Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The CFMC Save-the-Day Grant Program provides essential funding to nonprofits facing urgent needs that hinder their mission. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 assist organizations in overcoming unanticipated emergencies, such as equipment failures or staffing transitions. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate a clear plan for impactful use of the funds, ensuring that nonprofits can continue their vital services effectively. Applications are accepted annually starting in August until funds are exhausted.

The Charles M. Bair Family Trust Grant supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in Montana, particularly in Meagher, Wheatland, and Yellowstone counties. Established in memory of Alberta M. Bair, the trust continues the family's philanthropic legacy by awarding grants based on a thorough review process by a Board of Advisors. Applications are accepted annually, with a deadline of March 1, ensuring that the trust's impact on the community remains significant and aligned with its founding values.

The Royal B. Kinder Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in Wichita Falls by promoting charitable giving. Nonprofits in Archer County are eligible to apply for grants, which are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations and other charitable projects. The fund encourages initiatives that benefit the community without discrimination. However, restrictions apply to fundraising, scholarships, and grants to individuals or political entities. Eligible organizations can apply annually to support various charitable purposes.

The Neighborhood Fund Grant, initiated by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, aims to support organizations serving the Del Paso Heights community in Sacramento. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 will be awarded to impactful projects addressing critical needs in the area, with at least $50,000 available this year. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate effective project objectives and community engagement.

The Bergel Institute

The Bergel Institute is dedicated to the advancement of human knowledge and the human condition.

The Institute focuses on six major areas:

• Economics
• Science
• Technology
• Consciousness
• Health
• Culture

The common theme in all of the Institute’s work is the pursuit of what is possible. It brings a commitment to critical thinking and the questioning of accepted norms and approaches to issues that lie at the foundation of what we think and how we live. In every discipline, assumptions are tested against evidence.

In addition to its research and programmatic endeavors, the Institute offers fellowships. Fellowships come with high expectations and are supported with structure and active mentorship.

Bergel Institute Fellowships

The Bergel Institute offers Fellowships to individuals of all ages who wish to spend a year in intensive study and project development in a subject area that aligns with the advancement of human knowledge and the human condition. Each year, the Institute will list specific fellowship topics within these areas. Applicants may pick one or propose a different topic, as long as it aligns with the Institute’s goals.

Fellowships run from June to May and are primarily virtual, with two paid Institute visits (to the home office in Florida) as the only in-person expectations during the Fellowship year. Fellows are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week and to bring a strong intrinsic motivation for the project. They will spend the year conducting intensive research and/or project development, supported by Institute staff, with monthly meetings and quarterly progress reports to help maintain momentum.

The Fellowship is also intended to function as an incubator, providing time, guidance, and structure for work that continues beyond the Fellowship year.

As noted above, Fellows travel to the Institute twice during the Fellowship year to present to leadership: once in August, at the end of Q1, and again in May, at the end of the Fellowship year. The May presentation focuses on what was accomplished during the year and the Fellow’s plans for next steps. Final work may take many forms, including detailed manuscripts, the launch of a business or organization; or a video series, documentary films, etc. Travel and lodging for both presentations are covered by the Institute.

Upon completion of the Fellowship year, all Fellows are required to serve as mentors for future Fellows, ensuring that accumulated knowledge and experiences are passed to their successors.

FE1: Bringing an End to the Poverty-Violence Connection in the U.S.

Economic instability and neighborhood disinvestment are closely linked to disproportionate rates of violence and premature death. This reality has persisted for generations, reflecting a broader failure to value human life equally across places and populations.

This Fellowship is a deep immersion into the poverty–violence relationship, with the aim of developing a credible roadmap to reduce violence through practical, measurable action. Fellows will analyze who is most affected, where violence concentrates, what conditions correlate with risk, and what has and has not worked in past efforts.

Fellows will create a database of all murders, shootings, violent assaults, and knifings across the U.S. and keep a running, up-to-date count that will be part of the Bergel Institute website beyond this Fellowship year. The Fellowship also includes direct engagement with community leaders, service providers, researchers, and relevant public, nonprofit, and private-sector programs to identify effective approaches and develop partnerships that can be tested across communities.

