Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

Ohio Rural Health Workforce Pipeline; Pathways, Upskilling, and Retention

Summary

Ohio recognizes the need to develop long-lasting pipelines that engage students at the earliest stages of career planning to educate them about the numerous opportunities that exist in healthcare. This is vitally important in rural areas where the need for workforce is great and we have the opportunity to create pathways for Ohio’s students in K-12 education settings to explore rural health careers, initiate learning in high school, continue training close to home (in technical/trade schools, community colleges, or universities with significant rural engagement), and secure careers in health provider settings within the rural communities that are most familiar to them. Our activities in this initiative will place high priority on integrating pipelines, recruitment and retention activities for 5-year work commitments, and upskilling and workforce development in RHTP sites. Projects will be implemented in partnership with academic institutions, other training facilities, and professional and paraprofessional associations to:

• In conjunction with the ODH and other state agencies, identify and prioritize rural healthcare workforce needs in Ohio’s 73 identified rural counties.
• Coordinate workforce pipeline activities between high schools, universities, community colleges, career technical schools, and healthcare employers. Activities include career awareness/exploration, pathways education awareness, and career awareness programs in K-12 education, secondary education programs, rural work-based learning/apprenticeships, career placement agreements with employers, and coordinating all Federal and State workforce development and financial resources. This could also include a multi-state approach for educational and healthcare systems that transcend state lines. A focus is placed on placements in RHTP facilities and partner programs funded through Ohio’s RHTP
• Provide rural recruitment and retention incentives and 6-month housing stipends for those who relocate to serve in rural communities for a minimum of 5-year commitments. This project will support filling workforce needs for various healthcare capacities, e.g., MD/DO, nurses, pharmacists, therapy providers, dietitians, behavioral health, oral health, optometry, audiology, Community Healthcare Workers (CHW)/navigators, etc. This could also include a multi-state approach for educational and healthcare systems that transcend state lines.
• Identify and promote continuing education opportunities for Ohio’s healthcare workforce.
• Collaborate with ODH, other state agencies, and vendors who are operationalizing RHT initiatives to support the workforce needs of those projects.

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

Rural Health Transformation Pharmacy Initiative

Summary

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71403 of Public Law 119-21) and empowers the state to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality and outcomes by transforming the current system. Five key strategic goals of the program, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) are:

• Make rural America healthy again
• Sustainable access
• Workforce development
• Innovative Care
• Technology Innovation

Ohio’s plan aligns with federal priorities to improve the health of rural residents through sustainable access, workforce development, innovative care, and tech advancement. As part of Ohio's Rural Health Transformation Program, the selected vendor will engage in activities to maximize the role that pharmacists and pharmacies play in ensuring access to healthcare in rural Ohio and Support systems and policy changes to allow pharmacists and pharmacies in rural Ohio to operate under an expanded scope of practice and provide training these professionals need to do so successfully. This work with pharmacists supports the RHTP objective of improving the health of rural Ohioans through chronic disease management, care coordination, and reducing drug related adverse events

The K12 Strong Workforce Program Grant, initiated by California's legislature in 2018, aims to enhance career technical education (CTE) for K-12 local education agencies (LEAs). It fosters collaborations between K-12 schools and community colleges to create effective CTE pathways, ensuring students gain essential skills for successful transitions into higher education and the workforce. The initiative allocates $150 million annually to support innovative CTE programs, driving regional workforce development and addressing labor market demands.

The Adult Basic Education Direct Services program aims to enhance adult literacy and education, assisting individuals in gaining essential skills for employment and self-sufficiency. Funded through WIOA Title II, it addresses the needs of diverse adult learners, including those seeking high school equivalency and English language improvement. Emphasizing partnerships with local agencies, the program fosters community engagement while providing year-round, real-time instructional support to help participants achieve their educational and career goals.

Hometown Fund grant

The CVS Health Foundation’s Hometown Fund was created to support local nonprofits across Hartford, Connecticut, and the state of Rhode Island – places where our CVS Health teams live, work and care deeply about community health. Through this fund, we support organizations that are making a real difference by expanding access to health care and addressing the everyday factors that shape people’s well‑being, like nutritious food and stable housing.

In 2025, the Hometown Fund awarded $2 million in general operating support grants – $1 million to 20 organizations in Greater Hartford and another $1 million to 20 organizations across Rhode Island. These investments continued our commitment to improving local health and strengthening community support systems, bringing the amount of Hometown Fund grants awarded since 2022 to $8 million. 

