Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP) provides essential funding for nonprofit organizations at high risk of violent attacks and hate crimes. With a maximum of $250,000 available per location, nonprofits can submit up to two proposals to enhance their physical security. This initiative, funded by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, aims to strengthen safety measures and support vulnerable communities across the state.

The Technical Assistance Grant Program by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation supports nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Denver, offering up to $5,000 for one-time projects focused on enhancing operations or skills. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and have an annual budget under $500,000. The program emphasizes inclusivity, equity, and support for diverse groups, ensuring that arts and culture are accessible to all in the community.

The Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant program by the California Arts Council provides essential funding to arts and cultural organizations to support their ongoing operations. This initiative aims to strengthen California's cultural landscape by fostering a diverse arts workforce and infrastructure. Eligible organizations can utilize these funds for various operational costs, ensuring they can continue their vital work in the community without the limitation of project-specific funding.

The Consolidated Application (ConApp) is used by the California Department of Education (CDE) to distribute categorical funds from various federal programs (e.g., Title I, Part A; Title II) to county offices, school districts, and direct funded charter schools throughout California.

Dawbarn Education Awards

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge announced its 10 recipients of the 2026 Dawbarn Education Awards with special surprise visits this week. Now in its 32nd year, the Community Foundation honors community members for their significant impact on youth in the three local public school systems, Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro. The award comes with a $10,000 prize and a special banquet to celebrate the recipients in the fall.

Miriam Burrows, the director of educational programs at the Community Foundation, made surprise visits to inform this year’s 10 recipients in person. “Every year, the Dawbarn Education Awards remind us that incredibly important work is bhappening in our schools,” Burrows said. “The nominators and recipients are all so proud of one another, proud of what they do, proud of their students and proud of the schools they work in. “It’s hard not to get choked up. And not one of them is seeking recognition for their work. In fact, they would much rather shine the light on each other than be in the spotlight themselves.

The Grants for the Arts program provides significant financial support to arts and culture organizations in San Francisco, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $450,000 over two years. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, focusing on capacity building and public arts programming. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and promote vibrant cultural experiences through performances, exhibits, and festivals, ensuring access to the arts for all residents.

The WRAGs Bursary, managed by the WFGA, offers a unique opportunity for young horticulturists aged 18-35 to receive part-time paid training while working under experienced gardeners. This program focuses on skill development through hands-on experience and access to workshops. Graduates often progress to lead their own gardening businesses or secure positions as head gardeners, making this bursary an excellent stepping stone into the horticultural industry.

The ASPCA National Shelter Grants Initiative offers up to $2.5 million in grants to support U.S. shelters and their communities. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $95,000 aim to enhance animal outcomes, psychological health, and access to veterinary care. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations or municipal agencies with facilities for adoptable animals, while foster-based rescue organizations are excluded. This initiative is crucial in assisting shelters during challenging times.

The NSF Rapid Response Grants support grassroots organizations in New York City and the Hudson Valley that are led by people directly impacted by injustice. These grants enable activists to respond to urgent threats or opportunities, aiming for specific outcomes within three to six months. Emphasizing systemic change, the fund prioritizes organizations that are democratically structured and focus on social justice, particularly those with limited access to traditional funding sources.

The City Gardens Club of New York offers annual grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for projects that promote environmental beauty and education in New York City's five boroughs. Since 1981, these grants have helped schools engage students in hands-on horticulture, fostering a love for gardening and farming among diverse communities. The program highlights the importance of nature in education, benefiting both children and adults while adhering to the club's mission of public benefit through education.

Keokuk County Community Endowment Foundation

The KCCEF was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our county’s charitable programs were supported now, and in the future. We work together with many individuals, families, businesses and organizations to establish endowment funds that will provide grant awards for years to come.

What We Offer

The Keokuk County Community Endowment Foundation is here to assist our county’s organizations contribute to the local quality of life, and one of the ways that is done is through grant funding. KCCEF accepts grant applications to enable projects and programs impacting a wide range of needs in the community. In the past, grants have been awarded for projects involving arts and culture, health & human services, community betterment, historic preservation, and more. Proof of non-profit status, or sponsorship by a government entity is required. 

Endowment Grant

• Must have IRS 501(c)3 or 170(c)1 status or have an eligible financial sponsor
• One application per organization
• Minimum request is $500
• Must be in good standing with KCCEF, ie. all post grant forms filed for previous awards

The GCAC General Support Grant provides essential funding to small to mid-sized arts organizations in Columbus, focusing on those with a strong public engagement and professional artist involvement. Eligible organizations must have a three-year history, a budget under $500,000, and a commitment to public activities. This grant fosters artistic creativity and community participation, ensuring that arts remain accessible and vibrant in the region.

The Smithsonian Institution is offering the Margaret S. Vining and Barton C. Hacker Fellowship in Women's Military History for the 2025-26 term. This fellowship invites research on women’s roles in national defense up to 1945, utilizing the museum's extensive collections. Stipends of up to $30,000 are available, depending on the candidate's status. Applicants must reside in Washington, DC and commit to a minimum of three days per week at the museum. Non-US candidates should inquire about visa and tax implications.

The Texas Academy of Science offers the Annual Student Research Award Competition, providing financial support to students in three categories: PhD, M.S., and B.S./B.A. Awards are $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. Eligibility includes membership in the Texas Academy and conducting independent research projects in math, science, or science education. Out-of-state students conducting research in Texas are also eligible. Literature reviews are not accepted.

