Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Community Foundation: Central Blue Ridge

Proudly serving the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson in Virginia.

Our Mission

To enrich the quality of life by responding to needs and inspiring philanthropy in our community.

Scholarships

Our 2026 Scholarship Program will disburse over $300,000 this year!

Our scholarships support students of all ages (high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school) residing in Staunton, Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson. 

Only one application is required to be considered for the majority of Community Foundation scholarships.

Frank and Mollie Butler Scholarship

The Frank and Mollie Butler Scholarship was established in 2025 by the Ravenhill Charitable Foundation.

Description

The Frank and Mollie Butler Scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors from Augusta County who are pursuing degrees in Medical/Health Sciences fields or Accounting.

The Art Richards Scholarship Fund of Children In Need, Inc. offers scholarships to graduating clients of Children In Need, empowering them to pursue secondary education in academics or trades. Established in 1998, this fund was inspired by Art Richards' vision to uplift children living in poverty in Washington County, MD. Through local partnerships, the fund supports educational opportunities and honors community values, ensuring every child has the resources needed to thrive.

The Helen T. Bianca Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high school seniors from New Britain and Berlin who are pursuing nursing degrees at accredited institutions. Applicants must show financial need and commitment to community service through volunteer work. A personal essay detailing their dedication to nursing and community impact is required. This scholarship aims to foster future nurses dedicated to improving healthcare in their communities.

The Artist’s Palette Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports students pursuing careers in cosmetology, aesthetics, barbering, nail technology, and massage therapy. This fund is designed to assist deserving individuals from Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania in achieving their educational goals. Scholarships are made possible by local families and organizations dedicated to enhancing community welfare and honoring significant contributions to the community. Applications open annually from January to April.

The Samuel Hunter Agricultural Education Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, aims to support students graduating from WCPS high schools, especially those from Smithsburg High School. This scholarship is designed for students pursuing post-secondary education in agricultural fields, with a preference for FFA/4-H participants. With its commitment to enhancing local education, this scholarship not only honors community contributions but also promotes vital career paths in agriculture.

The Level 3 Housing Opportunity Grants, offered by the National Association of Realtors, support innovative projects aimed at enhancing housing opportunities. These grants are designed for initiatives that involve collaboration with non-REALTOR® partners and require significant REALTOR® involvement. Eligible projects should demonstrate potential for community impact and cannot include activities previously funded by Housing Opportunity grants. This initiative aims to foster growth and diversity within communities.

The Lora Dawson Davisson Memorial Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, honors a 1982 graduate of Sheridan High School. This scholarship supports Perry County residents enrolled in vocational or degreed nursing programs (LPN, RN) who have completed their first semester. It aims to enhance educational opportunities and nurture future healthcare professionals in the community.

The Rotary Club of Hagerstown Sunrise Foundation Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating high school students and non-traditional learners pursuing a degree or certificate in various fields. This initiative, supported by the Community Foundation of Washington County, aims to honor local contributions and foster educational opportunities. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to community service and leadership. Scholarships open annually in January and close on April 1st, benefiting the community for generations.

The Ross Scholarship Fund provides financial support to graduating high school seniors from Franklin County who plan to pursue higher education. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 2.5) and financial need. The scholarship renews for up to four years, contingent upon maintaining eligibility requirements. Extra consideration is given to students from the Chambersburg Area School District, ensuring that deserving local students receive the support they need to succeed in their higher education endeavors.

The Percival Roberts, Jr. Trust Grant supports hospitals in Philadelphia that cater exclusively to children. Established in 1914, this trust aims to maintain children's hospitals and wards, providing an average grant size between $80,000 and $500,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to qualify for funding. With an average of 3 to 5 grants awarded each year, the trust plays a vital role in enhancing pediatric healthcare in the region.

The NHLBI is set to release a NOFO aimed at enhancing an international research platform for cardiac surgery. This initiative will integrate various research areas, including mechanistic science and implementation science, to advance innovative techniques and improve health outcomes for adults with cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the platform will serve to train future clinical trialists. Potential applicants are encouraged to start forming collaborations and preparing their proposals, as applications are not yet being solicited.

The Quinn Alec Hoover Legacy Scouting America Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors from Scouting America in the Mason Dixon District, encompassing Washington County, MD, and parts of Pennsylvania. Established by the Community Foundation of Washington County, this scholarship honors the legacy of Quinn Alec Hoover, aiming to recognize and assist students who embody the values of scouting. Applications open annually in January, closing by April 1st, promoting community engagement and educational advancement.

The Jon Christopher Gauss, Jr. Wrestling Scholarship Fund, established by his parents, supports high school wrestlers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of Washington County MD, aims to honor Jon's legacy while empowering students to achieve their educational goals. The scholarship enhances community engagement and provides vital financial assistance to promising athletes, ensuring that their dedication to wrestling translates into academic success.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The Harold A. Heist Trust Grant offers financial assistance for projects focused on historical preservation in Crawford County, PA. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community needs, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with others. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that serve underserved populations and have long-term sustainability. Organizations must have three years of operational history and adhere to strict non-discrimination policies. This grant aims to support impactful projects that reflect the Trust's mission.

The Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activists Grant Program, initiated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), empowers college students to pursue anti-racism and anti-poverty initiatives on their campuses. This innovative program connects participants with mentorship and financial resources to develop justice and spirituality projects. With support from the 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative, students will receive coaching and guidance throughout the academic year, culminating in a retreat to share experiences and insights.

The K-12 Education Grant Program by the Pulitzer Center invites innovative educational projects that use journalism to engage K-12 students and educators in global health issues. Selected proposals, aiming to impact at least 500 individuals, will be refined through workshops for a chance to secure $1,500 grants for implementation in spring 2026. This initiative seeks to enhance understanding and inspire sustainable change within communities.

The John Taylor Babbitt Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit organizations in preventing sudden cardiac death through initiatives such as acquiring AEDs and providing CPR training. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should include a detailed estimate of funding needs and commitments. The foundation emphasizes timely use of funds and adherence to safety regulations, ensuring a positive impact on diverse populations, including student athletes and vulnerable groups.

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. American Legion, Blake Blackston Post #77 ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from high schools in Talbot County

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Richard and Helen Daron Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington Area School District, which established the Richard and Helen Daron Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This scholarship is presented to graduating seniors of Ludington High School. Award recipients must pursue a degree or certification at any two- or four-year accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school. Award recipients are eligible to receive up to three renewals.

The New York Life Foundation Grief Reach Grants aim to enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations serving grieving children. This program, offered in partnership with the National Alliance for Children's Grief, provides $15,000 grants over one year to support internal improvements like organizational development and strategic collaborations. The initiative focuses on strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, ensuring that children have the resources they need to cope with loss effectively.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, known in the MS community as MS Focus, is a nonprofit organization focused on providing free services that address the critical needs of people with MS and their families, helping them maintain the best quality of life. 

The symptoms of MS are unpredictable and may increase in severity over time. This presents physical, emotional, and financial challenges families must face. MS Focus is here to provide the support, education, and assistance needed to adapt to these challenging circumstances. Our primary focus is on providing individuals with MS the help they need to maintain their health and well-being, to continue to be productive and independent, and to keep a roof over their heads and a safe environment in their home. We do so with empathy, resourcefulness, and conscientious care.

Whom does MS Focus serve?

Our resources assist people who have MS, their families and caregivers, regional support groups, and healthcare professionals. Our programs and grants are available in the 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Online resources, such as our educational materials or audio programs, are available throughout the world.

Assistive Technology Program

The Assistive Technology (AT) Program may help locate, partially fund, or provide full funding for one of a wide range of devices. These allow those with MS to function more independently in their daily lives, as well as more easily participate in recreational, educational, and vocational activities. These include:

• Aids for daily living
• Communication devices
• Computer aids
• Environmental control systems
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Orthotics
• Seating, positioning, and mobility devices
• Aids for vision and hearing
• Cooling aids

The Ultra-Rare Gene-based Therapy (URGenT) Network Resource Access program provides critical support to researchers by offering access to contract research organizations and subject matter experts. This funding opportunity aims to facilitate nonclinical therapeutic development efforts, helping investigators navigate the complexities of manufacturing and planning. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior to the proposal deadline.

The Indian Highway Safety Traffic Records Forum Grant is exclusively available for federally recognized tribes without an existing grant for FY 2027. This program, managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, supports initiatives aimed at enhancing traffic safety through data collection and analysis. Eligible tribal employees can apply for funding to cover registration and travel expenses for attending the Traffic Records Forum from August 3-5, 2027, promoting improved traffic records and safety measures.

The African-American Community Foundation - Yokley-Gamblin Family Scholarship, established in 2019, aims to support underrepresented ethnic minority students from Montgomery County in their educational journeys. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, excel in community involvement, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or below. Recipients can use the funds for tuition at accredited institutions, including technical schools and colleges, fostering educational opportunities for deserving candidates.

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.Aaron Seesan Memorial Scholarship FundThe Aaron Seesan Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduating seniors from Massillon Washington High School or Stark County high schools who have been accepted by or will attend a two-year or four-year college/university, a post-high school technical education program, or nursing school. Criteria is based on: 3.0 minimum GPA, demonstration of outstanding involvement in extracurricular school activities, and community service activities outside of school. Personal interview required.Renewable Scholarship: No

The MCSF Career & Technical Education Scholarship supports children of Marines pursuing non-degree certificate programs. It offers financial assistance to eligible applicants based on need, helping cover tuition, fees, and associated educational costs. With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.00 and a family income cap of $123,000, this scholarship ensures that all qualifying students have access to vocational training at accredited institutions. Applications are accepted year-round, providing flexibility for students.