About Us

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency is a self-supporting public agency that provides safe, affordable housing opportunities to enhance the quality of life of North Carolinians. Since its creation by the General Assembly, the Agency has financed nearly 333,400 affordable homes and apartments, totaling $37.4 billion.

The Agency provides financing through the sale of tax-exempt bonds and management of federal tax credit programs, the federal HOME Program, the state and national Housing Trust Funds, and other programs.

NC Urgent Repair Program

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (the Agency) proposes to make funds available for the 2026–2027 Urgent Repair Program (URP27). Program funding enables recipient organizations to provide deferred, forgiven loans of up to $15,000 for emergency home repairs and modifications to very low-income owner-occupied homes. Eligible households are those with one or more full-time household members with special needs (e.g., elderly, disabled and/or veteran full-time household members or a child six years of age or under living in the home with lead hazards). Household incomes cannot exceed 50% of area median income.   

The maximum funding amount is $330,000 for projects serving two or more counties in their entirety, and $165,000 for projects serving a single county. The minimum funding allocation is $99,000. 

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

McKinney Vento Homeless Education and 21st Century Community Learning Centers — Family Engagement / Playful Learning Enhancement Grant

Purpose

The purpose of this federal targeted grant is to provide funding for districts to:

• Strengthen, enhance, and sustain effective and innovative family engagement strategies to improve students' attendance, academic engagement, social emotional well-being, and sense of belonging by developing family-school partnerships through the Family Institute for Student Success (FISS) model; and/or
• Support the Department's vision for deeper learning by building the collective capacity of districts, schools, and organizations to embed and sustain principles of playful learning into 21st CCLC out of school time programming for students in grades K–3.

Priorities

For applicants for FISS:

• Develop and implement culturally and linguistically responsive family engagement practices.
• Build staff capacity and create sustainable family engagement systems at the district and program level.
• Utilize the FISS curriculum to support improvements in attendance, literacy, social and emotional learning (SEL), and engagement practices.

For applicants for Playful Learning units:

• Provide participating educators, schools, and programs the opportunity to enhance and expand current practices and/or try new approaches to learning in which students are actively collaborating and engaging in playful learning that is coherently aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
• Contribute to the 21st CCLC Learning Library through the development of playful learning units aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

Funding

• For FISS implementation planning: Approximately $150,000 is available. Eligible applicants may apply for up to a total of $20,000.
• For developing playful learning units: Approximately $100,000 is available. Eligible applicants may apply for up to a total of $8,000/site

Fund Use

For planning and implementation of Family Institute for Student SuccessFISS, funds may be used to:

• Provide stipends for FISS facilitators and recruiters, and 21st CCLC staff supporting FISS delivery and coordination.
• Develop multilingual outreach and communication, including translation, interpretation, and culturally responsive recruitment materials.
• Develop an implementation plan for family workshops and FISS modules aligned to early literacy, attendance, SEL, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) enrichment, and student agency skills.
• Develop evaluation, data collection, and family participation monitoring to support continuous improvement and outcome tracking.
• Develop FISS program materials and supplies needed for facilitation, family learning activities, and home-school partnership tools.
• Develop and coordinate strategies to reduce barriers to school attendance and engagement for students experiencing homelessness students and students participating in 21st CCLC programs.
• In collaboration with the DESE-selected professional development vendor, provide and engage in professional development and ongoing coaching for district staff to develop a plan and ensure the successful implementation, and long-term sustainability of FISS.

For developing playful learning units, funds may be used to support stipends for educators to develop and implement playful learning, participate in trainings, team planning time, curriculum development, supplies and materials.

The Walter and Andrée de Nottbeck Foundation offers grants for research on Baltic Sea ecosystems at the Tvärminne Zoological Station, Finland. Funding includes scholarships for MSc and PhD students, postdoctoral support, and project grants, totaling around 700,000 € annually. The foundation emphasizes research collaboration and scientific excellence while prioritizing researchers based at the station. Senior researchers are invited to apply for five-year positions with competitive salaries. Successful candidates are expected to reside at the station during their fellowship.