About Us

The primary mission of the Office of Accounts and Control is to promote the financial integrity and accountability of state government through sound administrative and accounting controls and procedures.

CPF_Community Library Municipal Grant (CMLG) SFY26-27

Summary:

One million dollars of administrative funds from the ARPA Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund program have been reallocated to the Community Learning Center (CLC) Municipal Grant Program, with U.S. Treasury’s approval, to enable investment in those municipalities that were not part of the initial CLC Municipal Grant Program subawards. This $1 million is designated for use by public libraries located in the 17 Learn365RI municipalities that do not have community learning center projects underway. PRO is administering this round of grants, known as the Community Library Municipal Grant (CLMG) program.

The Major Research Grants on Reducing Inequality, funded by the William T Grant Foundation, support research aimed at reducing inequality in youth outcomes for ages 5-25 in the U.S. Grants range from $100,000 to $600,000 over 2-3 years. Studies can explore various systems such as education, mental health, and justice, focusing on mechanisms for change, intervention effectiveness, and improved measurement of inequality.

The ASNT Foundation Fellowship Award offers $20,000 to support research and innovation in nondestructive testing (NDT). Aimed at graduate students and early-career professionals, this fellowship encourages the exploration of groundbreaking ideas and development of new technologies in the NDT field. Recipients will be notified after evaluations, and the award includes opportunities for recognition at the ASNT Annual Conference and presentation of findings at ASNT symposia. This initiative is crucial for nurturing future NDT leaders.

Project Lead The Way Inc is offering a grant of $14,000 to schools looking to implement the PLTW Computer Science program for the first time. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Computer Science courses over the next three years, ensuring that at least one course is available in the first year. This funding will support program implementation costs, with awards distributed directly to PLTW accounts for eligible schools.

The AWI Implementing Refinement Grant, offered by the Animal Welfare Institute, aims to enhance the welfare of animals in experimentation. Grants up to $8,000 support equipment purchases or staff training for implementing proven refinements. Eligible applicants must be from the U.S. or Canada, and projects should be completed within a year. The grant focuses on improving animal lives beyond basic needs, ensuring no funds are misused for indirect costs or basic care.

The NYSCA Support for Sponsored Organizations grant provides flexible funding for eligible New York State nonprofit organizations to enhance their arts programming and general operations. Organizations must prequalify with the State Financial System before applying. This initiative aims to support the diverse arts and cultural landscape in New York, ensuring that all communities have access to rich artistic experiences. The grant is intended for organizations that may not yet be incorporated or are part of larger institutions.

The NYSCA Support for Organizations Grant provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations in New York State, fostering arts, culture, and creativity. Prequalification is mandatory for eligibility, ensuring that applicants are prepared for the funding process. The grant supports general operations and arts programming, enabling organizations to thrive and enhance their community impact. Interested parties should begin the prequalification process promptly, as it must be completed before applying for the grant.

Meade County Community Foundation

The idea for Meade County Community Foundation began as a way to keep funds collected by the Sherriff's Department in Meade County instead of sending them onto the state. Since 2019, we have funded several county-wide and individual community projects thanks to these funds and The Patterson Family Foundation.

MCCF is focused on Meade County and all three school districts that serve the youth of our county, extending our reach into Seward County as well. MCCF is a 501(c)3 organization.

Grants

With the generosity of all of our donors and the partnerships we have with the Meade County Sheriff's department and The Patterson Family Foundation, MCCF was able to grant out $16,550 in our Summer 2025 cycle. In 2025 alone, MCCF granted out nearly $30,000. All time grants from MCCF are now over $76,000. 

The Biffa Award's Main Grants Scheme supports community projects near landfill sites, focusing on enhancing community buildings such as village halls and community centers. The funding can cover renovations, refurbishments, and essential improvements to create inviting spaces for various community activities. Eligible organizations must be charitable or not-for-profit, ensuring that the funding serves the wider community benefit. Priority is given to projects demonstrating significant communal use and engagement across diverse demographics.

The Culture & Community Grant aims to enhance Oklahoma's rich cultural heritage by supporting projects that celebrate and preserve diverse traditions and artistic expressions. This initiative fosters collaboration and community engagement, enriching lives through cultural experiences. By funding such projects, the grant seeks to bring communities together, expanding knowledge and appreciation for local cultures and historical achievements. Applications are encouraged from those committed to promoting cultural vitality and inclusivity.

The JMAC Access Grant Program, supported by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and Barr Foundation, offers vital resources to artists and organizations for showcasing their projects at the Jean McDonough Arts Center. This initiative aims to empower BIPOC and underserved artists in Worcester by funding project development and implementation costs. Through a structured application process, selected participants can secure financial assistance to present their work, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in Central Massachusetts.

The Jack A. & Gertrude W. Wilson Animal Welfare Fund, established by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, supports local animal welfare programs in Mississippi. It provides grants to public charities that focus on the welfare of companion animals. Eligible organizations must be located in specific counties and can apply for funding for various programs, including spay and neuter initiatives and community education efforts. Grants are limited to 8% for administrative costs.

The Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada (AWFC) is offering grants for innovative projects aimed at enhancing animal welfare. With approximately $60,000 available, this funding supports educational, research, and outreach initiatives that raise awareness and improve policies regarding animal care. Eligible applicants include registered Canadian charities and non-profit organizations. Projects with national impact or those that can be replicated across regions will be prioritized, promoting a culture of respect and care for all animals.