Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25) aims to engage skilled professionals in NIH-relevant research, enhancing their expertise in addressing health-related issues. This award supports individuals with backgrounds in quantitative sciences and engineering, providing them with dedicated time for supervised research and study. Key application deadlines span from June 2024 to February 2027, emphasizing the program's commitment to fostering innovative research in health and disease.

The Life Comes From It Grant, funded by the Tides Foundation, supports grassroots initiatives focused on restorative, transformative, and indigenous justice. It prioritizes projects led by communities of color, emphasizing alternatives to incarceration and community-led solutions. Applicants must be 501c3 organizations based in the United States. This grant fosters a collaborative approach to healing and justice, aiming to shift power dynamics and promote inclusive practices across generations.

The Biophysical Society offers Travel Awards for undergraduate students to support their attendance at the Annual Meeting. Applicants must be members in good standing and submit an abstract for presentation. The awards promote diversity and recognize excellence in biophysics. Eligible candidates may also apply for additional funding through Bridging Funds or Low-Income Country Travel Awards, which provide significant financial support based on geographical considerations to enhance participation in scientific discourse.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)).

Climb to Managing Community Package

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have achieved Tree City USA standards complete practices and activities to meet the standards to achieve the NCFS U&CF Managing Community designation. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the three funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)
• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)

• No eligibility restrictions for municipalities or tribal governments.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 75% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 15% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $50,000 in assistance is available for award of all CPG funded RFAs.

The Callahan Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Northeast Ohio that demonstrate exceptional leadership and create valuable community contributions. Established in 1968, the foundation prioritizes funding for arts, education, and social services, focusing on projects that enhance access to higher education and healthcare for disadvantaged populations. Organizations can apply for capital projects, operational support, and leadership development funding, fostering sustainable growth and innovation within the region.

About Us

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is Proud to Serve All People in the Great State of Washington. The Evergreen State was named the “Best State” by U.S. News to measure how states are performing on behalf of their residents. The state of Washington boasts unparalleled natural beauty, from volcanoes and rain forests to wineries and beaches. Washington State is divided in to 39 counties that reflect the wide cross section of life in America -urban, suburban, and rural. Washington is home to 29 federally recognized tribes, independent nations within our great state, with the 8th largest Native American population in the U.S. People we serve. Over the past decade Washington’s population grew by nearly one million people to 7.75 million. We also grew more diverse with U.S. Census reporting Washington becoming 10 percent more diverse during this decade. DOH works continuously to reduce health disparities among vulnerable and underserved communities to achieve health equity throughout Washington.

Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Community Capacity Grant

The Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act was passed in 2021. The HEAL Act helps to reduce environmental and health disparities and improve the health of all people in Washington state.

This grant program focuses on building climate resilience and enhancing community-led decision-making to advance environmental justice (EJ). This funding provides communities most impacted by environmental hazards with the resources needed to collaborate with state agencies on environmental health decisions. Those communities include (but are not limited to):

• Native Nations
• Urban natives
• Black and BIPOC communities
• Rural communities
• Youth
• Low- income
• Unhoused
• Disabled
• LGBTQ+
• Other communities most vulnerable to climate impacts

The legislature required the Department of Health (DOH) to base the grant program on the Environmental Justice Council (EJC) Climate Commitment Act’s (CCA) funding recommendations and budget priorities. This grant program is funded by the CCA, which creates a cap-and-invest program to limit carbon emissions.

Grantees received 2 funding opportunities to build capacity for engaging in HEAL activities:

• Project funding: DOH awarded $100,000 grants to 4 projects. An organization may have applied on its own or in partnership with other organization(s) for funds. These funds can help organizations and community provide input on:
• The Environmental Justice Council implementation of the HEAL Act.
• DOH updates to the Environmental Health Disparities Map.
• State agencies’ implementation of the HEAL Act. This includes environmental justice assessments, budgeting and funding, community, and Tribal engagement.
• Passthrough funding: DOH awarded $500,000 grants to 2 passthrough applicants. We invited community-based organizations to sub-grant or award funds to other community-based organizations working with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations across Washington state.  

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Climb to Managing Community Package

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have achieved Tree City USA standards complete practices and activities to meet the standards to achieve the NCFS U&CF Managing Community designation. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the three funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)
• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

• Tribal government or a municipality located in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania or Yancey counties. 
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 15% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $2.2 million in assistance is available for award of all CPG funded RFAs.