The Bianca Michelle Devins Memorial Scholarship, established by the Devins and Williams families in memory of Bianca Devins, supports students pursuing a degree in psychology. This scholarship aims to empower individuals who aspire to assist adolescents facing mental health challenges. Open to graduates from Utica high schools or the surrounding Central New York area, applicants must maintain good academic standing and demonstrate a commitment to helping children with mental health issues.

The Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 Jewish War Veterans Scholarship Award supports children or grandchildren of JWV Post 126 members, providing merit-based assistance for college or vocational education. Eligible applicants must reside in specific counties in New Jersey or be related to a JWV member. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses and is open for reapplication annually. This initiative by the Jewish Community Foundation fosters educational opportunities for deserving students.

The CAUSE High School Internship & Nonprofit Grant offers a unique opportunity for local high school students in La Plata County, Colorado, to engage in a hands-on, paid summer internship. This program pairs students with local nonprofits, providing them with mentorship from marketing professionals. Interns will work directly with nonprofit staff to develop social media campaigns and gain valuable skills. Nonprofits will receive an operational grant to support these marketing efforts, fostering a collaborative community environment.

Baltimore Community Foundation

Mission: Inspire donors to achieve their charitable goals from generation to generation and to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, enlightened civic leadership, and strategic investments.

Kaiser Permanente’s Social Health Impact Fund

Unmet social needs such as lack of food, housing, or transportation are barriers to health and well-being. Addressing these needs is an integral part of quality care. As an integrated health system committed to total health, Kaiser Permanente not only provides excellent medical care and support for mental health and wellness, we are also addressing the social health needs of our members and communities. To help address unmet social needs, Kaiser Permanente, in partnership with Unite Us, has deployed the Mid-Atlantic Community Network – a social service resource locator that integrates clinical and social care and is supported by data integration and partnership with community.

Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund

The Field of Interest Fund reflects the Samardzija-Gutesha family’s values and commitment to giving back. It supports education and hands-on learning in farming, soil health, and water conservation, with a focus on FFA members and associate-level college students.

Scholarships benefit graduating seniors and second-year post-high school students who are originally from DeKalb County high schools with FFA programs.

The Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund provides scholarships for post-high school students pursuing education in agriculture or conservation, as well as paid internships with local farmers, and conservation professionals. It also supports educational seminars on topics such as sustainable farming and agricultural business, and provides grants to local organizations that align with the donor’s values.

In its first year, the Fund awarded $65,000 in scholarships to eight graduating seniors from DeKalb, Genoa-Kingston, Indian Creek, Somonauk, and Sycamore high schools (pictured above). Each student attending a two-year college received a $5,000 scholarship, while students planning to attend a four-year university received $10,000.

Division of Early Childhood

The Department of Human Services Division of Early Childhood (DEC) was established as a standalone IDHS division in 2021 to help strengthen and centralize the state's existing child care, home visiting, and early intervention programs, as well as operationalize and create administrative capacity to establish sustainable infrastructure needs in order to streamline services.

Working hand-in-hand with local communities throughout Illinois, the Division of Early Childhood provides low-income, working families with access to quality, affordable child care; administers community-based prevention and intervention programs; and helps all children between the ages of birth to three with disabilities or delays, to learn and grow.

480-50-3708 Migrant and Seasonal Head Start

Description

Scope of Work

Provide a full-day, comprehensive Head Start child development program to children, ages six weeks to six years, from migrant and seasonal farm-worker families. Program includes early childhood education, school readiness, developmental assessment, mental health screening, field trips, project work, immunizations, nutritious meal service and medical and dental examinations, completion of dental and medical treatment for children who need it, social-service referrals and transportation services.

Announcement Type: Renewal

Esther Edie Environmental Scholarship

In 1972, Esther Edie brought together several small environmental protection groups from around the state to form the South Dakota Resources Coalition (SDRC). SDRC’s mission was to preserve and enhance our environment, protect our natural resources, and encourage citizens and businesses to adopt sound environmental practices. In its 40-year existence, SDRC fulfilled its mission through education, legislative advocacy, and litigation. Esther Edie was an effective leader in SDRC’s many projects until she died in 2006.

To provide financial support to students attending a college or university in South Dakota, who is pursuing a career in one of the following areas: Environmental Science, Environmental Geography, Environmental Sociology, Natural Resource Management, or Environmental Law.

2026 Veterans and Nature Grant

Supporting the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce grant funding supported by the American Medical Association (AMA) to expand access to nature-based experiences that support the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans. AMA has partnered with NEEF to bring an evidence-based health perspective to this effort, underscoring the growing body of research linking time in nature to improved physical and mental health outcomes.

