Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Tipton County Foundation

Since its founding in 1986, the civic-spirited volunteers responsible for TCF’s Board leadership, fund-raising, investment decisions, and grantmaking have built a substantial endowment that will never be spent. The income earned from investments is used to help meet Tipton County’s charitable needs– from social services for youth and senior citizens, to art, culture, education, recreation, historical preservation, animal welfare, and community development projects of all types. TCF is also a conduit for individual support of organizations, receiving non-endowed contributions that are earmarked and sometimes matched for local needs.

Education Grants

The Foundation's Education Grantmaking cycle is available to projects or programs which advance the educational outcomes for Tipton County residents.

Teachers and administrators at either public school system are welcome to apply, as are those leading non-profit educational programs at local churches, homeschool associations, and pre-k organizations.

The Harry M., Miriam C. and William C. Horton Fund Grant, established in 1948, supports public, charitable, educational, or religious purposes primarily benefiting the people of Rhode Island. The fund, created by Miriam Horton in memory of her husband and son, occasionally provides general operating support through one-year grants. Priority is given to requests focusing on basic needs, food, shelter, and healthcare, ensuring vital assistance to local organizations.

The BETA: Roadmaps initiative by MassCEC aims to accelerate building electrification and decarbonization for non-profit and public entities in Massachusetts. This program provides actionable roadmaps to achieve zero-emissions building portfolios by 2050, supporting the state’s climate goals. Participants receive tailored decarbonization strategies, addressing their unique needs while fostering sustainable practices across diverse building types. With a focus on efficient procurement and implementation, the initiative aligns with the Commonwealth's broader clean energy objectives.

The Harbor Point Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for underserved adults and children in the Bay Area. With a focus on innovative organizations addressing health crises and supporting educational, arts, and nutritional programs, the Foundation has distributed over $4.6 million in grants. Their mission emphasizes community engagement and advocacy, ensuring that funds support nonprofit organizations exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, particularly those benefiting Marin County residents.

In Dulci Jubilo Grant supports educational initiatives aimed at enhancing learning experiences for youth in Berkeley. This private funder prioritizes projects from schools and community organizations that address the achievement gap through innovative teaching methods. Grants are awarded for one year and aim to enrich the educational landscape, particularly for low-performing students. Recipients must submit a final report at the end of the funding period, ensuring accountability and sharing of outcomes.

New Mexico Community Foundation

For over 40 years, New Mexico Foundation (NMF) has worked to improve the quality of life for all residents of New Mexico. The only statewide foundation, NMF was started in 1983 by a small group of dedicated and visionary volunteers who believed in the power of Philanthropy as a tool for inspiring creative, community-based change and prosperity.

NMF has distinguished itself as a leader in philanthropy. Our progressive, grassroots approach to building stronger communities empowers community members to collaborate on critical issues by tapping into local resources and discovering the strength in themselves.

In 2019 we changed our name to better define our purpose and identity as the only community foundation serving the state of New Mexico.

Native American Preparatory Scholars Fund

The Native American Preparatory Scholars (NAPS) Fund was established in 2012 from the remaining assets of the former Native American Preparatory School located in Rowe, NM. The purpose of the fund is to support programs that increase the number of New Mexico Native American students who shall aspire to, be prepared for, and graduate from colleges and universities.

To accomplish this mission, New Mexico Community Foundation is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through our NAPS Fund.

Grant Focus Areas

• Programs that assist Native students with college acceptance.
• Programs whose goal is to increase college matriculation of Native students.
• Programs that support Native students for career readiness.

The John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood assists youth who have experienced foster care at age 14 or older achieve self-sufficiency. Grants are offered to States and Tribes who submit a plan to assist youth in a wide variety of areas designed to support a successful transition to adulthood. Activities and programs include, but are not limited to, help with education, employment, financial management, housing, emotional support and assured connections to caring adults for older youth in foster care.

The Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for graduate students interested in ocean and coastal policy. Funded by the National Sea Grant College Program, this one-year fellowship matches students with government hosts in Washington, D.C. The program is designed to enhance understanding of marine policy and resource management. Applications are due by February 19, 2025, with selection processes concluding by April 2, 2025. This program fosters professional growth and impactful engagement in marine policy.

The Skutch Keystone Grant, established by Dr. and Mrs. Skutch, honors over sixty years of contributions to Neotropical ornithology. It supports research on birds in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, encouraging local scholars, including students and professionals, to conduct field studies. Grants of up to $15,000 are awarded annually to promote ecological and conservation efforts, enhancing our understanding of birds in their natural habitats.

