Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Ohio Environmental Education Fund Mini Grant, administered by the Ohio EPA, supports environmental education projects for students and the public. With approximately $700,000 available annually, funding priorities include promoting environmental careers, ecological restoration, air quality improvement, and addressing harmful chemicals. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, aiming to enhance awareness and understanding of critical environmental issues in Ohio.

The CDC is offering FY 2027 funds for a cooperative agreement to enhance national surveillance for human prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), in the U.S. This initiative aims to confirm suspected cases and monitor emerging diseases through a specialized center utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques. Since 1997, this center has facilitated disease confirmation and trend evaluation, ensuring accurate surveillance and fostering confidence that novel prion diseases are not emerging in the country.

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund, supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance the capabilities of preservation organizations through mentoring and organizational development. Grants cover travel and mentor honoraria, fostering collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, prioritizing those who previously applied but did not receive funding. Eligible applicants include Forum members and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on innovative ideas for mentorship opportunities.

The VCA Education Impact Grants aim to enhance arts education across Virginia by funding hands-on programs and residencies that engage students and communities. Eligible applicants include Virginia schools and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on professional development for artists and educators. A 1:1 cash match is required for funding, ensuring that projects are sustainable and impactful. This initiative fosters creativity and collaboration, enriching the educational landscape in both traditional and non-traditional settings.

The GM on Main Street Grant Program, led by Main Street America, focuses on enhancing the safety and vibrancy of downtowns through innovative road safety and traffic calming projects. Funded by General Motors, this program seeks transformative ideas that promote pedestrian safety and accessibility, making downtown areas more inviting for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants include non-profits and local governments in designated counties, with a strong emphasis on projects that are inclusive, feasible, and easily replicable.

The ODA Foundation Access to Oral Care Grants support nonprofit organizations improving dental care access in Ohio. With over $400,000 awarded, the foundation prioritizes projects demonstrating community need, sustainable outcomes, and capacity to serve underserved populations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, endorsed by an ODA member dentist, and committed to continuing their projects post-grant. This initiative aims to enhance oral health through targeted, impactful programs.

The Gilbert Giebink Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Agricultural Business or Applied Economics with a focus on commercial agriculture. This scholarship is available to undergraduate seniors and entering graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time. With a commitment to educational access and community transformation, MSU offers this opportunity to empower future leaders in agriculture.

The Reading Frederick Douglass Together Grant, offered by Mass Humanities, encourages community engagement by supporting public readings of Douglass's powerful address, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" This initiative aims to foster a collective understanding of America's complex history. Nonprofit, educational institutions, and government organizations serving Massachusetts residents can apply, provided they focus on direct project costs. Mass Humanities seeks to promote civic dialogue and reflection through this unique literary experience.

The Kingfisher Community Trust Scholarships, funded by the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, support graduating seniors in Kingfisher County. These scholarships aim to help students pursue higher education by providing financial assistance directly to their chosen universities. Criteria for selection include academic performance and other requirements specified in the Student Agreement. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering local communities and facilitating educational opportunities for deserving students.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

MWH Group Accounting Scholarship

The MWH Group Accounting Scholarship was established in 2017. The $1,000 award has the potential to be renewed for an additional year if grade requirements are met.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund

The Martin Luther King Scholarship Endowment is one of our most tenured scholarships, opened in 2001, with the intention to provide scholarships for traditionally underrepresented populations to encourage them to pursue secondary education. The one-time $1,000 scholarship is for current college students OR graduating high school seniors who attended high school in Wichita or Wilbarger counties in Texas. The scholarship can be used at any college/university in Texas or Oklahoma or a HBCU, for any field of study. To be eligible, students must have a 2.5-3.8 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, and have a household income below $90,000.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Martin Luther King Center – Dorothy Roberts-Burns Scholarship

The Dorothy Roberts-Burns Scholarship fund was opened at WFACF in 2014 in association with the Martin Luther King Center of Wichita Falls, to honor the life and memory of Dorothy Roberts-Burns. Ms. Burns was the first director of the MLK Center and founded the MLK Breakfast in 1987 to raise scholarship money for local students. After 40 years working various positions for the city, Dorothy "retired" and went on to serve 8 years on the city council, and as Mayor Pro Tempore. She is remembered for loving people, loving her community, and for the lasting impact the MLK Breakfast has had and continues to have each year, helping to fund local students' education. The one-time $1,000 scholarship is for current college students OR graduating high school seniors who attended high school in Wichita or Wilbarger counties in Texas. The scholarship can be used at any college/university in Texas or Oklahoma or a HBCU, for any field of study.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Kelley Gill Bloodworth Memorial Scholarship

The Kelley Gill Bloodworth Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 by the Bloodworth family, in memory of their loving wife and mother. The family wanted to honor her memory by establishing this award for the school and community that Kelley was so passionate about, Henrietta, Texas. The scholarship is for graduating seniors in Clay County, with preference for Henrietta High School students, attending any 4-year college or university in the US, majoring in Business, Finance, Accounting, or Education.