Background

A Pew Research Center survey found that roughly one in four veterans say the transition back to civilian life was at least somewhat difficult. This is especially true for those who return home with stress or trauma. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates 11-20% of veterans are believed to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year.

Nature offers profound restorative benefits for veterans navigating the challenges of post-service life. Time spent outdoors — whether hiking, fishing, camping, or simply sitting among trees — has been shown by numerous studies to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, conditions that affect veterans at disproportionately high rates.

Quieting hypervigilance, allowing space for reflection, fostering camaraderie, and reducing isolation are all mental and physical benefits that be found through outdoor recreation. Using America’s public lands to do so provides a powerful and accessible path forward.

Overview

Through the 2026 Veterans and Nature grant, NEEF aims to expand access to nature-based experiences that support veteran health, well-being, and community connection by

• Providing opportunities for outdoor activities on public land that improve the physical and mental health of veterans
• Increasing veterans’ understanding of the physical and mental health benefits of time in nature

The grant will provide up to $10,000 per grantee for projects on federal, state, local, or nonprofit public lands that address physical and mental health in veteran communities.

Examples of project types include outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, climbing, or fishing; wellness activities, such as forest bathing or meditation; environmental education, such as community science; adaptive programming; and conservation volunteering. Projects are not limited to those listed here.

The Workforce Housing Tax Incentive Program in Iowa offers financial incentives for the development and rehabilitation of housing. This includes tax credits of up to 20% for eligible projects, with $35 million available for funding. The program specifically supports smaller communities and aims to enhance housing availability and community growth. Eligible projects must meet specific criteria, including new construction on greenfield sites or the rehabilitation of existing structures. This initiative addresses widespread workforce housing needs throughout the state.

The Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students from Madison and Culpeper County public high schools. It is awarded to high school graduates or current college students pursuing an Arts Major, defined as visual arts, music, theater, or culinary arts. Emphasizing academic merit and financial need, this scholarship honors the legacy of Lynne Goldsborough Yowell, a dedicated community advocate.

New Jersey Department of Health

The scope of work for the public health system is ever-expanding, and the Department is on the frontlines in leading the response to public health challenges. The Department has three primary branches – Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health. All work collaboratively toward improving health by strengthening New Jersey’s health system.

Our Mission: Protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.

Rural Health Transformation Program: Improving Chronic Disease Outcomes in Rural New Jersey

The Division of Health Promotion, through its Community Health and Wellness Unit (CHWU), announces the availability of funding awarded to the State under the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Grant Program. This funding opportunity is designed to support innovative and sustainable strategies that improve chronic disease outcomes, increase access to quality healthcare services, address health disparities, and strengthen healthcare systems in rural communities.

The grant seeks to advance community-driven solutions that promote health equity, improve health outcomes, and enhance care coordination across rural health systems.

Purpose and Goals

The purpose of the Rural Health Transformation Grant is to support projects that transform rural healthcare delivery by addressing systemic challenges and community-identified needs. Grant goals include, but are not limited to:

• Improving access to healthcare services in rural and underserved areas
• Strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure and workforce capacity
• Enhancing care coordination and integration of services
• Addressing SDOH impacting rural populations
• Promoting preventive care, wellness, and chronic disease management

Proposed Grant Activities

• Activity 5.2a: NJ Rural Southern Physical Activity and Nutrition Program (NJ R-SPAN)
• Activity 5.2b: Umbrella Hub Organization
• Activity 5.3b: Enhancing Rural Cancer-Focused Healthcare (ERCH)
• Activity 5.3c: Rural Pharmacy Medication Management Therapy Program
• Activity 5.3d: Rural Health Screening and Education
• Activity 5.4b: Safe Communities: Youth Violence Prevention in Rural Communities

Activity 5.3d: Rural Health Screening and Education

The Rural Health Screening and Education program will increase access to chronic disease screening and education for rural residents and expand awareness of chronic disease risk factors and their health impacts. The Rural Health Screening and Education Program aims to improve chronic disease outcomes among rural residents by providing walk-in and scheduled screenings, transportation, insurance enrollment, SDOH referrals, follow-up care coordination, and enrollment in evidence-based education programs to manage chronic conditions.

