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Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Get professional development grants for nonprofit staff training, leadership growth, and skills-based learning.

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,237 Results based on applied filters

Tree Campus Higher Education Program: Alabama

National Arbor Day Foundation
Private
Alabama
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, empowers colleges to cultivate vibrant green spaces while enhancing student well-being. By meeting five essential standards, campuses can achieve recognition for their commitment to sustainability. This initiative not only fosters environmental stewardship but also promotes mental health and physical activity among students, creating a healthier campus environment. Join the movement to enhance your campus and community through tree planting and care.
Greening & Beautification

Tree Campus Higher Education Program: Alaska

National Arbor Day Foundation
Private
Alaska
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, empowers colleges and universities to enhance their community forests while achieving national recognition. By participating, institutions commit to comprehensive tree care and education, significantly benefiting both the environment and student well-being. This program not only promotes sustainability but also fosters a sense of pride within campus communities. Join us in cultivating greener campuses and nurturing the next generation's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Greening & Beautification

Waneta Drake Miller Edmison Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Waneta Drake Miller Edmison Non-Traditional Student Scholarship is designed to support individuals aged 24 and older from Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, or McCook counties in South Dakota who are pursuing further education. Applicants must be enrolled in at least twelve credit hours at an accredited institution and have completed at least six credit hours in a degree program. This scholarship exemplifies the commitment to lifelong learning and community enrichment.
Education - Higher Education

Edna Tracy White Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Edna Tracy White Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana residents pursuing degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Education, Business, Health, and Science. Applicants must be full-time students, demonstrate financial need, and hold junior status. This scholarship aims to transform lives through education by providing financial assistance to deserving students, thus promoting academic achievement and community involvement.
Education - Higher Education

Edward F. Smith III Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Edward F. Smith III Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Eligible applicants must be Montana high school graduates, have a minimum of sophomore status, and maintain a 3.1 GPA or higher. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of nursing professionals committed to community health.
Education - Higher Education

Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative to Support Research at the Interface of the Biological and Mathematical Sciences (340828)

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
United States
Up to US $1,200,000
The Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative aims to enhance research at the intersection of mathematical and biological sciences, fostering collaborations and innovative activities. Funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, this program offers two funding tracks: Track 1 supports projects with budgets up to $600,000 for three years, while Track 2 accommodates budgets up to $1,200,000 for three to four years. This initiative addresses critical questions in the biological and biomedical fields.
Biomathematics & Biological Modeling

E. E. Frahm Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The E. E. Frahm Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Applicants must have completed at least one year of major coursework, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled full-time. This scholarship aims to empower students by providing financial assistance essential for their academic journey, ultimately contributing to the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. Limited scholarships are available for incoming students.
Education - Higher Education

EHHD Student Success Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The EHHD Student Success Scholarship at Montana State University aims to support students pursuing degrees in Education, Health, and Human Development. Established to enhance educational opportunities, this scholarship is part of the university's commitment to transformative higher education. With a limited number of scholarships available for incoming students, it emphasizes the importance of academic success and community impact, reflecting MSU's long-standing dedication to accessible education since its founding in 1893.
Education - Higher Education

Eide Bailly LLP Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Eide Bailly LLP Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in business and accounting. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be juniors or above. This scholarship is part of MSU's commitment to providing accessible higher education that transforms lives and communities. With a limited number of scholarships available, it aims to assist incoming students in achieving their academic and professional goals.
Education - Higher Education

Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowships

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
Rhode Island
US $3,000 - US $7,000
The Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowships, offered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, support exceptional folk artists demonstrating outstanding skill in their craft. Each year, two fellowships are awarded: one for $7,000 and another for $3,000. These fellowships recognize artistic practices that are community or family-based, showcasing the aesthetic heritage and traditions of their respective communities, thus promoting cultural preservation.
Folk Art / Traditional Art

E. R. Dodge Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The E. R. Dodge Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Civil or Environmental Engineering. Applicants must be full-time students with at least 30 completed credits in the civil engineering curriculum and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship provides essential financial support to help students achieve their academic and career goals in the engineering field, fostering future leaders who can contribute to their communities.
Education - Higher Education

Artist Open Studio Tour Grants

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
Rhode Island
US $750
The Artist Open Studio Tour Grants provide funding to support marketing and administration for artist-initiated studio tours in Rhode Island. These tours feature multiple artists in one or several nearby studio buildings and are open to the public. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the annual grant funds are exhausted, allowing communities of artists to collaborate and engage the public in their artistic endeavors.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation

E.W. Mares Chemical Engineering Award

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The E.W. Mares Chemical Engineering Award at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. This competitive scholarship is aimed at Montana high school graduates who are serious about their careers in chemistry or chemical engineering. Eligible candidates must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors, and enrolled at least half-time. MSU's commitment to education and community transformation underscores the importance of such scholarships.
Education - Higher Education

Malvina Bojda Oberman Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Mahoning Valley
Private
United States
US $2,000

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded to women living in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana County who were born outside of the United States of America attending college.