The Herbert C. Kelman Fellowships, offering $3,000–4,000, support research aimed at understanding and resolving international and ethnic conflicts, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian situation. Funded by the family of Professor Herbert C. Kelman, these grants encourage Harvard graduate students to engage in peacebuilding efforts. Eligible candidates may use the funding for dissertation-related travel, training, or data compilation throughout the summer or academic year, promoting vital research in conflict resolution.

The A.F. Skutch Medal, awarded by the Association of Field Ornithologists, honors outstanding contributions to Neotropical ornithology. Established in 1997, it recognizes achievements in research, mentoring students, and public engagement through publications. The award consists of a silver medal featuring the Fiery-billed Aracari and a monetary prize of $1,000. Nominations are accepted annually until July 31, with an emphasis on candidates' impactful contributions to the field.

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.

Under the leadership of the Director, the Department is managed by four Divisions which offer a variety of programs and services and carry out mandated regulatory and land management responsibilities. Additionally, six commission are administratively attached to the Department.

Forestry - FY26 Local Government Assistance (LGA)

Program Goals

Provide financial support to help local governments engage in activities to accelerate the pace and scale of forest management to reduce wildland fire hazards, improve forest health, and enhance economic productivity on cross-boundary projects that include federal, state, or private lands in Montana.    

Grants are for:

• Funding coordination/facilitation costs for forest collaborative groups that have county commissioner involvement or support.
• Funding of amicus briefs for projects with local government support and likely to be litigated in the next year.

ConocoPhillips Charitable Investments focus on Water and Biodiversity Stewardship, promoting conservation and restoration of ecosystems. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with communities and organizations to enhance biodiversity, improve water availability, and foster innovative conservation practices. Proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with long-term conservation goals, community engagement, and innovative approaches. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt charities or government subdivisions, while ineligible entities include those advancing political causes or engaging in discriminatory practices.

The United States Adult Cystic Fibrosis Association (USACFA) offers a Higher Education Scholarship, honoring Lauren Melissa Kelly. This scholarship awards up to $2500 to two adults with cystic fibrosis pursuing various educational paths. Applicants must show proof of enrollment for the relevant academic year and can cover education-related costs, including tuition and materials. This initiative not only supports education but also commemorates Lauren's legacy, inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite challenges.

Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows

Catalyzing Innovation through Partnerships

At its core, Grand Challenges catalyzes bold innovation through partnership - bringing together funders, researchers, implementers, and public health leaders to solve complex global challenges. This multi-partner initiative reflects the Grand Challenges ethos, leveraging complementary expertise and investments to accelerate accessible genomic sequencing solutions for low- and middle-income Countries.

About this Challenge

This Grand Challenge is co-funded by the Gates Foundation, and the Temasek Foundation, and will be managed by the United Nations Foundation. This Grand Challenge is implemented in collaboration with a network of global and regional partners, including International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), and the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) as regional technical and public-health partners. This RFP aims to accelerate the development of affordable, scalable, and operationally simple sequencing solutions, enabling routine use of genomics for public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Award Structure and Funding Level

To accommodate different stages of innovation maturity, this RFP supports a tiered award structure, with funding levels and expectations aligned to the readiness and scope of the proposed work. Indicative award categories are:

For technically ambitious or higher-risk, earlier-stage concepts focused on feasibility testing, assay or workflow prototyping, and initial cost-reduction validation. Intended approaches that require focused development to demonstrate viability.

Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows

Catalyzing Innovation through Partnerships

At its core, Grand Challenges catalyzes bold innovation through partnership - bringing together funders, researchers, implementers, and public health leaders to solve complex global challenges. This multi-partner initiative reflects the Grand Challenges ethos, leveraging complementary expertise and investments to accelerate accessible genomic sequencing solutions for low- and middle-income Countries.

About this Challenge

This Grand Challenge is co-funded by the Gates Foundation, and the Temasek Foundation, and will be managed by the United Nations Foundation. This Grand Challenge is implemented in collaboration with a network of global and regional partners, including International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), and the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) as regional technical and public-health partners. This RFP aims to accelerate the development of affordable, scalable, and operationally simple sequencing solutions, enabling routine use of genomics for public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Award Structure and Funding Level

To accommodate different stages of innovation maturity, this RFP supports a tiered award structure, with funding levels and expectations aligned to the readiness and scope of the proposed work. Indicative award categories are:

For concepts with preliminary feasibility evidence that are ready to advance from prototype toward an integrated workflow—optimizing performance, broadening assay or pathogen coverage, and generating more robust cost-reduction and performance data.

