Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Howard Gilman Foundation Grant aims to support New York City's vibrant performing arts organizations. By providing general operating support, the foundation fosters long-term partnerships with those that reflect the city's diverse cultural community. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities or fiscally sponsored, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility in the arts. The foundation prioritizes organizations of color and those in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring a thriving arts ecosystem for all.

The Shiu-Ying Hu Student/Postdoctoral Exchange Award facilitates collaborative research between American and Chinese scholars in the field of woody plant biology. Established in honor of Professor Shiu-Ying Hu's contributions to botanical science, it supports graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from the People's Republic of China or Harvard University. Awardees can explore living collections at the Arnold Arboretum or conduct field studies in China, enhancing cross-cultural academic exchange and scientific discovery.

The Crowell Trust Grant focuses on supporting organizations that prioritize evangelism and church planting in under-resourced areas. The trust emphasizes holistic gospel expressions, training leaders across genders, and caring for the oppressed, especially women. Eligible applicants must be registered as tax-exempt organizations in the U.S. and comply with financial accountability standards. The trust aims to uplift communities in need while fostering spiritual and social development through targeted outreach and support.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a leading research center for woody plants, housing over 15,000 species. The Jewett Prize supports researchers studying flowers and fruits, facilitating original research and scholarly exchanges. Funded by Prof. James R. Jewett's generosity, the prize enhances the Arboretum's mission to promote plant scholarship and biodiversity awareness. This prestigious award encourages innovative research while providing access to extensive botanical resources, including the Harvard Botanical Library and the University Herbaria.

The Arnold Arboretum's Sargent Award supports visiting scholars in botanical sciences, providing up to $7,000 for research expenses related to its extensive living and herbarium collections. With over 15,000 documented woody plants and 5 million herbarium specimens, scholars can conduct significant research on diverse floras, particularly from East Asia. This award fosters collaboration and showcases the research potential of the Arnold Arboretum's unique resources.

The Riverside Hospital Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting organizations that enhance healthcare delivery and improve organizational effectiveness. Established in 1991, the Foundation provides financial assistance to tax-exempt entities in Northeast Florida, particularly in Duval, Nassau, Clay, St. Johns, and Baker Counties. Grant applications must be submitted online alongside additional copies mailed to meet requirements. This initiative seeks to foster access to quality healthcare for the community.

State Library of Oregon

Provides specialized information services to state government employees and the public and maintains several collections including Federal and Oregon documents.

LSTA Grants: Strong Libraries Mini Grant

The State Library is offering small grants to strengthen libraries in Oregon and enable them to more fully support their communities. Projects must address one or more of the following focal areas:

Collections: Make Reading Relevant to Your Community

• Enhance a nonfiction collection with recent titles or a specialty section (ex: travel).
• Engage reluctant readers with manga and/or graphic novels.
• Acquire books by Oregon authors and/or Tribal Nations.
• Purchase Spanish-language or bilingual materials.
• Complete incomplete series or add additional copies of popular titles.

Community: Get Involved in Your Local Area

• Bring services out of the building and into the community (ex: pop-up library, lending collection in laundromat, booth at farmers’ market).
• Perform outreach to communities that are underserved.
• Collaborate with local organizations to host public events or classes on topics of interest to the community (ex: civics workshops, language learning, seed exchange).
• Host or participate in a cultural festival.

Economy: Help Foster a Prosperous Community

• Collaborate with local organizations (such as WorkSource, OSU Extension Service, small businesses, community financial or entrepreneur groups, or chambers of commerce) to host public programs or training.
• Curate a set of resources that support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at local high schools or community colleges.
• Host and/or participate in a local job fair.
• Add products to a makerspace that support local business needs.
• Establish a work area for job seekers, remote workers, and/or small business owners.

Staff: Encourage Growth and Engagement

• Organize a learning opportunity for staff.
• Coordinate staff visits to other area libraries and/or community organizations.
• Conduct a workforce analysis and create a plan for implementing improvements.
• Bring in a facilitator to host activities that build staff morale.
• Pilot a mentoring or peer-to-peer training program.

