Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers a Public Beach Restoration Program aimed at the restoration and enhancement of public beaches. This program provides funding for the engineered placement of sand on beaches or in the nearshore environment, covering up to 85% of nonfederal project costs for nonstate beaches. Eligible applicants include public agencies, ensuring support for vital coastal infrastructure and community access to healthy beach environments.

The Urban Trees Mini Grant, funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports small tree planting projects in urban underserved areas across Maryland. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, and projects can receive up to $10,000. This initiative is part of Maryland's broader goal to plant 5 million native trees by 2031, enhancing access to green spaces for communities in need.

California Energy Commission

As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the California Energy Commission (CEC) plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future—one that is clean, modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive. Combating climate change is fundamental to maintaining California’s future. The agency’s research, programs and policies remain crucial today as the state plans for 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by mid-century. CEC is helping create the energy system of California’s future through activities such as Planning and Policy Development, Renewable Energy Growth; Energy Efficiency; Energy Innovation; Cleaner Transportation; and Responsible Electricity Infrastructure.

Direct Air Capture Pre-Commercial Demonstration and Community Engagement

Purpose

This solicitation supports the development and deployment of advanced direct air capture (DAC) carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies through pre-commercial pilot and demonstration projects under real-world conditions.

The Wabanaki Grant, offered by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, aims to support Wabanaki communities through flexible funding for initiatives that prioritize sovereignty, self-determination, and community well-being. With a total of $1.8 million available for 2025, grants range from $10,000 to $200,000, catering to both individual organizations and collaborative efforts. The foundation is dedicated to fostering Indigenous perspectives and ensuring that all funded projects align with the needs and goals of Wabanaki people.

The Red Ants Pants Foundation Community Grant Program supports projects that enrich rural communities in Montana. Grants are awarded to organizations and individuals aligned with the Foundation's mission, focusing on leadership for women, preservation of family farms, and community development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community support and the potential for significant local impact. With over $190,000 granted in the past cycles, this initiative fosters collaboration and growth in small towns, ensuring that rural voices are heard and valued.

The Maitland Emmet BENHS Research Fund invites applications for research grants focused on insects and invertebrates relevant to the British fauna. Open to members and non-members of the British Entomological and Natural History Society, the fund emphasizes conservation-related fieldwork and the creation of identification guides. Grants are capped at £1000, and successful applicants must submit a report within six months, including images for the Society's website.

The W. B. & Ellen Gordon Stuart Trust provides grants for the study and treatment of cancer, heart disease, and infantile paralysis, specifically within Texas. This private foundation only funds charitable nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Grant applications cannot be submitted by individuals. For more information on the application process and eligibility, interested parties should refer to the foundation finder.

The Alice M. Ditson Fund offers organizational support for summer festivals and conferences focused on contemporary American classical music. This funding opportunity encourages the appreciation of works by younger, relatively unknown American composers. Eligible applicants include performing organizations and institutions that promote artistic excellence. The Fund emphasizes supporting living composers at various career stages, ensuring a broader recognition of their contributions to classical concert music. It is crucial for applicants to align their projects with the Fund's mission of enhancing public knowledge and appreciation.

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.

The Early College Pathways program by the Patterson Family Foundation aims to empower students to earn both a high school diploma and college credit. This initiative fosters partnerships between school districts and accredited colleges, enhancing educational attainment while reducing costs. By supporting local career transitions and strengthening the workforce pipeline, it promotes sustainable growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and educational entities serving Kansas and western Missouri, focusing on student success and community engagement.

The Native Public Health Resilience (NPHR) program is a new funding opportunity aimed at supporting Tribes and Tribal Organizations in delivering essential public health services. Sponsored by the Indian Health Service, this initiative seeks to bolster public health infrastructure and resilience within tribal communities, ensuring they have the necessary resources to address health challenges effectively. Eligible applicants will receive financial assistance to enhance their public health capabilities and improve community health outcomes.

About Us

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn't happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success.

