Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County is dedicated to enhancing educational experiences through the Arts in Education Grants. These grants support the integration of arts into school curricula for Pre-K to grade 12. Open to public and nonprofit-private schools, the program encourages creativity and cultural enrichment. Schools may apply for up to two grants annually, with a focus on Title I schools. The initiative fosters collaboration among students, teachers, and artists to create vibrant learning environments.

The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation, established in 2006, aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a focus on innovative programs and scholarships, the foundation supports initiatives in primary, secondary, and adult education. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, promoting sustainability and collaboration with other donors. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, prioritizing local community impact.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Wildlife Conservation Board Grants, previously the Ecosystem Restoration on Agricultural Lands Program, focus on enhancing habitat on privately owned agricultural lands in California. This program aims to collaborate with landowners to implement projects that benefit wildlife habitat while ensuring economic sustainability. Eligible projects include habitat restoration, management activities, and enhancements that provide long-term ecological benefits. Applications are encouraged from projects that promote connectivity and support for justice communities.

The Charles B. Mathis Memorial Trust Grant supports residents of Ocean County, NJ, focusing on the elderly, poor, sick, and handicapped. Established by Henry C. Mathis, the trust promotes education, good government, and morals. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate locally to qualify. Preference is given to educational initiatives and assistance programs. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 15 for annual reviews.

The Three Rivers Foundation, established in 2011, focuses on improving the health and welfare of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians' historical homelands. It invites funding applications for innovative projects in education, health, public safety, and more, especially those benefiting Native Americans in Oregon or having a statewide impact. The foundation prioritizes grassroots efforts and collaborative approaches, ensuring that the needs of local communities are met through responsive grant-making.

The Arts Education and Public Engagement Grants by The Onion Foundation support organizations in Maine with budgets up to $50,000. These grants focus on enhancing arts education and public engagement, prioritizing programs that serve rural communities and address systemic inequities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units. Funding is available for general operating support and project grants, aimed at fostering creativity and community connection through arts initiatives.

The Wellness Within Reach initiative aims to bring high-quality, face-to-face healthcare directly to rural South Carolina communities through mobile units, crisis response teams, and community-based care sites This grant opportunity seeks proposals from eligible organizations to strengthen South Carolina’s mobile crisis response and expand community care sites.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

The Department of Health Services (DHS) is one of the largest state agencies in Wisconsin, with an annual budget of roughly $15 billion and more than 6,700 employees. DHS is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin, making sure everyone can live their best life.

Wisconsin’s Site Evaluation Program: Mini-Grants

The Wisconsin Site Evaluation Program (SEP) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking applications from Tribal health departments and Tribal organizations interested in addressing environmental health hazards and their impact on housing in their communities. We are offering mini-grants of up to $30,000 each to help Tribal health departments and Tribal organizations implement new, innovative, expanded, or enhanced interventions to increase tenant and homeowner environmental health literacy. The awarded Tribal health departments and Tribal organizations will build upon existing relationships they have with communities and will use or adapt strategies to meet the unique identified needs of each community.

These grant funds are intended to be used for education, community engagement, collaboration, or other forms of outreach that increase the knowledge of tenants and homeowners to identify and protect themselves from environmental hazards. Hazards addressed under this grant must relate to one or more of the following:

• Indoor air quality
• Water quality
• Soil contamination

The Kennecott Charitable Foundation supports vulnerable populations in the Salt Lake Region through grants to local charities and non-profits. By raising funds via visitor fees and contributions from local organizations, the foundation aims to assist those in need, including the poor, homeless, veterans, and seniors. With a focus on underserved communities in Salt Lake and Tooele counties, it emphasizes aid to areas adjacent to Kennecott's operations.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for the U01 grant aimed at advancing gene-based therapies for ultra-rare neurological and neuromuscular disorders. This initiative focuses on IND-enabling studies and supports the development of innovative therapeutics with proven biological rationale. Applications must include robust data and compelling justification for the proposed clinical candidates, targeting a specific patient population to facilitate IND filing and subsequent clinical trials.

The 230 Outpatient Fitness Restoration Grant provides essential outpatient mental health services and fitness education for non-dangerous defendants adjudicated unfit to stand trial. This program focuses on community-based fitness restoration, which includes psychiatric and substance abuse treatment, aimed at reducing the number of individuals on waiting lists for inpatient services. With approximately 16 grants anticipated, the initiative supports both adults and juveniles, ensuring timely access to necessary treatments while upholding fairness and ethical standards in the judicial process.

Crawford County invites organizations to apply for funding from the Opioid Settlement Fund, which supports programs targeting opioid prevention, harm reduction, and recovery. With an annual allocation of approximately $100,000, the fund prioritizes initiatives addressing substance use and co-occurring disorders. Awards will depend on the funds available, with 85% earmarked for opioid remediation. Proposals will be accepted starting in May, fostering community-driven solutions to combat the opioid crisis.

The Mobilize Power Fund Grant, offered by the Third Wave Fund, supports youth-led gender justice activism. This rapid response fund targets organizations led by young women of color and LGBTQ+ youth, providing up to $10,000 for urgent needs. It prioritizes groups addressing recent incidents that threaten their work, fostering community power and leadership. Organizations with budgets under $500,000 can apply, aiming for impactful, time-sensitive initiatives that promote social change.

