Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Norm & Marilyn Leven Challenge Scholars Scholarship

Preference for Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Orrie & Dorothy Cassada Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. 

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

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.

E.V. and Eleanor Bowman Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

Need-based for a student of good moral character who graduated from a high school in Raleigh County, WV, and will attend an accredited college or university in West Virginia; Recipient must have at least a B average in high school.

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.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

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.

Madison Faith “Maddy” Bennett and Amy Bennett Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

Raleigh County students; Evidence of merit and need; Must have attended Park Middle School for a minimum of 2 years; Individuals having served on the Park Middle School cheer squad will be given preference.

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 Petco Love Canine Cancer Fund Grant supports active and retired working canines diagnosed with cancer. Established in 2012 through a partnership with Petco Love, Blue Buffalo, and the Search Dog Foundation, this grant alleviates financial burdens for handlers, ensuring their canine partners receive necessary treatments. Funding is allocated on a case-by-case basis, allowing many working dog teams facing cancer to benefit each year. This initiative emphasizes the importance of preserving the quality of life for these heroic animals.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Kenneth Vonk Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship Programs, established by friends to honor Harry Clarke's commitment to education, offers renewable scholarships for graduating seniors from public high schools in 29 westernmost counties of North Carolina. This initiative promotes access to accredited two-year community colleges for students, including those from specific academies and home schools. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, established in 1978, manages substantial assets to support educational opportunities and charitable endeavors in the region.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Diane Bava Memorial Scholarship

Sponsored by Amador Family Scholarship Fund, this scholarship is open to current or former Modesto City School District students.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Earl Pride Scholarship

Open to Stanislaus County employees and their children/step-children. Employee must work 24+ hours per week on a regular basis. 

Award amount:

• $1,000

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus.

First Tee of Central Valley

Open to current/active members of The First Tee program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Award Amount:

• $2,000 

The Heffington Scholarship is a memorial fund honoring Nina Weintraub Heffington, established by her family and friends to support students from Cashiers and Highlands. This scholarship aims to empower local high school graduates and seniors who plan to pursue further education at accredited institutions. Nina's legacy of kindness and dedication to youth education lives on through this initiative, encouraging community engagement and academic achievement among the next generation.

The Immigration Legal Access Grant Program, initiated by the City of Boston Office of Immigrant Advancement, aims to provide essential legal assistance to immigrants navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. With a total funding of $900,000, this program supports nonprofit organizations that offer services such as legal orientation, consultations, and representation. By prioritizing organizations with licensed attorneys, the program seeks to enhance access to justice for Boston’s immigrant communities, especially in light of recent policy changes.

The Rotary Club of Asheville Harry R. Morrill Scholarship supports high school seniors in Buncombe County pursuing higher education. Established by the Rotary Club, it aims to assist meritorious students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Eligible candidates include those from local public, private, and homeschool settings. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, a nonprofit organization, manages this scholarship to enhance educational opportunities and foster a commitment to learning among youth in the region.

Literary Arts Fund

Grants Overview

The Literary Arts Fund will award at least $50 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field over the next five years, concluding in 2031.

With a short timeline, the fund’s grantmaking has a strategic focus on the areas of the literary arts ecosystem where it determined it could have the greatest impact— that is: supporting independent U.S.-based literary arts nonprofits whose primary mission is directly serving adult writers of creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and hybrid works in making their artistic work and sharing it with readers outside of school and academic settings. Please review the fund’s full eligibility requirements to learn more.

General Operating Grants Applications 2026 Guide

Background

The Literary Arts Fund was established in 2025 to dramatically increase funding for and the visibility of the nonprofit literary arts field toward ensuring a healthy and more robust U.S. literary culture in support of creative writers. The fund will award at least $10 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field in each of the next five years, concluding in 2031. The first open call is for 2026 general operating grant applications.

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Teacher Awards recognize outstanding PK-12 teachers in Ohio, providing $7,500 awards to selected individuals nominated by their superintendents. Established in 1959, the foundation honors the legacy of Martha Holden Jennings by focusing on teachers and students often overlooked by philanthropic efforts. Winners are chosen by an educator committee and celebrated at an annual banquet, with additional nominees eligible for $1,000 Awards of Excellence.

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation offers the Superintendent Award to honor outstanding Ohio superintendents. Established in 1959, the award recognizes the commitment of educators and supports public school leadership in Ohio. With a $10,000 grant payable to the winner's district, the award aims to highlight the importance of effective educational leadership. Nominees must have a minimum of five years of experience as a superintendent and hold a Master’s Degree and state certification, ensuring a high standard of excellence.

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, established in 1959, is dedicated to supporting Ohio's public-school teachers and students. Through its Jennings - Fund for Teachers, the foundation offers grants up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for teams to foster innovative teaching solutions. The foundation emphasizes the importance of teachers addressing their own challenges and encourages proposals that empower students as changemakers in their communities, enhancing educational experiences and professional growth.

The Wellborn Ecology Fund supports school-based projects that enhance environmental and ecological science knowledge in the Upper Valley. Established in 2013, it focuses on K-12 and early childhood education, especially in underserved communities. With over $5.5 million awarded since 2001, the fund promotes place-based ecology education, professional development for teachers, and initiatives like farm-to-school projects. This initiative aims to instill a deep understanding of local ecosystems and foster environmental stewardship among students.

The Loft Mentor Series supports twelve early career writers in Minnesota to collaborate with eight acclaimed mentors in poetry and prose. This prestigious program, established in 1979, offers a year of intensive workshops and individual guidance, culminating in public readings. Funded by the Jerome Foundation and NEA, fellows receive $2,800 to assist with program costs, ensuring they can focus on refining their craft and connecting with the literary community.

The Michigan Competitive Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing their first degree, focusing on financial need and merit. To qualify, applicants must achieve a minimum SAT score of 1200 and file the FAFSA by July 1. Eligible institutions include public universities and non-profit colleges in Michigan. This scholarship aims to increase access to higher education for residents while ensuring students meet specific eligibility criteria, including citizenship and enrollment status.

The Employees Community Fund of Boeing Company supports local communities through employee-driven grantmaking. Focusing primarily on Health & Human Services, the Colorado Chapter provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to nonprofits addressing vital community needs. With a commitment to positive change, Boeing empowers its employees to enhance their communities, ensuring sustainable growth and support for local organizations. This initiative exemplifies Boeing's dedication to corporate social responsibility and community involvement.

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.

The Dream Endowment, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, aims to support underprivileged immigrant students in their pursuit of higher education. This initiative is part of a larger effort to provide over 40 scholarship opportunities that cater to various educational needs in the region. By creating pathways to college, the Dream Endowment helps foster a brighter future for deserving students and reinforces the foundation's commitment to education and community growth.

The Jim O'Leary Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, provides financial support to high school seniors passionate about golf. This fund is part of a larger initiative that offers over 40 scholarships aimed at fostering educational opportunities in the region. With specific selection criteria set by the donors, the scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their academic goals and promote community involvement.

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.