Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

We envision a future in which Kentuckians value the importance of libraries and Kentucky government records and we are recognized for:

• Innovative and creative approaches for preserving and providing access to government records;
• Enabling libraries to be essential to their communities;
• Being a va​lued partner in the educational and economic development of the Commonwealth.

Conferences Grant

Grant funds will support Kentucky public library staff in attending library and job-related conferences that foster professional growth, keep them current on national trends, and equip them to implement new services and technologies that benefit their communities. The application will remain open until grant funds are exhausted.

This grant aligns with KDLA's five-year strategic plan to enhance Institutional Capacity to “enhance the knowledge and skills of public library and archival staff through professional development and training opportunities.

The GA Arts: Cultural Facilities Grant, provided by the Georgia Council for the Arts, aims to support the construction, renovation, or acquisition of facilities to enhance arts programs. This grant encourages a diverse range of organizations, from emerging to established, to apply and contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of Georgia communities. By fostering the arts, GCA seeks to enrich lives and promote community engagement, ultimately showcasing the significant impact of the arts throughout the state.

The TAC Small Urban Partnership Support Grant provides competitive operating support to arts organizations in Tennessee's urban counties. Eligible organizations must have a minimum budget of $30,000 and can request up to 20% of their cash operating expenses. A one-to-one dollar match is required. Applicants must demonstrate a history of funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission and meet specific eligibility criteria related to IRS status and recognized art forms.

The NAU Astronomy REU Program offers undergraduate students a paid opportunity to engage in research at Northern Arizona University during the summer months. Participants receive a $7000 stipend, potential travel reimbursement, and housing accommodations. The program includes seminars and hands-on experience with local telescopes, fostering skills in astronomy and planetary science. Applications are competitive and targeted at students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled in a degree program.

The Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Education, supports public library renovations and construction projects aimed at enhancing accessibility. With funding up to $1 million for improvements and $450,000 for accessibility, this grant prioritizes eliminating architectural barriers and ensuring safe, inviting library environments. The initiative reflects the Department's commitment to equitable education access for all Minnesotans, fostering lifelong learning opportunities within communities.

Dearborn Community Foundation

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) is a community foundation, tax-exempt public charity that enables individuals, families, businesses and organizations to fulfill their charitable wishes. DCF builds and safeguards endowments for the community through contributions large and small. The endowment contributions are permanently invested to produce earnings so that these charitable funds make a difference in our community now and forever.

DCF Grants 

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) has awarded more than $33 million in grants since 1997. The grants support the needs/interests of the community in the fields of Art, Culture and Humanities, Community and Public Benefit, Education, Public Safety, Environment and Animal Protection, Human Services, and Youth Programs.

City of Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program (LCGP) - Phase I

The City of Lawrenceburg has generously provided funds for the Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program. The program is specifically for non-profit, IRS tax exempt organizations that provide a benefit, direct or indirect, to the Lawrenceburg community and Dearborn County.

Grant applications requesting $5,000 or less will be accepted pursuant to the grant application deadlines. Applications will be considered as long as funds are available.

LCGP Specific Guidelines

• grant funds are not granted to sustain ongoing projects/programs;
• grant applications will be considered as long as funds are available;
• organizations may not apply for any property improvements (buildings, fencing etc. …) to land not owned by the organization seeking the grant funds

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation offers Community Development Initiative Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Pittsburgh and Boston. With a focus on economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and partnerships, these grants support programs that address community needs through innovative solutions. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $250,000, promoting best practices and collaboration. The foundation prioritizes proposals that align with regional goals and have the potential for replicability, especially in underserved areas.

The ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant supports AASL Chapters in developing leadership programs for school library associations at various levels. This grant encourages initiatives that engage new members, train current leaders, and foster collaboration among organizations. Successful applications clearly define program objectives, participant groups, and include well-structured budgets and evaluation plans. The grant aims to promote innovative leadership approaches that can be replicated by other chapters, enhancing the overall effectiveness of school libraries.

The Toor Scholarship for Strong Public-School Libraries, established by the Toor Family, honors the legacy of Jay and Ruth Toor, who advocated for state-certified librarians in every school. This scholarship supports U.S. public school librarians who create local marketing campaigns to promote their libraries as vital community resources. Each recipient receives a $1,000 stipend to attend the AASL National Conference and must present their project, contributing to the advancement of school librarianship.

