Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation offers the Start-Up Grant to support early-career researchers in California focused on diabetes and age-related brain and vision disorders. Grants of up to $120,000 per year for three years are available for projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to medical research. The foundation prioritizes funding for those affiliated with California institutions and encourages applications from those who have not held faculty positions for over a year.

The Anne and Tony Hillerman Scholarship, part of the New Mexico Press Women Scholarship Fund, supports New Mexico students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in journalism or communications. Established in 2023, the fund promotes ethical journalism and offers networking opportunities through the NMPW Annual Conference. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a relevant program, provide a portfolio of work, and submit a personal essay detailing their interests and career goals. This scholarship fosters the next generation of communicators and advocates for First Amendment rights.

The Fund for Lake Michigan Grant supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of Lake Michigan through projects that yield both immediate and long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions focusing on water quality improvement. Grants range from $700,000 to $900,000 quarterly, with priorities on projects that directly impact water quality and promote sustainable practices. This grant fosters economic growth while ensuring the preservation of vital water resources.

The NIHCM Foundation's Local Media Award honors outstanding local journalism that enhances understanding of health care issues in the U.S. It aims to recognize reports that improve health care affordability, accessibility, and quality. A $15,000 prize is awarded to the winner. Eligible entries must be published in 2025 and focus on local markets, offering insights relevant to health plans and policymakers. This award encourages innovative reporting that addresses the complexities of the health care system.

The Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) Grant offers funding for training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of new and existing employees. This initiative is a collaboration between community colleges and educational institutions, designed to address the workforce needs of Pennsylvania's business sector. Applications are accepted year-round, with quarterly approvals, ensuring ongoing support for workforce development.

Incyte Corporation offers charitable contributions to organizations aligned with its mission to improve the lives of patients with cancer and other diseases. Eligible entities include medical schools, associations, not-for-profits, advocacy groups, and hospitals. Requests should focus on healthcare and comply with relevant guidelines. Organizations must enter a written agreement to receive funding, and requests should be submitted at least 60 days prior to the decision deadline.

The Gender-Specific Services Grant, offered by the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, aims to support programs that address the unique challenges faced by girls and gender-expansive youth. This initiative fosters safe, inclusive environments where participants can heal from trauma and build confidence. By promoting trust, creativity, and leadership, the grant seeks to empower young people to connect with role models, express their identities, and envision a brighter future.

The Mildred P. McCrystal Memorial Scholarship, established by the Erie County Community Foundation, supports graduates from Erie County high schools pursuing Fine Arts with a focus on Music Performance or Education. Eligible candidates must have completed two years at an accredited university or community college. This scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, providing vital financial assistance to continue their educational journey and contribute to the artistic community.

The California State Forest Legacy Grant Program, administered by CAL FIRE, aims to conserve working forests through funding landscape-scale projects. Established under the California Forest Legacy Program Act of 2007, the program supports the purchase of conservation easements and fee title acquisitions to protect forested landscapes from subdivision and conversion. By collaborating with willing landowners, CAL FIRE seeks to enhance conservation efforts, ensuring ecological integrity and public access while maintaining the area's natural landscape.

The Tree Fund: Ohio Chapter ISA Education Grant Program, established in 2012, supports arboricultural education initiatives across Ohio. This annual $5,000 grant aims to enhance public awareness and knowledge in arboriculture and urban forestry, benefiting communities and the environment. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and educational institutions that serve individuals aged 16 and older, with projects needing hands-on components and solid evaluation metrics to measure impact.

The Saltonstall Foundation offers residency programs for writers and artists in New York, promoting diversity and inclusion. Eligible applicants must be at least 21 years old and reside full-time in New York State. The program spans 2, 3, or 4 weeks, with stipends available to support participants. There are no application fees, and additional financial assistance may be provided based on need. This initiative encourages creative individuals to engage in a nurturing environment.

The Advocacy for Child-Serving Systems RFP by the William Penn Foundation aims to enhance educational equity in Philadelphia by increasing the number of certified, diverse teachers. This initiative addresses the significant gap between the racial demographics of students and teachers. By funding strategic outreach and educational efforts, the foundation seeks to mobilize stakeholders to advocate for improved funding in early childhood and K-12 education, ensuring that all children have access to quality education and support.

The NM Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) aims to assist landowners in restoring and protecting forestland through voluntary easements and cost-share agreements. It promotes the recovery of endangered species, enhances biodiversity, and improves carbon sequestration. The program provides financial assistance to landowners, incentivizing them to enhance their land's ecological value while ensuring protections under the Endangered Species Act. Enrollment options include various agreements, allowing landowners to receive significant support for conservation practices.

The Georgia Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Funds Grant aims to enhance the quality of care and life for nursing home residents through reinvestment of civil money penalties. Funded projects may include tele-health innovations, training for staff, and support for resident councils. The grant encourages organizations such as advocacy groups and academic institutions to apply, fostering community involvement in improving care standards while ensuring compliance with CMS regulations.

The William Penn Foundation's RFP aims to increase the percentage of certified teachers in Philadelphia public schools, addressing the critical shortage of diverse educators. With a focus on pre-k-4 teachers, the initiative promotes effective pathways for pre-service and in-service teachers, including recruitment, improved preparation programs, and support for current teachers. This effort is essential to align the racial and ethnic makeup of educators with the diverse student population, fostering better educational outcomes in the community.

