- Browse Grants /
- Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits
Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits
Get professional development grants for nonprofit staff training, leadership growth, and skills-based learning
8,000+
Available grants
$3528M
Total funding
$39.6K
Median grant
8,000+
grants
$3528M
total
$39.6K
median
Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.
Skip the search.
Get matched with grants that actually fit.
Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.
-
Get new Professional Development for Nonprofits grants weekly
-
Last updated: July 6, 2026. Next update: August 2, 2026.
US $5,000 - US $75,000
Comis Foundation Grant
Rolling deadline
The Comis Foundation Grant aims to provide equitable opportunities for children to thrive through education and community engagement. It supports innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes, focusing on areas such as capacity building and pilot projects. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, the foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that foster inclusive environments. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, Comis Foundation strives to create lasting impacts in the communities it serves.
The Comis Foundation
US $100,000 - US $1,000,000
DDCF: Environment Program Grants
Rolling deadline
The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.
Doris Duke Foundation Inc.
Unspecified amount
Enterprise Mobility™ Philanthropic Giving
Rolling deadline
The Enterprise Mobility™ Philanthropic Giving program focuses on enhancing community engagement through grants aimed at supporting health, education, arts, and disaster relief initiatives. Only Enterprise Mobility team members and their spouses or domestic partners who volunteer with a nonprofit can apply for funding. The program prioritizes sustainable projects that uplift local communities and address pressing social issues, fostering a culture of responsibility and giving back to society.
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Skip the search.
Get matched with grants that actually fit.
Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.
Unspecified amount
Exelixis Grants & Giving
Rolling deadline
Exelixis Grants & Giving focuses on impactful charitable contributions, supporting non-profit organizations in community support, healthcare-related initiatives, independent patient assistance, medical education, and sponsorships. Their aim is to enhance oncology care, particularly for renal cell carcinoma and other cancer types, while ensuring proposals are submitted within specified timelines. Exelixis partners with organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and community health, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference beyond medicine.
Exelixis
Unspecified amount
Gilead North America Grants
Rolling deadline
Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
More than US $100,000
Hearst Foundation: Education Grant
Rolling deadline
The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.
William Randolph Hearst Foundation
More than US $100,000
Hearst Foundation: Health Grant
Rolling deadline
The Hearst Foundation's Health Grant aims to support nonprofits that enhance healthcare access for underserved populations in the U.S. Focused on improving skills and increasing healthcare practitioners, the grant also emphasizes public health and medical research. With a history of funding significant projects, the foundation prioritizes programs that address the complex needs of low-income, rural, and elderly communities. This commitment ensures a sustainable impact on national health outcomes while supporting innovative healthcare delivery systems.
William Randolph Hearst Foundation
Unspecified amount
Journalism & Media Grant
Rolling deadline
The Journalism & Media Grant aims to promote inclusive narratives and accurate media that engage communities in democratic processes. It supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations focused on professional reporting, multimedia storytelling, and civic media. The grant addresses barriers to media participation and fosters innovation in journalism, providing essential infrastructure for a diverse media landscape. While unsolicited proposals are not accepted, organizations can share ideas through a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).
John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation
Unspecified amount
Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant
Rolling deadline
The Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant, established in 2008, supports nonprofit organizations in arts, education, humanity, and faith. It prioritizes visionary leadership, community impact, sustainability, organizational strength, and collaboration. The foundation seeks to fund eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with its mission and positively influence communities, particularly in Dallas, Texas, and Arkansas, where the founders have personal connections.
Ted and Shannon Skokos Foundation
US $15,000
New York Life Foundation Grief Reach Grants: Capacity Building Cycle
Applications due Jul 13, 2026
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.
National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG)
US $1,500 - US $7,500
STEM Innovation Grant
Pre proposal due Jul 22, 2026
The STEM Innovation Grant by Colocation America supports innovative STEM programs for K-12 students, offering up to $7,500 in funding. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and schools with STEM-specific programming. The grant aims to inspire youth through unique learning approaches and real-world applications of STEM knowledge. Interested parties must attend a mandatory informational call, with funding available for tools, curriculum development, and professional training.
Colocation America
US $15,000 - US $25,000
JWF Chicago Annual Grants
Full proposal due Aug 5, 2026
The JWF Chicago Annual Grants aim to enhance opportunities for Jewish women and girls by funding projects that address their unique needs through a gender and Jewish lens. The foundation supports initiatives that promote social change and empowerment, focusing on areas like economic security, education, health, and innovation. Grants range from $15,000 to an average of $20,000-$25,000, with eligibility for 501(c)(3) organizations and specific requirements for Israeli grantees.