The Lake County Resilience Grant provides crucial funding to nonprofit organizations in Lake County, Indiana, affected by federal and state funding cuts. With up to $600,000 available over two years, organizations can receive grants up to $40,000 to address financial losses and sustain essential services. This initiative supports community needs, promoting stability and continuity in the nonprofit sector while prioritizing organizations with a healthy balance sheet.

Benton County Affiliate Grantmaking Program

The Benton County Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Benton County through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. The Benton County Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, chosen for their knowledge of the area. Grant decisions are made by the grant committee.

The unique role of a community foundation is to conduct a flexible community grantmaking program which addresses the most important needs of the community at any one time. The flexibility this requires is made possible by charitable donors who established unrestricted or field-of-interest funds and place the decision-making in the hands of the community leaders serving on our Board of Directors as well as dollars raised by the Benton County Community Foundation.

Grant proposals are accepted according to an announced time table, and grant recommendations are made as funds are available.

Maximum request amount:

• $2,500. 

In awarding grants, the CFO and its affiliates will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Grantees must not, in the use of CFO grant funds, discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services.

Lockheed Martin is funding PLTW grants to schools for adding or expanding PLTW Engineering programs. This initiative aims to meet the growing need for engineers and technology professionals by providing students with essential skills in engineering and computer science. Since 2007, over 300 PLTW programs have been launched, benefiting more than 77,000 students nationwide. Schools can apply for funding to either start new programs or enhance existing ones, promoting innovation in education.

The British Academy's Postdoctoral Fellowships support early-career researchers in humanities and social sciences, offering funding for independent research projects. With over £50 million distributed in 2024, the program aims to enhance academic experience and facilitate the completion of publishable research. Successful applicants will benefit from guidance within established scholarly communities, while the Fellowship, tenable for three years starting Autumn 2026, is designed to bolster their academic careers and curriculum vitae.

The Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation has been committed to community support for over 85 years, offering funding and in-kind donations to various organizations. They prioritize 501(c)(3) non-profits that enhance cultural and economic vitality, and provide resources for local events, youth sports, and cultural initiatives. Applications for support are encouraged from organizations that align with their values, emphasizing community improvement and collaboration. For assistance, contact local stores for resources like ticket printing and promotional support.

The Sweet Grass Community Impact Granting program, managed by the Sweet Grass Community Foundation, supports 501(c)3 organizations addressing critical needs in Sweet Grass County. Grants up to $10,000 are available annually, with a focus on initiatives that fulfill organizational missions and demonstrate a history of community impact. Projects must be completed within a year, and funding excludes payroll expenses and retroactive project costs.

The Monett Phil & Friends Grant, administered by the Monett Area Community Foundation, provides funding to enhance the quality of life in the Monett area. With a total grant amount of $25,000, applicants can request up to $10,000 for projects that serve Barry and Lawrence counties. The program emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring no discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors in the use of funds. Applications are accepted from June 12 to July 28, 2025.

The Society for the Humanities at Cornell University offers the Society Fellowships for 2026-27, inviting applications from scholars and artists focusing on the theme of Scale. This one-year residential fellowship provides selected fellows with $62,000 to support their research. Participants engage in a collaborative environment, teaching a seminar and attending weekly discussions. The program emphasizes a commitment to community and inclusivity, welcoming diverse perspectives in the humanities to enrich the academic experience.

The Van Wert County Foundation, established in 1925, is dedicated to enhancing community life through philanthropy. With a focus on integrity, leadership, collaboration, and stewardship, it supports tax-exempt organizations and governmental units. The foundation does not grant funds to individuals or for religious activities unless specifically directed by donors. Through purposeful endowments and initiatives, it aims to foster a thriving community, emphasizing collective growth and sustainable development.

The Kenosha Community Foundation offers Unrestricted Grants sourced from a dedicated investment pool, allowing for flexible funding that meets the evolving needs of the community. These grants support a variety of projects, including educational, arts, and infrastructure initiatives. By encouraging diverse organizations to apply, KCF aims to bolster community development and responsiveness. This funding opportunity reflects the foresight of legacy donors who prioritized unrestricted endowment funds, ensuring ongoing support for impactful projects.