The FY2026 Cooperative Agreement for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Administrator aims to enhance and manage the 988 Lifeline, connecting individuals in crisis through various communication methods to a network of certified crisis centers. This initiative seeks to link people with vital emergency, behavioral health, and social services, providing essential support to those in need. The program is funded by the US HHS's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), emphasizing mental health resources and accessibility.

The SAF National Awards Program celebrates outstanding contributions to forestry through various awards, including the Outstanding Local Unit Achievement Award. This award recognizes local units for their sustained leadership or special projects that benefit the Society of American Foresters and the forestry profession. Each awarded unit receives a $500 honorarium, complimentary convention registration, and funding for travel expenses, ensuring recognition and support for their impactful efforts in forestry.

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to forestry through various awards, including the Employer Leadership Award. This award honors employers who significantly support SAF members' professional engagement. Recipients receive a $500 honorarium, complimentary convention registration, and travel expense support. The program aims to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations in promoting sustainable forestry practices and enhancing professional development, ultimately driving excellence in natural resource management.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is inviting applications for the Clinical Trial Cooperative Agreement Program. This funding opportunity supports investigator-initiated, interventional clinical trials at various phases. Initial funding will facilitate the preparation needed to start trials, with successful milestones leading to further support. NIAMS emphasizes hypothesis-driven trials that promise significant clinical impact within its research mission.

The SAF National Awards Program honors exceptional contributions to forestry through various awards, including the Technology Transfer Award. This award recognizes significant achievements in technology transfer, ensuring vital technical information reaches those involved in forestry management. It includes a $1,000 honorarium and other benefits presented at the SAF national convention. Nominees must be active members of the Society of American Foresters and demonstrate leadership and impact in their field.

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes excellence in forestry through various awards, including the Barrington Moore Memorial Award in Biological Science. This award honors individuals for significant contributions to biological research that advances forestry practices. It includes a $1,000 honorarium, convention registration, and travel support. The award celebrates leaders in forest ecology, soil science, and other related fields, promoting innovation and collaboration in forestry research.

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes excellence in forestry through various awards, including the Award in Forest Science. This award acknowledges significant research contributions in quantitative, economic, managerial, and social sciences, promoting advancements in forestry. Recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium, a complimentary SAF convention registration, and travel expense support. Established in 1996, this award highlights the importance of innovative research that impacts both national and international forestry practices.

This project aims to enhance health outcomes for women living with HIV in the South by integrating HIV care with comprehensive women's health services through coordinated Clinic and Community Collaboratives. By funding organizations to implement targeted strategies such as culturally responsive services and learning collaboratives, the initiative seeks to improve access to essential health services, increase the number of women initiating rapid ART, and foster sustainable healthcare models that address the unique needs of this population.

Expanding Access to Middle-Wage Occupations

Request for Proposals

The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative invites proposals for system and pathway models and policy and advocacy efforts that expand access to middle-wage occupations and upskilling opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. Proposals may be submitted by a single organization or a coalition of organizations working together with one organization as the lead.

 The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative will award grants of up to $500,000 for projects that build the capacity of a New York City workforce development system to connect low-income New Yorkers to a middle-wage occupation or a group of occupations. The City’s workforce development systems include its public workforce agencies; the field of nonprofit organizations; the City University of New York (CUNY) system; the field of labor unions; industry partnership hubs; and New York City Public Schools.

Competitive submissions will:

• Strengthen or expand training pathways to middle-wage occupations;
• Strengthen or expand advancement models that help workers secure middle-wage positions; and/or
•  Address structural barriers to effective middle-wage pathways for low-income New Yorkers.

Expanding Access to Middle-Wage Occupations

Request for Proposals

The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative invites proposals for system and pathway models and policy and advocacy efforts that expand access to middle-wage occupations and upskilling opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. Proposals may be submitted by a single organization or a coalition of organizations working together with one organization as the lead.

The collaborative will award grants of up to $200,000 for policy and advocacy efforts that:

• Increase the share of New York City’s middle-wage occupations;
• Expand access to middle-wage occupations for low-income New Yorkers, with a focus on reducing structural barriers to entry and advancement (including advocacy to increase public investments in pathways to middle-wage occupations);
• Develop and/or advance public policy solutions to support reskilling and upskilling for workers who have experienced labor market disruption; and/or 
• Implement concrete reforms to NYC’s workforce development systems that facilitate new or improved solutions to move more New Yorkers into middle-wage occupations.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship.

The agency is headquartered in Richmond and has several field offices, four regional diagnostic animal health laboratories and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally.

Virginia Agriculture Food Assistance Program Grant

The Virginia Agriculture Food Assistance Program provides grants to charitable food-assistance organizations to purchase Virginia Grown agricultural products. These products must be distributed to food insecure persons in Virginia in accordance with the food distribution guidelines for each charitable food assistance organization.

VDACS is seeking applications from charitable food assistance organizations with a plan to engage local farmers and growers to purchase locally grown minimally processed agricultural products that will be distributed to persons in need.

To be eligible, applicants must clearly demonstrate how the project will improve access to nutritious food and support communities in need throughout the state.

The Illinois Community Canopy Grant Program offers funding for tree inventory and management plans to disadvantaged communities. With up to $25,000 available, this program aims to enhance urban canopies and promote sustainable management practices. Communities can engage certified professionals to complete their inventories, ensuring data accuracy for future tree planting initiatives. Priority is given to those without a complete digital inventory or with outdated data. This initiative supports environmental stewardship and community development.