Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Community Foundation of Greater New Britain

Since 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has been the area’s signature resource for those who, like us, aspire to make our community a better place.

The Foundation has been at the forefront of positive community change and charitable impact since The Stanley Works and New Britain Machine pooled $30,000 in gifts before World War II to begin what was then called the New Britain Foundation for Public Giving. Primarily a grant maker for many years, providing funding to support New Britain non-profits and their programs, our Foundation today is leading and collaborating to shape the Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington of tomorrow.

First Years First Early Childhood Grants

The goal of the Initiative is to support optimal learning and development of children, birth through preschool so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. 

First Years First Strategies

Increase Social Emotional Learning (SEL) among young children to support school readiness, success and outcomes. Support SEL training for parents/caregivers, teachers and other adults that work with young children.

Strengthen Parent/Caregiver Education by building skills, knowledge and relationships in one or more of the following ways: 1) increase knowledge of child development, early brain development and the lasting impact of high quality early childhood education, 2) support deepening relationships among caregivers, educators and young children that increase and incorporate Social Emotional Learning, 3) strengthen parenting and caregiver skills so that children are supported and ready to learn and succeed in school.

Support Foundational Skill Development that is age appropriate in math, pre-writing, and pre-literacy among young children and families.

Support teacher training that increases skill, knowledge and expertise and teachers’ ability to support the optimal learning and development of children birth through preschool.

The New Jersey Heritage Fellowship, awarded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, recognizes exemplary folk and traditional artists for their lifetime achievements and contributions to the state's cultural heritage. Each fellowship provides a $20,000 award, aimed at fostering public interest in the arts and supporting artistic excellence. Since its inception in 1966, this initiative has aimed to enhance artistic expression and the inclusion of art in public spaces throughout New Jersey.

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.

Substance Abuse & Recovery Grants

These grants are available to nonprofits, healthcare providers, and government agencies. 

The British Society of Soil Science offers the Teaching Soil Science Grant to support innovative teaching practices in soil science. This grant facilitates the development of interactive educational resources and the purchase of field equipment, enhancing learning experiences. Open to individuals and organizations, the grant encourages creative projects that promote soil science education. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and early submission is advised to secure funding, as resources are limited. Collaboration between educational institutions is also encouraged.

The Sports 4 Life Grants, co-founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation and ESPN, aim to promote the health and development of girls in underserved communities. This initiative focuses on increasing participation and retention rates of Black, Hispanic, and Native American girls in sports through funding for coaching, equipment, and facilities. By fostering leadership and self-esteem, the program seeks to empower young girls and provide them with lifelong benefits from sports participation.

The Forrest Shreve Student Research Fund, awarded by the Ecological Society of America, supports research in North America's hot deserts, including the Sonoran and Mojave. This fund aims to enhance our understanding of desert ecology through innovative projects. Eligible applicants include graduate and undergraduate students who are ESA members. Proposals are evaluated based on their significance, feasibility, and design, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, granted annually.

The Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational experiences for Nassau BOCES students by funding innovative projects that extend beyond standard operating budgets. Educators are encouraged to submit creative proposals that align with best practices in teaching and learning. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that can positively impact a broad student base, fostering a culture of excellence and lifelong learning within the community.

The BMS Seminar Grant, offered by the British Mycological Society, supports UK university seminars on fungal biology. Grants of up to £300 are available to facilitate mycology-themed talks, promoting research and education in this fascinating field. No BMS membership is required, and applications can be submitted anytime, provided they are received at least one month prior to the seminar date. This initiative aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of fungi.

The Hawaii Dental Service Foundation's Smile Fund provides grants up to $5,000 to support innovative outreach programs aimed at improving oral health in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations or governmental programs. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and grantees can apply once per year. The fund focuses on oral health initiatives like Dentist by One and Kupuna Smiles, while excluding individuals, endowments, and political organizations from funding.

The Marvin and Joyce Benjamin Fund, established by a Jewish-Catholic couple from Elizabethtown, empowers local nonprofits to foster kindness and inclusivity. With a legacy of $2 million, the fund combats hatred and promotes understanding through initiatives like the "Never Again" event. Organizations eligible for grants must align with CKCF’s mission and operate within specified Kentucky counties, ensuring impactful community service. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing lives and addressing evolving community needs.

