Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Ruth C. Stacy Counselor Scholarship

The Ruth C. Stacy Counselor Scholarship Fund is presented to students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree and have been accepted into an accredited Master’s Degree program majoring in school or mental health counseling.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Richard D. Pell Future Veterans Award

The Richard D. Pell Future Veterans Award is awarded to each graduating senior entering any branch of the American Armed Forces following graduation.

A monetary gift card will be awarded to each graduating senior residing in the town of Ripley and entering any branch of the United States Armed Forces following graduation. 

The National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (U54) aims to enhance worker safety in the construction industry through innovative research and intervention strategies. By fostering partnerships and focusing on evidence-based solutions, the Center will address critical safety and health challenges faced by construction workers. The initiative aligns with NIOSH's strategic objectives, promoting collaboration among academic institutions and organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce the occupational health burden in this vital sector.

South Carolina Arts Commission

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to expand access to the arts and foster creativity for all South Carolinians.

For more than 50 years, the agency has worked to build a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their circumstances or where they live.

We help artists and arts providers offer unique arts experiences to residents and visitors. From free poetry readings and gallery crawls to sweetgrass basketry workshops and ticketed dance, music, or theatre performances, they create an environment that contributes to quality of life from three “corner” counties of Oconee, Horry, and Beaufort to the 43 arranged inside.

Since 1967, the SCAC has awarded more than $132 million in grants to artists, arts organizations, school districts, schools, and teachers!

Public Art Grants

Purpose

This grant provides support for art that is created intentionally for a space in the public realm, regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property. Projects can be located indoors or outdoors, but must be free and accessible to everyone. Public art projects are limited to murals, sculptures, light installations, and sound installations.

Funding type: Reimbursement.

Use of Funds

Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Maintenance, repair, and revitalization of existing public art pieces.
• Artist stipends and fees including design, project management, and travel.
• Art installation, fabrication, and associated costs (site preparation, artwork transportation, machinery and equipment rental).
• Consultant and contractor fees (consultants and contractors can include architects, conservators, preservationists, historians, engineers, electricians, lighting consultants, etc.).
• Documentation, marketing, and signage.
• Development of a public art tour.
• Public art focused workshops and programs.

If you are hiring artists or teaching artists

For all grant-funded activities (including group lectures, demonstrations, performances, residencies, and short-term arts teaching experiences), the use of S.C. Arts Directory members is required for school and school district grantees and encouraged for grantees that are organizations.

Artists identified as Verified Teaching Artists on the S.C. Arts Directory have been additionally vetted by SCAC through the submission of sample lesson plans, recorded teaching samples, and letters of recommendation. For any grantee whose grant-funded activities are for K-12 student services, SCAC encourages the use of Verified Teaching Artists. Many school districts require the use of SCAC Verified Teaching Artists for classroom residencies. If working in a school environment, always check with both the individual school and the school district about policies related to hiring artists, arts organizations, and teaching artists.

Indirect Cost Limitation

No more than 10% of the total grant funds may be used for indirect costs (general overhead expenses not directly tied to the project). The remaining 90% must go toward direct costs, which are necessary to carry out the funded project.

• Examples of direct costs: Artist fees, program supplies, travel for project activities, and venue rental.
• Examples of indirect costs: Administrative salaries not directly working on the project, office rent, utilities, and general office supplies.

This ensures that most of the funding directly benefits the project while allowing some flexibility for necessary overhead costs.

Matching Requirements

1:1 (grantee:SCAC)

• Up to 50% of the grantee’s match may be through an in-kind donation of materials and/or contracted services.
• An example of “in-kind” is a contracted fee that is waived or discounted as a donation to your project.
• Another SCAC grant and/or federal funds may not be used to match your award.

The Verne P. Jackson and Rose Marie Jackson Charitable Trust Grant provides crucial financial assistance to organizations supporting physically handicapped individuals within a 100-mile radius of Omaha, Nebraska. Established by Verne P. Jackson, the trust aims to empower those facing physical challenges, drawing from personal experiences with disability. Administered by Wells Fargo Bank, it typically awards one to two grants annually, focusing on assisting organizations that promote productive and rewarding lives for the handicapped.

The Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes cutting-edge research on innovative devices utilizing electronics, photonics, and magnetics. The program aims to enhance micro-, nano-, and quantum-based technologies across diverse fields such as healthcare, energy, and communications. EPMD emphasizes the importance of novel materials and energy-efficient designs, fostering advancements that ensure improved functionality and reliability in future applications.