The IAC Mission

The mission of the Interagency Commission on School Construction is to achieve a safe, healthy, and educationally sufficient learning environment for every child attending a public school in Maryland. Our vision is a fiscally sustainable statewide portfolio of Pre-K-12 school facilities that will remain educationally sufficient for current and future generations of students and teachers.

Built to Learn Program

Purpose

Provides for up to $2.2 billion in school construction project funding through Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) issued special revenue bonds and provides for management of the projects by MSA.

Minimum Project Cost: $4,000,000

Funding Allocation Methods

• Calculated allocations based on estimated bond proceeds are set for Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.
• The other 17 LEAs share the remainder of the allocations, capped in proportion to their September 2019 enrollments.
• Maximum State Allocation is established for individual projects.
• Funding allocations must be used within 10 years of award.

State/Local Participation: State/Local cost share % applied

Community Foundation: Central Blue Ridge

Proudly serving the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson in Virginia.

Our Mission

To enrich the quality of life by responding to needs and inspiring philanthropy in our community.

Scholarships

Our 2026 Scholarship Program will disburse over $300,000 this year!

Our scholarships support students of all ages (high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school) residing in Staunton, Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson. 

Only one application is required to be considered for the majority of Community Foundation scholarships.

Lt. Col. Thomas R. Beam Scholarship

The Lt. Col. Thomas R. Beam Scholarship was established through the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge to support promising students from the Central Shenandoah Valley in pursuing a path of service, leadership, and education at Virginia Tech as members of the Corps of Cadets.

The Alice R. Moomy Pennsylvania State University Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, awards funds to Erie County students pursuing degrees in STEM or nursing at any Penn State campus. With over $800,000 distributed in 2023, this scholarship aims to support academically promising individuals, particularly encouraging female applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0. It reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within the community.

The Wyoming Arts Council's Arts Access Project Grant aims to enhance access to the arts for under-served communities, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, and economically disadvantaged groups. With a funding limit of $1,000, the grant supports collaborative projects that foster community engagement and artistic expression. Organizations eligible for this grant include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies, emphasizing the importance of the arts in community development and cultural vitality across Wyoming.

The Wyoming Arts Council offers Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grants to foster in-person, hands-on instruction of traditional skills in Wyoming. These grants aim to connect master artists with apprentices to enhance their skills in cultural art forms. The initiative, launched in 2005, is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and encourages applicants to commit to preserving endangered traditions. Projects must last a minimum of six months and involve collaboration between selected artists.

The Keystone Historic Preservation Construction Grants provide funding for construction activities aimed at rehabilitating, restoring, or preserving historic resources listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. This program, supported by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, is available to nonprofit organizations and local governments for small projects that enhance publicly accessible historic properties. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $100,000, requiring a 50/50 cash match.

Takeda Oncology offers grant funding opportunities aimed at addressing unmet educational and research needs in the medical community. They prioritize support for programs in hematology, thoracic, and gastrointestinal cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia, and previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer. Takeda encourages partnerships that enhance patient outcomes and provide tangible benefits through donations, grants, and sponsorships. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the program start date for timely review.

The Veterans Assistance Grant (VAG) supports the health and well-being of Colorado veterans through services like mental health, job training, and housing assistance. Established by the State General Assembly in 2014, it aims to enhance self-sufficiency and access to healthcare. Nonprofit and governmental entities may apply, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. The grant excludes funding for administrative costs and memorials, focusing instead on direct support for veterans and their dependents.

The Arts in Education Collaboration Grant offers up to $6,000 to support collaborative projects that enhance arts education for K-12 students in North Dakota. It encourages partnerships among schools, arts organizations, and community resources to increase access to quality arts education. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and public entities located in North Dakota. The program aims to address barriers to arts education and support sustainable, participatory learning experiences for students.

The Community Arts Access Tier 1 & 2 Grants offer funding up to $4,000 for arts activities to both arts and non-arts organizations, as well as unincorporated groups. This program supports diverse projects such as art festivals, exhibitions, and performance series. First-time applicants are encouraged to consult with the program officer to ensure eligibility and refine project ideas. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement through the arts.

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 Public Art Across Maryland New Artworks Grant, managed by the Maryland State Arts Council, offers funding for the creation and installation of new public art projects. This initiative supports local artists and organizations by facilitating community engagement in the arts. Grants cover the planning, design, and installation phases, ensuring that the resulting artworks are accessible to all. This program champions creative expression and enhances the cultural landscape of Maryland.

The Pennsylvania Fair Fund supports agricultural fairs with operating and premium reimbursement through the Agricultural Fair Operating and Premium Reimbursement Program. Eligible fairs can receive up to $14,000 for operating costs, plus 50% reimbursement for premiums, capped at $15,000. This program aims to enhance educational activities and exhibits while ensuring compliance with state guidelines, thereby fostering community engagement in agriculture.

The SDAC Technical Assistance Grant offers matching funds to South Dakota nonprofit arts organizations for specialized consultation on technical, programmatic, and administrative issues. This funding supports 50% of the consultant's fees and related expenses, ensuring organizations have access to expertise not available in-house. Eligible applicants must provide a clear description of their needs, the qualifications of their chosen consultant, and a budget demonstrating a realistic cash match. Notably, colleges and universities are ineligible for this grant.