Community Assistance Grant Program

The Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program (CAGP) is intended to provide grant funds to cities, counties, and non-profit organizations of the State of Arkansas for eligible community and economic development projects and eligible non-profit organization projects. The amount of funding available to any one (1) project in any state fiscal year shall not exceed $1,500,000. The amount of the grant award shall be determined by AEDC based on eligibility criteria, availability of funding, and program demands, which may result in grant offers that are less than application requests. 

Is there a matching requirement?

The applicant must be able to match its grant award with cash, in-kind labor, in-kind materials, or in-kind land at a flexible 20% rate. The amount of matching funds/in-kind provided by the applicant will be taken into account in the application review process; a match is dependent on the project need and not all matches will be waived.

The value of all matching (including in-kind) must be documented by bank statements, official cost estimates for in-kind materials and labor, or official appraisals for land. Official cost estimates for in-kind materials and professional labor should document what the material or professional labor would cost if it were not being donated. Community labor being donated is equal to $18.04 per hour. Official appraisals for land may be in the form of an appraisal from a certified appraiser or a copy of the property assessment from the county clerk.

The Harry F. Dise Grant, managed by the Harry F. Dise Charitable Foundation, supports charitable organizations in Prescott, Arizona, focusing on the preservation of historical landmarks and objects. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The foundation prioritizes areas such as animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, community development, education, environment, health research, social services, and religious activities. Note that individual applications are not accepted.

Impact100 Crawford County is a philanthropic organization focused on empowering local nonprofits through generous grants. With an emphasis on art, culture, education, health, and community betterment, they aim to enhance the lives of residents in Crawford County. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, such as being a recognized 501(c)(3) and having a minimum two-year operational history. This initiative fosters a spirit of giving and collaboration, ultimately strengthening the community.

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 Georgia Ornithological Society offers the Lydia Thompson Grant to support projects that enhance the conservation of native birds in Georgia. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for initiatives focusing on research, public education, and habitat preservation. Preference is given to applications with matching funds. This grant is not intended for university-level research or projects by federal and state agencies. The initiative aims to foster community engagement in bird conservation efforts.

The Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant (LPG) supports Native artists and organizations in staging live performances, fostering cultural expression. With a $30,000 grant for one year, this initiative prioritizes projects that actively engage Native performers, enhancing their artistic skills and community connections. By addressing the unique needs of Native creators, the program aims to empower them with resources, mentorship, and equitable opportunities in the performing arts landscape.

The Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship is awarded annually to graduate students conducting research in Great Lakes fisheries. Sponsored by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, this scholarship promotes academic excellence and encourages young scientists to contribute to fishery biology. Eligible candidates must be master's or Ph.D. students with relevant research topics, and they must present their findings at an IAGLR conference. The winner receives a one-year IAGLR membership and a subscription to the Journal of Great Lakes Research.

The Individual Artist Fellowship Awards, offered by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, support practicing artists in New Jersey to pursue their artistic goals. With two application deadlines on July 2 and July 16, 2025, these fellowships are awarded based on the artistic quality of submitted work, evaluated by independent panels. Eligible artistic categories range from Film and Digital to Painting and Interdisciplinary works, fostering creativity across diverse disciplines.

The ASTRO-LUNGevity Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant aims to enhance the research careers of residents and fellows focused on radiation oncology, specifically benefiting lung cancer patients. This initiative supports basic, translational, and clinical research endeavors. With a maximum award amount of $50,000 for one year, it provides essential funding to foster innovative projects that can lead to significant advancements in lung cancer treatment.

Oakland Human Services Department

The Oakland Human Services Department exists to make our city a place that works for all. We offer free programs and provide public resources to community organizations that make sure all of our residents can access what they need to be safe, healthy and realize their full potential.

Oakland Fund for Children and Youth

The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) is a cornerstone initiative of the City of Oakland, operating within the Children and Youth Services Division of the Human Services Department. As the city’s largest grantmaking program, OFCY plays a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of Oakland’s children, youth, and families. 

Through strategic funding of community-based organizations, OFCY invests in programs that uplift, empower, and protect Oakland’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring access to critical resources, enriching opportunities, and brighter futures for the next generation.