The Kentucky Civic Seal Mini-Grant Program aims to empower educators and students by funding civic engagement projects that align with the Civic Seal criteria. Offering grants ranging from $100 to $1000, this initiative supports planning, enacting, and showcasing civic action projects. Launched with the help of the CivXNow and community partners, it emphasizes diversity in applicant selection and encourages collaboration between students and adult sponsors to enhance civic learning and participation.

The BSBI Research Grant supports those interested in the flora of Britain and Ireland, offering funding to PhD students, academic researchers, and amateurs. With a focus on enhancing botanical knowledge, eligible projects may cover diverse areas such as taxonomy, ecology, and conservation biology. Funding can be used for travel, specimen preparation, and publication costs, facilitating significant contributions to botanical science. This grant represents a valuable opportunity for advancing research in this vital field.

The BSBI Plant Study Grant, offered by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, provides funding of up to £1,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate botany students. This initiative aims to support the study and research of plant sciences, encouraging participation from both members and non-members of the society. Established in 1836, the BSBI is a leading contributor to biological records, enhancing scientific research and conservation efforts in Britain and Ireland.

The Sara Corrie Memorial Grants, administered by the National Speleological Society, support group cave exploration in the U.S. and its territories. Up to six grants of $1,000 each are awarded annually to NSS members. Applications must detail exploration plans, including costs for necessary equipment. Grants are not provided for activities outside of exploration. Successful recipients must report findings and may have their proposals published on the NSS website.

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., strengthens our communities by leading philanthropy and solutions through our direct work in partnership with donors, nonprofits and the community. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation is the foremost resource for convening partners to elevate people, improve lives and make our community a better place to live.

Grants & Scholarships

Grants power our nonprofit partners on the frontlines of pressing local issues, filling the opportunity gaps through direct-to-people programming.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors. 

The Community Foundation offers both need and merit based scholarships.

Robert P. Koch Memorial Scholarship Fund

About the Fund

Robert P. Koch achieved greatness throughout his lifetime. Bob often said, “Know what you are and know what you’re not”. He was respected by all who knew him in his private life as well as in his professional life in law enforcement and as an attorney. To honor his memory, his widow Jean B. Gutkin established a scholarship fund in his name.

The NSS International Exploration Grants support members of the National Speleological Society in their international cave exploration and survey projects. This program, established through generous contributions, emphasizes conservation and responsible exploration. Grant criteria include participant involvement, expedition complexity, and proposal quality. Eligible expenses cover group costs and equipment, while ineligible expenses involve personal gear and legal fees. The grants aim to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among cavers worldwide, ensuring sustainability in cave research.

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., strengthens our communities by leading philanthropy and solutions through our direct work in partnership with donors, nonprofits and the community. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation is the foremost resource for convening partners to elevate people, improve lives and make our community a better place to live.

Grants & Scholarships

Grants power our nonprofit partners on the frontlines of pressing local issues, filling the opportunity gaps through direct-to-people programming.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors. 

The Community Foundation offers both need and merit based scholarships.

Robert Glen Stern Scholarship Fund

About the Fund

The Robert Glen Stern Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by Annette and Harold P. Stern, along with Steven B. Stern and Eric K. Stern, in memory of their beloved son and brother.

Born in New York City and raised in Westchester County, Robert graduated from Harrison High School and attended college in Massachusetts. He was known for his happy disposition, hearty laugh and deep sensitivity toward others. A lover of music and poetry, Robert cared deeply for his family and his fellow man.

The scholarship supports outstanding graduating seniors from Palm Beach County who demonstrate financial need, dedication to education and active participation in extracurricular activities, continuing Robert’s spirit of kindness, passion and commitment to others.

The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society Research Grant offers funding for research projects involving cacti and succulents, aligning with the organization's mission of education and knowledge dissemination. Grants support projects lasting up to one year, with the possibility of extensions. Budgets must detail all expenses, and co-funding is encouraged. This initiative aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of these unique plants within the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., strengthens our communities by leading philanthropy and solutions through our direct work in partnership with donors, nonprofits and the community. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation is the foremost resource for convening partners to elevate people, improve lives and make our community a better place to live.

Grants & Scholarships

Grants power our nonprofit partners on the frontlines of pressing local issues, filling the opportunity gaps through direct-to-people programming.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors. 

