Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The LCCF Mini Grants program, offered by the La Crosse Community Foundation, provides funding between $1,000 and $15,000 to nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County. With a total allocation of $100,000 for the year, the program seeks to support result-oriented projects that address community needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities or have a fiscal sponsor and serve the local community, promoting engagement and social capital.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Dissertation Mini-Grant

The Mensa Foundation empowers the next generation of researchers through its Dissertation Mini-Grant program.

Designed to support advanced doctoral students, this grant funds innovative studies that broaden our understanding of intelligence, creativity, gifted education, and related fields.

Details

The Mensa Foundation Dissertation Mini-Grant provides $2,500 to advanced doctoral students conducting research on intelligence and gifted education. By funding innovative studies, the grant promotes research that addresses the complexities of intelligence, creativity, and related fields.

Grant Components

The El Paso Community Foundation Grant supports innovative philanthropic projects in the El Paso region, including far west Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Chihuahua, Mexico. Established in 1977, the foundation has awarded over $167 million in grants to address community needs. Key focus areas include arts, education, health, and economic development. Priorities include collaboration and impactful projects, while avoiding grants for individuals, capital campaigns, or religious purposes.

The Joseph A. Coolidge Award provides scholarships and awards for Northeastern University honors students. It supports tuition, global experiences, and research initiatives. Eligible students must be enrolled in a major within the Physical Sciences or Mathematics, demonstrating academic excellence and community involvement. Applications will open in Spring 2026, offering resources to enhance honors studies and foster academic achievement.

The Opportunity Endowment Fund, managed by the East Tennessee Foundation, aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofit organizations across a 25-county service area. Grants of up to $25,000 support collaborative projects focused on improving operational systems, fostering partnerships, and addressing community needs. Projects that demonstrate collective impact and leverage matching funds are prioritized, particularly those that tackle adverse childhood experiences and enhance early childhood education.

The John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting effective organizations that enhance opportunities for low-income youth, particularly in Atlanta and DeKalb County, Georgia. The foundation prioritizes programs in arts education, community services, and child development. Grants are available to public charities with a minimum two-year operational history. Applications are accepted annually, and only by invitation for arts education programs, ensuring a concentrated impact on community needs.

The McLean Foundation provides funding for projects that enhance wellbeing in communities and the environment, focusing on areas like Arts, Environment, Education, Social Welfare, and Health. Eligible applicants include Canadian registered charities and qualified donees. Grants typically reach up to $15,000, with possibilities for larger or multi-year funding for promising projects. The Foundation aims to support initiatives that may lack broad public appeal, ensuring social benefit is prioritized.

The Carbon Removal Innovation Support Program (GFO-22-901) aims to fund innovative projects that utilize advanced technologies for the direct capture of atmospheric carbon. This initiative, created under Assembly Bill 209, offers cost-sharing for eligible applicants including those receiving federal awards or follow-on funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The program prioritizes technology research, development, and demonstration projects that do not benefit fossil fuel production.

The Alice E. and Joseph C. Blewett Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations, primarily in Dallas, Texas, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to qualify. The foundation places a strong emphasis on local community engagement, aiming to enhance educational and cultural opportunities for youth. While there are no strict geographic limitations, preference is given to initiatives that align with the Blewetts' legacy of civic involvement and support for community welfare.

The NIAID aims to support four Clinical Trials Networks (CTNs) by funding Statistical and Data Management Centers (SDMCs) to enhance HIV research. These SDMCs will oversee study designs, data collection, and compliance with regulatory standards while ensuring data quality and integration. This initiative is a crucial step toward ending the HIV epidemic, fostering innovative methods, and adhering to NIH data sharing policies. Applications for the SDMCs are now being solicited.

The Richard Hayes "Career Technical Education" Grant, offered by the Gilroy Foundation, supports transformative educational initiatives in technology, design, and vocational training. With over 40 years of impactful grantmaking, the foundation allocates 5% of year-end balances to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. This grant specifically aims to enhance skills in technical drawing, graphic technology, engineering studies, and film production, thereby empowering the community through education.

