Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

The AAUW Community Action Grants provide up to $75,000 to support nonprofits and educational institutions that empower girls in grades K–12 to succeed in STEM fields. By fostering hands-on learning, mentorship, and family involvement, these grants aim to build confidence and skills among girls, especially those from underrepresented communities. AAUW believes that immersive STEM environments and relatable role models can inspire lasting interest and help close the gender gap in leadership and careers.

The Corey C. Griffin Scholarship, offered by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, awards two $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors. This initiative honors Corey C. Griffin’s legacy by recognizing students who embody his 'never quit' attitude and commitment to community service. Eligible applicants must attend specific high schools and have applied to a post-secondary institution. Note that children of Yellowstone Club employees at the Director level are not eligible for this merit-based scholarship.

The U.S. Hillman Book Prize, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, honors exceptional journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, it recognizes books published in English in the U.S. within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at an annual ceremony in New York City. The foundation also promotes entries with a U.S. impact while continuing the SEIU Award for Reporting on Racial and Economic Justice.

Coming Together Diversity Scholarship Fund

Established by Coming Together, an organization created in 1993 to promote racial harmony and cultural awareness in our community, to provide scholarships for students in Akron Public Schools.

Amount:

• $1,200

Number of awards:

• 1

Renewal:

• No

Medina Sunrise Rotary Fund

Established by Medina Sunrise Rotary Club to provide scholarships for Medina County seniors.

Amount: Varies

• $1,000-$2,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

The Transfer Pathways to the Liberal Arts Grant Program, sponsored by the Teagle Foundation and Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, aims to enhance transfer opportunities between community colleges and private four-year liberal arts institutions. With grants up to $350,000, this initiative supports partnerships that promote timely degree completion for underrepresented students, fostering diversity and enriching academic environments. The program addresses transfer challenges, ensuring alignment in curricula and maximizing credit transferability to facilitate successful transitions to higher education.

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Opinion and Analysis Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to journalists globally, the prize honors works published or broadcast in English within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at a ceremony in New York City. This prestigious award promotes impactful storytelling that resonates with a U.S. audience and champions social justice.

The AGA: Student Abstract Award offers a $500 travel grant to graduate students, medical students, and residents (up to postgraduate year three) presenting at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW). It aims to inspire interest in gastroenterology research by recognizing outstanding abstracts, with the top scorer honored as the Student Abstract of the Year and awarded an additional $1,000. Applicants must be sponsored by an AGA member and may only submit one abstract.

The NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) aims to enhance the careers of clinical scientists committed to cancer research. This NIH-supported program provides protected time for research and encourages underrepresented individuals in health-related sciences. With deadlines spanning from 2025 to 2027, the program focuses on training and developing the skills necessary to compete for significant research funding and address health disparities in cancer research.

The Interventions to Reduce Sleep Health Disparities (R01) grant aims to fund non-pharmacological strategies that enhance sleep health and address disparities in sleep among affected populations. The program emphasizes innovative approaches to examine sleep as a crucial element in mitigating health disparities across various health outcomes. Deadlines for applications range from February 2025 to June 2027, supporting both standard and renewal submissions under the National Institutes of Health.

The Tribal Agriculture Fellowship supports career and technical education students in agriculture, focusing on Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian individuals. This last-dollar fellowship aims to fill financial gaps, allowing students to prioritize their education while participating in developmental activities. Eligible students must maintain academic progress and engage in community support initiatives. The fellowship provides resources for tuition, housing, and professional development over up to four years, promoting agricultural knowledge in tribal communities.

Morgan Hasbrouck 4-H Scholarship Fund

Established in memory of Morgan Hasbrouck, who was an active member of the Summit Sizzlers 4-H Livestock Club, to provide scholarships for active or former 4-H members.

