Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

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 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.

The Arts + Creative Industries External Agency Grant Program, initiated by the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government, provides vital funding support to local arts and culture nonprofits. Aimed at enhancing community life through the arts, the program offers grants of $25,000 to $50,000 based on organizational budgets. This initiative fosters creativity, promotes cultural programming, and ensures equitable access to arts experiences for all residents, contributing to a vibrant and thriving Louisville.

The Teaching Artists and Organizations Directory Grant, offered by Fund for the Arts, invites teaching artists and arts organizations to apply for inclusion in a directory aimed at connecting them with community partners. This initiative supports the delivery of multi-disciplinary arts programs to youth and multigenerational audiences, fostering health and well-being. Applications are accepted year-round, and the directory serves as a resource for community partners seeking qualified artists and organizations to enhance their programs.

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.

South Dakota Arts Council 

Established in 1966 and funded by the State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, the South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) is a state agency serving South Dakotans and their communities through the arts. Recognizing the importance of creativity in the lives of all South Dakotans, the Council makes quality arts accessible throughout the state by providing grants, services and information to artists, arts organizations, schools and the public. The Council is the advisory board to the SDAC staff within the Department of Tourism. Council members are appointed by the Governor.

Interim Grants

Funding for special arts projects or unexpected opportunities. Activities must take place before June 30, 2027. Regular season programming is not funded.

The Interim Grants fund 1) Organizations and 2) Educators.

Organizations 

Funding

• Up to 50% of project costs (max $1,000)
• Dollar-for-dollar match required

Examples of Use

• Special arts activities
• Transportation for K–12 students or individuals with disabilities
• Expert help with programs, administration, or technology
• Professional development for staff or board members
• Other special opportunities may also be considered

The Community Improvement Grant by the City of Santa Rosa supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing local neighborhoods and fostering community connections. With grants up to $2,500, this program encourages inclusive, accessible initiatives that are free for participants. Open to nonprofits, community groups, and even informal neighborhood associations, it aims to empower residents to improve their living environment. Applications are reviewed by the Community Advisory Board, which makes the final funding decisions.

The Peru State College Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides financial support to Beatrice High School graduating seniors who rank in the upper half of their class. This scholarship covers half of the tuition costs at Peru State College, aimed at assisting deserving students in pursuing higher education. The Foundation, established in 1987, awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships to support local students' educational endeavors.

L3Harris Technologies is expanding its partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance STEM education for PreK-12 students. This initiative aims to support schools in launching or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs for the 2026-2027 academic year, focusing on diverse and economically challenged communities across multiple states. Eligible schools can receive grants to implement new courses, additional class periods, or teacher training, fostering a strong foundation in technology and engineering.

The Universal Service Fund - Nonprofit Access Grant supports nonprofit organizations in obtaining partial funding for projects aimed at improving affordable telecommunications access. Targeting low-income households and individuals with disabilities, this program allocates up to $500,000 annually to help address high service costs in underserved areas. By facilitating essential telecommunications services, the grant fosters greater connectivity and support for vulnerable communities across Wisconsin.

The NCAC: Statewide Service Organizations Grant Program, established by the North Carolina Arts Council, aims to enhance arts services statewide. It provides funding (ranging from $5,000 to $30,000) to eligible nonprofit organizations for programs that support the arts community through newsletters, workshops, and more. This initiative promotes transparency and accessibility, ensuring diverse artistic resources are available across all 100 counties in North Carolina. First-time applicants are encouraged to consult with staff for eligibility guidance.

California Library Association

The California Library Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, established in 1895 under the title of "Library Association of Central California," and lead by its first President, J.C. Rowell from the University of California. 

Currently, CLA has over 1,600 Individual, Business, and Institutional members. Individual members include librarians, library employees, library students, friends group members, trustees, retirees as well as members of the general public who wish to support California libraries. CLA Business members represent a wide range of library-supporting businesses, whereas Institutional members include library institutions and systems who support the association's advocacy programs.

Annually, CLA provides professional development and advocacy support for its members and the California library community at large. Additionally, CLA supports the administration of the California Summer Reading Program as well as further summer enrichment programs funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

The California Library Association is committed to helping library staff develop the knowledge and skills needed to work for 21st Century libraries, and to advance in the library field.

USA 250 Semiquincentennial Funding Opportunity for California Public Libraries

What is CLA’s USA 250 Semiquincentennial Funding Opportunity?

In partnership with the California State Library, California Library Association is offering reimbursement funding to California public libraries interested in creating USA 250 Semiquincentennial related programming with their communities, to support learning and enrichment, community connection and engagement. These reimbursement funds can support:

• Programming related to the 250th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, including programming that sheds light on histories, people, stories, and/or social and political movements related to the Declaration of Independence and the long journey towards realizing the document’s guarantees and ideals for all.
• USA 250 Semiquincentennial related programming can focus on adults, intergenerational groups, children, teens, and/or families.

California public libraries may apply for up to $3,500 in reimbursement funds to plan and support summer USA 250 programming that resonates with their communities. Funds can be used for:

• Materials and supplies for interactive learning and/or enrichment programming such as film screenings, local history activities, musical programming, art and crafting activities, cooking programming, etc.
• Facilitator/educational presenter fees 

Community-Centered Programming

As part of the USA 250 application, libraries are asked to include information on community interests and aspirations that the programming will reflect; and to discuss how the project will engage with, and collaborate with, community voices.

Guidelines & Requirements

• Awardees must collaborate with at least one community connection or partner.
• Please review the list of LSTA allowable and unallowable costs. 
• Jurisdictions may apply for up to two outlets. A separate application should be submitted for each library location. (Due to limited funding, grant staff will award funds to accommodate the greatest number of library jurisdictions.)
• A reimbursement request form must be accompanied by scanned/digital receipts and received within 2 weeks of the program’s conclusion.