Jewish United Fund Of Metropolitan Chicago
Up to US $4,000
Mockingbird- Nonprofit Incubator Grant Program
Applications due Aug 28, 2026
The Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Grant Program supports emerging nonprofit founders in creating sustainable growth and impact. The program includes eight live workshops on nonprofit management, fundraising, and access to resources from Givebutter. Selected organizations receive scholarships and the chance to apply for $4,000 in grant funds. Eligibility is limited to 501c3 nonprofits or those under fiscal sponsorship with budgets under $500,000, fostering a community of committed leaders ready to make a difference.
Mockingbird Incubator
US $10,000 - US $25,000
Kazanjian Economics Foundation Grant
Letter of inquiry due Sep 10, 2026
The Kazanjian Economics Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing economic literacy across various educational settings. With a history of over 70 years, the foundation supports projects that deliver economic education to youth, particularly in non-school environments. It emphasizes teacher training and initiatives for underserved communities, while also promoting behavioral economics and entrepreneurship. The foundation welcomes letters of interest year-round, with recommended deadlines of March 10th and September 10th for grant cycles.
Calvin K. Kazanjian Economics Foundation
More than US $25,000
NBA Foundation Grants
Applications due Nov 14, 2026
The NBA Foundation Grants aim to empower Black youth by providing economic opportunities through skills training, mentorship, and career advancement programs. Established by all 30 NBA teams, the foundation focuses on organizations aligned with its mission, specifically those serving Black youth in NBA markets. Applications for 2024 grants are now open, with a review process taking 12-14 weeks. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable economic and racial justice in communities.
National Basketball Association Foundation
Up to US $50,000
Asian Cultural Council: Organization Grant
Applications due Nov 19, 2026
The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) offers Organization Grants to arts and culture organizations in Asia and the U.S., promoting cultural exchange through travel and collaborative activities. These grants support immersive experiences, research, and access to artistic communities, fostering international dialogue and relationship-building. Organizations must be nonprofit or educational institutions, legally registered in eligible regions, and demonstrate a minimum of five years of relevant programming. ACC provides additional support to enhance project feasibility.
Asian Cultural Council Inc
Up to US $500,000
Stranahan Foundation Early Childhood Education Funding
Letter of inquiry due Dec 3, 2026
The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program aims to enhance access to high-quality early education for low-income children. Funding up to $1.5 million is available for innovative proposals that improve professional development for early educators. Key priorities include scalable coaching models, leadership development for under-resourced communities, and community-wide substitute teacher pools. This initiative is designed to tackle significant gaps identified in early childhood education and support effective learning environments.
Stranahan Foundation
Up to US $50,000
Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant
Letter of inquiry due Jan 22, 2027
The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.
Motorola Solutions Foundation
US $25,000 - US $200,000
Creating Opportunity & Independence Grant
Letter of inquiry due Jan 26, 2027
The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation's Creating Opportunity & Independence Grant supports programs and research that enhance the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It welcomes applications from nonprofit organizations and rehabilitation facilities in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on projects that foster independence, community participation, and capacity-building. Priority is given to initiatives that demonstrate broad impact and involve individuals with SCI, ensuring their needs and perspectives shape the proposed activities.
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
US $50,000
Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant
Letter of inquiry due Feb 20, 2027
The Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant supports innovative, nursing-driven solutions aimed at enhancing health equity for marginalized groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others facing healthcare barriers. This program encourages transformative proposals that challenge traditional care strategies, demonstrate best-in-class potential, and showcase scalability. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and faith-based organizations that adhere to inclusive practices. Priority is given to proposals fostering community engagement and measurable outcomes.
Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation
US $50,000
Hillman Emergent Innovation:Serious Illness and End of Life Grant
Letter of inquiry due Feb 20, 2027
The Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant offers $50,000 for 12-18 months to support innovative nursing-driven interventions for underserved populations facing health care access barriers, including racial minorities and low-income individuals. It encourages fresh, early-stage ideas targeting serious illness and end-of-life care challenges. By fostering community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program aims to transform care delivery in diverse settings, ensuring equitable health services for all.
Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation
US $10,000 - US $50,000
Recordings at Risk Grant
Applications due Feb 24, 2027
The Recordings at Risk Grant, administered by CLIR, supports the preservation of rare audio and audiovisual media of scholarly value through digital reformatting. With funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the program aims to award $6.75 million across twelve competitions, offering grants between $10,000 and $50,000. It encourages U.S. nonprofit institutions to preserve vulnerable media, helping them to develop strategies for effective digital reformatting and promoting best preservation practices.
Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR)
US $2,500 - US $15,000
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors
Applications due Mar 2, 2027
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, established by George P. Mitchell in 1997, supports the preservation of historic interiors through grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, while individuals may apply if their project involves a National Historic Landmark. The competitive selection process typically concludes within three months, with grant recipients required to match funds dollar-for-dollar. This initiative promotes education and planning activities crucial for maintaining historic interior integrity.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
US $2,500 - US $15,000
Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation
Applications due Mar 2, 2027
The Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation, established in 1994, supports public agencies and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to preserve historic environments. With grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, this highly competitive funding opportunity aims to foster appreciation for cultural heritage and enhance community livability. Eligible activities include planning, education, and preservation projects. Applicants must match the grant dollar-for-dollar and adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the success of their initiatives.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
US $20,000
Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits
Applications due Apr 10, 2027
The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.
