunities, providing over $55,000 annually in scholarships to deserving students.

The Martin, Lucas Scholarship, provided by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior male from Beatrice High School. Eligible students must have participated in soccer during their junior and senior years and demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork. One reference letter must come from the head boys soccer coach, and financial need will be considered. The Foundation aims to support students seeking higher education.

The Masonic Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $500 award to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School. This scholarship recognizes good citizenship and moral character without requiring academic standing or financial need. It can be used at any accredited institution of higher learning, with a preference given to children of Masons or members of Jobs Daughters and Demoley. This initiative supports students aiming to further their education.

The Mcnenny, George W. Scholarship offers a $500 award to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School pursuing careers in art or architecture. Established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this scholarship requires high academic achievement and exemplary citizenship, along with a faculty recommendation. The Foundation, founded in 1987, provides financial support to enhance educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District, managing a $3.8 million Endowment Fund to grant over $55,000 annually in scholarships.

The Wexner Field Fellowship is a three-year program aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of Jewish professionals in North America. Participants engage in leadership institutes, receive personalized coaching, and gain access to professional development funds. This fellowship fosters a robust network of leaders committed to serving the Jewish community, encouraging a deeper understanding of its diversity and strengthening essential leadership competencies. Eligible candidates must be full-time employees at Jewish organizations with at least five years of relevant experience.

The Pethoud Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School. One scholarship is designated for a student who has played softball for at least two years, while the second is for a senior aspiring to enter the medical field. Both candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, ensuring support for deserving students pursuing higher education.

The Ken Reed Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides $500 to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend the UN-L College of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources or the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Established in 1987, the Foundation aims to support educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District by awarding over $55,000 annually in scholarships.

The Frances V. Fellwock Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides two $7,000 scholarships to Beatrice High School seniors. One is awarded for scholastic achievement, while the other focuses on financial need. The scholarships support tuition and educational expenses for those pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Applicants must demonstrate high moral character and academic excellence, and a FAFSA Student Aid Report is required for the financial need consideration. Awards are made based on specific eligibility guidelines.

The Paddock Lane P.T.O Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support Beatrice High School seniors pursuing higher education. Each year, three scholarships of $300 are awarded to students who have completed 5th grade at Paddock Lane Elementary School. With a strong commitment to education, the foundation provides essential funds to ensure that deserving students can access opportunities for academic advancement.

The Manes, Max Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a career in Accounting, or a business student with a numerical focus if no accounting candidates are available. Established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this scholarship aims to support students with a minimum 3.5 GPA, good citizenship, and a strong work ethic. Preference is given to students engaged in community and school activities.

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation (BKCFF)

Brad Keselowski is a co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, where he drives the #6 Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Off-track, Brad is the sole owner and founder of Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing as well as Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation's president and founder. 

In 2009, Brad visited Walter Reed Medical Center, where he became inspired to give back to the men and women that answered the call to serve our country and were injured in the line of duty. Consequently, he founded BKCFF in 2010 with the mission to honor and assist those who serve. Since its founding, BKCFF has raised upright of $3.8 million to serve this mission.  

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation Grant Program

BKCFF was established to support those who are suffering financial, medical, or other hardship resulting from service to the United States or communities within. Funding decisions are made through an equitable and comprehensive application process, with financial support directed to 501(c)(3) public charities that provide services to our target constituents.

The purpose of the grant program is to empower and give hope to our nation’s heroes: military professionals, veterans, first responders, and others who provide courageous service and sacrifice. BKCFF requires all organizations seeking a grant to complete a comprehensive application, which is available on the Foundation’s website or can be requested by contacting the Foundation directly.  

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the participation of older adults in the Senior Nutrition Program by focusing on preventative health initiatives. The project seeks to build capacity through statewide efforts, develop shared resources for program sustainability, and foster collaboration among senior nutrition programs and key organizations. By achieving these goals, the initiative will improve health outcomes and strengthen community ties for older adults.

The Gladys and Thomas “T.B.” Stewart Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Smith County and nearby districts pursuing education at any U.S. college. Established to empower students through financial assistance, this renewable scholarship requires FAFSA documentation to assess financial need. The foundation was created in 1989, promoting educational opportunities in East Texas, reflecting the commitment of its founders to uplift local youth through academic achievement.