Project ATLAS, initiated by the New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives, aims to enhance the sustainability of faith and community-based organizations (FBCOs). This capacity-building program provides essential grants, technical assistance, and personalized coaching designed to empower FBCOs in delivering quality social services. By eliminating barriers to funding, Project ATLAS fosters innovative solutions for community and economic transformation, ultimately benefiting those in need across New Jersey.

Enhancing the quality of life throughout the Mid-Shore Region of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties. 

George B. Todd Fund Grants

George B. Todd Fund is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation that awards grants to nonprofit organizations serving Dorchester County. 

The application is open year-round. 

Applications are reviewed and considered by the advisors of the George B. Todd Fund on a quarterly basis. 

The Fort Lupton Community Foundation Grant aims to address significant needs within the Fort Lupton area. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations that serve Weld County residents. The foundation prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable outcomes, self-sufficiency, and community engagement, while excluding capital fund drives and sponsorships. This initiative supports sustainable development and seeks to enhance local resources for a thriving community.

The I Love My Community Endowment Fund Grant, established in memory of Barbara Ramp, invites nonprofit organizations to propose innovative ideas that foster community improvement. With a grant amount of up to $1,000, this initiative aims to support creative projects that reflect Barbara's generous spirit. Organizations with great ideas are encouraged to apply, ensuring that the legacy of giving continues to thrive within the community.

The Wenner-Gren Fellowship, offered by the School for Advanced Research, supports scholars in anthropology and related fields, particularly those focusing on Black studies and under-represented perspectives. This nine-month residential fellowship provides a $50,000 stipend, low-cost housing, and office space, fostering a collaborative research environment. Open to PhD-holding anthropologists, the program encourages innovative proposals that contribute to the humanities and social sciences, enhancing the understanding of human culture and history.

The Blaine County Community Foundation Fund Grant, managed by the Montana Community Foundation, supports local initiatives that directly benefit Blaine County residents. Since 1988, it has invested over $68 million in philanthropic efforts, with $31 million awarded in the last decade alone. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and exempt governmental units, focusing on sustainable projects that address unmet community needs. This grant fosters a culture of giving, ensuring Montana's future thrives.

The ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowships provide financial support ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 for faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to advance their research projects. The fellowships encourage innovative research outcomes, including scholarly articles and community-engaged projects. Awardees also benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities, with additional funding for their institutions to support humanities programming. This initiative promotes diverse scholarship and collaboration across disciplines, enhancing the academic landscape for HBCU faculty.

The Paloheimo Foundation Fellowship offers a nine-month residency at the School for Advanced Research for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship supports the preparation of manuscripts or dissertations, providing $35,000 in stipend, low-cost housing, and office space. Open to PhD candidates, the program emphasizes research that enriches the understanding of human culture and history. Applications are accepted from September to November, fostering a collaborative academic environment.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by Arconic Foundation, aims to expand STEM education in public and charter schools across several states. This grant will help cover costs for necessary equipment and training, focusing on high-need student populations. Eligible schools must implement PLTW's Advanced Manufacturing course by the 2026-2027 school year. The initiative is designed to ignite student interest in engineering and increase enrollment in STEM disciplines.

The City of Virginia Beach offers Community Organization Grants to qualified non-profit organizations that provide services to local citizens. This program allows recipients to receive funding based on evaluations by the COG Review and Allocation Committee. Eligible applicants must be independent 501(c)(3) non-profits, while City departments are ineligible to apply. The program ensures transparency through required financial and service delivery reports from grant recipients.

The Benton Community Grants Below $2000, offered by the Benton Community Foundation, aim to support projects that benefit the local community. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation for guidance and to submit requests any time of the year. Grants are awarded monthly, with notifications sent within 45 days. Priority is given to initiatives that positively impact many residents, enhance long-term organizational capabilities, and involve collaborations among non-profits.

The Sweet Grass Community Foundation offers Micro Grants to support local organizations in addressing unexpected, urgent, or one-time expenses. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and government entities serving Sweet Grass County residents. However, requests for recurring expenses, travel, and payroll are not funded. This initiative aims to strengthen community efforts and enhance the capacity of local organizations to fulfill their missions effectively.