The Arts & Culture and Strengthening Lorain County Community Grants Cycle offers vital support for local organizations focused on enhancing community engagement through arts and culture. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations operating within Lorain County. The program prioritizes innovative projects that address community needs while requiring previous grant reporting to be completed before new applications. This initiative fosters collaboration and sustainable development in the region.

The AHRQ Health Services Research Dissertation Program (R36) provides crucial funding for doctoral candidates engaged in health services research. This program aims to support individuals in their academic pursuits, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the field of healthcare. By fostering innovative research, AHRQ enhances the quality of health services and promotes evidence-based practices. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, ensuring timely submissions for those seeking to advance their academic careers.

Minnesota Library Foundation (MLF) Scholarship

The Minnesota Library Foundation is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity for Minnesota library staff!

MLF encourages career development by funding a scholarship for a Minnesota library staff worker to grow professionally through taking college or university courses that would lead to acquiring a degree or certificate in the library field. 

The MLF Governing Board establishes the guidelines for this scholarship and selects the recipients. The scholarship amount awarded is up to $1,000.00 per successful applicant.

The State-Local Partner Mentorship (SLP-M) program aims to establish local arts agencies in Glenn, Kings, and San Joaquin counties, where none currently exist. This initiative supports existing State-Local Partners in fostering new agencies that will enhance arts and cultural activities across these communities. Eligible applicants must have a history of arts programming, nonprofit status, and be current grantees in the CAC State-Local Partners Program, ensuring strong support for local artists and organizations.

The Akron Community Foundation offers Community Fund Grants focused on Arts & Culture, aimed at enriching the community's quality of life. These grants support diverse artistic and cultural initiatives that foster inclusiveness and systemic change in Summit County. Eligible applicants include approved 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to addressing community needs through effective and sustainable programs. However, grants do not cover endowments, scholarships, or direct financial support to individuals.

The Ames Tools Grant, initiated by the National Garden Club, Inc. in partnership with The Ames Companies, provides NGC member clubs the opportunity to select tools valued up to $250 for community gardening projects. Eligible projects must be conducted by NGC clubs between March 1 and September 30, 2025, and may involve collaboration with other organizations. Selection criteria include community impact, member involvement, tool necessity, and project uniqueness.

The Minde Browning Professional Development Fund Grant, established by The Indianapolis Foundation, supports professional development activities for library staff in Marion County. Grants of up to $1,500 are available for attending conferences, workshops, and courses that enhance skills and benefit library patrons. Applicants must demonstrate how their development will positively impact their community. Applications are accepted year-round, with a 60-day advance notice required.

The Natural Disaster USA Fund, established by National Garden Clubs (NGC) in 1997, supports local and state garden clubs in restoring areas affected by natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for projects that include site location, disaster nature, restoration plans, and cost estimates. Eligible applicants must be sponsored by State Garden Clubs or Member Clubs and can apply for funds to enhance damaged public spaces, including gardens and parks.

The Native Plant and Wildflower Education Grant offers up to $500 for educational programs focused on native plants and wildflowers. State Garden Clubs and similar organizations can co-sponsor symposia aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge about native flora, including endangered species and habitat management. Programs should be scheduled to coincide with wildflower blooming periods, promoting public planting initiatives and the design of native gardens.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) offers Small Education and Outreach Project Grants to enhance community awareness about critical issues affecting the Lake Champlain Basin. With funding up to $15,000, these grants aim to foster knowledge and skills among individuals, encouraging hands-on stewardship activities. Projects should align with the strategies in the management plan, Opportunities for Action, to promote informed decision-making and constructive actions that benefit the Basin.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) offers Education and Outreach Large Implementation Grants to enhance community engagement and protect the Basin's resources. These grants fund diverse projects focused on water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and educational outreach initiatives. Since 1992, over 1,500 grants have been awarded, fostering partnerships among local organizations, universities, and communities to promote stewardship of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Lake Champlain Basin.

Ohio Department of Development

Empowering communities to succeed.

That’s the mission statement for the Ohio Department of Development, and it’s what we work toward every day.