The Community Foundation offers both need and merit based scholarships.

Rear Admiral Philip A. Whitacre Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Eligibility

• Limited to PBC residents under 25 years old for undergrad.
• Strong evidence of community service.
• Scholarship will cover educational expenses including tuition and books but excluding living and transportation expenses.
• Not for Tech or Trade schools.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Preference giving to applicants who have served or parents have served in the Navy with honorable discharge.
• Must be willing to speak as a volunteer (at least 10 hours) at one of the following: Planned Parenthood PBC, Max Planck, PB Opera, PB Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Historical Society of PBC, PBC Chamber of Commerce, or PB Rotary.

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., strengthens our communities by leading philanthropy and solutions through our direct work in partnership with donors, nonprofits and the community. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation is the foremost resource for convening partners to elevate people, improve lives and make our community a better place to live.

Grants & Scholarships

Grants power our nonprofit partners on the frontlines of pressing local issues, filling the opportunity gaps through direct-to-people programming.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors. 

The Community Foundation offers both need and merit based scholarships.

Ray Howland Scholarship Fund

About the Fund

The Ray Howland Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor the life, values and passions of Ray Howland, the former village manager of North Palm Beach and a dedicated advocate for bicycle safety. A sports enthusiast and community leader, Ray tragically lost his life in 1998 during the Mount Dora Bicycle Festival while doing what he loved most — cycling.

Following his untimely death, Ray’s widow, Edie, together with family members, friends and fellow cyclists, established the scholarship to not only memorialize Ray’s life but also to teach future generations the importance of bicycle safety. 

Applicant must submit an essay or poster on bicycle safety.

The Arboriculture Association Research Grant provides funding up to £5,000 for research projects focused on arboriculture, available annually to UK-based applicants. This grant aims to foster knowledge and innovation in the field, supporting studies deemed relevant and valuable by the Arboricultural Association. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that contribute to the understanding and advancement of arboricultural practices and principles.

The Robert B. Kyts & Jadwiga Roguska Kyts, M.D Scholarship, offered by the Kosciuszko Foundation, supports graduate students majoring in arts studies for two years, with a total funding of $60,000. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Polish descent, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher. The award is disbursed in four installments, contingent on meeting scholarship conditions. Deadline for recommendation letters is March 3, 2026.

The Service League Fund Grant, offered by the Bartlesville Community Foundation, supports 501(c)3 organizations providing services to youth in Washington County. With over 50 years of community service, the fund aims to improve youth programs through operating support, programming enhancements, new initiatives, and staff training. Organizations can apply for one grant per fiscal year, fostering a lasting impact on local youth by addressing their needs and promoting their development.

The New Research Workers Grant, provided by the Quaternary Research Association, supports postgraduate researchers in their studies. It funds essential activities such as field expeditions, geological surveys, and laboratory analyses. Applicants must be registered postgraduates and may only apply once during their studies. The grant prioritizes those with limited funding access. However, it excludes costs related to labor and radiocarbon dating, and does not accept applications from undergraduates or retrospective requests.

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., strengthens our communities by leading philanthropy and solutions through our direct work in partnership with donors, nonprofits and the community. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation is the foremost resource for convening partners to elevate people, improve lives and make our community a better place to live.

Grants & Scholarships

Grants power our nonprofit partners on the frontlines of pressing local issues, filling the opportunity gaps through direct-to-people programming.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors. 

The Community Foundation offers both need and merit based scholarships.

Ralph O. Wood Memorial Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Eligibility

• Graduating high school senior from any Palm Beach or Martin County high school.
• Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA while in high school.
• Must participate in extracurricular activities and show financial need.

The Peter Grant Preservation Fund for Colorado, established by the National Trust, honors William W. Grant's dedication to historic preservation. Grants support the preservation of historic places in Colorado, requiring a one-to-one match from applicants. Eligible organizations include public agencies and nonprofits, with funds usable for various preservation activities. The fund aims to enhance Colorado's historic sites for future generations, adapting to current economic conditions and allowing both cash and in-kind contributions.

The Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship aims to support high school seniors and community college transfer students from economically distressed rural counties in North Carolina. This scholarship not only covers tuition and room and board but also fosters leadership development and career opportunities. Recipients are encouraged to commit to returning to their communities after graduation, thus contributing to the economic growth and sustainability of rural North Carolina.