The Petit Family Foundation offers General Project Support Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to support local communities. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate programmatic capacity and leadership. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and sustainability, focusing on projects that have a clear impact. Preference is given to local New England-based non-profits, while ineligible requests include funding for individuals, endowments, and political organizations. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and community alignment.

The Goodyear Community Support Grant aims to empower nonprofit organizations that align with Goodyear's community engagement focus areas. With a strong commitment to safe, smart, and sustainable initiatives, Goodyear supports programs fostering safe mobility, inspiring students through education, and addressing environmental and societal needs. This grant serves as a catalyst for positive change, helping communities thrive by focusing on volunteerism and impactful partnerships.

The Gratiot County Community Foundation offers competitive grants to enhance the quality of life for Gratiot County residents. With three grant cycles each year, funding is available for community development, arts, education, health, and more. Projects must serve the county's citizens and align with the Foundation's mission of addressing community needs creatively. Non-profit organizations within the area are encouraged to apply, ensuring broad benefits across diverse populations.

The Heistand Family Foundation Grant aims to empower children in poverty through impactful programs and partnerships. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance human health, community well-being, and education, focusing on practical applications. Nonprofit organizations and governmental entities are encouraged to apply, particularly those located in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area or western Iowa. This grant supports initiatives that foster job skills and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged children.

The Marion Maccarrell Scott Scholarship, established by Gertrude F. Straub in memory of her father, supports students from Hawai'i public high schools planning to attend college on the mainland. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess good character, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. This scholarship encourages studies in fields related to history, government, and international relations, promoting an understanding of world cooperation and peace.

The Avon Community Fund invites local organizations, municipal departments, and resident-led groups (working with a fiscal sponsor) to apply for funding that strengthens the wellbeing, vibrancy, and resilience of the Avon community. This grant opportunity supports projects that directly benefit town residents and reflect the priorities, aspirations, and lived experiences of the community.

Community Funds at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation was created to empower residents with resources to identify needs and champion solutions in their own towns. Each fund is guided by a committee of volunteer residents who review applications, elevate local voices, and recommend grants that respond to emerging issues, longstanding disparities, or new opportunities for improvement. These committees bring deep local knowledge and a commitment to strengthening the places they call home. 

About Us

Building a better community

Part of the mission of the Suffolk Foundation is to facilitate and develop philanthropy which will allow charitable grant making to benefit the citizens in the City of Suffolk and the surrounding area. The Suffolk Foundation’s mission is to assist individuals, corporations, organizations, and other foundations in meeting their charitable goals.

Bradshaw Benevolence Grant

Overview

In February 2027, we will award one Bradshaw Benevolence Grant in the amount of $25,000.

Goals

The goal of the Bradshaw Grant is to provide tangible assistance to members of our community, and to fund a project that would not be possible otherwise. While our Community Impact Grants often provide sustaining support for local organizations, the focus for the Bradshaw Grant is a little different—specifically, we are interested in launching or expanding an initiative to create new, positive, and quantifiable change for individuals and families. Although new projects may receive priority, we would like to hear from any nonprofit in Suffolk, Franklin, Southampton County, or Isle of Wight County providing food, clothing, shelter, and/or medical care, that could make a demonstrable difference for people with this grant.

The Sociedad Amigos de Colombia de Indiana (SADCO) Scholarship, managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Latinx and Hispanic students pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must be Indiana residents with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrating financial need and community service. Preference is given to first, second, or third generation Latinx and/or Hispanic students. Scholarship funds assist with tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, reinforcing the foundation's mission to build inclusive opportunities.

The Kinsman Foundation Small Grants program supports projects that benefit the public in Oregon and southern Washington, focusing on historic preservation and native wildlife rehabilitation. Grants, typically under $5,000, are awarded to tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies without matching fund requirements. Applications are reviewed every 6-8 weeks, with no specific deadlines for inquiries under $5,000. The foundation emphasizes project support while considering general administrative support valuable for nonprofits.