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.

The CFGM: Muscatine Health Support Fund Grant aims to enhance community health by supporting projects that improve the health care system in Muscatine and its surrounding areas. This grant encourages the development and maintenance of health initiatives that address local needs and foster growth in health care services.

The 125 Pretrial Success Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to provide case management for eligible participants charged with a criminal offense and granted pretrial release. This program engages court stakeholders to identify participants for voluntary services that assess and link them to necessary resources. With its focus on ongoing communication and collaboration, the initiative strives to support individuals in navigating their legal challenges and achieving self-sufficiency.

The NDEP STEM Open NFO invites innovative proposals for research and implementation of effective STEM education and outreach programs. This continuously open announcement from the Department of Defense encourages submissions that align with key initiatives, including support for community colleges and strategic partnerships. As funding becomes available, amendments detailing specific topics and submission guidelines will be released. Applicants must submit white papers to express interest in full applications for potential funding consideration.

About Us

Next50 is a private, national foundation based in Denver, Colorado. Since 2016, Next50 has been working toward creating a world that values aging.

The mission of Next50 shall be to promote independence and dignity for the aging population, to include the needs of low and moderate income persons encompassing individuals with physical, cognitive and/or behavioral disabilities, by encouraging and supporting innovative, affordable and coordinated services and initiatives.

Ways we Support Affordable Aging

At Next50, we believe in maximizing our impact by deploying our capital across a range of diverse investment tools and strategies – a polycapital approach.

Next50’s philanthropic approach blends responsive and proactive strategies to drive meaningful, lasting change across our priority areas. By actively engaging with the communities we serve, we gain critical insights that allow us to bridge gaps, anticipate challenges, and amplify impact.

Through polycapital, we leverage a full spectrum of financial and non-financial tools – including grants, investments, policy, advocacy, and community engagement – because creating a world that values aging requires a multifaceted and adaptive strategy.

Sudden and Urgent Need (SUN)

Providing small, Colorado-based organizations serving marginalized older adults with one-time funding to address sudden and urgent needs.

SUN funding is available for efforts such as:

• An organization providing mobile technology training for low-income older adults in a rural area has an unexpected issue that has arisen with their mobile training vehicle and needs a replacement part to be able to continue providing services.

• A small organization providing a financial boot-straps course for low-income older adults has a water leak in their building and must shut down classes until the leak is fixed.

• A small organization serving older adults in rural Colorado receives unexpected notice that its lease will not be renewed, requiring sudden legal and moving expenses to secure new space and maintain operations without disruption.

Sudden & Urgent need

The organization must demonstrate that their need is unbudgeted, unforeseen, time-sensitive, and significantly interferes with their ability to serve older adults and/or their caregivers or provides an immediate opportunity to enhance services. The request must be for an expense that is a one-time need and is not a part of the organization’s general operating or ongoing expenses.

Improving economic well-being for older adults

Applicants must demonstrate how the work of their organization contributes to the economic well-being of the older adults they serve.

Alignment with priority areas

Applicants should be able to briefly describe how their work with older adults aligns with one or more of Next50’s priority areas – Ending Ageism, Advancing Digital Equity, and Supporting Aging in Place

Population served

Requesting organizations must demonstrate a current focus on serving marginalized populations aged 50+ and/or their caregivers. Marginalized refers to the systematic social, economic, and political exclusion or disadvantage faced by individuals or groups, particularly those with intersectional identities. Please refer to our list of priority populations. Applicants who demonstrate a strong understanding of the intersectional identities of the older adults they serve and actively work to dismantle systemic barriers to access will be prioritized.

Impact

Applicants must explain the potential to have an immediate impact on the organization’s ability to serve older adults.

Need For Funds

Applicants must clearly describe their organization’s financial need for requested funds. We will consider both an organization’s need for funding and its financial sustainability. If you have significant cash reserves or a budget surplus, please explain why the requested funds are needed. Similarly, if you have low cash reserves or a budget deficit, please share how the requested funds will help improve financial sustainability and/or how you plan to improve your financial position.

The Legacy Environmental Education Grant Program aims to cultivate a legacy of environmental stewardship in Alabama. This program funds projects that educate and foster environmentally responsible citizens. Eligible applicants include public and private non-profit organizations in the state, with a focus on feasibility, audience reach, and sustainability of the projects. Grants are evaluated on criteria such as project goals, budget, and public recognition of Legacy’s support, ensuring impactful contributions to environmental education.

