Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The PLTW Computer Science Program Expansion grant, funded by Pentair, aims to support schools in enhancing their existing PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2026-2027 school year. Grantees can utilize the $10,000 funding for activities such as adding new courses, increasing class periods, or training additional educators. Eligible schools are primarily public and charter institutions located in specific cities, while certain expenses like salaries and infrastructure improvements are ineligible for funding.

The Detroit Arts Support Grant offers multi-year operating support to arts organizations in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, funded by the Kresge Foundation and others. Launched in 2007, it aims to strengthen the arts sector by providing unrestricted funding for day-to-day operations, fostering creative expression across diverse communities. Grant sizes range from $5,000 to $100,000 annually, with partnerships streamlining the application process for nonprofits while ensuring shared learning and effective decision-making.

The ArtsWA Art Project Grant supports organizations in Washington State providing public art programming. Eligible groups can request funding between $2,000 and $5,000, and must demonstrate a history of project execution. This reimbursement grant is focused on projects with arts as a main component and does not require an arts-focused mission. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Local Arts Agencies, and Tribal Governments.

The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Grant aims to enhance healthcare in Miami-Dade County through funding local community projects and medical scholarships. Established in 1992, the foundation has awarded over 597 grants, emphasizing direct medical care and health education for children and the economically disadvantaged. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations with a focus on improving community health. The foundation's commitment to sustainable transformation inspires future generations to contribute positively to their communities.

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 Comunidad Grants, offered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, aim to empower local grassroots nonprofits addressing pressing community issues. Since 1980, CFSA has connected donors with impactful organizations in Pima, Santa Cruz, and neighboring counties, fostering inclusion and dignity. By prioritizing rural organizations and those serving historically marginalized communities, the program ensures that funding is allocated where it is most needed, allowing nonprofits the autonomy to effectively pursue their missions.

The Pilot Collaborative Support grant facilitates partnerships between two organizations, promoting collaboration in the arts across a 9-county region. Each organization can apply for up to $12,500, with a total funding of $25,000 available. This initiative aims to enhance cultural engagement and access to the arts, ensuring that projects benefit diverse communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits and government entities, fostering innovative projects that enrich the regional arts landscape.

The Leyerle-CARA Prize, established by the Medieval Academy of America, offers an annual award of $1,000 to support doctoral research for members needing access to Toronto's extensive collections. This initiative honors John Leyerle for his significant contributions to medieval studies and CARA. The prize primarily aids graduate students from the Medieval Academy who require resources from institutions like the University of Toronto's Robarts Library and the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies.

The SCCF Education Grants Cycle supports projects that enhance education and skill development for all ages in Steuben County. Grants range from $500 to $25,000, aimed at nonprofits with a focus on improving quality of life. Special consideration is given to collaborative initiatives addressing root causes. Eligible applicants include nonprofits serving Steuben County, while individuals and projects primarily funded by government sources are not supported.

The Capital Improvements for District 3 Intergenerational Recreational Facilities RFP aims to fund upgrades to recreational facilities in San Francisco's District 3, serving diverse generations. With a total grant amount of up to $500,000, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development will prioritize proposals based on scoring until funds are exhausted. The funding period is set from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, ensuring impactful community enhancements.

The State Cultural Facilities Grant Program (SCFG) supports the preservation and improvement of cultural properties in Rhode Island. This matching grant program enhances public and nonprofit artistic centers, museums, and historic sites, fostering community engagement and economic growth. The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts oversees the program, providing vital funding and technical assistance to ensure the arts thrive, benefiting both local communities and the state's cultural landscape.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Outstanding Achievement Awards

The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.

Distinguished Welder Award

This award recognizes an individual whose welding skills and experience would earn them the recognition of being an AWS Distinguished Welder.

A complete nomination packet should include information addressing the Definition and candidate's Application Criteria as outlined in the AWS Distinguished Welder Award Nomination Form. The focus of the nomination packet should include specifics of the individual's skills.

The ArtsKC Mission Support Grant is designed to support non-profit organizations whose primary focus is the arts in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Grants of $5,000 are available, with funding aimed at promoting artistic excellence, community impact, and inclusivity. The program supports various art forms and encourages diverse-led organizations to apply, fostering a thriving arts community. Last year, 18 grants were awarded, totaling $98,500, with a multi-year funding commitment for continued support.

The Corporation Associates Seed Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, provides up to $5,000 per year for innovative projects in chemical sciences education, public engagement in the chemical industry, and safety enhancements in chemistry. This grant supports one-time initiatives that align with the goals of the ACS Committee on Corporation Associates. Note that funding excludes research, equipment purchases, travel, and illegal activities, ensuring resources are allocated to impactful educational endeavors.

