Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant, offered by HawkWatch International, supports crucial projects focused on raptor conservation in high-priority regions such as Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. With funding available up to $2,500, the grant encourages applications from local citizens associated with NGOs or universities. Preference is given to projects that address knowledge gaps and have a significant impact on conservation efforts, particularly those led by early-career researchers in low-income countries.

Granite United Way administers the Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program (OACGP) to combat the opioid crisis in New Hampshire. This initiative allocates $10 million over two years to support community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and governmental entities dedicated to improving community well-being. The program aims to create lasting positive change by addressing critical health and social issues related to opioid abuse.

The DCLA Art Fund Grants, offered by Staten Island Arts, support individual artists and collectives in creating culturally significant work. Open to all artistic disciplines, projects must include a public component. Emphasizing community engagement, the grants prioritize under-resourced disciplines and communities. With funding from the Greater New York Arts Development Fund, these grants aim to enhance cultural programming and education, fostering a vibrant arts scene on Staten Island.

The Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Valley Awards support exceptional young leaders in environmental conservation, historic preservation, and the arts. Awarded annually, these prestigious grants of up to $5,000 encourage students to engage in impactful projects with local nonprofits. Since 2007, the awards have honored the legacy of Barnabas McHenry, fostering a new generation of environmental advocates and cultural stewards dedicated to enhancing the Hudson Valley's unique resources.

The Community Foundation of Henderson County offers grants to support diverse community needs, promoting collaboration among tax-exempt organizations in Henderson County. Their mission is to foster impactful contributions in areas such as health, education, and arts. Emphasizing innovative proposals, the Foundation seeks to address evolving community challenges and encourage sustainable development. With a focus on local impact and collaboration, they aim to enhance the quality of life for residents while addressing pressing social issues.

The Upper Bucks Community Foundation Fund of LVCF, managed by the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in the Upper Bucks area, including Palisades, Pennridge, and Quakertown School Districts. It primarily funds projects in visual arts, performing arts, industrial arts, agricultural education, and conservation of rural life. This fund includes the Richard E. Gasser Fund and the Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Fund, which focus on enhancing community engagement and educational initiatives.

The Unity for Humanity Grant invites innovative creators to submit impact-driven projects that utilize real-time 3D technology. This annual grant provides funding, technical support, and marketing resources to help bring visionary ideas to life. Projects must align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate measurable impact. Eligible submissions include prototypes across various genres, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world. Join us in empowering changemakers to make a positive global difference.

About Us

Overview

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives. ACF also manages the Pick.Click.Give. program.

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Vision

ACF envisions an Alaska where communities come together and have resources to thrive.

Stassel Education Scholarship Fund

The Stassel Fund was established in memory of Fred L. and Jean N. Stassel who came to Alaska on their honeymoon in 1949, making Anchorage their home for over 60 years until they passed away in 2017 and 2011 respectively. Here they raised 6 children, celebrated Alaska's statehood in 1959, survived the 1964 earthquake, and became active in the community and state. The Fund honors their dedication to education and service to others focusing on creating opportunities for all Alaskans, especially the vulnerable and most in need. Fred and Jean valued education, hard work, integrity, justice, respect, and care for all people. They were both educators, commercial fishers, and very active in social services through the United Methodist Church and other organizations. Fred was very influential in establishing the now-named Credit Union 1, and Jean was active with The League of Women Voters. They would be honored to know that deserving Alaskans were able to pursue their educational goals with the help of scholarships from the Stassel Education Fund.

The NIAID Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows transitioning to independent research positions, fostering their development into successful biomedical scientists. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to June 2027, including specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grants. This initiative, funded by the NIH, aims to enhance the career trajectory of emerging researchers in clinical and biomedical fields, ensuring a robust pipeline of innovative scientific talent.

The Emmet County Community Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Emmet County, Iowa, by funding projects that foster community development and engagement. These grants support various sectors, including arts, education, health, and environment, focusing on initiatives that demonstrate collaboration and volunteerism. Organizations eligible for funding must be recognized nonprofits or government entities, ensuring their projects benefit local residents and contribute to sustainable community growth.

The PCLB Foundation Grant supports organizations in Connecticut and New York that align with its mission of empowering individuals through strategic philanthropy. Founded in 1999, the foundation seeks to provide general operating support and restricted grants in five key areas: education, outdoors, science, medicine, and family projects. By fostering high-quality initiatives, PCLB aims to create systemic change while encouraging innovative solutions to pressing community issues.

The SCCF grants aim to enhance artistic offerings, preserve Steuben County's natural resources, and improve recreational access. These grants support nonprofit organizations in their mission to uplift community quality of life through collaborative projects. Eligible projects include those that foster community gathering and address root causes of local issues. Ineligibility includes projects funded solely by government or those that do not serve the community. This initiative seeks to enrich both the cultural and environmental landscape of the region.

The Winneshiek County Community Foundation, part of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, enhances the quality of life in Winneshiek County through grants that foster community development. By supporting arts, education, health, and environmental initiatives, the Foundation aims to empower local organizations and residents. Its focus on innovative and impactful projects ensures that funds create lasting benefits, while encouraging charitable giving and civic engagement in the region.