Goal: Enhance and expand early detection, prevention, and management of chronic diseases through coordinated screening and education initiatives encouraging proactive engagement in preventive care, healthier behaviors, and improvement in long-term health outcomes among residents

Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts

The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, a non-profit public charity, is the leading community foundation in the region, managing charitable funds established by individuals, families, businesses and other non-profit organizations.

Career Readiness and Educational Access

This grant program focuses on preparing local residents for family-supporting jobs through career-related training, post-secondary education and other educational initiatives.

Objective: Advance the economic wellness of residents of North Central Massachusetts by increasing their access to education and effective career development initiatives.

Priority: During this funding cycle, priority will be given to programs that equip residents for family-sustaining employment, including vocational training and pathways to college

Montana Department of Labor & Industry

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) is a state government organization that exists to uphold labor laws, ensure worker safety, and encourage business and employee growth and relations.

DLI accepts and investigates discrimination complaints, provides business support and education, and offers workers educational seminars, community resource centers, and job training.

WIOA Title II – Adult Education & Family Literacy Act Program Services

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (MTDLI), in compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), is seeking applications from experienced and qualified organizations to execute essential workforce development through the WIOA Title II - Adult Education and Family Literacy Program.

In doing so, the Department is seeking applicants who:

• Implement service delivery strategies that align with the 406 JOBS initiative and America's Talent Strategy, including: use of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training models; training in Industry Recognized Credentials; employer engagement to ensure industry-driven strategies; and outreach to hard-to-reach populations.
• Coordinate with WIOA core partners.
• Deliver strong performance outcomes with respect to employment, wages, credential attainment, and skill gains.

Types of Awards

Adult Education Grant (AEFLA)-WIOA Section 231 funding

Corrections Education Grant-WIOA Section 225 funding

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) Grant-WIOA Section 243 funding

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) (WIOA §243(a))

Prepare adults who are English language learners for, and place such adults in, unsubsidized employment in in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency and funds are specifically designed to provide IELCE services in combination with Integrated Education and Training (IET), allowable under WIOA Sec. 243.

• Prepare adults who are English language learners for, and place such adults in, unsubsidized employment in in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency
• Integrate with the local workforce development system and its functions to carry out the activities of the program
• Workforce preparation activities
• Workforce training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster
• Integrated education and training that: Provides adult education and literacy activities, concurrently and contextually with both workforce preparation activities and workforce training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster.

The Community Experts Fund Grant, provided by the Peter & Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, aims to improve the lives of young people facing mental health and developmental challenges in targeted counties. With $350,000 available in 2025, the fund emphasizes mentoring initiatives that empower youth-driven goals. By strengthening existing programs, it seeks to build capacity and support young individuals through quality one-on-one mentoring, distinct from traditional case management, addressing the pressing needs of this vulnerable population.

The Partnership in Youth Services Grants (PYS) program provides funding of up to $5,000 to non-profit organizations in Bucks County, PA, that address community issues and improve the lives of children and families. This program prioritizes first-time applicants and those who have not applied in the last five years, ensuring support for organizations dedicated to the behavioral health and human service needs of the community.

The FCP Capital Improvement Grants provide funding up to $10,000 for non-profit organizations in Bucks County, PA, focusing on structural enhancements for facilities serving special needs children and families. The application process includes a Letter of Inquiry and a full application, with deadlines in October and April. Recipients must submit a final report after 12 months, ensuring transparency and accountability. This initiative aims to enhance community resources and support.

The Andrew F. Evans Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports full-time seniors in the School of Film and Photography pursuing the Film Option or Integrated Lens-Based Media program. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.25 GPA in their major, demonstrating strong commitment to a career in cinematography. This scholarship aligns with MSU's mission to foster innovation and prepare graduates for impactful careers in the arts.

The Junior Board Grants by the Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation aim to empower nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County focused on maximizing youth potential. While the grant amounts can reach up to $10,000, priority is given to organizations with a strong operational history and a budget under $10 million. Applications are currently closed, but organizations that meet the criteria are encouraged to reach out for future opportunities.

The Biffa Award’s Partnership Grants Scheme provides funding between £250,000 and £1,000,000 for not-for-profit organizations aiming to enhance the built or natural environment in regions close to Biffa operations. Projects must align with either Built Environment or Natural Environment themes, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability. Eligible projects should significantly improve local quality of life while adhering to biodiversity strategies and promoting eco-friendly practices.