Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in New Mexico

The Oak Advisors Scholarship of Excellence, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports southern Beaufort County high school seniors pursuing a major in business, economics, or finance. Established by philanthropic leaders, the scholarship recognizes students for their academic achievements, talents, and community involvement. With a minimum GPA of 3.2 required, this scholarship aims to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities.

The Katie Cannon Scholarship honors Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, a pioneering figure in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This scholarship aims to empower Presbyterian women of color, clergywomen, and college women by providing financial assistance for leadership development events and educational opportunities. It promotes spiritual growth and mission involvement within the church, ensuring that women are equipped for greater service and leadership roles. This fund is part of the Women's Ministry Fund at the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

The Value Assessment and Health Outcomes Research Postdoctoral Fellowship, funded by the PhRMA Foundation, offers a $60,000 stipend annually for up to two years. This fellowship supports researchers, both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, engaged in innovative studies aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and value of healthcare interventions. Applicants must be within five years of postdoctoral study and hold a relevant doctoral degree. This opportunity fosters collaboration and patient engagement in health outcomes research.

About Us

The Santa Fe Community Foundation inspires philanthropic generosity, strengthens nonprofits, and fosters positive change to build a more vibrant, healthy, and resilient region. We envision a thriving northern New Mexico, where all people can find opportunity, build connections, and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

Piñon Awards

Now in its 40th year, our annual Piñon Awards recognize local nonprofits making extraordinary contributions to northern New Mexico communities. First held in a board member’s living room, the awards ceremony has become a beloved fall tradition filling the La Fonda ballroom with supporters, community leaders, and friends new and old. Thank you for joining us in honoring the nonprofit leaders who make our region a better place for all.

Each year, the Santa Fe Community Foundation proudly presents Piñon Awards to nonprofit organizations making extraordinary contributions to northern New Mexico communities. We are currently accepting nominations for our 40th Annual Piñon Awards through Friday, May 8, 2026.

Tried & True Award

An organization that has served the community for over a decade with consistent and high-quality programs, services, and opportunities despite changes in the external environment.

The Bruce J. Heim Foundation Grant supports organizations that empower young individuals with exceptional potential in academics and the arts. Established in 1986, this private foundation aims to provide financial assistance that fosters skill enhancement and personal growth. The Board evaluates grant requests monthly, assessing the viability and significance of each organization’s project. The Foundation's goal is to inspire recipients to realize their potential and contribute to philanthropic efforts, echoing the support they received.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium and NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center invite proposals to explore the interactions between fishing communities and offshore wind development in the U.S. Northeast. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of community resilience and economies, while fostering collaborative research that informs decision-making. Proposals should utilize qualitative and quantitative methods and involve at least one Co-PI from the six states of the NESGC, with a requirement for a 25% non-federal match.

The Kors, Lois E., Educational Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support Beatrice High School graduates in pursuing higher education. With a strong commitment to academic achievement and civic involvement, the Foundation awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, citizenship, and academic merit. This scholarship encourages students to enter the teaching profession, providing essential funds to help them achieve their educational goals.

The Climate Program Office (CPO) FY2026 Earth System Science and Services Partnership (ESSSP) aims to enhance NOAA's mission through collaborative research and activities. It focuses on understanding changes in Earth's systems and their impacts on ecosystems and communities. Eligible applicants include academic institutions offering doctoral degrees in NOAA-related sciences. The total funding available is approximately $10 million, supporting initiatives that encompass research, data evaluations, and stakeholder engagement.

The Donaghue Foundation's Greater Value Portfolio Grant Program aims to enhance healthcare value by funding innovative research projects for two years, with awards up to $400,000. It encourages proposals that address issues such as high costs, disparities, and inefficiencies in care. Eligible applicants include Ph.D. researchers at nonprofit institutions partnered with healthcare organizations. The program seeks actionable solutions to improve patient care and reduce the burden of low-value healthcare on communities.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Mary E. Berger Scholarship Fund

The Mary E. Berger Scholarship was established with a gift from Mary E. Berger and a future gift by the estate of Mary E. Berger to assist high school students who wish to attend college or university or professional school to pursue studies in art, music, history, political science, English, journalism and related liberal arts subject.

The Volk – Geyman Scholarship, established by the San Juan Pilots Association, honors John Volk and John Geyman by providing financial assistance to students pursuing careers in aviation and medicine. This scholarship aims to support high school graduates with a commitment to academic excellence and community service. Eligible fields include aviation-related studies and emergency medical training. By fostering leadership and service, the scholarship encourages students to follow the inspiring examples set by its namesakes.

About RWJF

At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we take bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We take our responsibilities seriously, and pledge to work in ways that reflect our values.

Connecting Champions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Health Professions

RWJF seeks to fund one lead organization or consortium to serve as a national network-weaver for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the health professions. The selected grantee will connect and support leaders, organizations, and institutions across the ecosystem, strengthening relationships, aligning strategy and communications, and facilitating shared learning and collective action. By building the connections and infrastructure needed for collaboration, the grantee will help advance belonging, accountability, and systems change across health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Achieving a healthcare system grounded in equity requires both a diverse health professions workforce and institutions committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). While diverse teams improve quality of care and health outcomes, RWJF has learned that increasing representation alone is insufficient without addressing structural and institutional barriers that shape belonging, leadership, advancement, and accountability. Structural racism and other forms of systemic inequity continue to limit opportunity across the health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Lasting change requires not only supporting diverse leaders, but also strengthening connections among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, professional associations, accrediting and credentialing bodies, students, advocates, community actors, and others within the health professions ecosystem, whose relationships, actions, practices, and mindsets shape health outcomes for the communities they serve. These relationships create the support, trust, shared learning, and coordinated action necessary to advance DEIB and build a more equitable healthcare system. 

Timothy B. Snyder Memorial Scholarship Fund

Fund provides financial scholarships to deserving young men and women from high schools in the counties of Botetourt, Halifax and Shenandoah.

Amount

• $1,000+

Scholarship Overview

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Evergreen STEM Scholarship

The Evergreen STEM Scholarship is a $3,000 award for the first year of undergraduate study. Scholarship award decisions will be made in the summer 2026. Scholarship award checks are not presented until summer 2027 as students head to college.

The Historical Transportation Marker Program provides grants to commemorate significant transportation methods used before 1945, such as canals, bridges, railroads, and aircraft. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in the U.S. Grants aim to recognize historical facts with clear inscriptions, supported by documentation, while ensuring markers are publicly accessible near existing sites. This initiative highlights the evolution of transportation and its impact on community development.

The Fidelity Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that aim for high impact in areas like Arts, Education, and Health. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with operating budgets over $1 million and project budgets of at least $100,000. The foundation seeks transformative projects that enhance efficiency and sustainability. However, it does not fund start-up organizations, capital campaigns without prior support, or emergency funding, ensuring a focus on long-term effectiveness.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Kichler, Tony and Gertrude Scholarship Fund

For high school seniors or college students who reside in Green or Noble TOWNSHIPS (not county) in Noble County who are pursuing a college education in music, medicine or religion. One-time payment of $3,500. May reapply.

August Corso Scholarship Fund

Scholarships shall be awarded to residents of Erie County, Ohio pursuing a post-secondary education. Preference shall be given to students pursuing a degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science or Agricultural Business. Financial need is a consideration for the scholarship award.

Scholarships are available for students planning to attend an accredited nonprofit college or university, or planning to receive licensure, accreditation, or a certificate from a nonprofit vocational or apprenticeship program in the United States.

The scholarship may be renewed for a second, third, and fourth year.

The Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education, established in 1918, emphasizes humane education to foster kindness and respect for all living beings. With a focus on innovative programs for teenagers and animal-assisted activities, the foundation invites U.S. organizations, particularly nonprofits, to apply for grants. However, funding does not extend to capital projects, salaries, or conference travel. Latham aims to instill core values that promote compassion within communities and across nations.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Beth Bryan Creative Arts Fund Scholarship

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

The Douglas Dockery Thomas Fellowship in Garden History and Design, established by the Garden Club of America, supports graduate students in studying and researching garden history and design. This annual fellowship promotes the GCA’s commitment to gardening education and conservation. Research topics may include innovative garden restoration techniques and the impact of community gardens. The fellowship aims to nurture talent and address the growing importance of gardens in our environment.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

JustJane Art Scholarship Fund for Women

Truly unique humans like Jane Marie Ewing do not populate the universe very often, and the JustJane Art Scholarship for Women was created to honor her remarkable spirit.

Jane was an artist at heart, finding joy in countless creative pursuits – whether baking delectable treats, capturing life’s beauty through photography, or expressing her imagination in fashion and digital illustration. Her zest for life was infectious, often bringing laughter through her playful “Jane Pranks”, which will forever live in the hearts of family and friends. Jane shared an inseparable bond with Kyle, each the center of the other’s universe. Tragically, Jane was taken from this world unexpectedly in 2025.

Her vibrant artistic soul touched every aspect of her life – from painting and interior design to crafting costumes for parties and pranks. Though her passion for art wasn’t fully nurtured early on, once she embraced it later in life, creativity flowed freely, illuminating the lives of everyone around her. Jane saw beauty everywhere, and her art became a reflection of that vision.

This scholarship carries forward Jane’s legacy, helping future generations cultivate their own artistic passions. It is a reminder to future generations that art has the power to transform lives.

The Spight Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance the well-being of families and support environmental initiatives that benefit future generations. They welcome charitable organizations that align with their mission, regardless of location, with a primary focus on Northern California. By funding various projects, the foundation seeks to foster community health and sustainability, making a lasting impact on both local and global scales.

The Clarence and Bonnie Shaffer Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support students affiliated with Trinity United Methodist Church pursuing post-secondary education in ministry, music ministry, or education. Preference is given to first-year undergraduates, but graduate students may also qualify if no undergraduates apply. This scholarship represents a commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering educational opportunities within the community.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.