Folklife

This grant program supports projects and activities which serve to identify, preserve and/or present Alabama folk traditions. Projects and activities may include festivals, field surveys, performances, exhibitions and documentation projects such as film, video, photography recordings, radio and publications.

Folklife Organizational Grant - Quick Assist Grants

Quick Assist Grants are for special, one-time needs unrelated to any other project or activity funded with a Council on the Arts grant. These grants fund unexpected or impromptu programs, opportunities, or other activities that are important to promote, share, or support the arts. Successful applications vary widely.

Quick Assist Grant applications may request between $500 and $2,500, with no matching expenses required to be provided by the applicant. Activities and expenses of a Quick Assist Grants may not overlap or support projects that are funded with another Council on the Arts grant of any kind.

The National Institutes of Health is inviting applications for feasibility studies aimed at informing the design of future clinical trials. These studies should demonstrate scientific necessity and may involve mixed methods to assess recruitment, randomization, and intervention delivery. While applications are not currently being solicited, this notice encourages investigators with relevant expertise to prepare for potential collaboration on impactful public health trials.

The FHCCF Hancock Education Fund Grants support innovative projects that enhance 21st Century Student Outcomes in Hancock County schools. Projects must focus on skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. To be eligible, applicants must be employed in a local school district and provide a minimum 30% funding match. Preference is given to interdisciplinary projects with potential long-term impact and strong community involvement. Contact the program director for assistance before applying.

The Barbara Upton Wilson Fund, managed by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations providing humane treatment and care for animals in southeastern Virginia. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life for animals, ensuring they receive necessary care. Eligible organizations include those from South Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula. However, grants are not available for certain activities, including fundraising events or support for individuals.

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.

The Building for the Arts Grant, provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce, supports nonprofit organizations in funding up to 33% of eligible capital costs for acquiring, constructing, or renovating arts and cultural facilities. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement and accessibility to the arts, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape across the state. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply for this vital support to advance their projects.

The Community Improvement Project Request for Proposal by the Junior League of the City of New York aims to partner with an organization to enhance community impact through capital improvements. This initiative provides skilled volunteers, funding between $5,000 and $70,000, and support for projects involving up to three interior rooms and one outdoor space in Manhattan, ensuring a collaborative approach to community development over the course of one year.

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.

The Healthy Lives: Animal Welfare Grant Program, funded by The New York Community Trust, aims to enhance the humane treatment and medical care of animals in metropolitan New York. This initiative supports nonprofits that align with its grantmaking priorities, fostering projects that focus on animal welfare. By promoting efficient, equitable services, the program contributes to the overall health of animals and the community, ensuring a better quality of life for all living beings in the region.

The Albemarle Foundation Impact Grants support local 501(c)(3) organizations within 50 miles of Albemarle Corporation locations, offering up to $15,000 in funding for community programs. Open twice a year, these grants aim to enhance workforce development, promote economic vitality, and foster inclusive communities. Eligible applicants can receive funding only once per calendar year. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that do not discriminate based on race, gender, or other protected categories.

Muscatine Charities, Inc. Grants, established in 1999 by the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, aims to enhance the quality of life in Muscatine County by efficiently raising and distributing funds to local charities. With over $4 million allocated to date, the fund supports qualified organizations that benefit residents of Muscatine and Louisa Counties. Grants are capped at $10,000 per program or project, promoting impactful community initiatives within a 10-month completion timeline.

Library Vision Grant Guidelines

General Grant

Libraries provide essential services to communities by providing access to information, fostering literacy, and supporting lifelong learning and personal enrichment. The Library Vision grant program supports libraries of all types in the development of essential services and programs and increasing access to valuable collections. Through funding creative and impactful projects, the program strengthens the role of libraries as vital community hubs.

Grant applications must describe the purpose of the project, the activities required to complete the project, the impact that the project will have on the community, and a clear evaluation plan with measurable goals. The project must be aligned with a Library Vision goal and the application must clearly articulate how the project aligns with the specific goal selected. The grant will not be funded if the project and the selected Library Vision goal are not aligned. Applicants are encouraged to review the Library Vision Strategic Plan for more information on the goals.

• small grant: $500–$1,999
• large grant: $2,000–$10,000

The Maryland Robotics Grant FY 2026, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, aims to enhance robotics education in K-12 schools by funding Local Education Agencies and nonprofit organizations. This initiative promotes student engagement in STEM activities, fostering critical skills like problem-solving and collaboration. By ensuring alignment with Maryland's educational standards, the program supports both new and existing robotics initiatives, thereby preparing students for future careers in technology and engineering.