Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

The DTA Foundation: Dental Hygiene Scholarship, in partnership with the Benco Family Foundation, provides up to $10,000 to dental hygiene students from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative honors Lawrence and Sally Cohen's contributions to the field. With a generous $1M endowment, the scholarship aims to support aspiring dental hygienists, ensuring increased accessibility to the profession and recognizing those who demonstrate passion and commitment to dental care.

The Learning & Leadership Grants support educators in enhancing their professional development and leadership skills. With funding up to $5,000, these grants are available for individual educators or groups pursuing high-quality learning experiences such as conferences and seminars. Eligible applicants must be current members of the National Education Association. These grants aim to empower educators to implement innovative practices in their classrooms, ultimately benefiting students and the educational community.

Wallingford Education Foundation

Our Mission

The Wallingford Education Foundation is a non-profit, community-based partnership supporting educational innovation and excellence in our town.

Our Vision

The Wallingford Education Foundation empowers ideas and enhances educational experiences for students, educators and community members. It provides financial support outside the education budget that is aligned with the goals and focus areas of the school district’s strategic plan.

Professional Development Grant

Transformative impacts often result from staff members who choose to attend professional development programs. Typically, these opportunities are funded through the town’s annual school budget. However, the district may not be financially able to meet each request. Through the Professional Development Grant program, the Wallingford Education Foundation (WEF) provides additional funding for employees of Wallingford Public Schools to attend conferences hosted outside the district.

The Professional Grant program offers paired grants of $1,000 each for two Wallingford Public Schools staff members to attend the same professional development opportunity together OR single grants of up to $2,000 for an individual to attend a conference alone. Multiple grants are awarded yearly.

The Sara Corrie Memorial Grants, administered by the National Speleological Society, support group cave exploration in the U.S. and its territories. Up to six grants of $1,000 each are awarded annually to NSS members. Applications must detail exploration plans, including costs for necessary equipment. Grants are not provided for activities outside of exploration. Successful recipients must report findings and may have their proposals published on the NSS website.

About USA Track & Field Foundation Inc

The USA Track & Field Foundation was established in 2002. Our Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track & field programs, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth and elite athletes.

Mission: 

To support the development of emerging elite athletes, while fostering integration within the broader track & field community. To facilitate the physical, educational, social and character development of youth track & field athletes and to help prepare them to mature and succeed in adult life.Team and Club SupportThe USA Track & Field Foundation may be able to provide support to certain Elite Track & Field / Running clubs in the US.

The Communities Outreach Programme by the Islamic Development Bank aims to enhance the socio-economic development of Muslim minority communities in non-member countries. Established in 1981, it focuses on education, health, and capacity building to empower these communities. The programme supports initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, and youth development, ensuring inclusive growth. By addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, it strives to improve living conditions and promote productivity, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in diverse regions.

The Farmers Advocating for Organic Grant (FAFO) supports impactful projects that enhance the organic agricultural sector, focusing on initiatives that assist family farmers and promote organic soil health. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and research institutions. FAFO prioritizes projects that address the needs of organic dairy, meat, and produce farmers while fostering cooperative growth. This grant aims to strengthen the organic industry and ensure the livelihood of organic farmers across the nation.

The Berkshire Woodworkers Guild Scholarship offers financial support to aspiring professional woodworkers and designers. Established in 1998, this scholarship is funded through generous donations and proceeds from an annual silent auction. Recipients are encouraged to engage with the Guild and showcase their work at events. Preference is given to applicants pursuing comprehensive woodworking programs that lead to certification or degrees, but other professional development opportunities may also be considered.

The Live Your Dream Awards, sponsored by Soroptimist International of the Americas, empower women by providing vital monetary assistance for their education and training. Each year, over $3 million is awarded to more than 2,300 women who are the primary financial support for their families. This initiative supports those overcoming significant challenges like poverty and domestic violence, ensuring they have the resources to achieve their dreams and live fulfilling lives.

The Bring Back the Trades Scholarship is dedicated to addressing the skilled trades shortage by providing $1,500 monthly scholarships to students enrolled in post-secondary skilled trades programs across the United States. Founded by a seasoned business owner, the initiative aims to raise awareness and reshape perceptions of trade careers, ensuring that students have the resources to succeed in vital roles that contribute to the nation's future.

The Marine Trades Scholarship, offered by the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA), supports students pursuing education in marine trades. Since 2008, NMRA has facilitated annual scholarships funded by members and affiliates. This initiative not only encourages academic growth but also fosters professional development through networking events, industry insights, and advocacy support. Applications are accepted each spring, with recipients chosen in the summer, promoting a brighter future for the marine industry.

The ASPCA is offering up to $14 million in Spay/Neuter Grants for shelters and clinics across the U.S. to enhance spay/neuter services for vulnerable animals. Proposals can address critical infrastructure needs and major capital projects to increase spay/neuter capacity. Only one application per organization is permitted, and applicants must choose one funding category. The focus is on compelling proposals that meet the most urgent needs.

2026 ASPCA Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States, including addressing the shortfall in available spay/neuter surgeries. We will fund qualified proposals that support:

• Critical shelter infrastructure
• Strengthening shelter essentials
• Increasing the number of spay/neuter surgeries year-over-year 
• Major capital projects that increase spay/neuter capacity
• Special projects that increase spay/neuter capacity

Spay/Neuter Grants

Spay/Neuter Major Capital Projects

Only one application per agency/organization will be considered. 

