Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

About Ashland Community Foundation

The community foundation is like the community’s charitable savings account. We pool resources from community members, invest them and then use them to make grants for the betterment of the entire community. We exist to serve donors, nonprofit organizations and the community as a whole. 

We fund programs and projects that improve the quality of life in Ashland County by educating and developing youth and talent; promoting arts, culture and recreational opportunities; meeting needs of Ashland County residents; and positioning our county as a desirable place to live and conduct business.Quarterly Community Grants

Quarterly Community Grants are competitive grants awarded to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying charitable organizations. These grants support programs and projects that benefit any population in Ashland County.

What it's for:

Larger initiatives, new programs, capital needs, or collaborative projects requiring more than $10,000.Timeline: Applications are accepted four times per year on quarterly deadlines. Limits: Up to two Quarterly Community Grant applications per fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.

About Ashland Community Foundation

The community foundation is like the community’s charitable savings account. We pool resources from community members, invest them and then use them to make grants for the betterment of the entire community. We exist to serve donors, nonprofit organizations and the community as a whole. 

We fund programs and projects that improve the quality of life in Ashland County by educating and developing youth and talent; promoting arts, culture and recreational opportunities; meeting needs of Ashland County residents; and positioning our county as a desirable place to live and conduct business.

Quick Action Community Grants

Quick Action Community Grants are competitive grants awarded to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying charitable organizations. These grants support programs and projects that benefit any population in Ashland County.

What it's for: Projects, programs, or equipment needs of $10,000 or less.Limits: Up to two Quick Action Community Grant applications per fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.

Impact100 Essex is a women-led giving circle dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities in Essex County, NJ. Each year, they award a $100,000 grant to support innovative projects from local non-profits. The grants aim to foster measurable, sustainable change, encouraging organizations to expand their impact. Eligible applicants must operate within Essex County and be established 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring they meet the community's most pressing needs.

The Cecil L. Mauger Charitable Trust Grant, administered by the Licking County Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Licking County, Ohio. This grant supports nonprofit organizations that launch innovative projects, empower underserved residents, and foster collaboration among local groups. Priority is given to unique initiatives that address community needs while complying with eligibility criteria, including IRS charitable status. This grant seeks to make a significant impact through effective, practical solutions.

The Rotary Club of Clearwater Grant supports local charities to enhance community well-being. Established in 1925, it has an endowment exceeding $1.5 million, which funds essential programs and capital campaigns. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The grant process is competitive, focusing on specific community needs. Importantly, funds are not allocated for operating expenses or salaries, ensuring that donations directly benefit local initiatives and projects.

The Chaffee County Community Foundation proudly presents the 2026 Community Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations making a significant impact in our community. Categories include the Heart of the Rockies Chamber Awards and various accolades such as Volunteer of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year. Nominations are now open for those deserving recognition for their dedication and contributions to the Chaffee County community. Join us in honoring those who help our community thrive.

The Grayson Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Shreveport-Bossier, offers grants to support programs in health, human services, and education for disadvantaged populations. Grant applications are accepted twice a year, but organizations can apply only once annually through the Community Foundation grant portal. This structured approach ensures targeted assistance to those in need within the community.

The Impact Boost Award aims to empower small nonprofits in Westchester by providing high-impact grants. This initiative will support transformational projects that address pressing community needs and raise awareness about under-resourced organizations. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits with annual revenues under $250,000 can apply for this grant, with a focus on serving local beneficiaries. The award process includes interviews with applicants, culminating in the announcement of recipients in early May 2023.

The Dayton/Columbia County WA Fund, established in 2004 by local citizens, aims to enhance the social and economic well-being of Columbia County. Funded by the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, it supports registered 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, and public agencies. Grants prioritize initiatives fostering community engagement and collaboration. However, municipalities are ineligible for general operating grants, ensuring resources focus on grassroots efforts that transform the region through generosity and shared values.

The Pleasants Community Foundation, established in 2000, enhances the quality of life in Pleasants County, West Virginia, through charitable giving. With over 56 funds exceeding $3 million, it supports scholarships for local high school graduates and community organizations. The Foundation's grants address various community needs, from library resources to emergency equipment for fire departments. Organizations seeking assistance can apply for funding directly through their website. This commitment reflects the Foundation's role in fostering local philanthropy and community development.

Kansas Kiwanis Foundation

The Kansas Kiwanis Foundation was founded in 1963, the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation is a charitable corporation organized under the laws of the State of Kansas and in accordance with the IRS Code 501 (c)(3). Our Membership is ALL Kansas Kiwanians. If you belong to a Kiwanis Club in Kansas, you are automatically a member of our foundation. Each division in the Kansas District has a divisional representative who is a member of the Board of Directors and represents individual Kiwanis members.

RC “Pete” Loux Achievement Award

The Kansas Kiwanis Foundation recognizes an individual each year with the RC “Pete” Loux Achievement award. Kansas Kiwanis clubs may nominate an individual to receive this award by completing and submitting a nomination form. 

The Kansas Kiwanis Foundation Kiwanian of the Year award recognizes exceptional service by Kiwanians in Kansas. Established in 1963, the foundation supports all members of Kiwanis clubs across the state. Each year, a member is honored for their dedication to community service, encouraging clubs to nominate deserving individuals through a formal application. This prestigious award not only celebrates individual contributions but also strengthens community ties within the Kiwanis network.

