Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

John J. and Martha A. Hucko Scholarship Fund

The John J. and Martha A. Hucko Scholarship fund was created to provide scholarships for graduating seniors in good standing from Allegheny, Washington or Westmoreland counties who will attend Duquesne University.

Award Type: Multi-Year (up to 4 years). Recipient must maintain a GPA of 3.25.

The School-Based Dental Program, initiated by the NC Dental Society Foundation, provides essential dental services to children in Title 1 schools across North Carolina. This initiative aims to eliminate barriers to dental care, ensuring that every child has access to necessary treatments and education on oral health practices. Participating dentists receive $5,000 to launch programs that not only deliver care but also promote preventative measures, enhancing the overall wellbeing of students.

The Georgia Public Service Memorial (GPSM) Grant offers financial support for the education of spouses and children of Georgia public safety officers and school employees who have been disabled or killed in the line of duty. This grant can cover costs up to $18,000 annually, with a lifetime maximum of $72,000. Eligible applicants must have been residents of Georgia for at least 12 months and comply with various academic and legal requirements.

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Carolyn Grantham Ennis Scholarship Endowment

A graduating senior from a Johnston County public high school who plans to attend Shaw University. Renewable for up to three additional years based on the student demonstrating that they remain enrolled at their educational institution.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Michael J. & Aimee Rusinko Kakos Scholarship Fund

The Michael J. & Aimee Rusinko Kakos Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to provide a source of financial assistance to students in Westmoreland County who attend Westmoreland County Community College and have unmet financial need.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Dr. Bob Townsend Scholarship Endowment

Hoke County resident who is a high school graduate and has been accepted to an accredited college or university and plans to study medicine. 

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Phyllis Toby Genszler Memorial Scholarship

The Phyllis Toby Genszler Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation in memory/honor of Phyllis Toby Genszler. Phyllis was a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and spent her 40-year professional career working in various computer-related roles at PPG until she retired. She was passionate about helping others along their life journey which is why her husband Jack Philips established this scholarship to honor her legacy and provide awards to students who may not be at the top of their class but still show great potential.

Award Type: Multi-year award for up to two years. Recipients may be enrolled full time or part time.

The LPGA Foundation

The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has touched more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.

The Chevron Dinah Shore Scholarship

The Chevron Dinah Shore Scholarship was established in 1994 by the LPGA Foundation to honor the late Dinah Shore, a graduate of Vanderbilt University, a Hollywood entertainer, and an honorary member of the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame. This Scholarship also helps preserve her legacy, as an advocate for women’s golf, co-founder of The Chevron Championship and honorary member of the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame.

The Chevron Dinah Shore Scholarship is granted annually to female high school seniors who are pursuing a college education, but will not be playing collegiate golf. In an effort to preserve the legacy of Dinah Shore and her contributions to women's golf, Chevron is offering two (2 scholarships that will be awarded per year renewable over 4 years for each recipient.

The LPGA Foundation

The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has touched more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.

Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship

The Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship is granted annually through The LPGA Foundation and the Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship Fund. Established in 2006, the objective of the Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship is to provide a need-based scholarship to a female high school senior from a recognized minority background who will be pursuing a full-time course of study and playing collegiate golf at an accredited college or university in the United States.

Qualifications for all scholarships include strong academic programs, community service and recommendations.

Phyllis Galloway Meekins was a Professional, member of the LPGA Teaching Professionals Northeast Section Teaching Division, Founder of Phyllis G. Meekins Golf Clinics,Inc. (PGM) 1973.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Pittsburgh Technical Institute Scholarship Fund

Scholarship for students originally at PTC, now at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) who reside in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio or West Virginia and are deserving on merit or are in need of financial help to begin or continue their education.

Award Type: Renewable Award (subject to committee recommendation)..

The LPGA Foundation

The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has touched more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.

Marilynn Smith Scholarship

The Marilynn Smith Scholarship is granted annually through The LPGA Foundation and the Golf it Forward Foundation. Established in 1999 by Marilynn with the proceeds of a golf tournament she organized, the objective of the Marilynn Smith Scholarship is to provide a scholarship to a female high school senior, who is a legal resident or citizen of the United States or Canada, has played golf in high school or in her community and intends to play golf at an accredited college or university in the United States.

The Kurt and Ellen Wohl Scholarship aims to meet the community's diverse needs through creative funding solutions. This scholarship supports individuals aged 25 and older who are returning to college or starting their education, requiring at least 6 credit hours per semester. Eligible institutions must be within 55 miles of Elmira, encompassing schools like Elmira College and Binghamton University. The foundation highlights its commitment to education, arts, and wellness, providing crucial support for community development.

The John J. & Margaret O’Brien Dunphy Scholarship aims to address contemporary community needs through innovative funding solutions. This unique scholarship focuses on supporting education, arts, infrastructure, and wellness, while also promoting awareness of environmental issues. It encourages international studies and travel, fostering engagement with diverse cultures. The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. administers this scholarship, emphasizing holistic community development for a better future.