The BPS Family Care Grant offers up to $500 for families attending the BPS Annual Meeting, aimed at alleviating dependent care costs. By supporting both early-career and diverse scholars, this grant enhances participation in professional development opportunities. Eligible applicants must be active BPS members and provide documentation for reimbursement. The initiative aims to reduce barriers to attendance, fostering a vibrant scientific community dedicated to biophysics and encouraging the next generation of researchers.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Climb to Managing Community Package

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have achieved Tree City USA standards complete practices and activities to meet the standards to achieve the NCFS U&CF Managing Community designation. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the three funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)
• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

• 100% of the Tribal government or municipality’s incorporated lands fall within the boundaries of NCFS U&CF Financial Assistance Program Inflation Reduction Act project areas.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 20% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $5.6 million of assistance is available for award of all IRA funded RFAs.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)).

Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: Tree Maintenance and Planting Project

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have achieved Tree City USA standards meet tree maintenance (pruning and removal) and planting needs. This package includes assistance to complete a tree inventory to identify tree maintenance needs and planting sites, develop work plans and complete the tree maintenance and planting. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the two funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

• 100% of the Tribal government or municipality’s incorporated lands fall within the boundaries of NCFS U&CF Financial Assistance Program Inflation Reduction Act project areas.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 20% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $5.6 million of assistance is available for award of all IRA funded RFAs.

The Aaron Thomas Gelineau Fund for Educational Opportunity, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, focuses on supporting Duluth nonprofits that assist underserved youth and families. It aims to promote cradle-to-career success through education, including high school completion and GED support. The fund prioritizes programs that address the opportunity gap and demonstrate a positive impact on youth and families. Funding may cover essential expenses such as transportation and supplies to enhance educational access.

The East Boston Foundation

The foundation was formed in 1998 to administer a generous $9.6 million commitment from the Massachusetts Port Authority as part of community mitigation and to offset the impacts associated with Massport's $4.4 Billion Logan Airport Modernization Program.

Categories of Grants

The Board of Trustees of the East Boston Foundation has identified the following categories of grants, which in the discretion of the Board may be amended from time to time. Grant requests and applications shall be grouped into various categories and identified as follows:

Education, Training and Child Care Support Grants (ETCCS)

The Foundation also recognizes the need for various educational enhancements and support, including but not limited to specialty education and training; private/public school support; adult training and education; and early childhood/preschool support as a means of achieving part of its objective.

The Foundation will consider applications for education, training, and child care support which meet the following minimum criteria:

• The proponent have at least two (2) years of demonstrated experience in the successful coordination of such events or can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board its ability to carry out such objectives;
• The program is capable of providing a substantial benefit on the residents of the East Boston community regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin or handicap;
• The Grant sought from the Foundation shall not exceed 50% of the applicant’s average total cash revenue (excluding in kind support) for the two (2) years preceding the application as demonstrated by the Applicant’s 990/990EZ filing or Form PC filed with the Massachusetts Attorney General;
• The allocation of the Foundation’s grant money may be used for expenses related to salaries and or wage benefits, however the amount so allocated from any grant may not exceed 50% of the grant awarded and provided that salaries and wage benefits for the specific program do not exceed 50% of the total proposed budget.
• In certain circumstances, the proponent provides reasonable assistance to disadvantaged individuals who experience financial hardship and who would otherwise be prohibited from participation.
• A grant to the organization shall not result in the creation of a general unrestricted surplus for the program’s operating budget.
• The applicant adequately demonstrates an ability to generate the remaining revenue as contemplated under its proposed budget

About the Foundation

Mission

The Hoover Presidential Foundation strengthens the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site by inspiring leadership, service, and civic responsibility grounded in the Hoovers’ life and values.

Vision

A future where Herbert Hoover’s uncommon legacy inspires generations to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and create lasting civic impact.

School Bus Travel Grant

Receive a Grant to Visit the Hoover Campus

The Hoover School Bus Travel Grant provides funds to help schools meet the transportation costs of educational field trips to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. While we would like to cover all the costs of visits to the Hoover Campus, these funds are intended to subsidize travel costs. The program, funded entirely through contributions from private individuals, corporations, and foundations, is specifically intended to promote public education about and appreciation for Herbert Hoover.

