Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Psychological Trauma Research

Proposals related to developing and validating novel approaches to the objective documentation of animal cruelty and neglect in the absence of physical trauma (i.e., documenting psychological trauma) in dogs. Proposals are encouraged from any relevant discipline (e.g., physiology, psychology, ethology). Of particular interest is research that focuses on objective measures, including biomarkers and quantitative behavioral phenotyping.

The BRAIN Initiative invites proposals for innovative devices aimed at recording and modulating the human central nervous system. This program supports efforts in developing therapeutic and diagnostic devices through clinical prototype implementation, safety testing, and small clinical studies. The goal is to gather critical data on device functionality and design, which may not be achievable through traditional non-clinical studies. This initiative requires NIH collaboration in project planning and progress monitoring.

The BRAIN Initiative aims to support clinical studies that advance next-generation devices for recording and modulation in the human central nervous system. This initiative encourages small clinical trials to gather crucial data for developing devices that address central nervous system disorders. Investigators are invited to explore both Non-Significant and Significant Risk studies to enhance understanding of brain function, paving the way for future clinical trials and market approval.

The JSF Indigenous Peoples Grant Program is dedicated to fostering economic development in Indigenous communities through entrepreneurship and business education. With over 30 years of experience, the program supports Indigenous students with scholarships and capacity-building grants. It has produced more than 80 graduates from its MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship, addressing barriers to education and employment, and enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurs. JSF's commitment to these initiatives is evident in its annual investment of approximately $500,000.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to support middle and high schools in the U.S. and Canada by providing equipment and resources to establish plumbing and HVAC skills labs. With a growing demand for skilled trades, this program encourages educational institutions to equip students with vital trade skills. Grant recipients will receive $25,000 worth of products and equipment, along with access to SkillCat's technical training platform, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to refurbish existing plumbing and HVAC skills labs in middle and high schools across the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on preparing students for vital trade careers, the grant provides $10,000 in equipment to enhance hands-on learning. This initiative supports schools with technical training resources, promoting the growth of skilled labor in these essential fields. Schools that have not received a Skills Lab award in the past 24 months are eligible to apply.

The NIA Academic Leadership Career Award (K07) provides funding for established investigators to strengthen research capacity in aging and Alzheimer's Disease. The program supports the development of educational infrastructure, mentorship, and career development activities. Key deadlines for applications include February 12, June 12, and October 12 from 2025 to 2027. This award is specifically for research not involving independent clinical trials, allowing applicants to gain experience in trials led by others.

The Rubin and Gloria Feldman Family Educational Institute Grant Program supports impactful projects that combat hatred and promote understanding through the lessons of the Holocaust. The Institute prioritizes educational and artistic initiatives that facilitate dialogue among diverse communities and address ethical and social issues. Targeting projects primarily in Missouri and the Midwest, the grant aims to foster change by exploring the Holocaust's history and legacy while addressing contemporary societal challenges.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.

The University Center at Harrisburg Grant Fund supports non-profit organizations focused on skill and workforce development in specific Pennsylvania counties. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or partner with them. The fund prioritizes projects that directly benefit local communities. However, it does not support advertising, capital campaigns, or projects with insufficient sustainability plans. Grant seekers can apply for projects that align with their needs and the fund's guidelines.

The Henrietta Hutton Research Grant, established in 1964 in memory of a notable University of Oxford student, provides up to three grants of £500 each year. This grant supports undergraduate and Masters students conducting overseas field research lasting over four weeks. Emphasis is placed on independent projects that may not be related to academic studies, with a preference for research that includes geographical, social, or environmental elements.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

IUTIS Club Scholarship

Selection based (in order of priority):

• Academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations. Preference given to students who participated in the IUTIS Softball Program.

Awards

• Two $500 scholarships

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Julie Herrick Easterly Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of Julie Herrick-Easterly, who established the Julie HerrickEasterly Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Julie Herrick-Easterly, an only child and part of an established family tradition of journalism, worked as a copy editor for various newspapers across the country. Her father, Robert Herrick, was editor of the Muskegon Chronicle for 17 years. At age 34, Julie died from a terminal illness. Following Julie's death, her parents established this scholarship in her memory. Awards from the scholarship are given to a Muskegon area graduating senior who plans to pursue a career in journalism. The award represents an acknowledgment of the student's past achievements in this area of study. To the credit of the Herricks, Julie's love for journalism will always be remembered, and the family tradition will be perpetuated through the lasting gift of education.

