Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Cannon Foundation Grants support capital and equipment projects in North Carolina, focusing on healthcare, higher education, human services, and community initiatives. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes established organizations and encourages collaboration with other funding sources. Grants are not available for operational expenses or start-up funding, and applicants must demonstrate a clear funding plan for ongoing operations. This foundation seeks to empower communities while avoiding dependency on funding.

The IRSS RIFM Special Award for Inhalation Toxicology offers a $500 prize for trainees contributing to inhalation toxicology research. Sponsored by the Society of Toxicology, this award encourages innovative evaluations of inhaled toxicants, exposure science advancements, and risk assessment research. Applicants must submit a one-page summary of their work and a pending abstract for presentation at the SOT Annual Meeting, alongside a mentor's support letter. This award aims to promote excellence in the field.

The Bernick's Beverages and Vending Fund Grants aim to support organizations that align with the Bernick family's values, offering up to $150,000 in funding for 8-10 eligible groups. Focus areas include youth education and fitness initiatives, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities within Bernick's operational regions. The foundation seeks innovative programs that foster community engagement and promote healthy lifestyles.

Women's Breast Health Fund

The Women’s Breast Health Fund is a field of interest fund that provides support for holistic breast cancer care for women and their loved ones throughout the region served by the Community Foundation (Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties).

The Fund’s mission covers the entire breast cancer continuum from diagnosis through follow up care throughout the life of the survivor with this focus: to make life better for women and their loved ones who are facing this disease.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation's System Innovations Grant aims to strengthen community systems for youth, particularly Indigenous and Black youth, through collaborative initiatives. Eligible projects must reflect community diversity and include young leaders. Funding supports groundwork and implementation activities over a term of 2 to 6 years, addressing key outcomes such as creating safe spaces and promoting employment pathways. The grant encourages culturally responsive approaches to benefit youth facing systemic barriers across Ontario.

Cumberland County, North Carolina, is seeking proposals to support organizations in implementing effective strategies to combat the opioid crisis. This initiative aims to reduce overdose fatalities, emergency visits, and illicit opioid use while enhancing local infrastructure. By building on successful pilot projects, the RFP focuses on evidence-based approaches to address this urgent public health issue, fostering community resilience and collaboration.

The IPCF's Mirza/Arts & Culture Grants support programs focused on art, music, and theatre education, as well as performing and visual arts. Open to tax-exempt organizations, these grants encourage innovative projects benefiting residents of McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, and Logan counties. Applicants may request funding between $600 and $5,000, with a minimum request of $500. The grants emphasize ongoing self-sufficiency and measurable outcomes, fostering community enrichment through diverse artistic initiatives.

The Jim Moran Foundation Grant supports innovative programs aimed at improving the quality of life for youth and families in Florida. Priority is given to initiatives focused on education, elder care, family strengthening, and youth transitional living. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, and grants are primarily awarded for programs benefiting at-risk and economically disadvantaged individuals in Broward, Palm Beach, and Duval counties. Note: New Letters of Inquiry will not be accepted until January 2, 2026.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The Implementing Zero Suicide in Health Systems program aims to enhance suicide prevention efforts for adults within health systems. Funded by the US HHS's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this initiative employs a comprehensive approach that incorporates all seven elements of the Zero Suicide framework: Lead, Train, Identify, Engage, Treat, Transition, and Improve. This program seeks to create safer health environments and reduce suicide rates effectively.

The RFP for the Rural Rental Housing Preservation Academy offers no-cost training sessions aimed at empowering rural housing providers to acquire and preserve affordable housing financed by USDA, HUD, and LIHTC. Participants will engage in peer learning, receive targeted technical assistance, and access expert guidance tailored to their needs. This initiative seeks to enhance the preservation of affordable housing opportunities, particularly those with rental assistance, in rural communities across the region.

Indiana Alcohol Research Center Pilot Project Program

The NIAAA-supported Indiana Alcohol Research Center (IARC) is soliciting proposals for pilot projects from investigators who want to develop research on alcohol use disorders. Applications pertinent to basic mechanisms of alcohol misuse, neurophysiological and behavioral phenotypes of drinking, and genetic underpinnings of alcohol preference are welcome. The purpose of an IARC pilot grant is to allow an investigator to obtain preliminary data leading to extramural funding. Previous experience in research on alcohol use and/or alcohol use disorder is not required.

Pilot projects are limited to $50,000 (direct costs) per year for two years.

The Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Funding aims to support marginalized youth aged 18-24 facing barriers to education, training, and employment. Managed by the Office of Workforce Development in collaboration with local organizations, this grant provides funding for up to three years to create a coordinated system that helps youth transition into career-oriented opportunities. Key focus areas include evidence-based policies, partnerships, and access to essential services to ensure successful outcomes for participants.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance a web-based ordering portal for distributing 1.5 million HIV and STI self-tests to high-burden communities. By optimizing access to these self-tests, the initiative seeks to raise awareness, prevent new infections, and improve the health outcomes of users, thereby contributing to better overall public health and wellbeing.

The CDC's Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program for States aims to enhance public health approaches to suicide prevention across the U.S. By targeting high-risk groups, such as veterans and rural populations, the program utilizes data to identify prevention areas, assess existing programs, and implement evidence-based strategies. Key outcomes include improved partner engagement and a measurable reduction in suicide rates. This initiative allows potential applicants to prepare by reviewing relevant data and forming strategic partnerships ahead of future opportunities.

The Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program (RRGL) supports the conservation and management of Montana's renewable resources by funding water-related projects for private entities. Grants are available for initiatives that enhance water resource sustainability, provided they meet specific criteria, such as benefiting a water resource and not being funded by a government entity. This program aims to secure economic and social prosperity for Montana's citizens.

The American Heart Association is inviting proposals for research on the effects of GLP-1 and GIP agonists in individuals with cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. This initiative aims to explore how these medications can alleviate the CKM burden. Researchers with expertise in causal inference, machine learning, and cardiovascular research are encouraged to apply, particularly those working in multidisciplinary teams and leveraging various data sources.

The Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers graduate students a unique opportunity to engage in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resource policy-making. Established in 1979, the program pairs students with hosts in the U.S. Congress or executive branch for a year-long paid fellowship. With awards ranging from $78,100 to $95,600, fellows gain invaluable experience while contributing to important environmental decisions. Eligible students must be enrolled in a graduate program and demonstrate an interest in marine policy.

The Jacquelyn Bogue Foundation is dedicated to combating the stigma surrounding suicide in Orange County. By fostering awareness and understanding of suicide as a public health issue, the foundation aims to reduce suicide rates through education and community programs. It invites partnerships with organizations that share its mission, and it emphasizes the importance of supporting families affected by suicide. This initiative aligns with California's Strategy for Suicide Prevention, focusing on community stewardship and collaborative efforts.

The GOCO Land Acquisition Grant, offered by Great Outdoors Colorado, aims to protect vital landscapes, waterways, and habitats across Colorado. Since 1992, GOCO has invested over $1.3 billion from Colorado Lottery proceeds to enhance public access to parks and natural areas. This grant supports projects that prioritize both urban and rural landscapes while fostering wildlife habitats and public recreation opportunities, especially in underserved communities, ensuring sustainable conservation efforts.

The GOCO Community Impact Grant supports projects that enhance community access to outdoor spaces in Colorado. With a focus on revitalizing parks, trails, and other facilities, GOCO aims to improve the quality of life for residents. Eligible applicants include municipalities, special districts, and non-profits dedicated to land conservation. This flexible funding can cover project management and implementation costs, fostering community-driven initiatives that celebrate Colorado's diverse landscapes and improve public engagement with the outdoors.

The Community Funds Grant by the Marshall County Community Foundation supports local organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on charitable initiatives. Grants typically range from $5,000 and are awarded biannually. Eligible projects include start-up costs for new programs, one-time needs, and other specific requests identified by the foundation. However, individuals and projects for sectarian purposes or long-term funding are not eligible. This grant aims to foster philanthropy and enhance community impact.

The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) has been funding land conservation projects since 1999, utilizing a special fund to support state agencies, nonprofits, and Virginia Indian Tribes. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs, with full funding available for certain entities. VLCF focuses on protecting farmland, forests, historic areas, natural spaces, and parks, aiming for a balanced distribution of protected land across the Commonwealth while ensuring public access to these vital resources.

The Parole Rotary Foundation Grant, established by the Rotary Club of Parole (Annapolis), aims to support local 501(c)(3) organizations in Anne Arundel County. With over 60 active members, the club focuses on educational and welfare programs for families and children. The foundation is funded through member donations and fundraising efforts, promoting impactful projects that align with its mission of making a positive difference for youth and the community.

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs works every day to positively impact Alabama communities through partnerships, grant programs, and services to spur community and economic development and enhance quality of life.

ADECA is a state agency that partners with leaders at the local level to positively impact and enhance the quality of life in Alabama communities through dozens of federal and state grant programs, surplus property, and water resource management.

Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program

The Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program (ARHTP) is designed to improve health outcomes, expand access to essential services, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the state’s rural communities. The program focuses on addressing longstanding access challenges, including provider shortages, geographic barriers, and gaps in specialty care, through partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations. Emphasis is placed on prevention, early intervention, and improving access to care closer to home by leveraging innovative service delivery models and strengthening the rural healthcare workforce.

EMS Treat-in-Place Initiative

Funding Purpose

Funding under this NOFO is intended to support the development and implementation of EMS treat-inplace pilot programs that advance one or more initiative goals and align with the EMS Treat-in-Place strategy. Depending on the proposed scope of work, funding may support activities necessary to enable treat-in-place service delivery, including protocol development, telehealth consulting equipment, software, training, and other implementation needs necessary to support treat-in-place service delivery.

All funding under this opportunity is expected to be distributed through a competitive subaward process. Selected applicants will be treated as subrecipients and will be required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and programmatic requirements associated with the award.

The Community Support for Marine Debris Removal RFP aims to tackle the pressing issue of marine debris in Alaska's coastal and offshore waters. This initiative, funded by the NOAA Marine Debris Program, empowers local communities by providing small grants to support their efforts in cleaning up litter and debris. The program addresses essential food safety and security concerns while promoting environmental stewardship and community resilience in the face of ongoing challenges related to marine waste.

The Proposition 1 Stream Flow Enhancement Program in California aims to improve stream flows for the benefit of fish and wildlife. It provides $200 million in funding for projects that align with the California Water Action Plan, focusing on enhancing water flow in streams supporting anadromous fish and at-risk species. The program facilitates water transactions, conservation projects, and habitat restoration efforts to ensure sustainable water resource management and resilience against climate change.