Provident Health Foundation of Marinette-Menominee Inc.

The Provident Health Foundation was created in 2019 as part of the final agreement between Advocate Aurora Health and Bay Area Medical Center that made the hospital a wholly-owned member of the Advocate Aurora system with a big vision for community health.

How we fund is evolving as we become more established and as we listen and respond to the needs of our community, both the residents of these counties and the nonprofits with which we partner. Our philosophy of operating is born from the vision of health for Marinette and Menominee Counties that we have written into our bylaws and evidence-based best practices for private foundations on how to achieve that vision. The Provident Health Foundation Board of Directors codifies that in a Strategic Plan for Provident every three years.

The purpose of the Provident Health Foundation is to improve and sustain the health and well being of the people who live in Marinette and Menominee Counties and ensure them access to affordable quality acute hospital care. Provident Health Foundation's mission is to serve those in Marinette and Menominee counties.  

Provident Health Foundation Grant

We fund new or existing program and project requests that work to advance our mission as stated above through our strategic plan priorities. Our strategic plan was informed by the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) conducted in collaboration with the Community Health Partnership of Marinette/Menominee Counties and included feedback from over 1000 residents and 70 leaders. We fund to address the top health improvement priorities from the CHNA. Those are:

• Substance Misuse
• Mental Health
• Childhood Obesity reduction through healthy eating and active living
• Equitable Access to Care

We fund requests that address these through a prevention or promotion approach as opposed to treatment or recovery. We also fund requests that address social determinants of health with the goal of improving these health behaviors in our community. 

The New Mexico Veterans Memorial Scholarship, established in 2024, supports graduating high school seniors in New Mexico who embody the Medal of Honor Core Values: Courage, Sacrifice, Integrity, Commitment, Patriotism, and Citizenship. This scholarship encourages students to explore and reflect on these values through a personal essay and community service. Preference is given to students from Albuquerque High Schools, fostering a commitment to excellence and civic duty among the youth.

About

Our Mission

The mission of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, a nonprofit public charity, is to serve the charitable purposes of its donors and the charitable needs of the Oklahoma City area through the development and administration of endowment and other charitable funds with the goal of preserving capital and enhancing value.

Hospice Foundation of Oklahoma

The Hospice Foundation of Oklahoma at OCCF grant opportunity is designed to improve end-of-life care for Oklahomans and increase education and awareness of hospice and palliative care options throughout the state.

Priorities

The organization must improve end-of-life-care for Oklahomans through one or more of the following:

• Education for health care professionals
• Awareness for Oklahomans around hospice and palliative care
• Social model hospice facilities and services

Awards are made up to $30,000.

The Jacquelin Goldman Congressional Fellowship offers developmental and clinical psychologists a unique opportunity to gain public policy experience while enhancing the application of psychological knowledge in government. Funded by the American Psychological Foundation, this fellowship supports one fellow annually with a stipend of $75,000 to $90,000, along with health insurance reimbursement and professional development funds. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in child psychology and policy issues, and have strong communication skills.

The National Institutes of Health is launching a funding opportunity to explore the mechanisms of skin injuries caused by toxic chemicals. This initiative aims to understand the common pathways of injury from various harmful substances, facilitating the discovery of therapeutic targets. Researchers are encouraged to collaborate and apply their expertise in cutaneous wound healing. The goal is to develop broad-spectrum medical countermeasures for mass casualty events involving toxic exposures, enhancing public health safety.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Scleroderma-Related Lung Disease— The Debra Lurvey Memorial Research Grant, provided by the National Scleroderma Foundation, aims to support research in scleroderma-related lung disease. With a funding amount of $200,000, the grant encourages established investigators to explore innovative solutions and enhance understanding of this condition, ultimately working towards improving the quality of life for affected individuals and advancing medical knowledge in the field.

The Inland Wetlands Conservation Program, spearheaded by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, aims to protect and restore vital wetland habitats in the Central Valley. This program collaborates with various organizations to enhance populations of waterfowl, shorebirds, and at-risk bird species. Eligible activities include land acquisition for wildlife-friendly agriculture, conservation easements, and habitat restoration. By focusing on sustainable practices, the program supports biodiversity and ecological resilience throughout the region.