The Grundy County Community Foundation, part of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, supports charitable projects to enhance life in Grundy County. It aims to foster vibrant communities through grants focused on arts, education, health, and community betterment. With strong emphasis on addressing local needs and sustainability, the Foundation prioritizes proposals that demonstrate community support and collaboration. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. Applications are welcomed for projects that benefit the residents of Grundy County.

The Franklin County Community Foundation, part of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aims to enhance the quality of life in Franklin County through grant funding. Supporting diverse areas such as arts, education, and community betterment, the foundation encourages local projects that demonstrate sustainability and community impact. Since its inception, it has been dedicated to fostering lasting legacies and meaningful contributions to the community, making Franklin County a better place for its residents.

The Butler County Grants, administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aim to enhance the quality of life for residents in Butler County. With a focus on supporting nonprofits, the foundation prioritizes projects that address vital community needs, encourage additional funding, and serve a substantial number of people. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities that meet specific criteria. The foundation seeks to create vibrant communities through impactful grant-making.

The AUKUS Scholarship, part of the Graduate Education Fund, supports American and Australian graduate students in security, technology, and diplomacy fields. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents, with an offer from an accredited institution. The scholarship provides up to $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living expenses. Applications are due in March for Australia to USA and in September for USA to Australia. This initiative strengthens ties and promotes research in critical areas.

The Chickasaw County Community Foundation, part of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Chickasaw County through impactful grants. With a focus on arts, education, health, and community betterment, the foundation supports projects that demonstrate sustainability and long-term benefits. Organizations eligible for funding must meet specific criteria, including being a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or government entity, ensuring effective use of resources to address community needs.

The Floyd County Community Foundation, part of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Floyd County through strategic grants. Established in 1956, the foundation supports various sectors, including arts, education, health, and community betterment. By fostering generosity and community action, they aim to create equitable opportunities for all residents. Their commitment to responsible stewardship ensures that donor contributions are effectively utilized for community enhancement.

The Crawford Impact Initiative Grants support non-profit organizations in Crawford County, providing a redesigned grant program that offers impactful funding opportunities. Organizations can apply for funding from both restricted and unrestricted funds, with a single application. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits, governmental bodies, municipalities, and schools. The initiative emphasizes preventive and impactful projects addressing community needs, with a focus on collaboration and measurable outcomes.

What is Granite United Way?

Granite United Way is a nonprofit organization that makes strategic investments in our community to help people learn, earn, and be healthy. Our impact covers more than 85% of New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont. With the support of more than 22,000 donors and volunteers, we are working together to provide more than $14 million in support to over 400,000 individuals.

If you are concerned about issues in our community like homelessness, education gaps, and health disparities, you're not alone. Many of us want to make a meaningful difference, but aren't sure where to start.

At Granite United Way, we streamline that process by connecting your support to the most pressing issues in our community. We remove barriers and create opportunities for people to make a positive impact in our community. When you partner with us, you help meet critical needs and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our community.

Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program (OACGP): Short-Term Responsive Grants

ranite United Way (GUW) administers the Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program (OACGP) on behalf of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Through this program, $10 million in settlement funds will be invested over two years to support community-based efforts that prevent, reduce, and address the harms of the opioid crisis across New Hampshire. OACGP supports programs, partnerships, and community-led work that strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. Funding is available to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, school districts, and other eligible entities serving New Hampshire communities.

Grant Opportunities

• Short-Term Responsive Grants:
  • Up to $15,000 for timely projects that address emerging needs, fill gaps, or strengthen community capacity.

The Mackinac Island Community Foundation Grant, established in 1994, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of Mackinac Island. It supports various projects focusing on arts, education, environmental conservation, and community enrichment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal groups. Priority is given to initiatives that foster cooperation, address emerging needs, and benefit a large segment of the community. However, grants are not available for individuals or operational costs.

The NYSCA Encore Grants are designed to support returning Staten Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in presenting significant artistic and cultural programming across various disciplines. Eligible projects must focus on cultural expression and be accessible to the community, emphasizing artistic significance and addressing under-resourced disciplines. The grant is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts and aims to enhance local cultural production and community engagement.

The Craven County Community Foundation Grant, established in 1991, is dedicated to enhancing local philanthropic efforts by supporting diverse nonprofit organizations in Craven County. Grants, typically ranging from $500 to $15,000, aim to address various community needs, including education, social justice, and health-related services. The foundation encourages proposals from tax-exempt public charities and local government units, fostering a collaborative approach to community development and enrichment.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers Community Catalyst Grants to support transformative projects that enhance community health and well-being. With grants starting at $50,000, this program prioritizes applications from non-profits, schools, and government agencies that address pressing social needs and health inequities. Open annually from September 1 to November 1, the fund aims to empower community-driven initiatives that foster collaboration and measurable health improvements.

The Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota. Eligible applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice or First Responder programs. This scholarship fosters leadership and community involvement, ensuring a lasting impact on public safety and local services.

The Douglas Bomford Trust Studentships aim to support undergraduate students in agricultural engineering or technology. These competitive awards, valued up to £1,500, promote academic and personal growth while encouraging successful careers in the industry. Eligible applicants must be registered in a relevant course in the UK or Ireland and demonstrate commitment to the Trust's objectives, pursuing all available funding sources to achieve personal and educational outcomes.