Education - Higher Education

Bootheel Regional Community Foundation Grantmaking Program

Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc.
Private
Dunklin County, Missouri, Mississippi County, Missouri +5 more
Up to US $4,000
The Bootheel Regional Community Foundation Grantmaking Program, founded by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Bootheel region through strategic grantmaking. Since its establishment on September 13, 2023, it has distributed over $84,800 in grants and currently manages assets totaling $3,246,877. The program supports 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities to foster community development and leadership across Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Dunklin, and Stoddard counties.
Economic Services & Development

Iowa Public Library Grant Award Program

Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
Private
Iowa
Up to US $80,000
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.
Library & Information Science Library Services

WMU School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability: Lucia C. Harrison Endowed Memorial Geography Scholarship

Western Michigan University
Private
Kalamazoo County, Michigan
US $500 - US $1,500
The Lucia C. Harrison Endowed Memorial Geography Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports exceptional juniors and seniors majoring in community and regional planning, geography, teaching geography, and tourism. Each scholarship is awarded based on the availability of qualified applicants, with a junior award of $1500 and a senior award of $500, both credited directly to the student’s tuition account.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Eric and Boots Asbjornson Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Eric and Boots Asbjornson Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana residents pursuing a degree, particularly from Fergus or Petroleum County. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, and showcase resilience in overcoming personal challenges. This scholarship may be renewable based on continued eligibility, allowing past recipients to apply each year. With a history of commitment to education, MSU fosters transformative opportunities for students and communities.
Education - Higher Education

Eric Pedersen Memorial Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Eric Pedersen Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Biological, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering. Applicants must have junior status and a minimum GPA of 3.2, demonstrating financial need. This scholarship aims to empower future engineers by providing financial assistance to those who show promise and commitment to their studies. It's an opportunity for students to excel and contribute to their communities through engineering.
Education - Higher Education

A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Teaching Scholarship

Saginaw Community Foundation
Private
Michigan
Unspecified amount

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Teaching Scholarship

Kate and Leo Merlone understood the value of education, both in formal academia and through any media that would expand a person’s mental horizons.

Commitments to family obligations in their youth did not allow them to continue their formal education to the extent that they had desired. Instead, throughout their lives, they chose self education through books, travel, museums, volunteer involvement in the community and always good conversations.

They passed on this message of self education to their children, even as they encouraged them to pursue a higher education. Their strong work ethic and efforts to constantly improve themselves have been a wonderful example for their children and grandchildren.

The A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Scholarship is a way to continue their desire for education and for being educators to their family and to the community in which they spent their lives.

Education - Higher Education

CNYCF: Madison County Rural Poverty Fund

Central New York Community Foundation Inc
Private
Madison County, New York
Unspecified amount
The Madison County Rural Poverty Fund, managed by the Central New York Community Foundation, aims to address poverty in Madison County, where 10% of residents lived below the federal poverty line in 2018. This fund supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits and organizations serving local communities through capital and program grants, promoting innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life and tackle critical issues related to poverty.
Poverty Alleviation & Services

Aldo DeDominicis Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Connecticut
US $1,500 - US $2,000
The Aldo DeDominicis Scholarship Fund supports students who have received a Farmington UNICO scholarship, promoting educational opportunities for those who have demonstrated financial need and maintained a "B" average. Established in honor of Aldo DeDominicis, an immigrant who built a successful media career, the fund reflects his belief in sharing wealth to foster community growth. This initiative aims to empower young scholars in the Greater Hartford area, encouraging them to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to society.
Education - Higher Education

Folklife Artist Grant

Nevada Arts Council (NAC)
State/Local Government
Nevada
Up to US $3,000
The Folklife Artist Grant from the Nevada Arts Council supports traditional arts projects led by folk artists and culture bearers. Projects should focus on the transmission of folk arts within specific Nevada communities, covering learning and presentation activities. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including federal tax-exempt status and good standing with the Nevada Secretary of State. Grants are awarded based on eligibility and funding availability, emphasizing artistic merit and community representation.
Folk Art / Traditional Art

JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program

John Deere Foundation
Private
Barnes County, North Dakota, Black Hawk County, Iowa +19 more
Unspecified amount
The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.
STEM / STEAM Education

Florence Evelyn Westhoff Scholarship

Greater Salina Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

  • Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
  • Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
  • Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
  • Promoting community philanthropy through education
  • Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
  • Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Florence Evelyn Westhoff Scholarship

For graduating high school seniors or a graduate from a Salina high school with connections to University United Methodist Church (UUMC), Salina, KS. Kansas Wesleyan University students may also apply.

Background

The Florence Evelyn Westhoff Scholarship was established to assist students with ties to the University United Methodist Church, Salina, KS.

Geographic Limitations

  • Any Salina area high school

Renewals

  • Previous scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply as part of the total applicant pool.

Education - Higher Education

PEN Award for Poetry in Translation

PEN America
Private
United States
US $3,000
The PEN Award for Poetry in Translation, established in 1996, honors outstanding book-length translations of poetry into English. This prestigious award, conferred by PEN America, provides a $3,000 prize to the translator of the winning work. Eligible entries must be original translations published by U.S. trade publishers within the calendar year. The award not only recognizes the art of translation but also promotes cultural exchange and literary diversity.
Writing & Literature

PEN Translation Prize

PEN America
Private
United States
US $3,000
The PEN Translation Prize, awarded annually by PEN America since 1963, recognizes outstanding book-length prose translations into English. A $3,000 prize is conferred to the winning translator, celebrating the art of literary translation. Eligible works must be original translations published by U.S. trade publishers within the calendar year. This award highlights the importance of cross-cultural literature by honoring translators who bridge language barriers, fostering appreciation for diverse voices in the literary community.
Writing & Literature

Professional 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 $3.43B in resources. Instrumentl helps organizations grow by providing grant-matching tools, deadline tracking, and funder insights to support career advancement and success.

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

7,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Economic Services & Development

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
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

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 29.8% 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 $34,887 (median) and $655,609 (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.