The Sir Jules Thorn Award for Biomedical Research Grants, offered by the Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust, supports innovative biomedical research in the UK. With grants up to £1.7 million for five-year projects, this initiative aims to enhance translational research through a competitive selection process among top medical schools and NHS organizations. Over two decades, the Trust has been pivotal in advancing significant medical discoveries, making a lasting impact on healthcare.

The Indigo Oak Fund is a Colorado-based foundation dedicated to empowering individuals through support for education, the arts, and social justice. Focused on fostering lifelong learning and creative expression, the Fund aids various programs that enhance community engagement. It supports both youth and adult initiatives, including classes and community events in diverse artistic disciplines. By prioritizing equal opportunity and personal potential, the Fund strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and the community.

The Frank Chapman Sharp Memorial Prize, established in 1990 by the Sharp family, honors the legacy of Frank Chapman Sharp, an influential philosopher. This prize, awarded for the best unpublished essay or monograph on the philosophy of war and peace, aims to encourage scholarly contributions in this field. Eligible submissions are restricted to APA members, with a funding amount of $1,500. This award highlights the importance of philosophical discourse on critical societal issues.

The Flowers Fund Grant, established by HRE USA in 2017 to honor founding member Nancy Flowers, offers annual small grants of up to $1000. It aims to support innovation and mentorship in human rights education in the U.S., encouraging new ideas and outreach methods. Applications are open to HRE USA members for projects relevant to human rights education, with a focus on research, conferences, and leadership. Grants are intended for completion within the academic year.

The Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations in Connecticut by providing unrestricted funding to enhance their operations. Organizations eligible for funding must demonstrate significant donor contributions and maintain compliance with state regulations. The grant incentivizes fundraising efforts by matching contributions based on a formula, ensuring that arts initiatives receive the necessary financial backing to thrive. This program aims to cultivate long-term sustainability within Connecticut's arts sector.

The Edward O’Brien Human Rights Education Awards, established by Human Rights Educators USA (HRE USA) in memory of Ed O’Brien, honor individuals and organizations making significant contributions to human rights education in the U.S. Nominations for the 2024 awards are open to both individuals and organizations. Any member of HRE USA or its affiliates can nominate, while non-members are encouraged to join before submitting nominations. These awards aim to recognize and promote impactful human rights education.

The Supporting Arts Grant Program, administered by the CT Office of the Arts, provides essential funding to arts organizations and municipal arts departments in Connecticut. This grant aims to support programmatic costs that align with the organizations' core missions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations and municipal arts departments with specific operational requirements. By applying, organizations must adhere to federal terms and conditions set forth by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Mattoon Foundation for Academic Excellence offers Community Engagement Grants aimed at fostering collaboration between classrooms and the local community. These grants support projects that engage students and families, promoting hands-on learning and shared responsibility for educational success. Eligible applicants include teachers and staff from Mattoon Community Unit School District 2, who must demonstrate support from school administrators and community partners. This initiative enhances civic well-being and empowers students to appreciate their community's culture and history.

L3Harris Technologies partners with PLTW to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM education. The program provides $20,000 in grants to schools starting or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible public and charter schools in specified counties can receive funding to support diverse and economically challenged communities. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and ensure students gain essential skills for future careers in technology and engineering.

The AZ Arts Festival Grant, provided by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, supports diverse arts and culture festivals in Arizona. Grants are available for in-person, virtual, or hybrid events that emphasize artistic expression and community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local government entities, and arts agencies. Festivals must span at least two weekends and feature curated programming. Ineligible activities include standalone productions and projects with religious or political purposes.

The HortScholar Program offers students in horticulture an immersive experience at Cultivate'25, connecting them with industry leaders and trends. Participants will gain hands-on experience, network, and explore job opportunities while receiving mentorship and an all-access pass to the event. With complimentary lodging and meals, this program is designed to advance careers in horticulture and expand horizons for future professionals.

The GA Arts: Project Grant, offered by the Georgia Council for the Arts, fosters community growth by supporting a variety of art projects, from exhibits to workshops. This initiative aims to enhance economic development, enrich lives, and promote the arts' impact in Georgia. By funding both artistic and capacity-building projects, the grant encourages local engagement and strategic planning for future arts initiatives, ultimately cultivating vibrant communities through creative expression.

The Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program (TNGVGP), managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, aims to support the transition from diesel or gasoline vehicles to natural gas-powered vehicles. This program facilitates the replacement or repowering of heavy-duty and medium-duty vehicles with compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Eligible applicants can include up to 10 vehicles per application, promoting cleaner transportation options.

The Plant, Learn and Grow! School Gardening 201 program, offered by The City Garden Clubs of New York, equips classroom teachers with practical strategies to enhance student learning through garden projects. Participants will explore hands-on gardening techniques and important topics such as pest management and soil quality. This scholarship covers course fees, ensuring that educators can integrate gardening into their curriculum effectively. Join this initiative to foster environmental awareness and enrich educational experiences.

About the New York State Education Department

The New York State Education Department is part of the University of the State of New York (USNY), one of the most complete, interconnected systems of educational services in the United States.

Our mission is to raise the knowledge, skill, and opportunity of all the people in New York. Our vision is to provide leadership for a system that yields the best educated people in the world.

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Competitive Grant Program

Purpose of Grant

To improve public libraries’ and library systems’ capacity to offer services and information resources in their communities in the areas of outreach and community engagement; best practices in literacy; and social wellbeing and improving the lives of New Yorkers. 

Project components may include outreach, programming, consultations from outside experts, and the purchase of supplies and technology which support a larger library initiative. 

All projects are encouraged to include an outreach or partnership component.