Applicants may choose only one of the five funding categories. Our interest is in meeting your most pressing needs in one of the offered categories; we do not have our own preference for funding one category over another. We will fund the most compelling proposals, regardless of category chosen.

The Mentored Clinician Scientist Grant, funded by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, supports the career development of clinician scientists by providing dedicated research time for up to five years. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record in research, evidenced by receiving NIH K08 or K23 funding. This grant is renewable annually based on scientific progress and available funding, fostering a strong future in academic surgery.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, established by George P. Mitchell in 1997, supports the preservation of historic interiors through grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, while individuals may apply if their project involves a National Historic Landmark. The competitive selection process typically concludes within three months, with grant recipients required to match funds dollar-for-dollar. This initiative promotes education and planning activities crucial for maintaining historic interior integrity.

The Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to strengthen research capabilities at Minority-serving institutions (MSIs). It encourages the integration of STEM research and education, promoting diversity within the workforce. Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate innovative strategies for broadening participation and achieving national competitiveness in research. CREST Centers will also foster partnerships that advance significant research themes, ensuring sustained support and development for underrepresented groups in STEM.

The Garden Club of America Fellowship in Tropical Botany aims to enhance the preservation of tropical forests by increasing the number of botanists with practical field experience. Established in 1983, the fellowship provides two grants of $5,500 annually for doctoral candidates pursuing research in tropical plant systematics and forest ecology. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in U.S. institutions, who are expected to complete their Ph.D. in Botany within two years.

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.

The Infant-Toddler Court Program State Awards empower states and communities to enhance child welfare practices by integrating courts, social services, and families. This initiative promotes safety, healthy development, and nurturing relationships for young children involved in child welfare. Awardees implement the evidence-based ITC approach, sharing lessons learned with local teams, tracking outcomes, and training to ensure effective program expansion across targeted communities.

The Infant-Toddler Court Program's National Resource Center (NRC) focuses on enhancing child welfare practices across the United States. By collaborating with courts, social services, and families, the NRC aims to improve the safety and healthy development of young children involved with the child welfare system. This initiative not only supports families but also fosters nurturing relationships essential for child growth and well-being, making it a crucial resource for communities.

The Small Dams Program by the Lower Platte North NRD offers cost-share funding for landowners to construct small dams for flood control and drainage improvement. Eligible participants can receive up to 65% funding, or 75% in priority watersheds, with a maximum of $15,000 per project. Additional funding may be available based on specific site conditions. This initiative aims to enhance watershed management and support local landowners in sustainable land use practices.

The Sustainable Disaster-Relief Fund, established by Vanguard Charitable in 2006, aims to support communities affected by natural disasters. By providing funding for rebuilding efforts and necessary infrastructure, this initiative helps ensure that affected areas are better prepared for future disasters. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, focusing on charitable purposes like operating expenses and specific projects. The fund plays a critical role in enhancing community resilience and promoting effective disaster recovery.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Grant Programs

NetVUE offers a variety of grants to member institutions, supporting programming for students and professional development for faculty members and staff. Grants support projects ranging from one to four years in length. Grant programs are tailored to differing circumstances among member institutions, including their particular areas of interest, their bandwidth and capacity for administering projects, and the depth of their previous engagement with vocational exploration and discernment. NetVUE grants are administered by the Council of Independent Colleges, with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

NetVUE Grants for Reframing the Institutional Saga

Many NetVUE member colleges and universities have strong historical ties to a specific religious tradition, a particular educational philosophy, or a pioneering educator. These elements of an institution’s heritage are important, but their significance may not always be clear in the midst of changes in the institution’s demographic profile, surrounding community, and founding organizations. These changes can influence student recruitment and retention, curriculum design, and the composition of faculty. The purpose of this grant program is to enable institutions to produce an updated account of their history and mission in light of their current context.

The Sports 4 Life Grants, co-founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation and ESPN, aim to promote the health and development of girls in underserved communities. This initiative focuses on increasing participation and retention rates of Black, Hispanic, and Native American girls in sports through funding for coaching, equipment, and facilities. By fostering leadership and self-esteem, the program seeks to empower young girls and provide them with lifelong benefits from sports participation.

The Faculty Travel Grant for AGU Annual Meeting supports early-to-mid career faculty from under-resourced institutions, including community colleges and minority-serving institutions. This program aims to facilitate attendance at the AGU Annual Meeting, which attracts over 22,000 geoscience professionals globally. Awardees receive a $1,700 travel stipend, access to professional development workshops, and networking opportunities, enabling them to enhance their research and teaching capabilities through collaboration and innovation.

The Dog Enrichment Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for dogs awaiting adoption through enrichment activities and items. Grants are available for play yard renovations (up to $3,000) and interactive items (up to $1,000). Applications are accepted monthly until funds are depleted, and the window closes on November 1. Eligible expenses must be utilized within three months, and reimbursement requests will not be accepted.

The Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports advanced research in atmospheric sciences through specialized facilities like the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and Community Instruments and Facilities (CIF). These resources enable the geosciences research community to conduct essential fieldwork and studies by providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and logistical support. Detailed information is available on the NSF website.