Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Marion Nine Trust Grant, established through the Last Will and Testament of Marion Nine, supports medical research solely for educational and scientific purposes. Based in Fresno, California, it awards an average of $5,000 annually, providing one grant per year to 501(c)(3) exempt organizations focused on medical advancements. The foundation is dedicated to fostering impactful research that aligns with its mission to enhance public health and knowledge.

The National Chemical Technician Award, presented by the American Chemical Society (ACS), recognizes outstanding excellence among chemical technology professionals. Winners receive a $1,000 prize and a plaque at the ACS Spring meeting, with travel expenses covered. This award honors the contributions of technicians, operators, and analysts in advancing the field, promoting professionalism and expertise within the community. Nominees must have five years of relevant employment, though ACS membership is not required.

Oregon Humanities is offering Mini Grants for Rural Libraries, providing up to $25,000 in funding for rural libraries in Oregon to host community events. These events should align with the theme 'Fear and Belonging' and can cover various relevant topics. Eligible libraries include public, volunteer, community college, or tribal libraries located in rural areas. This initiative aims to foster dialogue and connection within communities through engaging humanities activities.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Irwin Oppenheim Award

This award recognizes outstanding contributions to physics by early career scientists who publish in Physical Review E (PRE). The annual award consists of a $5,000 stipend, a certificate, registration waiver and travel reimbursement to attend the APS March Meeting, and an invitation to speak at the conference.

The Robert D. Hevey, Jr. and Constance M. Filling Fellowship in Anthropology supports graduate students engaged in research on indigenous communities, linguistics, and cultural diversity at the National Museum of Natural History. This ten-week fellowship offers a stipend of $8,000 and additional allowances for research and relocation. Applicants must be enrolled graduate students fluent in English, eligible for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, while previous Smithsonian employees are ineligible.

The Ecumenical Fund of Grundy County aims to enhance energy efficiency for low-income homes, church buildings, and nonprofit facilities in the community. Operated by the Community Foundation of Grundy County, this initiative invites nonprofits and churches to apply for grants that will contribute to sustainability efforts and improve the quality of life in Grundy County. Applications are due monthly, ensuring timely support for energy improvements.

The Economic Research Rescue Fund, established by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), provides emergency grants up to $250,000 for economics-related research projects whose NSF funding has been terminated. This initiative aims to support Principal Investigators facing disruptions in crucial research that holds significant societal benefits, amidst reduced NSF support. Eligible projects must have previously received NSF funding and be linked to a practicing PhD economist. This fund seeks to sustain vital economic research during challenging times.

What We Fund

The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.

We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:

• Education
• Economic Growth
• Community 

Dunham Foundation Education Grant

We are excited to share changes to our Education Grant Request timeline. These shifts are designed to streamline applications and support your educational programs to best serve youth and educational professionals in our community.

Supports educational programming, particularly programming scheduled to begin during the school year or summer.

Funded organizations are expected to submit a financial and program report at the conclusion of the grant. Reporting requirements will be outlined in the approval process and grant agreements. The reporting form will be available through the grant portal.

Outstanding Educator Award (2026-05-01)

Since 1985, the AGC Education and Research Foundation has recognized annually an educator who makes a significant mark in the field of construction education. The Outstanding Educator award is based on a nominee’s academic contribution as well as his/her work with students outside of the classroom and involvement with colleagues in the industry.

The Outstanding Educator receives a $5,000 cash award and may name two students as recipients of $2,500 scholarships for the coming academic year. In addition, the recipient will be invited to the annual AGC convention as a guest of the foundation.

The Gilbert Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations conducting innovative medical research. Established in memory of the Gilbert family, this fund aims to promote advancements in various areas of medicine. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review meeting held annually on March 1. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, and eligible organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing healthcare through research and development.

The Building for Equity: Capacity Building Grants support organizations in enhancing their long-term facility needs with funding up to $25,000. This initiative prioritizes projects that aid in advocating, planning, and constructing spaces for cultural programming, particularly for underserved communities in King County. Through a competitive evaluation process, grants aim to foster sustainability and community benefit, emphasizing cultural equity and access across the region.

The NSF National Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Teams program aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and marketable technologies. By providing NSF-funded researchers with entrepreneurial education, mentoring, and funding, it accelerates the transformation of foundational discoveries into viable products and services. Participants engage in hands-on customer discovery and business model assessments, leading to improved product-market fit and strategic partnerships. This initiative fosters collaboration between academia and industry, enhancing the commercialization of deep technologies.

An award from the George and Viola Hoffman Fund may be made annually for student research toward a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation on a geographical subject in Eastern Europe. Eastern Europe includes the countries of East Central and Southeast Europe from Poland south to Romania, Bulgaria, and the successor states of the former Yugoslavia. Topics may be historical or contemporary, systematic or regional, limited to a small area or comparative.

The CORE Funding - AHNS/AAO-HNSF Young Investigator Research Development Award offers $50,000 over two years to support early-career head and neck surgeons in developing research skills in neoplastic disease. This award encourages collaborative projects and requires applicants to submit a detailed budget and letters of support from key personnel. Priority is given to junior faculty and those introducing innovative methodologies. This funding serves as a stepping stone for future NIH grant applications.

The David A. Evans Award for the Advancement and Education of Organic Synthesis, presented by the American Chemical Society, recognizes exceptional achievements in organic synthesis research and education. Established in 2023, this award includes a $5,000 prize and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $2,500 for the award ceremony. It promotes inclusivity, granting opportunities irrespective of race, gender, or background, fostering a diverse scientific community committed to advancing chemistry.