The Statewide Water Supply Reserve Fund Grants, offered by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, aim to assist Colorado water users in addressing critical water supply challenges. These grants support various activities, including technical assistance, feasibility studies, and infrastructure projects. Eligible applicants include governmental and private entities, provided they meet specific criteria. This funding initiative encourages sustainable water management and innovation in line with the Colorado Water Plan.

The Holloway Family Foundation, established in North Central Texas, aims to enhance community quality of life regardless of race, gender, or religion. Their mission focuses on financial security, creative expression for under-resourced youth, and mentorship for personal development. The foundation supports organizations that provide workforce training, artistic opportunities for children, and guidance for youth in need. By fostering individual growth and economic stability, they empower families and strengthen communities, staying true to the founders' core values and personal experiences.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is launching a funding opportunity for Exploratory Clinical Trials Grants. This program aims to support innovative clinical trials that enhance the understanding and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal and skin conditions. Research proposals should focus on early-stage trials, including first-in-human studies, dose-finding, and biomarker evaluation. The initiative encourages the translation of promising laboratory findings into effective clinical practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

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 Michigan Small Community Education Grant supports small communities in Michigan by providing customized recycling education materials at no cost. Funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and The Recycling Partnership, this program enables local governments and nonprofits to enhance recycling efforts. Eligible communities can access bilingual templates for effective communication, helping to improve awareness and participation in recycling programs across the state.

The Arizona Conservation Stewardship Grant, managed by the USDA's NRCS, supports agricultural producers in enhancing land management through conservation practices. With year-round applications, this program encourages sustainable practices that improve crop resilience, wildlife habitat, and overall land productivity. Participants can expect annual payments for implementing approved conservation activities, allowing them to achieve better resource management and environmental stewardship. This initiative aims to foster a significant positive impact on both agriculture and natural resources across the state.

The Guy Harvey Fellowship, established in 2024 by Florida Sea Grant, supports graduate students conducting vital research on sustainable marine fisheries at Florida's higher education institutions. Each fellow can receive up to $5,000 as a research stipend, with additional funding available for travel and professional development. This initiative enhances coastal resilience and promotes effective management of marine resources while fostering communication and collaboration within the Sea Grant network.

The Aylesworth Scholarship Award, offered by the Florida Sea Grant, supports full-time students at Florida universities conducting marine science research. This career award provides approximately $2,500 each semester to eligible students, ensuring they receive financial assistance until they achieve their educational goals. Established in 1984 by Ralph and Kitty Aylesworth, the scholarship aims to foster scientific knowledge and sustainable management of marine resources, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

Funded by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), this money is for arts and cultural projects that contribute to creative experiences for audiences in Brooklyn. The best proposals share how the project will impact the cultural life of their audience and community.

In 2026, Brooklyn Arts Fund distributed $625,000 to 136 projects across Brooklyn.

The Conservation Opportunity Fund Grant provides up to $1,500 to private landowners in Cheshire County, NH, to enhance wildlife habitats on small tracts of land (25 acres or less). Eligible projects include pollinator habitats, rain gardens, and vegetated buffers that promote ecological integrity and sustainability. Priority is given to projects with long-term maintenance plans and landowner involvement. This initiative supports environmental stewardship and aims to improve biodiversity in the region.

The Eunice Lou Gower McHugh Scholarship Fund, established through a generous land donation by Eunice Lou Gower McHugh, honors her parents' legacy of community service. Administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this scholarship supports graduates from Robertson County high schools who are committed to careers in service-oriented fields like teaching, nursing, and law enforcement. With a mission to foster positive change, this fund ensures that future generations have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals.

The Peter J. Rappa Resilient and Sustainable Coasts Fellowship, established by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant, honors coastal sustainability pioneer Peter Joseph Rappa. This 8-week summer program, based at the Mānoa campus, engages undergraduate and graduate students in research and training focused on coastal resilience. Participants will explore community planning, hazard mitigation, and traditional knowledge to enhance sustainability in Hawaiian coastal communities.

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.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Virginia Valk Fehsenfeld Scholarship

Open to full time undergraduate students who are Kent County residents studying education, dietetics, nutrition, or human services and have a minimum 3.4 GPA.