Our work is aimed at helping Ohio businesses, communities, and individuals thrive. We know that Ohio is the best state to live, learn, work, innovate, and play, and we strive to improve on that every day. Our programs and employees can have an impact on the lives of many Ohioans, and we take that responsibility to heart.

State Energy Program

The Ohio Department of Development’s State Energy Program (SEP) helps businesses, manufacturers, nonmanufacturers, nonprofits, colleges/universities, local governments, and others implement energy efficiency improvements to lower energy use and costs.

Energy efficiency measures must reduce utility energy usage by at least 15 percent, as shown by an ASHRAE Level II energy audit.

The SEP consists of two programs: Energy Efficiency Program for Manufacturers and Nonmanufacturers (EEPM/NM) – Audit Support; and Ohio Energy Efficiency Program (OEEP) – Implementation funds for energy efficiency retrofits

Energy Efficiency Program for Manufacturers and Nonmanufacturers (EEPM/NM) – Audit Support

Eligible Applicants

Small businesses, small-to-medium-sized manufacturers, school districts, nonprofits, and local governments are eligible to apply for the program. Manufacturers applying for the program will participate in energy planning specifically for manufacturing. 

Please contact one of our approved energy auditors for additional information on the EEPM/NM audits. Our auditors walk applicants through the grant process and will provide full funding information based on audit requirements.  

The Greater Opportunity Fund, managed by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA), offers fully-funded residencies to first-time applicants, especially those identifying as people of color. This initiative aims to amplify diverse creative voices, providing up to two weeks of residency at Mt. San Angelo, complete with private accommodations and meals. VCCA encourages emerging and established artists across various disciplines to apply, fostering an inclusive artistic community.

The Madeleine B. Wildes Fund Grant offers financial assistance to residents of Salisbury facing hardships due to illness or misfortune. Established by Madeleine Wildes, the fund supports projects by nonprofit organizations that help the needy in Lakeville and Salisbury. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, with potential for higher amounts. This endowed fund aims to continue its support indefinitely, reflecting Miss Wildes' legacy of generosity and community care.

The MPS Materials Research Programs, funded by the National Science Foundation, aim to enhance the understanding of materials and their diverse applications. These programs cover areas such as biomaterials, ceramics, condensed matter physics, and electronic materials. With an emphasis on transformative research, NSF MPS encourages proposals that are innovative and foundational, without the necessity for immediate commercial outcomes, fostering long-term advancements in materials science.

The Arts & Culture Grant, offered by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life through support for arts, music, history, and cultural projects. Open to eligible nonprofit organizations, the grant encourages innovative approaches and community collaboration. Proposals are evaluated based on their impact, organizational capacity, and the comprehensiveness of the plan. This initiative fosters a vibrant cultural landscape, ensuring lasting benefits for Charlevoix County residents.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) is a program of the State of Indiana, established by Indiana Code 6-3.1-9 and administered by IHCDA through approved local non-profit organizations. The purpose of the program is to provide a means for these organizations to fund certain neighborhood-based programs and projects that improve distressed neighborhoods and the lives of the families that live there by encouraging individuals and businesses to make donations in exchange for Indiana State tax credits.

Each year, IHCDA awards up to a total of $2.5 million in Indiana tax credits to qualifying organizations. Each prospective participant organization submits a project application to IHCDA in the spring and, if approved, is awarded an allocation of tax credits. The organization then distributes these tax credits as an incentive to individuals or businesses who donate to the organization.

All donor contributions raised in exchange for NAP credits go toward the program or project described in the organization’s application. Eligible projects include affordable housing, counseling, child-care, educational assistance, emergency assistance, job training, medical care, recreational facilities, downtown rehabilitation, and neighborhood commercial revitalization. All projects must benefit economically disadvantaged areas and/or persons.

The Economics program by the National Science Foundation supports research to enhance understanding of the U.S. economy and global systems. It prioritizes interdisciplinary studies and encourages diverse proposals, including those from junior faculty and underrepresented groups. Funding opportunities range from individual projects to doctoral dissertation improvement grants, emphasizing rigorous economic analysis and data collection. The program aims to strengthen links between economics and other disciplines, fostering innovative research in various economic subfields.