Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides annual grants to qualified non-profit organizations that provide enriching, educational programs to Maryland students. Eligible programs provide learning experiences that align with the State’s curricular and educational priorities and cannot be replicated in the classroom. These educational opportunities emphasize experiential learning and one-on-one support services. This includes, but is not limited to, free or reduced admission, full-day and residential field trips with hands on activities, mentoring, and tutoring. 

City of Salida Community Grants 

Focus:

Programs or projects that directly benefit the Salida community

The ACS Award in Pure Chemistry recognizes early career researchers for their outstanding contributions to fundamental research in pure chemistry. Established in 1931, the award includes a $5,000 prize and reimbursement for up to $1,000 in travel expenses to the award presentation meeting. Nominees must have less than 10 years of experience since their terminal degree and demonstrate exceptional research merit. Special consideration is given to originality and independence of thought in submitted research.

The Library-Based Meal Sites program addresses summer food insecurity among low-income families in California by providing nutritious meals and promoting literacy. Libraries can apply for funds to enhance their summer reading programs, purchase operational supplies, and organize enriching activities for children. By leveraging library resources, the program aims to create a supportive environment for children and teens, ensuring they have access to healthy food and educational opportunities during the summer months.

The NIH's Investigator-Focused Award (Parent R35) aims to support research programs for investigators at all career stages, including Early Stage Investigators. This funding provides stability and freedom in research, allowing for innovative and ambitious studies without the constant pressure of securing new grants. Key benefits include flexibility in research direction, opportunities to tackle significant questions, and a greater potential for scientific breakthroughs, fostering a robust research environment.

The Pop-Up Libraries at Community Meal Sites grant program enables California public libraries to provide enriching literary resources at community meal sites during summer. Libraries can apply for funds to support outreach, enhance summer reading programs, and offer educational materials and activities for children and teens. This initiative fosters community engagement and promotes literacy, ensuring children have access to books and learning opportunities while enjoying summer meals.

The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program - Capacity Funding aims to enhance digital equity in Austin by providing matching funds to local organizations. This initiative supports projects that increase access to technology, improve digital skills, and expand internet usage among citizens. To be eligible, applicants must be tax-exempt organizations in Austin, comply with City purchasing requirements, and demonstrate alignment with program goals. This grant fosters a community where everyone can participate fully in the digital society.

Who we are

As a division of the Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, the mission of the Wyoming State Library is to promote statewide library development, foster library cooperation, and provide reliable information to our customers.

McMurry Library Endowment Grant

The Carol McMurry Library Endowment was established in 2000 within the Wyoming Community Foundation to provide support to Wyoming library staff and volunteers and to publicly accessible Wyoming libraries in three areas:

• Education & Training (Library & Individual)
• Library Resources
• Library Foundation Development

Types of Library Grants Projects

• Education & Training: These can be used for in-service workshops or multi-library continuing education events. The application can include financial support to pay for substitute staff to keep a library open while staff attends the event or training.
• Resource: Resource grants can be used to purchase library books, audio-visual materials, informational software and hardware, and databases. Applications can be submitted for children, youth or adult resources, both physical and electronic. The library is expected to provide a collection analysis to support its justification for a grant and information on the population to be served by the project.
• Foundation: Foundation grants can be used to retain outside technical assistance for foundation boards and library staff in their planning of an endowment or for a publication about the endowment. Grants for consulting in the area of bylaws, foundation roles and responsibilities, relationship to the library board can be made. Grants for fundraising support and for the local library endowment itself will not be awarded. Capital construction, furnishings, carpeting, and building repairs have a very low consideration due to the amount of funds available in the Endowment for library grants.

The Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture, offered by the New York State Council on the Arts, provide significant funding ranging from $2 million to $10 million for arts and cultural nonprofits. These grants support large-scale capital projects that enhance cultural programming and accessibility, aiming to engage diverse audiences and promote equity. Applicants must commit to initiatives that advance social equity and contribute to the state's economic development goals.

