Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Best and Brightest Management Fellowship Program in Colorado aims to connect students with local governments, providing valuable internships and fellowships that enhance their public service experience. Targeting high school and undergraduate students, as well as graduate students in public administration, the program promotes diversity and leadership within communities. By collaborating with universities and municipalities, it ensures that future leaders reflect the demographics of their communities while gaining essential skills for effective governance.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program (HTC) in Missouri incentivizes the rehabilitation of historic commercial and residential structures. Small Projects, which seek under $275,000 in tax credits, allow for significant renovations while adhering to caps based on Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures (QREs). For instance, a project eligible for a 25% tax credit requires less than $1.1 million in QREs, ensuring broad access for smaller rehabilitation efforts.

About GCF

The Gretna Community Foundation (GCF) is a nonprofit organization created by and for the people of Gretna. Since 2011, we have been dedicated to helping donors make a lasting impact on our community. Through our partnership with the Midlands Community Foundation, we ensure professional financial management while maintaining the flexibility to direct funds toward local projects that shape Gretna's future. Whether supporting education, community development, or local nonprofits, GCF is committed to fostering a thriving and connected community for generations to come. 

The Rhodes Scholarships for the United States offer a prestigious opportunity for talented young individuals from 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories to study at Oxford University. This fully-funded postgraduate award fosters public-spirited leadership and promotes international understanding. Each year, 32 scholarships are awarded through regional committees, covering tuition, living expenses, and additional costs like visa fees and flights, ensuring a transformative educational experience.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts offers Capacity-Building Grants to support artists in Franklin, Hampshire, or Hampden counties. Each grant provides $2,500 along with professional development, coaching, and community-building resources. This initiative aims to enhance the sustainability of artists from diverse backgrounds, encouraging those who have not received grants previously to apply. The program fosters equal opportunities and prioritizes applicants who identify as black, indigenous, or a person of color.

The purpose of the Education Service Centers (ESC) Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Basic Services Initiative is primarily to provide support for and to work cooperatively with Title I, Part A campuses in implementing Title I, Part A formula grant, and secondarily to provide technical assistance to other ESSA programs included in any subsequent addendum, that increase opportunities for all students enrolled in schools served by Title I, Part A to meet challenging State academic assessment standards.

Texas Education Agency's (TEA) strategic vision for ESSA formula grants is to improve student achievement, to ensure school systems have sufficient guidance and technical assistance to meet ESSA federal compliance requirements, to strengthen the quality of local ESSA programs, and to promote coordinated use of funds for best practices aligned to TEA Strategic Priorities in the ESSA Consolidated State Plan.  

The Urgent Need for Disasters Grant Program assists communities facing immediate challenges due to recent natural disasters. With a budget of $100,000 in 2024, this program provides crucial funds to address urgent needs that threaten community health or welfare. Eligible projects must demonstrate that no alternative financial resources are available, ensuring that support reaches those most in need. This grant reflects a commitment to swift action in times of crisis, enhancing community resilience and recovery.

The Children's Foundation of Erie County Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children in Erie County, NY. With a focus on supporting not-for-profit organizations, the foundation seeks to fund initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to improving children's quality of life. Eligible agencies must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and serve local children. Grants will not be awarded to individuals or for endowments, ensuring that funds directly benefit the intended recipients.

Individual Artist Fellowship

The Fellowship Program honors Oregon's professional artists and their achievements while supporting efforts to advance their careers.

The next deadline for the Fellowship program is for Performing Arts. This for the grant period from January 1, 2027 -- December 31, 2027.

The Arts Commission offers Fellowships in multiple artistic disciplines in alternating years:

• Performing Arts (choreography, dance, music composition, music performance, theater, performance art, storytelling and puppetry).
• Visual Arts (crafts, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, new media, fashion, graphic design and industrial design).

The State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements Grant Program in Massachusetts aims to enhance highway safety through data-driven projects. Funded by NHTSA, the program supports the development of software, data reporting enhancements, and training for professionals involved in traffic records. With a total funding of $1,200,000, it seeks to improve data quality and interoperability across state systems and facilitate research on traffic safety trends.