The CDC is offering funding to enhance collaboration among tuberculosis control programs and various partners in the U.S. This initiative aims to strengthen relationships with national TB control entities, federal agencies, academia, and community organizations. The goal is to promote health and quality of life by preventing, controlling, and eventually eliminating tuberculosis in the United States, building on previous funding opportunities.

The HEAL initiative aims to translate addiction research into practice to combat the opioid crisis and overdose events. It focuses on identifying barriers to reducing substance use and developing scalable, evidence-based interventions. Emphasizing recovery, prevention, and the integration of mental health, the initiative encourages collaboration among experts in various fields. Although applications are not currently solicited, potential applicants are urged to prepare for future opportunities to apply innovative solutions to enhance addiction treatment and prevention efforts.

The Cleon W. Mauldin Foundation Trust Grant aims to support arts education and promote artistic endeavors in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Established in memory of Cleon W. Mauldin, the foundation grants funds to organizations that focus on music, dance, and ballet, as well as educational programs in the arts. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations located in Georgia and South Carolina. This initiative fosters community engagement and opportunities for youth in the arts.

Texas Mutual is offering funding for workforce development and safety training initiatives to strengthen Texas's economy. This grant supports organizations that provide training for skilled workforce safety, create pathways for middle-skill jobs, and focus on upskilling adult learners. Eligible applicants can request between $25,000-$100,000, aligning their proposals with Texas Mutual's mission. The program prioritizes ongoing projects that demonstrate early results, established partnerships, and are in line with Texas communities' needs.

The Rhode Island Foundation's Specialized Health Funds program, starting in 2025, will consolidate several funds to support nonprofit organizations addressing health needs in Rhode Island. Key focus areas include care for individuals with renal disease, cancer, and disabilities, as well as support for children with low-vision and blindness. Applications for summer camps are due by April 25, 2025, while other projects must be submitted by August 18, 2025.

The Community Partnership Grants program by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation supports Louisiana's arts community by providing funding for music and arts education, cultural events, and new artistic works. Established in 1979, the program has distributed over $15 million to local nonprofits, schools, and artists, fostering job opportunities for Louisiana-based performers at public festivals and cultural events. Grants up to $7,500 are available to eligible organizations to further the Foundation’s mission.

The Aflac Charitable Fund Competitive Grant supports local nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, focusing on health and education. Priority is given to programs aiding pediatric cancer patients and their families, as well as life skills initiatives. Organizations must comply with state regulations and can only submit one application per cycle. Previous applicants can reapply in future cycles, but declined applications do not carry over automatically. This initiative is managed by the Central Carolina Community Foundation.

The Patricia D. Klingenstein Grants Program, established by the Sadie & Harry Davis Foundation, offers funding between $5,000 and $25,000 to support organizations addressing the health needs of Maine’s children, particularly those from low-income and under-resourced communities. Projects should enhance physical, mental, and social well-being, with a 12-month project period. The program emphasizes support for organizations with annual budgets under $5 million, fostering equity for diverse populations.

The Gospel Fest Music Arts Scholarship, established by Vicki Hill of WTLZ-FM, aims to support Saginaw County students pursuing degrees in Musical Arts. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Saginaw Community Foundation to enhance local education through scholarships and grants. The annual Gospel Fest, attracting up to 2,000 attendees, serves as a vibrant community event promoting peace and cultural unity through music, showcasing both local and national talent.

Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) Program

The Think Vermont Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) Program provides grant funding to enable local, regional, county-wide, or state-wide organizations to conduct relocation, recruitment, and retention activities. To be eligible for this funding, grantees must provide relocation services on behalf of their region or affinity group and collaborate with other organizations to optimize the success of relocation and retention efforts. These efforts reach and serve a broad audience, including underrepresented communities and new and diverse residents.

There are two tracks within the GROW program, the Relocation Track and the Retention Track. Some awardees will receive grants for both tracks. A description of each track is below along with a list of grant recipients:

Relocation Track: Grantees will complement and support the State’s relocation lead generation and distribution system on ThinkVermont.com. Grantees are required to connect with and follow up on generated leads of potential residents interested in moving to their area. Grantees activities can also include the creation of regional marketing assets to assist with out-of-state advertising campaigns.

Retention Track: Grantees will organize events and/or conduct activities that help new residents feel welcome in their new community. Outreach to recently relocated families and individuals will include invitations to participate in events such as mixers, young professionals’ groups and/or the Vermont Welcome Wagon programming.

The Saab Family Foundation Grant offers support to tax-exempt organizations in Rockingham and Hillsborough Counties in NH, as well as Essex and Middlesex Counties in MA. Established in 2010, the foundation focuses on enhancing the lives of individuals in need, particularly in education, youth services, elderly care, and housing assistance. Grants are aimed at public charities that foster social responsibility and contribute to positive community outcomes.

The Avant Garde Award supports innovative research on HIV and substance use disorders, encouraging creative scientists to explore high-risk, high-reward approaches. While applications are not currently being accepted, this initiative by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) aims to stimulate collaborations and impactful research. Early-stage investigators are particularly encouraged to consider this opportunity as they develop their proposals for future funding. The program uses the DP1 activity code, fostering transformative advancements in biomedical and behavioral science.

The Migrant Education Program-Continuation supports eligible children of migratory farm workers and fishers in Gloucester County. This program aims to provide educational resources and services to reduce learning gaps caused by frequent relocations. Key services include student identification, record transfers, and supplemental instruction. The program is a continuation grant, with funding available for the second year of a three-year initiative, running from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with a maximum funding amount of $960,825.