The Episcopal Health Foundation of Dallas provides annual grants to support parishes, schools, and non-profit organizations within the Diocese of Dallas. Focus areas include food insecurity, homelessness, poverty alleviation, and health services. Eligible organizations must operate within the diocese's geographic boundaries and align with its Christian mission. Grants aim to strengthen communities through innovative programs that address basic human needs and improve lives. Applications must meet specific criteria and deadlines to be considered.

The Lilla Jewel Awards support Oregon-based artists of marginalized genders, promoting social change through their work. Established in 1997, the awards offer $10,000 to selected artists, emphasizing those engaged in social justice movements. Eligible applicants must be Oregon residents, at least 18 years old, and of marginalized gender identities. The awards aim to amplify diverse voices historically overlooked in traditional art institutions, fostering a more inclusive artistic landscape.

The Community Health Matching Grant Program, led by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations in Michigan. This initiative encourages the development of community-inspired and evidence-based programs to address local health needs, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for the community. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria regarding their budget and patient demographics to qualify for matching funds, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to underserved populations.

The Younger Chemists Committee Leadership Development Award provides essential support for young chemists to attend the Young Chemist Leadership Development Workshop at the ACS Leadership Development Institute. This award covers registration fees, transportation, lodging, and meals, promoting the development of leadership skills among participants. Young scientists under 40 and within the first seven years of their careers are encouraged to apply, making it an excellent networking opportunity to enhance their leadership qualities.

The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program - Mini Funding supports Austin organizations in enhancing technology access, providing digital training, and improving internet connectivity for underserved communities. With individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, and a total funding pool of $60,000, this initiative aims to foster digital equity and empower residents to fully engage in the digital society. Eligible applicants include incorporated, tax-exempt organizations in Austin with specific revenue limits.

The ASNT Foundation's James J. Treat Scholarship aims to advance education in nondestructive testing (NDT) by providing financial support to students pursuing NDT degrees at accredited U.S. institutions. This initiative honors James J. Treat's legacy in the field and is designed to foster the next generation of NDT professionals. Scholarships will also support faculty development and workforce programs, helping to grow the skilled workforce needed in this vital industry.

The ACS Local Section Innovative Project Grant Program aims to empower local sections of the American Chemical Society to devise and execute innovative projects that enhance community engagement and chemistry literacy. By fostering collaboration and inclusiveness, this program encourages sections to implement new initiatives inspired by successful practices from other groups. The goal is to strengthen member involvement and promote sustainable activities that contribute positively to the community's scientific culture.

The ASNT Foundation offers the Robert B. Oliver Scholarship to support students enrolled in Nondestructive Testing (NDT) programs at U.S. institutions. With a funding amount of $2,500, the scholarship is awarded to students presenting the best original manuscript on NDT. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and workforce development in the nondestructive testing field, promoting research and training for future professionals.

 Virtual and Hybrid Program Accelerator ESC Grant

The Virtual and Hybrid Program Accelerator (VHPA) enables school districts and open-enrollment school systems to design and launch high-quality virtual and hybrid programs or campuses, as defined under Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 30B.

The Virtual and Hybrid Program Accelerator (VHPA) enables school districts and open-enrollment school systems to design and launch high-quality virtual and hybrid programs or campuses, as defined under Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 30B. The goal of the program is to establish schools that are intentionally structured to achieve A or B accountability ratings and deliver rigorous, engaging instruction tailored to meet the diverse needs of students across Texas. Through VHPA, school systems will receive funding and technical assistance (TA) to develop flexible, personalized learning models that support students requiring adaptable education pathways. The program also enables school systems to implement innovative staffing strategies, expand course offerings, and increase access to high-quality instruction statewide. VHPA is a two-year program. By the end of the first year, participating school districts and open-enrollment school systems must either launch a full-time virtual or hybrid program or apply for authorization to operate a full-time virtual or hybrid campus that will operate in the 2027– 2028 school year. School systems that meet all engagement and activity requirements in Year 1, may use this participation to satisfy the planning year requirement for virtual and hybrid campuses outlined in Senate Bill 569. 