The Powder River Community Endowment Fund aims to enhance the economic vitality of the Greater Powder River Area by empowering local communities to develop resources and plan projects. Established with support from the Ford Foundation, it functions as a permanent endowment fund that ensures continuous funding for community needs. With a focus on grassroots decision-making, the fund supports various charitable projects while maintaining the region's rural character and improving the quality of life for its residents.

The Shawano Area Community Foundation Grant provides funding to enhance the quality of life in the Shawano area through flexible support for creative projects, strengthening existing services, and small capital investments. Eligible organizations include public charities and educational institutions, while ineligible entities include private non-operating foundations and requests for general operating support. The foundation seeks unique, community-oriented proposals that address unmet needs and promote sustainability.

The Impact Litigation Fellowship, established by the Social Justice Legal Foundation, provides recent law graduates with essential litigation experience over two years. Fellows engage in comprehensive civil litigation tasks, gaining hands-on skills in investigations, drafting motions, and managing client communications. This fellowship emphasizes social change through legal advocacy while offering a supportive hybrid work environment in Los Angeles. Benefits include bar exam reimbursement, relocation assistance, and extensive professional development opportunities, fostering a commitment to advancing civil rights.

The PLTW Engineering grant, supported by Chevron, aims to enhance educational opportunities in Louisiana schools through the expansion of Project Lead The Way programs. This initiative is part of Chevron's long-term commitment to fostering quality education, having invested over $17 million nationally since 2009. The funding will enable schools to add new courses, increase class offerings, and provide professional training for teachers, benefiting thousands of students and educators in the region.

The Cogswell Benevolent Trust Grant supports various charitable organizations, including 501(c)(3) entities and educational institutions. Established by Leander A. Cogswell in 1929, it aims to enhance public resources in New Hampshire, although limited funding may reach out-of-state projects. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that improve community welfare but typically does not fund general operational costs or projects in consecutive years. Proposals can be submitted year-round, as there are no strict deadlines.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by ExxonMobil, aims to expand STEM education in Greater Houston by enhancing existing programs in public and charter schools. It encourages students to embrace engineering roles with hands-on learning experiences. Grant funds will be used for course expansions, additional class periods, and teacher training for the 2025-2026 academic year, ensuring that students are equipped with critical skills for their future careers.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by ExxonMobil, aims to inspire K-12 students in STEM fields by providing resources and training for educators. In collaboration with four districts in Greater Houston, this initiative offers a $30,000 grant to schools that implement PLTW Engineering courses. The program fosters critical thinking and collaboration through real-world engineering challenges, preparing students for future careers in various fields. Schools are encouraged to enhance their STEM offerings and engage students effectively over the grant period.

The Henry H. Crapo Foundation Fund, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, aims to enhance the Greater New Bedford Area by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations. This fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate significant impact, excellence in execution, and address pressing community needs. Eligible requests may include program, project, or operating support, focusing on capital projects to strategically fill funding gaps. Note that grants are not available for individuals or small businesses.

The PLTW Engineering grant, funded by Chevron Louisiana, aims to enhance educational experiences for K-12 students in Louisiana by expanding Project Lead The Way programs. With a total award of $30,000 over two years, this initiative supports schools that will offer multiple PLTW Engineering courses. Chevron's long-term commitment has already benefited nearly 250,000 students nationwide since 2009, promoting innovation and technical skills in future engineers.

The New York Yankees Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the NYC area, promoting community engagement and enhancing quality of life. They dedicate millions to outreach initiatives, providing educational, recreational, and social opportunities. Requests for contributions must be submitted at least six weeks in advance, ensuring a collaborative approach to community support and partnership. The Yankees continually strive to foster positive relationships with local organizations, contributing to the betterment of their neighborhoods.

The Rockingham County Community Foundation manages an unrestricted endowment to support local nonprofit organizations through annual grants ranging from $500 to $1,000. Established in 1995, the foundation is driven by a volunteer advisory board dedicated to meeting community needs in Rockingham County. This fund enables versatile responses to changing conditions and enhances the quality of life in the area, allowing various charitable organizations to thrive and contribute positively to the community.

The Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) offers Community Impact Challenge Grants to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that significantly benefit the Edwardsville community. Grants up to $5,000 are available throughout the year, aimed at enhancing quality of life, supporting underfunded projects, and fostering collaboration among local organizations. Applicants must raise a 10% cash match of the grant amount. This initiative underscores ECF's commitment to enriching the communities it serves.

The Stillwater Community Foundation Grant aims to empower local organizations by providing financial support and resources. This initiative helps small organizations raise funds, build endowments, and spearhead special projects, ensuring a brighter future for the community. By collaborating with the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, the foundation streamlines operations and focuses on addressing community needs effectively. Together, they strive to create a lasting impact and improve the quality of life in Stillwater.

The Michael John Perry Fund I, established by Michael John Perry, supports Maui residents pursuing a career as commercial pilots. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrate financial need, and be in good academic standing. The fund prefers previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This initiative aims to empower local students in their aviation careers, contributing to the development of skilled pilots from Hawaii.

The Bristol Female Charitable Society Fund, established in 2003 by 88 influential women, supports charitable programs in the East Bay community of Rhode Island, particularly Bristol. Grant amounts typically range from $500 to $5,000, and organizations can apply once per year. This fund emphasizes benevolence and offers assistance to those in need, while allowing simultaneous applications to other Rhode Island Foundation funds.