Chautauqua Region Community Foundation

Mission: In partnership with our community, we ignite positive change and create a legacy of impact.

Scholarships

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation annually awards more than $2 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, job training and certification. The Foundation hosts several different scholarship opportunities throughout the year. 

Laurie Baer Olympic Hopeful

To provide financial assistance to cover the cost of training, and national or international competition for talented young athletes from Chautauqua County. 

The DC Oral History - Beyond the Archive Grants provide funding for community organizations and individuals to create public humanities projects utilizing existing oral history collections. These projects should focus on themes relevant to Washington, DC, and benefit its residents. Possible outcomes include exhibitions, performances, written research, and educational curricula, all aimed at showcasing the unique stories of the city’s diverse communities.

Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. Since that time, the foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, the funds distribute millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to support local students and nonprofit organizations and causes.

Met-Ed Sustainable Energy Fund

The Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund will make grants to fund a variety of energy efficiency projects to nonprofits, government entities, and small-businesses within the Met-Ed utility area. Funding is only available to existing buildings (not new construction) and to organizations that own their buildings (not lease). A preliminary energy assessment must be completed to be considered for funding. If you have not had an energy assessment completed, contact fund staff to be connected with technical assistance.

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.

Ipson Tully Memorial Scholarship

The Ipson Tully Memorial Scholarship Scholarship provides support for students from the Salinas Valley to study at the University of California, Berkeley who have strong academic potential, demonstrate community support and require financial support to pursue their studies at University of California, Berkeley. Students who have graduated from Salinas Valley High Schools and Hartnell College and are accepted at University of California, Berkeley are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Award

• $2,500

Jane's Fellowship Program, established by The Russell Family Foundation, empowers grassroots leaders in Pierce County through a year-long cohort experience. Since 2004, it has graduated 144 individuals, fostering essential leadership skills and community engagement. Participants enhance their capabilities in areas like conflict resolution and storytelling, ensuring they contribute effectively to local challenges. With a stipend of $8,500 and additional funding for training, this program continues to honor the legacy of Jane Russell by nurturing future community leaders.

The Katherine Lercara Fund for Needy Children, established in 1980, provides annual grants to support the welfare of needy children in San Joaquin County, California. Managed by Wells Fargo Bank, the fund honors Gaspar Joseph Lercara, who dedicated his legacy to aiding children in need. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. This fund not only reflects the values of its founder but also aims to make a positive impact on the lives of children in the community.

The Women in Philanthropy Grants, awarded by the Madison County Community Foundation, support nonprofit projects that benefit women and children in Madison County. Established in 2005, this initiative fosters collaboration among women philanthropists and has grown its endowment fund to over $175,000. Participation is open to all women in the county who wish to enhance the quality of life for women and children. Finalists must attend a luncheon on April 11 to celebrate impactful grantmaking.

Benjamin H. Van Andel Promise of Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes and supports exceptionally talented students in any field who exhibit the gifts and passion to be world class leaders, performers, or artists in their area of giftedness.

Bob and Brenda Soeters Family Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation.

Brooks Family First Generation Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West.

Carolyn L. Ballard & Beverly J. Schoch Scholarship

Graduating senior from a high school within the Community Foundation’s primary service area.

Our proactive grant program funds key areas identified by community data as essential to the health and success of Holland/Zeeland.

Financial Stability for Working Families

Strengthening local families who are struggling to afford basic needs like housing and childcare, and offering career growth opportunities for future financial stability.

In considering eligible requests, CFHZ gives priority to proposals that are core to the organization’s mission, will have a lasting impact, will address inequities, and demonstrate organizational capacity to successfully implement the proposed project or program as measured by:

• Financial stability
• Leadership capacity
• Record of successful project/program delivery

The Terry and Deborah Mitchel Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship to undergraduate students entering their second, third, or fourth year at a Missouri college or university. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and submit a transcript along with an essay. This scholarship is offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, which aims to enhance the quality of life in the region through resource development and community engagement.

The Planning and Service Grants to Area Agencies on Aging provide essential funding for community-based services for older adults in Illinois. These grants support initiatives addressing social isolation, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia-friendly programs. Eligible applicants include government and nonprofit organizations that serve aging populations. By facilitating access to vital resources, these grants aim to enhance the quality of life for seniors statewide, ensuring they receive the support and services they need.