Bureau of Behavioral Health FY27 Notice of Funding Opportunities

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is now accepting applications for a series of competitive grants made available through funding appropriated to the agency.

Pregnant and Parenting Women and Men with Dependent Children Childcare Specialist Program

Cost Reimbursement

The Department of Mental Health, Bureau of Behavioral Health/ Division of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Services is now accepting funding proposals for the state fiscal year 2027. This proposal application is eligible to all Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) certified PPWDC providers who are in good standing. However, DMH certification is not a guarantee of funding. All submitted proposals will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers using the posted competitive grant scoring rubric. Not all submitted proposals may be funded, but comprehensive feedback will be provided to all providers, particularly if their application was not funded for the current fiscal year.

The funding associated with this grant opportunity is meant to defray a proportion of operational costs for the service.

Grant Description

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (MSDMH), Division of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Services (DADATS) is continuing a temporary pilot program to address the childcare needs of the Pregnant and Parenting Women and Men with Dependent Children (PPWMDC) Program.

One specific need is the educational and developmental needs of children of the clients who are in treatment. This grant continuation is designed to enhance the PPWMDC programs that may need assistance in this area. Each PPWMDC program will need to hire an Early Childhood Development childcare specialist for children (ages 2-5 years) of the mothers and or fathers who are in treatment. The temporary program is designed to allow the child to receive structured instruction, learning, and nurturing, while housed in a controlled and inviting setting. Being in this type of setting will enhance the child’s development and/or growth, which will alleviate idle time and the notion of baby-sitting the child or children.

The hired childcare specialist should have a minimum of 4 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Development. The annual salary for the childcare specialist is $50,000 per year. FY26 marks the fourth year of this extraordinary pilot program.

Purpose of SUPTRS Funding

The Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (formerly Substance Abuse Block Grant) exists to assist Mississippians in accessing services which would otherwise be unavailable due to an inability to pay. According to the DMH Operational Standards Rule 10.7.B.1, the agency cannot turn away individuals based on inability to pay. Since SUD has historically been a non-reimbursable service for third party billing, these funds are to be used as a source of compensation to the agency who serves these individuals.

The Kinsman Foundation offers conventional grants exceeding $5,000 for projects focused on historic preservation and wildlife rehabilitation in Oregon and southern Washington. These grants support public benefit activities, especially for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of August 1 for annual review. The Foundation prioritizes architectural preservation and licensed wildlife rehabilitation, while no matching funds are required and there are no limits on reapplications.

The DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grants, supported by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, aim to enhance tree planting efforts across public lands within DTE Energy's service area. This initiative encourages local governments, schools, and nonprofits to engage in sustainable tree planting projects to foster environmental stewardship and community revitalization. By focusing on properly planted and maintained trees, the program seeks to protect natural resources and promote a greener future for all.

The La Plaza Scholarship, established in 1997 by the leaders of the Latinx and Hispanic community in Indiana, aims to support Latinx and Hispanic youth in their educational pursuits. Managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes financial need, determination, and a minimum GPA of 2.7. Preference is given to students identifying as Latinx or Hispanic, ensuring that the program nurtures a diverse and inclusive academic environment for future generations.

The Joseph O. & Geraldine C. Waymire Nursing Scholarship, established by the Waymire family, supports students pursuing nursing careers. It is open to high school seniors from accredited Marion County institutions and those enrolled in nursing programs at various educational levels. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. The scholarship aims to foster a diverse nursing workforce, reflecting the mission of the Central Indiana Community Foundation to enhance community opportunities.

The INTESOL Wendy Wildman Long Scholarship, established by Indiana Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, supports current or former English learners from Indiana. It aims to provide educational funding for college or vocational training, with preference given to students of color. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need, ensuring access to opportunities for historically marginalized communities in Central Indiana.

The RSLAAIS Leadership Award, presented by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), honors exemplary leaders within state, regional, or local allergy societies. This prestigious award recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to community involvement, clinical education, and the advancement of the AAAAI's mission. Candidates are nominated by the RSLAAIS Board of Governors and must demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their local allergy societies and the broader medical community.