Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Equitable Community-Designed Outdoor Spaces Grant, offered by the Colorado Health Foundation, supports planning grants for designing and constructing inclusive outdoor spaces like parks and playgrounds in Colorado. This initiative emphasizes community engagement, allowing families and youth, particularly from low-income and communities of color, to co-design their recreational areas, fostering health equity and belonging. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000 and prioritize projects that address historical disparities in access to safe outdoor amenities.

The CEFA: Standard Bond Financing Grant Program offers affordable, tax-exempt bonds to nonprofit higher education institutions in California. This initiative allows eligible borrowers to finance construction, acquisition, and refinancing projects to enhance their facilities. CEFA's expertise in various financing structures ensures innovative solutions for educational institutions, supporting their mission to serve students effectively. With a strong emphasis on regional accreditation and operational history, this program aims to empower educational entities in improving their infrastructure and resources.

The OVAC Community/Artist Partnership Grant supports Oklahoma artists in creating visual art for public engagement and community projects. With funding up to $1500, eligible artists must be over 21, Oklahoma residents, and not currently enrolled in a BFA or MFA program. The grant evaluates applications based on artistic quality, community impact, and project feasibility, fostering collaboration between artists and the community to promote local visual arts.

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 NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The CAA Professional Development Fellowship in Visual Arts offers a $10,000 grant to support MFA students and artists from underrepresented groups. This fellowship aids in job-search expenses or purchasing materials for their studio practice. Recipients also receive a one-year CAA membership and free registration to the Annual Conference. Honorable Mentions will also receive membership and conference registration. This initiative promotes diversity and provides crucial support to emerging artists in their professional journey.

The Project Acceleration Notes and Credit Enhancement Alternatives (PANACEA) Program, funded by an $8 million federal grant, aims to enhance financing for charter schools in California. This program supports the construction, purchase, and renovation of school facilities by providing credit enhancements. Additionally, it helps schools awaiting long-term debt issuance through the Authority’s Conduit Bond and Note Financing Program. The PANACEA Program is crucial for improving educational infrastructure and fostering student success in underprivileged areas.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Equity and Social Justice Grants focus on enhancing access to reliable information, ensuring community members can participate in decision-making that impacts their lives. Established in 1945, the Foundation prioritizes grantmaking initiatives that support civic engagement, challenge systemic injustice, and promote equitable access to opportunities. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, the Foundation aims to empower communities through education, dialogue, and fact-based media to foster systemic change.

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

Toby Gamble and Janet Helen Tolan Gamble Educational Fund

Scholarship to benefit students graduating from an Anchorage high school who are interested in vocational studies, pre-med, law, theology, sports or other areas specified in the scholarship guidelines.

The Toby Gamble and Janet Helen Tolan Gamble Educational Scholarship was established at The Alaska Community Foundation in 2015, with the inaugural scholarship cycle beginning in the spring of 2018. The Gambles wanted to support the post-secondary goals of students in Anchorage, a place they made their home for nearly sixty years.

The Joanna Cornerstone Ministries Scholarship Fund, established by Joanna Cornerstone Ministries, focuses on supporting high school seniors from Cherokee, Clay, or Graham counties in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must be legal residents planning to attend an accredited college or vocational school full-time. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need. This initiative is part of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina's broader commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the region.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Family Trust Federal Credit Union: The Eddie Reeves Community Commitment Scholarship

Family Trust is committed to supporting future leaders in our community. The Eddie Reeves Community Commitment Scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate students through Family Trust. 

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Lion's Share Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

All college-aged, Lion's Share students! We're offering THREE $2,000 Lion's Share scholarships to help a group of qualified students continue their education.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Jaana Megan Langhus Scholarship

The purpose of the Jaana Megan Langhus Scholarship Fund shall be to provide scholarships to graduates of the Park Hill, Missouri School District.

Applicants may be requested to demonstrate financial need as determined through parents/guardians 1040 tax return and/or student FAFSA. The scholarship is renewable for nine consecutive semesters providing the student continues to pursue a bachelor’s degree, maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA and complete a minimum of twelve semester credit hours per semester.

Brian Thiele Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, established by family and friends in memory of Brian Thiele, provides financial assistance to students who exhibit characteristics similar to those for which Brian is so fondly remembered. This includes playing varsity and/or club soccer, achievement of personal and academic goals, overcoming obstacles to meet his goals, competitive spirit, leadership and a special caring for community. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The Elissa M. Garofalo Community Impact Award Fund, established by friends and family, honors Elissa's legacy by recognizing individuals demonstrating leadership and community impact in Carbon County. Each year, the recipient receives at least $500 for professional development or can designate a local charity to receive the funds. This award seeks to empower those in the prime of their careers, not lifetime achievers, fostering ongoing community contributions and mentorship.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

MTC Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

For MTC Federal members who are pursuing an undergraduate degree and seeking financial assistance.

Scholarships. Preparing for your future.