The Child Passenger Safety Education and Assistance Program provides essential support to eligible organizations in Massachusetts by funding car seats for low-income families. Administered by the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research, this initiative aims to reduce child passenger injuries through education and proper car seat installation by certified technicians. Organizations can apply for grants up to $10,000 to ensure that caregivers are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to secure children's safety in vehicles.

Charity League of MHC Scholarship

This Scholarship has an outside committee and is not affiliated with the Community Foundation.

• Must submit a recommendation form filled out by his/her guidance counselor.
• $1,000

The Culture Forward Grant, initiated by the Svane Family Foundation, allocates $5 million to support arts and culture projects that engage families, students, and young professionals in Downtown San Francisco. Open to individual artists and organizations, this initiative emphasizes community revitalization and collaboration, ensuring projects are completed within a year. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate potential for impactful engagement in the local cultural landscape.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Mark Weston Smith Scholarship

For Raleigh County high school graduate; college-qualified and based on financial need.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to transform open-source research into sustainable ecosystems that tackle national and societal challenges. This initiative promotes innovation across various sectors, including AI and cybersecurity, by fostering strong governance and broad user engagement. PESOSE invites proposals to establish and enhance open-source ecosystems, ensuring their safety, security, and effectiveness in meeting emergent needs.

Sean R. Culbert Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship for Oklahomans attending the East Central University who have a Minimum GPA of 2.5 and have financial need.

The Arts Work Fund: Arts Capacity Grant Program supports small and mid-sized arts organizations in Chicago and Cook County by enhancing their operational practices. Established in 2006, it offers grants up to $40,000 to bolster organizational resilience, improve community engagement, and advance strategic initiatives. Eligible organizations must have an arts-focused mission, operate under a budget of $2 million, and be located in the specified regions. The program prioritizes those with clearly defined capacity-building needs.

Saginaw Community Foundation

The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is a tax-exempt charitable organization created by and for the people of Saginaw County. Established in 1984 with an initial grant of $50,000 by the Junior League of Saginaw Valley in celebration of its 50th anniversary, SCF enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about – immediately, or through their wills. SCF is one of 900+ community foundations nationwide classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Unlike a private foundation, SCF’s assets come from any number of individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations interested in improving the quality of life in our community. These gifts range in size and purpose, depending upon the interests of individual donors. Some funds are given for specific charitable purposes; others are unrestricted so they may be used to meet the changing needs of our community.

Team One Credit Union – Dean Ruple Scholarship

Team One Credit Union established the Dean Ruple Scholarship in 1999 in memory of Dean Ruple, one of the Credit Union’s most prominent developers. Mr. Ruple was elected to the Board of Directors of Team One Credit Union in 1957 and continued serving the Credit Union in various capacities until 1998.

Mr. Ruple dedicated his life to education. He was employed by the Saginaw City School District for over 30 years as both a teacher and administrator. He also taught at Delta College and with the Bridgeport-Spaulding school system. He was active in the MEA-SEA, the NEA, the Youth Involvement Council and the Family Involvement Council.

Mr. Ruple was proud to witness the growth of Team One from 200 members and $40,000 in assets to its present membership of more than 36,000 with over $197,000,000 in assets. His proactive leadership was respected by all and he is greatly missed.

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (50)
• Essay (25)
• Scholastic record (20)
• Letters of recommendation (5)

Steuben County Community Foundation

The Steuben County Community Foundation plays a unique role in making this community the best it can be for the people who call it home. We believe that through our work, our community members can live the lives they’ve always dreamed of. They’ll pay it forward, lift one another up, and make our community even better. Investing in our community today, positions it for a brighter tomorrow.

Steuben County Vocational Education Scholarship

The Steuben County Vocational Education Scholarship is available for Steuben County residents seeking some form of vocational training. In addition to graduates, current high school students are eligible to apply for this funding.