Technology: Support Digital Access and Skills Training

• Lend devices to eliminate barriers to technology.
• Update public and/or staff computer workstations.
• Acquire assistive technology that enhances access for individuals with disabilities.
• Collaborate with a local organization to host computer skills training workshops.

There can only be one application per organization (meaning, one application per public school district, per university or college, per public library, etc.).

Spending must adhere to Allowable Costs.

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliance is required for public libraries and K-12 school libraries using funds for devices that access the Internet and/or for costs associated with accessing the Internet.

Entities may include indirect costs in the budget, as outlined in 2 CFR 200.414.

Ohio History Connection

The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the State Historic Preservation Office, the official state archives and the Community Engagement Department and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio.

Certified Local Government Grant

Funding for grants to Certified Local Governments (CLG) comes from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Historic Preservation Fund (CFDA 15.904), administered by the National Park Service, which provides financial support to State Historic Preservation Offices. Under provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act, 10% of the annual appropriation to Ohio is set aside for CLG grants. Ohio's CLG grants are awarded on a 60%/40% matching basis except for projects that qualify as Funding Priorities; for these projects, the grant can cover up to 100% of the project cost. For other projects, the grant amount covers up to 60% of the total project cost with the grant recipient providing the balance. The grant recipient match can be made through any combination of cash, in-kind and donated services and materials. With the exception of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, federal funds cannot be used to meet the matching share requirements of CLG grants.

Funding Priorities

The matching fund requirement is waived if your project meets one of our Funding Priorities. These change every year, and represent specific goals outlined in the Statewide Historic Preservation Plan. If your project addresses one of these priorities the grant can cover 100% of your project costs. SHPO encourages applicants to contact our office with questions about qualifying for a Funding Priority. Examples of past funding priorities include:

• Projects to survey, nominate, or rehabilitate resources of the recent past, as defined in Ohio Modern: Preserving Our Recent Past / Statewide Historic Context, such as mid-20th century properties or properties reflecting mid-century themes such as civil rights.

• Projects that update National Register-listed historic district nominations with expanded periods of significance and/or boundary amendments. In-state historic preservation-related training for CLG commission and related bodies, design guidelines, or community-based preservation plan or plan components.

• Projects to survey, nominate or rehabilitate properties pertaining to the heritage of under-represented groups as defined in titled Reconciliation, Recovery and Resilience: A Historic Preservation Plan for Ohioans, 2023-2030, Goal 4. This can include ethnic minorities, women, and other regional, socioeconomic and ethnic groups.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Robert F. Walls Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Caroline County Public Schools

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Roberta B. Holt Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Caroline County Public High Schools.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Otis M. Trice Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Dorchester County Public Schools, who are planning to pursue degrees in Education.

Patrick J. Kiley / Houston AGC Scholarship

Benefiting employees, dependents of employees, and/or interns of AGC Houston member firms OR students involved in AGC Student Chapters.

Award Amounts

Multiple awards are given each year. Scholarship award amounts will vary for each selected scholarship recipient.

The Latham Fund Grant supports organizations in the Washington, DC area focusing on medical research for disease cures, particularly clinical applications. It also aids financially challenged patients requiring medical, nursing, or hospital care. Established in 1972, the Charles and Mary Latham Fund has positively impacted the community by funding various health-related projects. Grants are not available for research involving animals or individual support, ensuring a focus on collective health advancements.

The Wisconsin Disaster Fund (WDF) is a state-funded reimbursement program that allows local governmental units – namely, counties, cities, townships, villages, and tribal units of government – to recoup costs incurred while responding to and recovering from disaster incidents. The state reimburses 70% of eligible costs after the local governmental unit submits a complete WDF application. The fund does not cover individuals, businesses, the agricultural sector, costs associated with snowstorms, damages covered by insurance, nor does it provide funds for mitigation activities. The fund does reimburse public disaster costs under three categories of work: Category A Debris Clearance, Category B Protective Measures, and Category C Road and Bridge Repair. The application process for WDF has two stages. The first is completed by the county/tribal emergency manager within 30 days and the second stage is completed by the applicant within EM Grants Pro (“Pro”) within 60 days of the end of the incident. The Applicant will then have 30 days to submit any additional required information or documentation.

