Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is inviting proposals for school-based and school-linked initiatives aimed at improving oral health access for high-risk children. This grant opportunity seeks to address systemic barriers to oral health through innovative programs that engage schools and communities. Ideal projects may include workforce development, community engagement strategies, policy advocacy, and the use of technology. Proposals should focus on creating equitable oral health solutions that enhance both health and academic success for children and their families.

The CAO Legislative Crisis Grant, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, is designed to support affiliates in creating and refining student-centered initiatives. Grants can be utilized for contract campaigns, new program development, or enhancing existing practices to improve sustainable learning conditions. This opportunity is exclusive to affiliates, ensuring a focused approach to advocacy and collective bargaining efforts that benefit students.

Two Joes Scholarship

This fund, named for two local community-minded businessmen, Joe DeRose and Joe Sgro, will support a scholarship for students in Cattaraugus County interested in pursuing technology-, marketing and communications- or business-related degrees.

The Emergency Department Alternatives to Opioids Program aims to implement practices that offer alternatives to opioid treatments in hospitals. This initiative focuses on reducing the harmful consequences of opioid use for pain management, promoting safer treatment options, and minimizing the risk of opioid misuse and overdose. Specifically, it targets healthcare organizations to enhance their pain care strategies, ultimately contributing to better patient safety and health outcomes.

American Psychiatric Association Foundation

There is no health without mental health. The APA Foundation is working in your community to provide the support and resources we all need to prioritize mental wellbeing where you live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Backed by the medical expertise of the APA and industry-leading strategic partners, we administer community-changing programs, public education campaigns, grants, and awards aimed at increasing mental health literacy, connecting individuals to needed care, and shifting attitudes toward mental health.

Our Mission is to promote the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. Our Vision is a mentally healthy nation for all – where we live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Diversity Leadership Fellowship

The Diversity Leadership Fellowship identifies and motivates minority psychiatry residents or those interested in minority and vulnerable populations to become well equipped to teach, administer, and provide culturally competent, evidence based mental health and substance abuse services to diverse minority groups and at-risk populations. These populations include—but are not limited to—American Indians/Native Alaskans, Asian Americans/Native Hawaiians/Native Pacific Islanders, Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, LGBTQ, and religious minorities. Program Benefits:

• Sponsorship to attend a minimum of four APA meetings:
  • Two APA Annual Meetings
  • Two Fellowship Forums
• Develop leadership skills in the field of psychiatry and advance understanding of the life experiences of racial ethnic minority communities
• Gain an understanding of APA/APAF Governance through observation and service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative
• Have the opportunity to sit on the APAF Board of Directors as a non-voting member (one Diversity Leadership fellow allowed)
• Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists interested in minority mental health and services through exclusive events and engagements with APA leaders. Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) program aims to enhance maternal health outcomes by providing technical assistance across all U.S. states and territories. This initiative focuses on implementing best practices to improve safety during childbirth, ultimately saving lives. By supporting jurisdictions and birthing facilities involved in AIM, the program seeks to promote quality improvements in maternal health care, ensuring safer births and better health for mothers and infants.

The Innovations for Healthy Living program invites eligible U.S. small businesses to apply for SBIR grants aimed at improving minority health and eliminating health disparities. The initiative encourages innovative proposals for effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable solutions. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to December 2026, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior to submission. This funding opportunity supports projects that address health challenges faced by underserved populations.

The Technologies for Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R41/R42) program invites small business concerns to develop innovative technologies aimed at enhancing minority health and addressing health disparities. This initiative emphasizes the creation of effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable solutions for NIH-defined populations. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to December 2026, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to submission.

The Guy Bradley Award, established in 1988 by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), honors individuals who have made significant contributions to wildlife law enforcement. Named after the first wildlife officer killed in the line of duty, this award recognizes the vital role of law enforcement agents in wildlife conservation. Eligible candidates include current and retired personnel from state and federal agencies who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to protecting wildlife and advancing enforcement goals.

The Pasco L. Schiavo Grants, offered by The Luzerne Foundation, provide microgrants to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Hazleton and Weatherly areas. Aimed at supporting educational and humanitarian projects, these grants seek to enhance community well-being. Established in 1994, The Luzerne Foundation has distributed over $175 million in grants, reinforcing its commitment to philanthropy. Nonprofits eligible for funding must align their projects with the mission of the Pasco L. Schiavo Memorial Fund.

The T.E.A.L. Research Grant supports innovative ovarian cancer research initiatives aligned with the mission of the Tell Every Amazing Lady About Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Designed for researchers affiliated with 501(c)3 not-for-profit institutions in the U.S., the grant aims to enhance women's health awareness and education regarding ovarian cancer. While the application period for 2025 is currently closed, interested parties should anticipate further updates in spring 2026.

Pfizer supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies.

Pre-clinical Investigation of anti-TFPI-mediated Rebalancing Mechanisms in Non-Hemophilic Bleeding Disorders

There remains a scientific gap in understanding of the role of anti-TFPImediated hemostatic rebalancing in the context of inherited or non-hemophilic bleeding disorders. This competitive grant program encourages competitive submissions focsed on generating preclinical/foundational data exploring the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of TFPI modulation in bleeding disorders other than hemophilia.

