Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Abbey Mural Prize, established in 1932, supports the creation and restoration of public murals across the United States. This prestigious award, administered by the National Academy of Design since 1940, emphasizes projects that enhance community engagement and social activism through art. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, with a total annual funding cap of $125,000. Eligible applicants include artists, architects, and nonprofit organizations committed to impactful mural projects.

The AEO Better World Foundation Community Grant supports local nonprofit organizations in cities like Pittsburgh and New York City. Established in 1999, the foundation empowers youth by funding programs that educate and uplift teens and young adults. New applicants can request $5,000, while returning organizations may apply for up to $15,000. This initiative reflects AEO's commitment to creating positive change and fostering optimism in the community.

The American Italian Benevolent Society Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and college students of Italian descent residing in Lake or Porter County. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and can re-apply annually. Preference is given to those with family ties to the Society, ensuring that community values are upheld while providing essential financial assistance for education.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Hilliard P. and Helen P. Jenkins Scholarship

Recipient must: (1) be an African-American resident of Baldwin County; (2) attend a two- or four-year public and accredited institution as a full-time student; (3) intend to pursue a Liberal Arts, Health/Medical, Social Sciences, or Physical Sciences degree, and (4) have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.

The 1st Year Teaching Learning Community Fellowship at Montana State University provides a $5000 housing grant for first-time, full-time undergraduate students pursuing teaching degrees. This opportunity is aimed at Montana residents, especially those from rural high schools. Recipients must participate in community programming and enroll in specific education courses during their first year, fostering a supportive academic environment for future educators.

The Idaho Veterans Support Fund, established by Idaho statute, aims to support programs benefitting veterans of the U.S. armed forces. Priority is given to proposals that benefit the most veterans and lack alternative funding sources. Eligible applicants include individuals, organizations, and governmental entities. Funding supports activities such as career training, public awareness programs, and recreational support for veterans, while ensuring no personal profit from the funds.

The Carnegie-Whitney Grant, established by Andrew Carnegie in 1902, supports the creation of bibliographical aids for American libraries. Grants cover the preparation costs of reading lists and indexes, enhancing access to library resources. Eligibility requires projects to stimulate library use and be broadly appealing, with a focus on national distribution. Notably, completed works and projects under contract are ineligible. The fund encourages innovation in library resource development, welcoming applications from individuals and organizations.

The Charter School Facility Grant Program (SB740) aims to provide financial assistance for charter school facilities, specifically targeting schools that enroll a significant percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This program, now managed by the California School Finance Authority, offers annual grants to help offset facility costs. Funding availability is announced annually on the CSFA website, ensuring support for schools in need of financial aid for their operational expenses.

The Paul and Elizabeth Younts Trust Grant is dedicated to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that provide essential health services. Established under the Last Will and Testament of Paul R. Younts, a notable figure in North Carolina's history, this trust aims to make a positive impact in the community. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on health-related initiatives, ensuring that organizations meeting the eligibility criteria can seek funding to further their mission.

The Denver Foundation

For 100 years, The Denver Foundation has been building a stronger, thriving Metro Denver, Colorado, and beyond. We’ve received $2.1 billion from generous donors and given $1.6 billion in grants to support community initiatives. We’re the foundation of Denver, connecting and collaborating to address the current and future challenges of our community.  

Cameron Holland Scholarship Fund

The Cameron Holland Memorial Scholarship is established to remember Cameron and recognize a Ralston Valley senior student who has established academic, athletic and character traits that are complementary to Cameron’s memory. Cameron was dedicated to academic achievement, participated in football and track and had a kind and generous personality. 

This scholarship is a one-time award. Award amounts may be used toward the recipient’s tuition, fees, required books and supplies, room and board, and other qualified educational expenses. Award must be used for the upcoming academic year.

Scholarships will be awarded once each year through a competitive process based on:

• Academics
• Athletic engagement
• Kind, sensitive, and respectful character

The Community Engaged Project Grants (CEPG) support innovative arts and culture initiatives that actively involve the public in Rhode Island. These artist-led projects encourage participation from all community members, including new and non-artists, fostering engagement through diverse artistic disciplines. By connecting with the community, funded projects aim to enhance the cultural landscape and provide meaningful experiences that resonate with both small and large audiences.

The Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust Grant supports organizations dedicated to the care and comfort of small household pets, including dogs, cats, and birds. Founded by Thomas and Ellen Fallon, the trust primarily funds New Jersey-based charities that qualify as 501(c)(3) organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 30 for annual review. The foundation prefers to assist animal shelters and dog pounds, while excluding funding for salaries or animals raised for commercial or research purposes.

American Society of Plant Biologists

Mission

The American Society of Plant Biologists was founded in 1924 to promote the growth and development of plant biology, to encourage and publish research in plant biology, and to promote the interests, growth, and education of plant scientists in general. Over the decades the Society has evolved and expanded to provide a forum for molecular and cellular biology as well as to serve the basic interests of plant science. It publishes the highly cited and respected journals Plant Physiology and The Plant Cell. Membership spans six continents, and our members work in such diverse areas as academia, government laboratories, and industrial and commercial environments. The Society also has a large student membership. ASPB plays a key role in uniting the international plant science disciplines.