If you are an MTC Federal Credit Union member pursuing an undergraduate degree, the MTC Federal Scholarship Program may be able to provide financial assistance. For those who apply but aren’t selected, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation General Fund Scholarship offers another opportunity.

For those who apply to the MTC Federal Foundation Scholarship Program but aren’t accepted, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Scholarship may be able to provide financial assistance.

Scholarships do not automatically renew; selected recipients will receive a one-time distribution of funds. However, prior recipients are welcome to reapply.

The Kids’ Chance of Florida Scholarship Program awards scholarships to dependent children of a worker who has been killed or seriously injured in a claim accepted as compensable under the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act (Chapter 440, Florida Statutes), the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. § 901 et seq.), or the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (5 U.S.C. Chapter 81).

The program is administered by Kids’ Chance of Florida, Inc. and governed by a Board of Directors representing a cross-section of the legal and workers’ compensation communities.

Kids’ Chance of Florida offers one scholarship cycle per year. Students who receive a Kids’ Chance scholarship must reapply each year to be considered for continued support.

The R. Alvin Stevenson Fund Grant aims to enhance community welfare by supporting nonprofits focused on health and human services in Hocking and Fairfield Counties. This initiative, backed by The Columbus Foundation, invites 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations to apply for funding that fosters continuous innovation in service delivery. With a focus on strategic grantmaking, this program seeks to strengthen our community through effective partnerships between donors and nonprofits.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

 Blue Flame Credit Union Scholarship Fund

Most families need scholarship help when it comes to paying for college for their children.

Academic Scholarships for Full-Time Students

As a benefit of membership, Blue Flame Credit Union provides eligible student members with the opportunity to apply for scholarships through the Carolina’s Credit Union Foundation. Applications are generally available beginning mid December, with scholarships usually being awarded the following May.

The Penny Allison Early Childhood Fund, managed by the Carbon County Community Foundation, supports early childhood education initiatives in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. Grants ranging from $250 to $500 are available for school programs and nonprofits focused on nurturing young learners and promoting school readiness. Through this fund, the Foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and enrich the lives of children and families in the community.

The OAC Essential Arts Education Grants for Schools supports Oklahoma schools in enhancing arts education programs during the school day. Schools can apply for up to $5,000 per year, fostering significant improvements in academic performance and student engagement. Arts education develops essential skills, promotes creativity, and encourages civic responsibility. With a focus on hands-on learning led by qualified educators, these grants aim to expand access to various art forms, benefiting both students and the broader community.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Go-Long Scholarship Fund

The Go-Long mantra is to give of oneself, live life fully and to never give up. The Go-Long team was formed in 2002 when a group of football-loving friends decided to give back. Go-Long decided they would seek to enrich the lives of young people who aspired to attend college. They did this by creating a yard work and neighborhood beautification business, in which 100% of all earnings would go to the Go-Long Scholarship Fund. In addition, the Go-Long volunteer team provides scholarship recipients with neighborhood beautification service projects, which raise funds to fuel the next class of Go-Long scholars.

The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships to students in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

Students receiving the scholarship will be expected to complete at least 8 hours of community service when they receive the award.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. Scholarship amounts may vary and are non-renewable.

The Strong Foundation Grant provides support for youth-oriented programs in Hawaii. Organizations can apply for a grant every three years, with a maximum of one grant per organization. It is essential to have a trustee sponsor from the Strong Foundation to support the application, ensuring that the charity's needs are well understood. Grants are focused on capital needs and are designed to make a significant impact in the community.

The OAC Community Arts Experience Grants, offered by the Oklahoma Arts Council, support community vitality through funding for arts-based projects such as festivals and exhibitions. These grants aim to enhance cultural opportunities for Oklahomans and require a 100% match. Organizations may apply for two grants annually, with a maximum award of $5,000. This program fosters engagement and preserves cultural heritage, replacing the previous Small Grant Support program as of September 1, 2023.

The OAC Capitol Art Field Trip Grants provide an exceptional opportunity for Oklahoma school children, particularly those from rural and under-resourced communities, to experience the state's rich history and art at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Schools can receive reimbursement for transportation and associated costs, allowing students to engage in guided tours and learn about Oklahoma's art collections and government. Grants are available for up to $1,100 per field trip, fostering a unique educational experience.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Elizabeth Miller Watkins Memorial Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Elizabeth Miller Watkins Scholarship is to assist women students of outstanding scholastic achievement and demonstrated financial need in completing their college education at KU.

Amount: Awards of up to $2,000 per semester will be made to each recipient

Recipients who meet ongoing eligibility requirements may apply for renewal annually.

The OVAC Creative Projects Grant, offered by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, supports Oklahoma artists aged 21 and above in creating visual art for public presentation. Grants of up to $1500 are awarded for new projects culminating in public events. Eligible applicants must not be current BFA or MFA students and should not have received OVAC funding in the past year. The evaluation focuses on the potential impact, quality, concept, and feasibility of the proposed work.