Funding

• Individual projects requesting up to $50,000 USD will be considered. Request for study drug or compound is allowed (max $50,000 USD), additionally to the study project costs.
• Maximum project length is 1 year.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative Grant aims to promote innovative educational programs and enhance diversity within the nurse anesthesia profession. This grant supports efforts such as workshops, lectures, and online learning modules that address DEI issues. By funding these initiatives, the AANA Foundation seeks to foster an inclusive environment and advance the understanding of equity and diversity in the anesthesia community, benefiting both current and future practitioners.

The Robert and Jenilie Palla Education Fund offers scholarships to graduating WCPS seniors who have participated in Cross Country and/or Track & Field Teams. This initiative, supported by the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland, aims to honor local students and encourage their academic pursuits. With a commitment to enhancing the community's quality of life, the fund exemplifies the importance of education and athletics in shaping future leaders.

The James S.T. Yao Resident Research Award encourages early-career physicians in the U.S. and Canada to engage in groundbreaking research on vascular diseases and therapies. Awarded by the SVS Basic and Translational Research Committee, it includes a $5,000 prize, a presentation opportunity at the Vascular Annual Meeting, and a subscription to the Journal of Vascular Surgery. This award honors the legacy of Dr. James S.T. Yao, a prominent figure in vascular research.

The AES Infrastructure Grant, offered by the American Epilepsy Society, provides up to $50,000 to support the development of national or international multicenter research programs. This funding is intended for organizational planning sessions, infrastructure development, and pilot projects, facilitating future investments from other organizations. These grants are available annually in the spring, enabling researchers to enhance their collaborative efforts.

American College Of Sports Medicine Foundation Inc

ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with nearly 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified fitness professionals.

Our Mission: To educate and empower professionals to advance the science and practice of health and human performance.

GSSI Pathways in Sports Science Award | Graduate Student Research & Mentorship Award

GSSI celebrates the passion, resilience, and academic excellence of first-generation college students pursuing graduate degrees in exercise physiology, sports science, kinesiology, and/or sports nutrition. Designed to empower emerging leaders in the field, the award recognizes individuals who are breaking new ground, not only in their families but in the science of human performance.

In addition to research funding, to help promote professional development, award winners will receive one year of 1:1 mentorship from a GSSI scientist. Award winners will also receive complementary registration to ACSM’s 2027 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN.

ACSM requires award winners to:   

• Submit official transcripts if selected as an award winner, 
• Attend the 2027 ACSM Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN. 
• Present funded research at a future ACSM Annual Meeting, and   
• Send ACSM a copy of any publications or presentations related to the funded research. 

Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet)

The Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet) is a consortium of academic medical centers partnering with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and Conquer MG as well as collaborators in other research groups and industry. We are working together to enhance therapeutic development for this rare disease.

Diseases Studied

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and its subtypes:

• Early-onset acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody (Ab) positive MG, which primarily affects women
• Late-onset AChR Ab positive MG with a disease bias towards men
• Paraneoplastic thymoma-associated MG
• Muscle specific kinase (MuSK) Ab positive
• AChR/MuSK antibody negative MG

Goals, Mission, & Vision

The goal of MGNet is to advance therapeutic development. To do so we have four specific aims:

• Improve the tools scientists and doctors have for performing clinical trials through rigorous monitoring of patients over time and evaluate better measures of how patients are doing.
• Identify objective measures (biomarkers) to show how the disease is responding to treatment and better predict treatment response or side effects, to improve the design of clinical trials and care of patients in clinical practice.
• Enhance the education of young investigators focusing their careers on rare diseases and specifically MG.
• Improve the awareness of scientists, physicians, and the public regarding the unique needs of patients with MG through training of clinician scientists and engagement of the patient and scientific communities in clinical research and therapeutic development.

Pilot and Feasibility Grants

Objectives

MGNet, a NIH-funded Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (RDCRC) in partnership with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and Conquer MG, is seeking proposals for highly innovative investigations in early stages of development.

The priorities of the Pilot Grant Program are:

• Identification treatment responsive biomarkers
• Assess clinical measures and improve that enhance clinical trial readiness
• Evaluation of therapeutic interventions for one or more of the five distinct sub-types of MG

Pilot studies must be designed to access the resources of MGNet and focused on clinical and translational research, including fulfilling the definition of clinical and translational research and exclusion of animal studies.

Funding

The MGNet expects to fund up to two grants, each at a level of $75,000 (IDCs will be limited to 10% and included in the $75,000). Projects will be funded for 12 months. Selection among the applications received will be based on the recommendations of a review committee. A grant may be renewed for an additional one year with approval of interim report by the same review process and availability of funds. Demonstration of fulfillment of initial aims and justification for additional funding will be required. The request will be required a minimum of three months prior to the initial funding period completion.

Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet)

The Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet) is a consortium of academic medical centers partnering with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and Conquer MG as well as collaborators in other research groups and industry. We are working together to enhance therapeutic development for this rare disease.

Diseases Studied

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and its subtypes:

• Early-onset acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody (Ab) positive MG, which primarily affects women
• Late-onset AChR Ab positive MG with a disease bias towards men
• Paraneoplastic thymoma-associated MG
• Muscle specific kinase (MuSK) Ab positive
• AChR/MuSK antibody negative MG

Goals, Mission, & Vision

The goal of MGNet is to advance therapeutic development. To do so we have four specific aims:

• Improve the tools scientists and doctors have for performing clinical trials through rigorous monitoring of patients over time and evaluate better measures of how patients are doing.
• Identify objective measures (biomarkers) to show how the disease is responding to treatment and better predict treatment response or side effects, to improve the design of clinical trials and care of patients in clinical practice.
• Enhance the education of young investigators focusing their careers on rare diseases and specifically MG.
• Improve the awareness of scientists, physicians, and the public regarding the unique needs of patients with MG through training of clinician scientists and engagement of the patient and scientific communities in clinical research and therapeutic development.

Scholar Awards

Objectives

There is a critical need for investigators prepared to conduct clinical and translational research in myasthenia gravis (MG). The MGNet Scholar Program provides individualized training and mentorship in one of two tracks, Clinical Research or Biomarker Development Research.

Award Description

The MGNet Scholar Program provides mentored research training to prepare Scholars for an independent research career in the field of MG. The MGNet Scholar Program is 1 year in duration and selected Scholars receive up to $100,000 to support salary, research costs and didactics with potential for renewal. The program will provide an additional $3,000 to travel to MGNet sites to learn specific skills and/or to scientific meeting(s) to present the results of their research. If available for renewal, the program requires approval after interim report and is contingent on demonstration of adequate progress on the research and career development plan. Indirect costs are not allowed. Scholars are encouraged to transition to NIH (e.g., K award), departmental, or private foundation support for their research and further career development.Research must constitute at least 50% of each Scholar’s professional effort. Each Scholar must form a 2-3-member advisory committee to include a primary mentor, an additional clinician investigator or collaborator, and a MGNet faculty sponsor. The advisory committee will meet with the Scholar at least quarterly to review progress and each Scholar will develop an individual academic career development plan and renew it with the committee at least every 6 months.

The Craft Archive Fellowship supports archival research on underrepresented craft histories in the U.S., including feminist, queer, Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities. It offers a $5,000 stipend for scholars and artists to conduct research in chosen archives, encouraging innovative approaches. Participants will present their findings in a virtual program, and their work will be published in Hyperallergic, broadening accessibility and awareness of vital craft research.

Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

The mission of Susan G. Komen® is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Research (CCR) Grants

Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Research (CCR) Grants foster promising breast cancer researchers who are in the early stages of their faculty careers by providing support for up to three years of “protected time” for research career development under the guidance of a Mentor Committee. We seek to support those who will emerge as the next key leaders in the fight against breast cancer.

CCR Research Focus: Research projects must be hypothesis-driven, breast cancer-focused studies. They may be considered basic, translational, clinical and/or population science in nature and should align with Komen’s research priorities and mission to save lives from breast cancer. 

The Headache Medicine Fellowship aims to enhance training in headache medicine by supporting programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Targeting regions with workforce challenges, the fellowship encourages clinical practice, research, and education to address healthcare disparities. Preference is given to institutions that serve underserved populations and demonstrate a commitment to mentorship and expert guidance for fellows. This initiative seeks to improve understanding and treatment of headache conditions.

The Saint James School Scholarship Fund provides essential financial assistance to deserving students in the greater Washington County area. Established by local families and organizations, this fund aims to honor individuals and promote education. With over 100 scholarships available through the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, it supports both high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing continuing education. This initiative strengthens the community and fosters educational opportunities for all.

The Student Enrichment Grants: Level II Awards, offered by the Music & Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA), provide up to $500 for non-institutional members to support student activities in music and entertainment. Eligible applicants include faculty in good standing, promoting diverse initiatives. Grants can fund workshops, guest speakers, and community projects, with a focus on enhancing student education and engagement in the industry. Special consideration is given to first-time applicants and impactful projects.

The Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA) offers Student Enrichment Grants to support educational activities in the music and entertainment fields. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for accredited institutions that are MEIEA members. Eligible projects include workshops, guest speakers, and community service initiatives. Special consideration is given to first-time applicants and projects promoting diversity and inclusion, aiming to enrich student experiences and foster greater engagement within the industry.

The ASTR Selma Jeanne Cohen Conference Presentation Award supports scholars participating in plenary or working sessions at the ASTR conference. This award encourages exploration of the intersections between theatre and dance, providing funds for travel and hotel expenses. Eligible applicants include graduate students, independent scholars, and faculty members accepted to present at the 2025 conference. The award offers a $1000 honorarium and complimentary registration, promoting active engagement in ASTR's community.

The ASTR Jessica Berson Dance Research Assistance Fund Grant aims to support contingent faculty engaged in dance-based scholarship within theatre. This initiative acknowledges the critical role of non-tenure track faculty and provides them with a $1000 honorarium, conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. The grant encourages research and attendance at the annual ASTR conference, ensuring broader access to resources and professional opportunities for those who often lack institutional support.