The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Illinois Fellowship, offered by The Newberry Library, supports scholars researching early American or Transatlantic history. This short-term fellowship includes a stipend of $3,000 per month for a duration of one month. It is open to postdoctoral scholars, PhD candidates, and ABD graduate students of any nationality, promoting academic exploration within a historic cultural institution.

The Kessler Emergency Assistance Fund, established by the Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation in 2018, honors Dr. Silas G. Kessler's legacy of ministry. This fund provides financial support to PCUSA pastors serving or retired from Nebraska congregations within specified presbyteries. Grants aim to assist those in need, reinforcing the commitment to pastoral care and community service in Central Nebraska, Homestead, and Missouri River Valley areas.

The Storms Family Foundation Grant focuses on funding projects that enhance human life within Oregon. Dedicated to respecting life, the foundation seeks applications that demonstrate a clear beginning and end for specific projects. While primarily funding direct initiatives, they also consider capital improvement projects. Only IRS 501(c) organizations are eligible to apply, ensuring a commitment to impactful and sustainable community support.

The Malmsten Fund, established by Lincoln residents Carl and Salina Malmsten, provides annual gifts to retired Presbyterian pastors and their spouses in Nebraska. This fund honors the Malmsten's legacy of supporting those who served in the church, continuing their commitment even after the trust ended in 1980. Income from investments and proceeds from the sale of Clark Jeary Retirement Community further bolster this initiative, ensuring financial assistance for those in need.

The OSCT: Edward Ricci Award, offered by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders. Grantees must be incorporated in Rhode Island, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate social welfare initiatives in areas like housing and education. Applications are accepted semi-annually, with deadlines on February 1 and August 1 each year, promoting a structured approach to funding community-focused programs.

Haymarket People's Fund offers Sustaining Grants to grassroots organizations focused on community organizing and social change. Grants up to $20,000 are available for both emerging and established groups that align with Haymarket's anti-racist mission. The fund prioritizes work that addresses root causes of injustice, fosters leadership, and builds accountability within the community. Organizations not primarily providing direct services or advocacy are encouraged to apply, ensuring a focus on transformative social change.

The Harry Kizirian Award, administered by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by supporting charitable organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities, incorporated in Rhode Island, and operational for at least two years. Grants are awarded semi-annually, with a maximum of $20,000 per application. The Trust prioritizes social welfare initiatives in housing, health, and education, ensuring a direct impact within the state.

The Albert J. Beveridge Grant for Research in the Western Hemisphere, awarded by the American Historical Association, supports research on the history of the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Grants, funded by the Beveridge Memorial Fund, are available annually and can cover various research expenses, including travel and access fees. Preference is given to advanced doctoral students and non-tenured faculty. Eligibility is limited to AHA members, ensuring a focus on high-quality historical scholarship.

Alaska Energy Authority 

Mission: The Alaska Energy Authority is an independent corporation governed by a board of directors with the mission to “Advancing affordable, reliable energy in Alaska.” AEA is the state's energy office and lead agency for statewide energy policy and program development.

Renewable Energy Fund

About REF

The REF benefits Alaskans by reducing and stabilizing energy costs through the development of renewable energy projects. The program is designed to produce cost-effective renewable energy for heat and power to benefit Alaskans statewide. The Alaska State Legislature established the REF in 2008. With the passage of House Bill 62 in 2023, the sunset date was removed from Alaska Statute, extending the program in perpetuity.

The REF is managed by AEA in coordination with a nine-member REF Advisory Committee. The program provides grant funding for the development of qualifying and competitively selected renewable energy projects.

Renewable Energy Fund Round 18

The REF funds projects across all development phases, serving as a catalyst for the continued pursuit of integrating proven and nascent technologies within Alaska’s energy portfolio.

Eligible projects must be a new project not in operation in 2008, and 

• be a hydroelectric facility;
• direct use of renewable energy resources;
• a facility that generates electricity from fuel cells that use hydrogen from renewable energy sources or natural gas (subject to additional conditions);
• or be a facility that generates electricity using renewable energy.
• natural gas applications must also benefit a community that: has a population of 10,000 or less, and does not have economically viable renewable energy resources it can develop.

The OTS Research Fellowship Program offers graduate research fellowships for studies primarily conducted at its Costa Rica field stations. Open to graduate students from OTS member institutions, the program facilitates thesis-related research in tropical biology. This initiative honors the contributions of notable figures in the field and aims to support the next generation of researchers. Applications are accepted year-round, with a two-month advance submission requirement before project commencement.

The Charlotte Mangum Student Support Program provides financial assistance for housing or registration at annual meetings for graduate and undergraduate SICB student members. Recipients must contribute time as assistants during sessions and can receive support for up to three years, given they are the presenting author on their abstract. This initiative honors SICB President Charlotte Preston Mangum and encourages student participation in scientific discourse.

The Anne Sleep Award, established by Mrs. Ivy Sleep in memory of her daughter, supports biological research in the Middle and Far East. Grants of up to £3,000 are awarded every two years to researchers with a PhD from recognized institutions. Eligibility includes researchers conducting studies in the specified regions or scholars from these areas undertaking research in the UK. Collaboration with other organizations is encouraged, although restrictions apply to funding in sanctioned countries.