Best Leadership Development Grants

The Durfee Foundation Stanton Fellowship offers exceptional leaders in Los Angeles County the opportunity to receive $100,000 over two years to pursue innovative inquiries that can lead to meaningful improvements in the community. This fellowship emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, allowing fellows to expand their knowledge and networks while dedicating focused time to their projects. With a strong commitment to supporting creative thinkers, the Durfee Foundation aims to enhance civic engagement and foster impactful change in Los Angeles.

Jane's Fellowship Program, established by The Russell Family Foundation, empowers grassroots leaders in Pierce County through a year-long cohort experience. Since 2004, it has graduated 144 individuals, fostering essential leadership skills and community engagement. Participants enhance their capabilities in areas like conflict resolution and storytelling, ensuring they contribute effectively to local challenges. With a stipend of $8,500 and additional funding for training, this program continues to honor the legacy of Jane Russell by nurturing future community leaders.

The Colorado Change Leader Program, initiated by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to cultivate effective leaders in creative industries. This program offers a month-long leadership course, including a three-day intensive, coaching, and funding opportunities for alumni. It targets emerging and established leaders committed to enhancing Colorado's arts and culture through collaboration. Participants may receive a stipend to implement their projects, fostering professional growth and community development.

Southern Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits with annual budgets of $600,000 or less can access fully underwritten consulting and coaching to support organizational and leadership development. Community Foundation for Southern Arizona’s TeamUp program offers up to 20 hours of expert support for groups in transition, growth, or succession, including those focused on civic leadership development.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups serving Bolton, Connecticut residents can seek up to US $7,500 for community projects that provide lasting local benefit. Focused on civic leadership and community well-being, the Bolton Greater Together Community Fund from Greater Hartford Gives supports initiatives such as civic engagement, arts and culture, basic needs, employment, and neighborhood improvement.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and religious organizations in Windsor Locks can seek project funding that advances equity and develops community and civic leadership. Focused on dismantling structural racism and improving social and economic mobility, Greater Hartford Gives Foundation supports single, deliverable projects in areas like civic and resident engagement, employment opportunities, and thriving neighborhoods, with awards of US $250 - US $5,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal entities, and select government institutions in the Pacific Northwest can access capacity-building funding for new or expanded programs and staff through M J Murdock Charitable Trust, typically at more than US $50,000. Projects in areas like civic leadership development, education, and community services may be eligible under these strategic program and staff grants.

Nonprofit organizations in Cook County, Illinois that run cohort-based leadership programs or build leadership capacity can apply for the MacArthur Foundation’s Chicago Commitment: Advancing Leadership support. Funding may back leadership training, capacity building, and equity-focused initiatives that elevate diverse civic leaders, including programs tied to arts, community and economic development, or community safety and violence prevention.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, and select government institutions seeking new equipment or technology can apply for more than US $50,000 from M J Murdock Charitable Trust to build organizational capacity. Organizations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington working in education, civic leadership development, health, environment, arts, or community services may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, tribal entities, and select government institutions seeking major capital projects can apply for more than US $50,000 to support construction, renovation, property acquisition, and other infrastructure upgrades in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Focused on capacity-building, M J Murdock Charitable Trust invites organizations advancing civic leadership development, education, health, culture, and community services to strengthen long-term impact.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least one year of outcomes and projects in leadership, youth, or civic development can seek up to US $10,000 for programs and special projects, including some indirect costs. The H Hovnanian Family Foundation prioritizes work in New Jersey and supports initiatives in education, health, arts, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Black, Brown, and immigrant-led nonprofits in Southeast Michigan can access funding for leadership pipelines, digital equity, and social justice organizing. Michigan civic leadership groups can access funding through Song Foundation, with grants up to US $150,000 for youth leadership development, inclusive technology and entrepreneurship, and transformative civic engagement in Flint, Detroit, Dearborn, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Summit Credit Union’s service areas can receive US $500 - US $1,000 for programs advancing equity, financial wellbeing, and women’s empowerment. Grants from Summit Credit Union help U.S. civic leadership development efforts that reduce inequities, expand financial education, and foster women and girls’ leadership and economic opportunity.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public entities, and other charitable or faith-based organizations in Columbia or Richland County can receive up to US $75,000 for projects that enhance civic leadership, engagement, and public life. Central Carolina Community Foundation advises Knight Foundation funding for initiatives like downtown revitalization, public spaces, arts, entrepreneurship, and connecting residents with decision makers.

Metropolitan Atlanta nonprofit organizations with strong records in leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities, or education can seek project and capital funding to address important community needs. Atlanta-area groups focused on civic leadership development may be eligible for support through the Trusteed Foundations managed by Truist Foundation, using one application to reach six affiliated funds.

Women leaders driving community transformation in Mecklenburg County can be nominated for Womens Impact Fund’s Spark Awards, which provide US $5,000 in unrestricted support for personal renewal and growth. Eligible nominees include frontline civic and grassroots leaders, including those working with nonprofits, whose changemaking efforts in leadership development often go unrecognized.

Grants from the Grandville Walker Foundation help Kent County, Michigan nonprofits enhance community services and civic leadership development. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can request US $500 - US $2,500 to support local programs that strengthen community assets, develop leaders, and retain local talent in the Grandville and Walker communities.

BIPOC-owned, BIPOC-led, or BIPOC-centering nonprofits, community groups, and fiscally sponsored coalitions in the Berkshire Taconic region can seek approximately US $10,000 for racial justice, economic empowerment, education, health, and leadership initiatives. Focused on leadership development, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation invites organizations and cultural workers advancing civic leadership and equity to apply.

Florida Kiwanis Foundation

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was created in 1971 by Former Kiwanis Governor Robert Thal. Since 1971, Florida Kiwanis Foundation has been supporting Kiwanis Clubs, Divisions, and students make a real impact in the state of Florida.

Our Purpose: To leave a legacy for the children. We are dedicated to supporting Florida Youth to ensure a brighter future and leave a legacy for the children.

Mission: Help children in need. To enable caring individuals, clubs, and divisions to combine their resources of time, talent, and funds to create a greater impact on the needs of children and families in Florida.

SLP Mini-Grants

The purposes of a Service Leadership Programs Mini Grant is to award grants to support Aktion Clubs, Builders Club, Key Clubs, K-Kids Club, and Circle K Clubs or division service projects.

Grants are awarded to a Florida Aktion Club, Builders Club, Key Club, K-Kids Club, and Circle K Club or division by use of the official application form that is provided by division trustees or available on the Foundation website.

The SLP Mini Grant program is less formal than the Matching Grant program and is on a first come first served basis until the funds are exhausted.

There is a simple one-page application form for the SLP Mini Grant and the maximum request is $500.00. The amount does not need to be matched by the club nor does the request need to cover capital expenses.

Grants must be used to assist a Florida Service Leadership Program Club or Division projects. 

The RurAL CAP Foundation Grant offers funding between $500 and $25,000 for projects aimed at supporting low-income individuals and rural communities. This foundation focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, cultural preservation, and local leadership development. Grants may support community-driven initiatives like skill-building workshops or long-term projects that foster sustainability. Applications are accepted quarterly, with funding decisions made about 30 days after each deadline, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.