Mission Statement: We provide strategic funding to support Oakland's children and youth from birth to 21 years of age to become healthy, happy, educated, engaged, powerful and loved community members.

OFCY Request for Proposals (RFP) for Children, Youth, & Family Services

Scope of Services

The City releases the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit program proposals from non-profit organizations and public agencies to provide services to children, youth, and their families in Oakland. OFCY will fund programs that are prevention and early intervention oriented.

Programs should be culturally responsive, age-appropriate, and child, youth, and family-centered. Investments are designed to support all children in Oakland, particularly those who experience the greatest disparities in the city.

The OFCY Three-Year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) outlines how funds should be distributed to meet the four OFCY foundational goals:

• Support the healthy development of young children
• Help children and youth succeed in school and graduate high school
• Prevent and reduce violence, crime and gang involvement among children and youth
• Help youth transition to a productive adulthood 

Eight Funding Strategies were identified to support the four OFCY foundation goals: Strategy 1: Family Resource Centers & Parent Engagement; Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 3: Middle School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership; Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment; Strategy 6: Youth Summer Jobs/Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; Strategy 7: Independent Living; Strategy 8: Placed-Based Innovations for Safety 

Strategy 6: Youth Summer Jobs (Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program – MSYEP): OFCY Inter-Department Collaboration

The Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP) is administered through a partnership between OFCY, the Oakland Workforce Development Board (OWDB), and the Oakland Children’s Initiative (OCI). OWDB will execute the grants for awarded proposal respondents under this strategy.

The MSYEP provides youth ages 14-21 with first job experience. Funded programs provide job readiness training, up to 100 hours of paid (no less than minimum wage) work experience, and financial literacy support. Programs should deliver high-quality work experiences for youth that build their experience and knowledge of possible careers and industries. Given the dramatic disparities that exist between different neighborhoods, MSYEP will fund programs using a placebased approach to ensure that resources are reaching the target populations. Investments are directed to the neighborhoods and schools where these youth live and attend.

Indiana Management of Agriculture Enhancements (IMAGE) Cost-Share Program

The Indiana Management of Agriculture Enhancements (IMAGE) Cost-Share Program is a conservation funding initiative administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to help producers implement practical conservation improvements on their operations.

IMAGE provides financial assistance and technical support for projects that improve livestock management, strengthen farm infrastructure, improve soil health, and protect Indiana's natural resources.

Through partnerships with Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and other conservation partners, IMAGE helps

producers overcome financial barriers to implementing conservation practices that benefit both agricultural operations and natural resources.

The IMAGE program is made possible through Clean Water Indiana Funding.

Approved participants may receive reimbursement for up to seventy-five percent (75%) of eligible project costs.

Funding is awarded through a competitive ranking process and is subject to available program funds.

This is a cost-share reimbursement program. The applicant must pay project costs upfront.

Reimbursement will occur after:

• ISDA verifies practice installation.
• Applicant submits paid receipts and required documentation.
• ISDA confirms project meets NRCS and locally approved standards.

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 SFY2026 Regional Water Plan Seed Grants, provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, aim to assist local governments and water users in their Regional Water Plan implementation efforts. Grants are capped at $75,000, with a project duration of up to 30 months. Interested applicants must attend a pre-application meeting with the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and submit a full proposal online by the specified deadline.

The Invasive/Noxious Plants Grant, administered by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, aims to combat invasive plant species threatening local ecosystems. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 support projects that utilize integrated management practices and partnerships to eradicate plants on the New Mexico Noxious Weed List. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, municipal entities, and tribes, with a requirement for 1:1 matching funds from non-federal sources.

The Nicholas Dahl Visiting Artist Scholarship, offered by the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, supports LGBTQIA+ artists aged 30 and under with a passion for various art forms. This one-week scholarship, available from November to April, includes lodging, workshop materials, and studio access. It aims to foster creativity and connections within the vibrant Provincetown arts community while promoting educational opportunities in the arts.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.