Grant activities include providing technical assistance to refine high-quality virtual or hybrid learning experiences that equip students for college, career, or the military. Support includes establishing highly effective virtual and hybrid classes, aligning staffing models with professional development for virtual teaching/learning, and enabling strong decision-making on technology and operations systems (e.g., learning management system, attendance). School systems in the program will also use iterative practices to analyze data to ensure that all students can access high-quality, grade-level instruction and engage in cohort-style workshops to learn about best practices from school systems across Texas.

The ASNT Foundation's Student Travel Grant aims to support full-time students pursuing nondestructive testing education by reimbursing up to $1,000 for travel expenses to the ASNT Research Symposium. This initiative not only encourages attendance at significant industry events but also provides complimentary student membership for recipients who are not ASNT members. The program highlights the Foundation's commitment to advancing the field through research, scholarships, and workforce development.

The CCWH/Berks Graduate Student Fellowship, offered by the Coordinating Council for Women in History, provides a $1000 award to graduate students in U.S. history departments who are completing a dissertation. This fellowship aims to support crucial research stages or the final year of writing. Applicants must be graduate students who have achieved A.B.D. status and may specialize in any history field, ensuring diverse representation in women's history.

The Clayton and Carol Paul Fund for Animal Welfare Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, aims to provide financial support to various animal welfare organizations. Eligible recipients include humane societies, shelters, and wildlife rehabilitators operating in Central Georgia. The Fund prioritizes projects that effectively reduce stray animal populations and alleviate suffering, enhancing the quality of life for animals and communities alike.

The Chicago Artistic Vitality Grant supports over 175 small, professional arts organizations across various disciplines. It provides essential unrestricted operational funding that allows these organizations to thrive while encouraging artistic innovation. Grantees must be 501(c)(3) public charities or have fiscal sponsors, with expenses under $1 million per year. The grant aims to foster a vibrant arts ecosystem in Chicago, ensuring diverse artistic expressions in every neighborhood, and promotes the sustainability of emerging talent.

The Lowcountry Artistic Vitality Grant, offered by the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, aims to support a diverse range of arts organizations within the Lowcountry. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities that demonstrate artistic vitality and have completed at least one full fiscal year of operations. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, emphasizing unrestricted general operations funding that allows organizations to address their most pressing needs.

The Manatee Community Foundation offers competitive grants aimed at enhancing animal welfare in Manatee County. Focus areas include animal rescue, veterinary access for low-income pet owners, and wildlife conservation. The foundation prioritizes organizations that serve the local community and demonstrate effective governance. They do not fund individual grants, political campaigns, or unrelated charities. Established in 1998, the foundation has invested over $65 million in community initiatives, showcasing its commitment to philanthropy and service.

The Small Arts Grants Program, supported by The Francis Family Foundation, is dedicated to fostering arts and culture in the greater Kansas City area. Organizations eligible for funding include tax-exempt public charities and community-based arts programs. The Foundation aims to enhance creative participation and ensure diverse cultural expressions are accessible to all. With a focus on supporting local initiatives, this program seeks to make a significant impact on the region's artistic landscape.

The BCBSM Foundation's Catalyst Fund Grant offers non-renewable grants of up to $7,500 to Massachusetts-based community organizations focused on enhancing health access for low-income and marginalized residents. Applications will be accepted starting July 1, 2025, aiming to support capacity-building initiatives rather than ongoing operational costs. The fund prioritizes organizations with limited resources that directly impact vulnerable populations, facilitating innovative projects that address health care disparities.

About Us

Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Its mission is: dedicated to the belief that in the profession of medicine we will improve care for all by:

• recognizing high educational achievement;
• honoring gifted teaching;
• encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community;
• supporting the ideals of humanism; and
• promoting service to others.

Medical Student Service Leadership Project Grant

AΩA is committed to preparing future leaders in medicine and health care. Leadership is about making a positive difference and can be developed through education, observation, experience, and by working with leader mentors. Service learning provides excellent opportunities for students to develop as servant leaders. Only one team from each school may be nominated.The Grant

The grant is a $9,000, two-year grant – $5,000 the first year, and $4,000 the second year. The grant will be paid to the sponsoring institution.