The King-Rockwell Scholarship Renewal aims to address the diverse needs of the community through innovative funding solutions. This private foundation is dedicated to holistic support in education, arts, infrastructure, and wellness. Eligible applicants are those who have previously received the King-Rockwell Scholarship, ensuring continuity in nurturing talent and community engagement. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also fosters awareness and collaboration for a sustainable future.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Thomas M. Colella & Florence M. Colella Scholarship Fund

The Thomas M. Colella & Florence M. Colella Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide a full tuition, multi-year scholarship for a student from Western Pennsylvania, specifically for a student entering Grove City college for undergraduate studies. The award is a “last-dollar award,” which means the funding released each year will take into account any additional public funding, grants or scholarships for which the student is eligible in that given year.

Award Type: Multi-Year (up to 4 years). Recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and degree enrollment at Grove City College.

The AO North America Long-Term Fellowship Program offers vital support for the education and training of orthopedic trauma surgeons. This initiative connects experienced mentors with trauma fellows, ensuring a high standard of educational content and methods. The program focuses on continuous improvement, networking opportunities, and access to valuable resources such as workshops and grants. Administered by AO North America, it aims to enhance postgraduate education in orthopedic trauma surgery.

The Folk Art and Beyond: A Living Traditions Grant, established by Creative West, supports cultural practices and creative expressions that connect communities in the region. Funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, this grant program encourages projects including apprenticeships, cultural events, and collaborations that bring traditional artists and communities together. With a focus on equity, it aims to strengthen the arts sector and foster inclusivity, enriching the cultural landscape of Creative West.

The PIDS Summer Research Scholars Award, established by the PIDS Foundation, supports students in pediatric infectious disease research. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, this award promotes impactful summer research projects across various disciplines, including basic science and clinical studies. Funded partially by Sanofi, it encourages mentorship by PIDS members, aiming to enhance scholarship and practical contributions to the field of pediatric infectious diseases.

The WMU Seita Scholars Program offers scholarships to Western Michigan University students who have experienced foster care during their teenage years. Named in honor of Dr. John Seita, the scholarship supports eligible students by providing renewable funding each semester if they maintain full-time status and academic progress. Recipients are required to reside on campus, engage in program activities, and attend a seminar course, ensuring a supportive community as they pursue their education.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Teddick Family Fund Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Mountain View High School, Montrose High School, Elk Lake High School, or Lackawanna Trail High School who demonstrates academic achievement, good citizenship and service to others, leadership, and community service.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in December 2024 to support educational expenses for customers or the children/dependents of customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company who intend to pursue postsecondary education.

The fund supports ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, or who have a parent or guardian who is a customer, and who plan to pursue postsecondary education.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Southern West Virginia Homebuilders Scholarship

Student whose parent or legal guardian has been a member in good standing of the So. WV Homebuilders Association or whose parent or legal guardian is an employee of a member business whose job is related to the home building trade, which has been a member in good standing for the current year and at least one year prior to scholarship application. Awarded on the basis of a combination of need and merit.

This scholarship is not renewable.

Through partnerships and collaboration, Lincoln Community Foundation facilitates positive change for the common good.

Since 1955, we have been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by connecting donor generosity to local needs. LCF serves as a faithful steward for many types of philanthropic gifts and helps donors create lasting legacies of giving. With gifts of all sizes from thousands of donors over the years, the assets of LCF have grown to more than $270 million.

Scholarships

Generous donors to Lincoln Community Foundation have established 90 scholarship funds that benefit students in Lancaster County and across the state of Nebraska. For 2025, there were 299 scholarship recipients who received awards that totaled over $606,000. 

Glenn and Dorothy Schnieber Scholarship

The Glenn and Dorothy Schnieber Scholarship was established in 2021 by their family. Glenn and Dorothy graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946. Neither of them was able to afford college. They bought a small business from Glenn’s dad and over the next 30 years they grew it into a successful wholesale food distributor, Schnieber Fine Foods. Education was always important to them. In their memory, the donors hope this scholarship will help recipients in Nebraska achieve their educational goals.

Recipients of this scholarship may renew the scholarship for the following year if they maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above, for a total of two years.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Mark Weston Smith Scholarship

For Raleigh County high school graduate; college-qualified and based on financial need.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Minnesota Department of Education is offering grants for remodeling, constructing, or repurposing gender-neutral single-user restrooms. This initiative supports safe and healthy school environments, aiming for improved accessibility and student health. Grant amounts can reach up to $150,000, with a maximum of $75,000 allocated per site. At least 80% of funds must be dedicated to restroom projects, while 20% may be used for engagement and implementation activities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to student safety.

The Flexible Support Grant: Tier 1, provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, offers grants up to $5,000 to support arts organizations with an operating budget of $0 - $74,999. This funding aims to enhance Minnesotans' access to the arts through operational support, organizational capacity efforts, and diverse arts programming in the 9-county region of southcentral Minnesota.

The Flexible Support Grant: Tier 2, offered by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, provides up to $10,000 to arts organizations within a 9-county area in southcentral Minnesota. This grant supports operational costs, enhances organizational capacity, and funds arts programming, ensuring equitable access to diverse art forms for the community. It specifically targets organizations with annual budgets between $75,000 and $199,999, promoting sustainable arts initiatives that enrich local culture.