Cause Strategy Partners
US $2,500 - US $15,000
Hart Family Fund for Small Towns
Applications due May 2, 2027
The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Up to US $20,000
Founders’ Award
Applications due Jun 19, 2027
The Founders’ Award by SAX LLP honors nonprofit organizations demonstrating perseverance in their mission. With a rich history since 1956, SAX aims to empower nonprofits through a $20,000 unrestricted gift for the first place, alongside additional support for second and third places. Eligible applicants must hold a 501(c)(3) tax exemption and attend the awards ceremony if selected among the Top 75. This initiative reflects SAX's commitment to advancing impactful nonprofits in their communities.
SAX LLP
Showing 27 of 8,000+ results.
Sign up to see the full listProfessional Development Grants for Nonprofits Highlights
Professional development grants for nonprofits provide funding to enhance staff skills, leadership training, and organizational growth. The following grants help nonprofits improve efficiency, adapt to challenges, and achieve long-term sustainability in their mission-driven work.
Search Instrumentl's Professional Development Grants Database
Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for professional development, with $3528M in resources. Instrumentl helps organizations grow by providing grant-matching tools, deadline tracking, and funder insights to support career advancement and success.
Last updated: July 6, 2026. Next update: August 2, 2026.
Top Searched Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits
Grant Insights : Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits
Grant Availability
How common are grants in this category?
Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.
8,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.
3,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size
3,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size
1,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses
6,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects
1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness
600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Grant Deadline Distribution
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Professional Development grants for Nonprofits?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
Q1
26.6%
Q2
24.2%
Q3
25.6%
Q4
23.6%
Frequently asked questions
Professional development grants are available for nonprofits focused on workforce training, leadership development, skill-building, and support for their staff and volunteers. These grants are ideal for organizations looking to boost their team’s skills and impact. Funders often prioritize nonprofits that serve underrepresented communities, focus on equity in leadership, or have a clear plan for using professional development to improve their mission-driven work.
Grants in professional development typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 26.6% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.
The main goal of professional development grants is to help nonprofit teams grow, improve, and become more effective. Funders see professional development grants as an investment for nonprofit professionals to improve their skills, ultimately leading to better leadership, stronger services, and more sustainable organizations. These grants often support leadership training, technical skill development, and mentorship programs that help teams with ongoing learning opportunities.
On average, grants in professional development provide funding between $0 and $188,250,000, with typical awards falling around $39,550 (median) and $669,574 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.
Professional development grants are typically funded by private foundations, corporate sponsors, and government agencies. Organizations like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Kresge Foundation are known for funding initiatives to build organizational capacity. Some corporations also provide grants to nonprofits that align with their workforce development goals, helping to create stronger communities and more skilled nonprofit professionals.
To improve the chances of receiving private grants, nonprofits should:
- Research funders carefully – Get to know private funders by learning about their mission, past grant recipients, and funding priorities.
- Be clear about your goals and expected results – Outline measurable outcomes, how the funds will be used, and what you hope to achieve. Having a history of success can also make your application more convincing.
- Show financial responsibility – Prove you have good money management and a plan for long-term financial sustainability beyond the grant.
- Build connections – Meet with grantmakers through networking events, email introductions, or funder Q&As.
Struggling to manage multiple grants? Learn how to stay organized with our comprehensive grant tracking spreadsheet guide.
Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for professional development grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.
See how Instrumentl helps you discover grants, cultivate relationships, and apply for funding.
Filter Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits
Browse Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits by Location
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
American Samoa
District of Columbia
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
Africa
Haiti
Related Grant Funding Focus Areas
Browse Other Nonprofit Operations & Capacity Grants
Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits
Corporate Grants for Nonprofits
Foundation Grants for Nonprofits
Grants for 501(c)(3)
Grants for Capital Funding
Grants for Computers for Nonprofits
Grants for Grassroots Organizations
Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits
Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations
Marketing Grants for Nonprofits
Operating Grants for Nonprofits
Private Grants for Nonprofits
Seed Grants for Nonprofits
Small Grants for Nonprofits
Technology Grants
Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits
Browse More Local Grants
Local Grants by City
Small Grants for Nonprofits in Cincinnati, OH
Grants for Computers for Nonprofits in Charleston, SC
Grants for Computers for Nonprofits in Flagstaff, AZ
Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Las Vegas, NV
Technology Grants in El Paso, TX
Grants for Computers for Nonprofits in Olympia, WA
Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Davenport, IA
Grants for Computers for Nonprofits in Rockford, IL
Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Sarasota, FL
Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Philadelphia, PA
Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Frederick, MD
Grants for 501(c)(3) in Lubbock, TX
%2520(17).webp)