The Iowa Public Library Grant Award Program, funded by the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, supports the enhancement of library services across Iowa. Grants up to $80,000 assist with construction, renovation, and technology initiatives, especially those benefiting youth. Projects are evaluated on community needs and local investment. However, funding for joint school-library projects or accessibility improvements is excluded. Successful applicants must wait five years before reapplying.

BCF Community Event Sponsorships

Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) proudly sponsors community events that strengthen and celebrate the Brookline community. Through this program, BCF provides financial support to initiatives that bring residents together, promote civic engagement, and enhance community well-being.

Requests typically range from $50 to $1,500.

The South Carolina Farm Bureau Foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing degrees in agriculture or related fields. Awarded based on character, leadership, and dedication, these scholarships support rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors from farm families or farm-oriented backgrounds. The selection process is managed by the Foundation's Scholarship Committee, ensuring alignment with established guidelines. This initiative aims to foster future leaders in agriculture and enhance educational opportunities in this vital sector.

The Miccio Foundation offers Standard and Mini Grants to organizations in Iowa dedicated to animal welfare. Eligible groups include shelters and humane societies with 501c3 status. Grants can fund projects like spay/neuter programs and facility renovations, aiming for immediate, measurable impacts in local communities. Standard grants may reach up to $10,000, while Mini grants offer up to $1,500. The Foundation prioritizes projects that enhance animal health and operational efficiency.

The Microplastics Research and Resource Coordination Center aims to foster collaboration among researchers in biomedical and material sciences to understand the health impacts of micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs). This initiative will enhance research reliability by standardizing sampling, analytical practices, and data harmonization. The center will lead efforts in best practices and provide essential guidance to the M/NPs research community, ultimately advancing knowledge and methodologies in this critical area of study.

The PA Fair Fund offers Capital Improvement Matching Grants to support agricultural fairs and youth organizations in Pennsylvania. These grants, established under the Agricultural Fair Act of 1986, assist in funding new construction and maintenance of physical structures on fairgrounds. Eligible projects include building construction, utility improvements, and infrastructure enhancements. A 50% cash match is required, and in-kind contributions are not accepted. This funding aims to enhance the facilities and overall experience at agricultural fairs across the state.

The Jean M. Walker Grant, administered by The Miccio Foundation, aims to enhance public awareness regarding the humane treatment of animals, focusing primarily on companion animals. It supports educational initiatives and actions to end inhumane treatments, such as workshops and media campaigns. Projects that demonstrate measurable impacts on animal welfare and can be replicated in other communities are particularly encouraged. Grants are available to qualifying organizations dedicated to animal welfare.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Odell Rouse Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue an education beyond 12th grade by attending an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning.  

OREF/Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Research Grant

Solicits investigator-initiated proposals focusing on research in the science of biologic – reconstruction, bone regeneration, transplantation - allografts, and including stem cells for graft transplantation.

The Lewis Penny Medal, awarded by the Quaternary Research Association, recognizes a promising young researcher under 35 who has significantly contributed to Quaternary stratigraphy in the British Isles. Eligible candidates must be QRA members for at least three years and can receive support for travel and accommodation. Nominations should come from a department head or a qualified QRA member familiar with the candidate's work, highlighting their achievements in lithostratigraphy and related fields.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Passage to the Future Scholarship

Applicant must have graduated from a Henderson County public or private high school and attained a GPA of at least a "C" or its equivalent. Applicant may be planning to attend a two-year or a four-year institution. 

The schlarship is renewable.

The Women & Girls Fund Grants, administered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, aim to empower women and girls across Eastern Connecticut through various initiatives. With a focus on equity and social justice, the fund provides support for mentorship, healthy relationships, economic security, and access to health services. It serves regions including Northeast, Norwich, Southeast, and Windham, addressing critical needs while fostering leadership and advocacy for women and girls.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Paul and Linda Mulligan Scholarship for Business

This scholarship provides financial support to a graduate or graduating senior of a Henderson County public high school or Venice High School in Sarasota, Florida who is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business at either a public or a private (non-profit) college or university. 

The schlarship is renewable.