About PLTW Biomedical SciencePLTW Biomedical Science students have experience with state-of-the-art tools and techniques that are used by professionals in hospitals and labs every day.Through this partnership, Haemonetics is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.Program Requirements:

• Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Biomedical Science course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional different course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years).
• Grantee may implement any PLTW Biomedical Science courses of their choosing.
• Grantee must complete two years of reporting.

Grant Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $30,000
  • 2027-2028:$15,000
  • 2028-2029: $15,000

Stark 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.

The Central Presbyterian Church - Raisner Family Scholarship Fund

The Central Presbyterian Church-Raisner Family Scholarship Fund assists deserving Stark County students who are active in the church or who are children or dependents of an active member of Central Presbyterian Church who are pursuing first-year post-secondary education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• No

The Lighthouse Wealth Management Scholarship is designed for residents of Ashland County who aim to pursue a major in Business or Finance at an accredited college or university. This scholarship welcomes applications from high school seniors, continuing students, and non-traditional students, ensuring that financial support is available for those committed to their education. Prior recipients are eligible to reapply, fostering continued support for their academic journeys.

The Mina Powell Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from any high school who are members of Zion Lutheran Church in Loudonville. This scholarship aims to assist students who have been accepted into accredited two or four-year colleges or universities, providing them with the financial resources needed to pursue their higher education goals.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.

Our Mission:Enabling people who love their community to easily give back.

Scholarships

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Joycelyn “Fudgie” Lee Farrelly Music Education Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to deserving students who intend to pursue a degree in music or music education.

The Richard "Obie" Oberweiser Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated first responder who served as an EMT-I and volunteer firefighter. Established by his family, this scholarship aims to support students pursuing careers in emergency services. Applicants must be current or former graduates of Chelan or Douglas County with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Obie's commitment to healthcare and his passion for helping others continue to inspire future generations.

The Pete and Mary Houck Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors the legacy of Pete and Mary Houck, long-time residents of Wenatchee Valley. This scholarship aims to support local students pursuing healthcare degrees, reflecting the couple's commitment to education and community. Eligible applicants must be residents of Chelan or Douglas County and plan to attend accredited programs in healthcare-related fields, ensuring a brighter future for the community.

The Cytokinetics Communications Grant Program provides five grants of $20,000 each annually to patient advocacy organizations focused on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and heart failure. This initiative aims to enhance communication and outreach efforts, helping organizations expand their community engagement and awareness. By supporting crucial marketing initiatives, Cytokinetics fosters improved resources for advocacy groups, ensuring they can effectively address the needs of patients facing muscle performance challenges.

The Education in the Era of Emerging Hemophilia Therapy (Round 2) grant, funded by Pfizer and the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, aims to support independent medical education initiatives. This funding opportunity focuses on providing equitable education for hemophilia patients and training for healthcare professionals. The goal is to enhance understanding of emerging therapies and improve treatment choices, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes in managing hemophilia.

Mary Jo DeVleeschower Scholarship

Mary Jo DeVleeschower was a native of South Bend, Indiana, born January 14th, 1941. She graduated in 1968 from Andrew Jackson High School in South Bend, and graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana in 1972 with a degree in “special education.” Mary Jo taught at the Alexander Graham Bell School beginning in 1972 working with students who were hearing impaired. She attended the University of Southern California (John Tracy Clinic) and received her Master’s degree in 1978 from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a teacher at the Alexander Graham Bell School, Mary Jo worked through a grant with Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. for the Wole Language Program for the hearing impaired, publishing a related article in a national magazine. Mary Jo DeVleeschower loved the children with whom she worked, and poured her whole heart into her work. She had a special relationship with her students, demonstrated on the day of her memorial when some shared a tribute to her in American Sign Language. She further demonstrated her love and support for her students through the creation of the scholarship through her will.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

The Reese and Joelle Norris Service through Music Scholarship

The Community Foundation, CoroRio, and MidSouth Music Institute is pleased to offer a $500 college scholarship: The Reese and Joelle Norris Service through Music Scholarship. We are grateful to Reese and Joelle Norris for more than ten years of service to CoroRio and the MidSouth Music Institute. Together, they have nearly 50 years of teaching thousands of all ages throughout the MidSouth and across the country.

Starting in the Spring of 2024, the scholarship will be awarded each year to a student who is currently involved in CoroRio, plans to pursue a career related to music, and has demonstrated a passion for serving others through music, like Reese and Joelle. 

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 Music Man Foundation invites eligible organizations to apply for Advocacy and Research Grants aimed at supporting systemic change in the arts sector. Organizations must demonstrate their impact on music-related systems, showcase their priorities in the field, and outline their achievements. Grants will assist with research, advocacy training, and cross-sector initiatives to enhance community vitality and promote sustainable solutions, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering positive arts engagement.