Merrily Jane Lloyd Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior residing in the greater Albion area with plans to attend a two- or four-year institution as a full-time student. Concord, Homer, Marshall, Marshall Opportunity, Marshall Academy, and Springport High Schools may each nominate one student whom demonstrates the characteristics that Merrily embodied: dignity, class, grace, compassion and selflessness. The committee will then select a recipient from this pool of nominees. Financial need and involvement in co- and extra-curricular activities such as, but not limited to, employment and student organizations, may be determining factors. Personal interview with the committee may be requested.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. David K. Rogers Memorial ScholarshipThe David K. Rogers Memorial Scholarship Fund at Marion Community Foundation migrated from an existing scholarship fund at the former Marion Catholic High School, created shortly after the unexpected death of David K. Rogers.Created by David’s parents, Judge Richard and Sophie Rogers, the fund gives special consideration for an annual scholarship award to students who are active members of St. Mary Church. Exemplary character is a major consideration in the selection of recipients for this scholarship.

The Bladder Cancer Young Investigator Awards, funded by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, provide $50,000 to early career researchers in various scientific fields. These awards aim to foster innovation and collaboration in bladder cancer research, ultimately improving outcomes for patients. Eligible applicants include those within six years of completing their degrees and who do not hold the title of Associate Professor or higher. This initiative underscores BCAN's commitment to advancing bladder cancer research and supporting promising investigators.

The Leonard Litz Foundation supports LGBTQ+ organizations through grants that promote health, wellness, crisis intervention, racial justice, advocacy, and social assistance. Priority is given to organizations in the northeast U.S. and those serving communities of color and transgender individuals. Applications that clearly link funding requests to specific needs will receive stronger consideration. The foundation aims to foster a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community to thrive.

The Texas Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing an Associate's Degree or vocational training. Open to Texas residents demonstrating financial need, this renewable scholarship covers tuition, fees, and supplies. Priority is given to Federal Job Corps graduates and honorably discharged veterans. Established in 1964, the foundation has significantly impacted the San Antonio community by funding education and enhancing quality of life.

The National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) offers a Pre-doctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Ataxia Research, a competitive, non-renewable award aimed at enhancing the training of students in health professional programs. This fellowship provides partial funding of $50,000 over two years for research related to ataxia. Applicants must identify as underrepresented minorities and aim for careers in research or clinical science. The fellowship promotes diversity and supports innovative research in the field.

The Ben Wilken Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $2,000 to a high school senior enrolled in JROTC with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Eligible students must provide a transcript, personal essay, and details of community service and school involvement. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in Missouri.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship FundThe Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship Fund assists seniors from Stark County high schools who will graduate in May/June. Applicants must be accepted as full-time students at a four-year college or university, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have demonstrated outstanding involvement in academics and extracurriculars.Renewable Scholarship: No

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers the Alternative Education Scholarship, providing a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors currently in foster care or experiencing homelessness. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, aimed at students maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation to qualify.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks' American Patriot Scholarship offers a $5,000 grant to high school seniors or undergraduates with a parent or grandparent who is an honorably discharged veteran or active-duty military personnel. This renewable scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrollment in at least 12 credit hours, and a commitment to attend an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, FAFSA-SAI form, essay, letter of recommendation, and a description of community service involvement.

The Foster Care Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students who have been in foster care and have not been adopted. Applicants must be enrolling in an accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational school and are required to submit a transcript, personal essay, and letter of recommendation. This initiative aims to support the educational pursuits of youths from challenging backgrounds.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Thelma N. Cotey ScholarshipApplicants must be planning to pursue further education in the areas of medicine, business, or forestry. 

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Simonen ScholarshipThe Paul & Alice Simonen Scholarship is offered to any Alger County resident planning to pursue post-secondary education at a college, university, vocational, or technical institute.

Preference will be given to an individual with future potential as evidenced by an exceptional record of achievement in school, community, and/or employment. Examples of achievement may include, but are not limited to, areas such as academics, fine arts, athletics, technology, volunteerism, service clubs, work/military experience.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Native American Education AwardGiven to a Native American graduate, applicants must have participated in Native Cultural/Academic activities, projects, or programs while attending MHS, be a participant in community service activities, and must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA.