Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Oklahoma

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation offers a $20,000 grant annually to support sculptors and writers on sculpture, promoting creativity and artistic development. This grant is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as O-1 Visa holders, who demonstrate a strong commitment to sculpture. Eligible expenses include materials, research, and living costs. The foundation values diversity and does not discriminate based on background, ensuring a wide range of applicants can apply.

The Fund for Teachers Fellowship empowers educators to design personalized learning experiences that enhance their professional skills and student engagement. With over 20 years of experience, this initiative has supported more than 10,000 teachers, enabling them to transform their classrooms through unique fellowship opportunities. Eligible applicants include full-time teachers in the U.S. who have at least three years of teaching experience and plan to return to the classroom after their fellowship. This fellowship fosters innovative teaching practices and collaborative growth.

The Jim Henson Foundation offers annual grants for innovative contemporary puppet theater works, with three categories: Workshop Grants ($3,000), Production Grants ($7,000), and Family Grants ($4,000). These grants support puppet creation and performance, encouraging artistic excellence. Eligibility is primarily for IRS tax-exempt organizations, with individual artists needing a fiscal sponsor. International collaborations are welcome if the primary artist is a U.S. citizen. Grants are not available for projects based outside the U.S. or for non-puppet related activities.

The Women’s Shelters Grant, provided by the AKC Humane Fund, offers financial assistance to domestic abuse shelters that accommodate pets. This grant aims to empower shelters to break the cycle of domestic violence by allowing women to keep their beloved pets during difficult times. By supporting organizations that facilitate this, the AKC Humane Fund fosters a community where both women and animals can find safety and solace together.

The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) offers grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the welfare of children across the United States. Established in 1954, CWF prioritizes projects that address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of youth. Grants are available annually from May 1st to July 15th, supporting initiatives that demonstrate a broad geographical impact. This foundation seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children facing various challenges.

The George L. Mosse Prize, awarded by the American Historical Association, honors exceptional works in European intellectual and cultural history since 1500. This prestigious award, with a prize amount of $1,000, recognizes scholarly distinction and originality. Eligible submissions include books published in 2024, with a focus on research accuracy and literary merit. Winners will be announced on the AHA website in October 2025 and celebrated at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

The NACRJ Mini-Grants provide funding of up to $500 for projects promoting community and restorative justice. Launched in 2016, the initiative has allocated over $60,000 to support NACRJ members nationwide. This unique opportunity fosters impactful projects and enhances visibility within the restorative justice community. Applications are accepted biannually, with a focus on empowering organizations and individuals committed to restorative practices. Members are encouraged to apply for this essential funding to further their meaningful endeavors.

The NACRJ Impact Grant, initiated in 2016, has provided over $60,000 to NACRJ members to support community and restorative justice projects. This grant is available annually, offering up to $3,000 to members for innovative initiatives that foster community impact. By applying, members can gain funding, visibility, and networking opportunities within the NACRJ and the broader restorative justice community, helping to empower meaningful projects that align with restorative justice principles.

The Aurand Harris Grants & Fellowships support children’s theatre by funding projects that foster artistic growth and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofit theatres and individual artists. The grants cover various expenses, such as fees for artists and equipment costs, while prioritizing projects that align with the values of the Children's Theatre Foundation of America. Notably, funding will not cover general operating support or projects already in progress.

The Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) aim to bolster NCI-Designated Cancer Centers through funding that supports diverse research activities. These grants enhance comprehensive, clinical, and basic cancer research while fostering collaboration among institutions. The program prioritizes interdisciplinary approaches to advance cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately reducing cancer's impact on public health. CCSGs also facilitate resource sharing, administrative support, and the development of innovative research initiatives.

The Edward E. Ford Foundation offers Traditional Grants to independent schools in the U.S. for projects that enhance educational opportunities. With over $118 million granted since its inception, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of matching funds, requiring a dollar-for-dollar commitment from schools. Eligible institutions must serve grades 9-12, be NAIS members, and have a qualified Head of School. Applications are considered during the June and November Agendas, supporting diverse educational initiatives.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grants support the preservation of historic sites that reflect African American cultural heritage. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 assist projects in areas like Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming. Eligible applicants include public agencies, accredited colleges, and nonprofits. The program emphasizes themes such as activism, innovation, and historically significant sites, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of African American history.

The Putting Patients First Grant Program, supported by Canon Medical and managed by AHRA, aims to enhance patient care and safety in medical imaging. In 2024, five grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to hospitals developing training or programs in categories such as Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Safety. Recipients are also required to publish their findings in an AHRA publication, promoting shared best practices across institutions.

The Mobile Learning Fund provides grants to adult literacy programs in the U.S. and Canada, enabling access to digital learning solutions. These grants support various online learning tools, such as New Readers Press, Learning Upgrade, and EnGen, aimed at enhancing literacy, math, and digital skills. Eligible programs must implement the solutions within 30 days and ensure active learner engagement. This initiative empowers educators to expand their reach and improve student outcomes through innovative digital resources.

The Sam Viersen Family Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Okmulgee County. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an ACT score of 24 while attending an accredited university. The scholarship provides $12,000 per semester, renewable for up to three years, encouraging local students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.

The John and Marlene Heslip Architecture Student Scholarship Program supports full-time undergraduate and graduate architecture students at accredited institutions in the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on innovative design using manufactured concrete masonry and hardscape products, the program awards a $5,000 scholarship each academic year. The scholarship aims to advance the education of future architects while fostering a commitment to excellence and diversity in the field.

The Native American Church Property Grants, administered by the Presbyterian Foundation, support essential repairs and improvements to Native American church properties. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the infrastructure of churches and chapels, ensuring their safety and functionality for congregations and visitors. The program reflects the Presbyterian Church's commitment to serving Native American communities, fostering faith and ministry. Through these grants, urgent needs are addressed, strengthening the presence and mission of Native American congregations within the PC(USA).

The Greater Cincinnati African American Scholarship Fund, administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, offers scholarships for high school seniors in the Greater Cincinnati area. With awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, the program aims to support students pursuing higher education. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded over $170,000 in scholarships, empowering local youth to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

ExtremeTerrain's Clean Trail Grant Program offers $250 for trail improvement projects, encouraging responsible off-roading. Eligible participants include Wrangler and 4x4 clubs, environmental organizations, and trail managers. The program aims to enhance trails through clean-ups, restorations, and expansions. Grants can be used for tools, food for volunteers, and promotional materials. Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as having a website and providing project photos. This initiative promotes stewardship of the natural landscapes we cherish.

The Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty supports early career investigators in aging research, focusing on -omics studies related to biological aging and age-related diseases. Research areas include genomics, proteomics, and interventions targeting aging. Eligible applicants are independent researchers at U.S. not-for-profit institutions, with 10 years or fewer since their postdoctoral training. The award may cover overhead costs, promoting innovative research in the vital field of gerontology.

The Jack and Jill of America Foundation offers College Prep Grants aimed at enhancing college readiness for African American children. These grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to building a pipeline of talent. Eligible applicants include public agencies and organizations aligned with the Foundation's mission. The funding excludes scholarships, operational costs, and individual applicants, focusing solely on direct program implementation costs.

Trinity Grants: Capacity - Mission Real Estate Development empowers Episcopal Church parishes and Anglican Communion organizations to enhance community impact through innovative church property development. With a focus on sustainability, the initiative addresses pressing community needs by generating revenue streams, providing affordable housing, and improving education in underserved neighborhoods. Grants support real estate feasibility studies, pre-development expenses, and construction of income-generating projects, fostering strategic advisory and training for faith leaders.

The ACS Award for Encouraging Underrepresented and Economically Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals who inspire students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in chemical sciences and engineering. This award includes a $5,000 honorarium and a $10,000 grant for an academic institution to enhance its outreach efforts. It aims to foster inclusivity and appreciation for chemistry as a vital science, promoting equal opportunities regardless of personal characteristics.

The Actors' Equity Foundation, established in 1962, is dedicated to supporting the professional theatre community through grants. Annually, it funds over 150 nonprofit theatres and arts organizations, promoting initiatives that enhance the performing arts landscape. The Theatre Grants are specifically aimed at organizations with 501(c)(3) status, ensuring a commitment to artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility. By investing in diverse programs, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in nurturing both emerging and established talent within the theatre industry.

The URAF Conference Funding program at Harvard University provides support for undergraduate students presenting original research at academic conferences. With awards up to $500 for domestic conferences and $750 for international presentations, students must be enrolled and in good standing. The program encourages applications year-round, allowing for different iterations of the same presentation. However, funding cannot be applied retroactively, and group applications are not permitted.

The PLTW Launch program offers grants to public schools for implementing Project Lead The Way modules. Grantees must provide at least one module in the 2025-2026 academic year, with an additional module in subsequent years. The total grant is $10,000, with $7,500 allocated for the first year and $2,500 for the second. Annual reporting and surveys are required to ensure program effectiveness and continuous improvement.