Amount:

• Varies

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

The Immunology and Immunotherapy SMRT Grant by Pacific Biosciences aims to enhance research through advanced sequencing technologies. This grant offers free sequencing to support innovative projects in immunology and immunotherapy, encouraging researchers to apply their findings to better understand the immune system and develop new therapies. With the opportunity to utilize highly accurate long-read sequencing, winners will gain access to state-of-the-art technology that can accommodate multiple libraries, enhancing their research outcomes significantly.

The GE Transportation AAF "Raymond Clarke" Dare to Dream Scholarship, administered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie High School who have a minimum GPA of 2.2 and are accepted to accredited universities or trade schools. This scholarship aims to facilitate access to higher education for deserving students, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to educational advancement in the community.

The Martin Family Scholarship, sponsored by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to graduating seniors from Erie County High Schools. With over $800,000 awarded in 2023, this scholarship prioritizes students with at least a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need and have engaged in extracurricular activities. Eligible applicants must have completed two years of a foreign language and participated in school sports or clubs, promoting a well-rounded educational experience.

The Douglas & Deborah Murphy Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie High School who aspire to continue their education or training. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students, helping them pursue diverse career paths beyond high school.

The Gary & Helen Howell Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from local schools such as McDowell and Cathedral Prep who demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing post-secondary education, showcasing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Judith A. Dormann “Good Apple” Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support students who may not consider post-secondary education. With over $800,000 allocated to scholarships in 2023, this initiative seeks to recognize hard-working individuals demonstrating strong personal initiative and a commendable work ethic. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, ensuring that the scholarship reaches those who are committed to their educational goals.

The Future of Work program by the Russell Sage Foundation investigates the decline in quality of low-wage jobs in the U.S. It explores factors such as outsourcing, immigration, union decline, and technological changes. Current research focuses on minimum wage impacts, offshoring effects, and job search behaviors influencing employment outcomes, particularly for women and minorities in the post-recession labor market. This grant aims to enhance understanding of these critical issues affecting low-education workers.

The NWPA Food Council Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA pursuing post-secondary education or training. With over $800,000 awarded in 2023, this scholarship is particularly aimed at those entering the food, grocery, or convenience store industries. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empowering local students and enhancing workforce development in essential sectors.

The Stazer Sisters’ Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, supports U.S. citizens graduating from the Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy who are entering a four-year college. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students, based on their academic achievements, financial need, and extracurricular involvement. This scholarship aims to empower deserving students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Lou & Carol Calcagno Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,000 award for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, Political Science, History, Marine Biology, Wildlife Management, or Culinary Arts. To be eligible, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and reside in Santa Cruz or Monterey County, or be members of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment.

The Teague-Gaudin OTA/SOMOS Active-Duty Military Traveling Fellowship supports early-career military orthopaedic trauma surgeons by providing immersive experiences in leading trauma centers. With a focus on education and mentorship, this fellowship enhances skills in advanced trauma care and fosters military-civilian collaboration. Funded by a generous $150,000 donation, it aims to empower surgeons through exposure to high-volume trauma systems, ultimately improving patient care in the orthopaedic trauma community.

The Diane and Jeff Johnson Scholarship, established by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports Goshen residents pursuing higher education. With an average award of $3,500, this scholarship aims to ease the financial burden of education, allowing recipients to focus on their academic goals. Importantly, academic excellence is not a criterion for selection, ensuring accessibility for all qualified applicants. This initiative reflects NCCF's commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Northwest Connecticut through educational support.

Norma B. Summerville Scholarship Foundation Fund

Established to provide annual scholarships to female graduates of Akron Public Schools attending an accredited four-year institution of higher education.

Amount:

• $3,333

Number of awards:

• 4

Renewal:

• Renewable for three additional years. Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

John T. and Julia A. Spellman Scholarship Fund

Established to provide scholarships for ambitious high school seniors in Summit County.

Amount:

• $2,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• May be renewable for the college term.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education by awarding scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students. With $700,000 available, this program includes competitions across writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia categories. Each participating university can submit two entries per competition, fostering excellence in journalism. The Hearst Foundation, a long-standing supporter of educational initiatives, underlines the importance of quality journalism and supports students actively engaged in media.