Steuben County Community Foundation

The Steuben County Community Foundation plays a unique role in making this community the best it can be for the people who call it home. We believe that through our work, our community members can live the lives they’ve always dreamed of. They’ll pay it forward, lift one another up, and make our community even better. Investing in our community today, positions it for a brighter tomorrow.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in 1998 by Lilly Endowment Inc. to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana. The scholarship covers a full four-year tuition and an annual $900 stipend for books and equipment. 

The William Penn Foundation aims to connect 25,000 families with young children in Philadelphia to public benefits and tax credits worth at least $75 million by 2035. This initiative seeks to alleviate poverty, improve economic stability, and foster better parent-child relationships, which are essential for healthy child development. By addressing the significant gap in benefits access, the foundation supports direct services, policy work, and community initiatives that enhance families' ability to navigate available resources.

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Grant supports low-income housing initiatives in Knoxville, providing funding for new construction, major rehabs, and various assistance programs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and governmental entities committed to non-discriminatory practices. Assistance may be awarded as secured loans, forgivable loans, or grants, with a focus on enhancing housing opportunities for both owner-occupied and rental housing. The grant aims to promote stability and education in housing for very low-income households.

The Bolivar Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program, supported by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance community development in the Bolivar and Polk County region. This program invites 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities to apply for grants up to $3,000 to support their initiatives. The foundation focuses on fostering collaboration and effective grantmaking to improve the quality of life for local residents.

Saginaw Community Foundation

The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is a tax-exempt charitable organization created by and for the people of Saginaw County. Established in 1984 with an initial grant of $50,000 by the Junior League of Saginaw Valley in celebration of its 50th anniversary, SCF enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about – immediately, or through their wills. SCF is one of 900+ community foundations nationwide classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Unlike a private foundation, SCF’s assets come from any number of individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations interested in improving the quality of life in our community. These gifts range in size and purpose, depending upon the interests of individual donors. Some funds are given for specific charitable purposes; others are unrestricted so they may be used to meet the changing needs of our community.

Tom Krzyzaniak Teaching Scholarship

The Tom Krzyzaniak Teaching Scholarship Fund was established in 2014 by his wife Barbara and children Kristyn and Todd. Tom graduated in 1966 from Bay City Central High School. After high school he attended Western Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in business administration. He began his teaching career with Saginaw Public Schools in 1970. Within a short period of time, Tom took an interest in the automobile industry. His lengthy career took him through all aspects of the business; from construction of auto parts, to supervision of inspection lines at General Motors and eventually into the sales. He began his career in the finance and insurance division at Garber Buick in 1981. From there, he moved his way up the ladder to new car sales manager and then into the executive manager/dealer position. He was truly diverse in the construction, manufacture and sales of General Motors products.

Tom touched the lives of many in his career at Garber Buick. He was a leader and truly committed to his company, customers and employees. Tom lived with the adage that a “team was only as good as its leader.” By establishing this scholarship, we hope to find an individual that will share Tom’s same passion for the automobile industry. Whether in the manufacture, design, repair, sales or business end, we welcome all to share in his legacy.

Evaluation Criteria

• Leadership (29)
• Financial need (19)
• Scholastic record (13)
• Community service (13)
• Extracurricular/school activities (13)
• Overall involvement in work, school and community activities (13)

The Kennedy Scholarship for Future Educators

Provides a scholarship to a student at the University of Oklahoma who has been accepted into the college of education and had a minumum college GPA of 3.0.

The F.I.S.T. Grant, offered by the Steuben County Community Foundation, supports nonprofit and school projects that positively impact the youth of Steuben County. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for initiatives such as educational trips and creative projects that empower youth to give back to their community. Eligible applicants include school employees and nonprofit organizations, with the goal of inspiring the next generation of community leaders.

The Abbey Mural Prize, established in 1932, supports the creation and restoration of public murals across the United States. This prestigious award, administered by the National Academy of Design since 1940, emphasizes projects that enhance community engagement and social activism through art. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, with a total annual funding cap of $125,000. Eligible applicants include artists, architects, and nonprofit organizations committed to impactful mural projects.