ECPS Travel Award

The Early Career Plant Scientists section of ASPB is currently accepting applications for travel awards for the annual meeting in Ottawa, July 18-22.

Priority will be placed on funding students, but all eligible Early Career Researchers will be considered. 

The Helen & Howard R. Marraro Prize in Italian History, awarded annually by the American Historical Association, honors exceptional works in Italian history, cultural history, or Italo-American relations. Established in 1897, this prestigious award recognizes books published in English by North American historians. Currently valued at $1,000, submissions for the 2025 award must have a copyright of 2024. Winners will be announced in October 2025, with a ceremony at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Thomas B. McDowell Memorial Scholarship

For a college student who has either graduated from a high school located in Early County, Georgia, or who is a current resident of Early County, Georgia. Applicants must have completed at least two years in a post-secondary college or university in the United States and have attained at least a 2.5 GPA in the post-secondary college or university. The award is based on academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular school activities or employment, community service, and leadership qualities.

Taylor Farms Scholarship

This year’s program continues the expanded format, offering three distinct scholarship divisions designed to support both Taylor Farms Employees and their children. 

Taylor Farms Scholarship : Extraordinary Scholarship

Award: 20 applicants will be awarded a $ 7,500 renewable scholarship. Once initially awarded, applicants may renew their scholarship for three (3) additional years if the below requirements are met.

The NCAAA Older American’s Act Grant, managed by the North Central Area Agency on Aging, aims to enhance service systems for older adults in Connecticut. Its objectives include supporting independence, removing barriers to personal and economic freedom, and ensuring a continuum of care for vulnerable seniors. This grant focuses on comprehensive planning, resource development, and advocacy, ensuring older individuals receive the necessary services to thrive in their communities.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Beulah Goode Memorial and Thelma Goode Scholarship Fund

For a graduating senior who is a member of Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church of Mobile to attend any college. 

Taylor Farms Scholarship

This year’s program continues the expanded format, offering three distinct scholarship divisions designed to support both Taylor Farms Employees and their children. 

Taylor Farms Scholarship : Innovative Scholarship

Award: Five (5) applicants will be awarded a $1,500 renewable scholarship. Once awarded, applicants may renew their scholarship for one (1) additional year if the below requirements are met.

Taylor Farms Scholarship

This year’s program continues the expanded format, offering three distinct scholarship divisions designed to support both Taylor Farms Employees and their children

Taylor Farms Scholarship : Employee Scholarship

Award: Five (5) applicants will be awarded a $2,500 renewable scholarship. Once awarded, applicants may renew their scholarship for up to three (3) additional years if the below requirements are met.

Taylor Farms SoCal Award Program Fund

The Taylor Farms SoCal Scholarship Program was created to provide financial assistance to the children of employees who are looking to further their education. The scholarship is open to children of Taylor Farms employees located in Ontario, San Bernardino, CA.

Award Criteria

Scholarship:

• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Scholarship is renewable

The FY 2025 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs aim to enhance economic growth and resilience in distressed communities. EDA invites ongoing applications for funding, focusing on innovative approaches that leverage regional strengths. The updated NOFO emphasizes timely reviews and outlines submission procedures for core programs under the Public Works and Economic Development Act. Grantees are encouraged to develop unique initiatives that foster lasting economic prosperity.

The Onion Foundation's Environment Program aims to enhance nature learning for Maine's youth, especially in underserved rural areas. By providing high-quality, science-based educational opportunities, the program seeks to cultivate an appreciation for natural systems and their importance to a vibrant life. Key priorities include developing standards-aligned nature programs and facilitating transformative outdoor experiences. This initiative addresses educational disparities, ensuring all children can benefit from rich environmental education and engagement with their local ecosystems.

The Individual Artist Fellowship, offered by the Kentucky Arts Council, provides a competitive $7,500 award to professional artists in Kentucky. This fellowship recognizes creative excellence and is based on the quality of submitted work samples. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of achievement in their field and have been Kentucky residents for at least one year. The award is unrestricted, allowing artists to use the funds to enhance their careers in various ways.

The Seed Grant for Research on Lottery Gambling, announced by the International Center for Responsible Gaming and the Hoosier Lottery, promotes studies focusing on responsible gambling and gambling disorders related to lottery activities. Researchers are encouraged to explore various projects, including pilot studies, preliminary research, and follow-up testing. Emphasizing the connection to Indiana, the initiative seeks to develop insights that inform responsible gambling practices and policies.

The Opportunities for Collaborative Research at the NIH Clinical Center aims to foster high-quality translational research partnerships between NIH intramural and extramural investigators. This program supports projects that bridge basic biological discoveries with clinical applications, ultimately enhancing patient-centric research. By facilitating collaborations, the program seeks to accelerate scientific advancements leading to improved health outcomes through innovative therapeutic interventions and diagnostic strategies.

The Southwest Missouri Public Relations Society of America's Dr. Joe McAdoo Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,200 scholarship for undergraduate students entering their third or fourth year or postgraduate students pursuing degrees in Communications or Public Relations. Applicants must attend one of the designated universities and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above. The scholarship requires an essay detailing community service and work experience, promoting values of integrity, respect, and collaboration.