Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The New England BioLabs Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance biocultural diversity and ecosystem services in regions such as Central America and West Africa. Projects should aim to conserve biological diversity, sustain traditional knowledge, and promote local economic vitality. The foundation prioritizes community-led initiatives, especially in coastal communities along Massachusetts' North Shore. Those interested must first submit a letter of inquiry, adhering to specific guidelines before proceeding with full proposals.

The Trio Foundation of St. Louis Grant aims to enhance community well-being and promote equity through its new funding framework. Established over two decades ago, the foundation focuses on empowering marginalized groups, particularly those facing discrimination based on race, gender, and socioeconomic status. The grant supports initiatives in women's economic empowerment, arts accessibility, and environmental justice, fostering authentic relationships with community partners to create lasting impact in the St. Louis region.

The Ashden International Award celebrates innovative climate solutions, supporting businesses and organizations that promote social justice and reduce emissions. This year, the awards focus on climate innovators enhancing job roles and skills for a low-carbon future. Winners receive grants, essential publicity, and connections with climate experts, fostering impactful change in the UK and low-income nations. Join Ashden in recognizing pioneers who are transforming the green job landscape and leading the way in climate action.

The Securian Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through financial stability, youth education, and vibrant communities. They aim to empower families by supporting initiatives that ensure equitable access to basic needs, promote financial literacy, and encourage community engagement in arts and culture. The foundation prioritizes funding for food security, housing, workforce development, educational programs, and civic opportunities, while maintaining a commitment to serving underrepresented populations.

About

Together we can strengthen our communities.

ServeWyoming is our State’s center for volunteerism and national service. We exist to help implement and coordinate the AmeriCorps programs, as well as build, maintain and mobilize the volunteer infrastructure we believe necessary to address the critical needs in our State. We also collaborate with other AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs such as AmeriCorps*VISTA and AmeriCorps Seniors*RSVP and VGF*Service Learning.

Our Mission

ServeWyoming is our State’s commission on national and community service.

We exist to help implement and coordinate the AmeriCorps programs, as well as build, maintain and mobilize the volunteer infrastructure we believe necessary to address the critical needs in our State. We also collaborate with other AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs such as AmeriCorps*VISTA, AmeriCorps*VGF (Service Learning) and AmeriCorps Seniors*RSVP.

Notice of Funding Opportunity

If you are interested in applying to be a new program, please reach out to ServeWyoming staff at ACProgram@servewyoming.org before proceeding. ServeWyoming requires that new programs submit a Concept Paper. 

Concept Paper

The ServeWyoming AmeriCorps application process begins with the Concept Paper; to succinctly and precisely identify the proposed project, the needs it addresses, the activities members will be engaged in and the number of members requested. The Concept Paper process is designed as a “qualifying” round.

The New Mexico Clean and Beautiful Grant Program, administered by the New Mexico Tourism Department, aims to foster community beautification, reduce waste, and eliminate litter across the state. This initiative supports municipalities, counties, and Tribal Governments by providing financial assistance and technical guidance to promote litter control and enhance recycling efforts. The program empowers local organizations, aiming to create a cleaner and more beautiful environment for all New Mexicans.

The NACD Technical Assistance Grants program, in partnership with NRCS, has been enhancing conservation district support since 2018. By funding staff hires, it aims to improve service for agricultural producers and address conservation workload challenges. The initiative focuses on outreach, education, and civic engagement to empower local communities, promote sustainability, and support historically underserved producers in implementing conservation practices, thereby fostering both individual and community resilience.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The NY Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides vital technical and financial assistance to farmers and landowners in New York. This program supports sustainable practices on working lands, including crops and livestock, promoting soil health, water conservation, and improved wildlife habitats. By integrating conservation into agricultural operations, EQIP helps mitigate environmental challenges while enhancing productivity. Eligible participants can access tailored conservation plans and potential financial aid to implement effective practices, fostering a more sustainable agricultural future.

The Levin Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on critical issues in Montgomery County, Ohio, such as the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, and suicide prevention. Established in 1996, the foundation has invested over $12 million globally, emphasizing projects that align with its mission. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Priority is given to initiatives in the Greater Dayton Area, fostering positive community impact.

Aid to Agencies

About the Program

The Arapahoe County Aid to Agencies (A2A) Program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations delivering essential services to Arapahoe County residents. Established in 2008 by the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners, the program was created to address critical community needs through strategic partnerships with local nonprofit providers.

Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $30 million to nonprofits serving residents across the county. 

For the 2026–2027 funding cycle, approximately $3,079,500 in General Fund support will be available, including designated allocations for safety net providers. 

In 2025, the program framework was updated to align with Arapahoe Forward and strengthen transparency, accountability, measurable outcomes, and alignment with community-identified needs. The updated framework prioritizes investments that address documented service gaps and improve quality of life for Arapahoe County residents.

Safety net providers are nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services to vulnerable or underserved populations. These organizations are typically distinguished by one or more of the following: 

• Serving as the sole or primary provider of a critical service  
• Offering services that do not duplicate existing County programs  
• Addressing high-need and high-impact service areas with demonstrated community demand  

Organizations currently designated as safety net providers: 

• Three Birds Alliance (formerly Gateway Domestic Violence Services)  
• Aurora Mental Health Center & Recovery – Detox Services  

These organizations receive direct base funding outside of the competitive application pool.

The Moniker Foundation's Southwest Region Grant offers $10,000 grants and $1,000 participation grants to eligible organizations in a competitive process. Applicants must operate within designated counties and be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. The program emphasizes early childhood education, youth programming, food security, and environmental initiatives, with an in-person Pitch Day required for selected applicants. Organizations are encouraged to focus on critical operating activities during the application process.

The Najim Family Foundation Grant aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations serving children in the Greater San Antonio area. Grants focus on vital areas such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and mental health. First-time applicants must consult with the Grant Manager and meet specific eligibility criteria. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with a proven operational history of at least three years and restricts funding for various purposes, ensuring support is directed to the most pressing needs of children.

Greenville Women Giving (GWG) is a philanthropic organization in Greenville County, SC, focused on funding impactful community projects. Grants are awarded annually based on member voting and emphasize areas such as Arts, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve Greenville County. GWG prioritizes high-impact initiatives that foster collaboration and measurable outcomes, with a commitment to addressing community needs without discrimination. The application deadline is at the end of November each year.

The Women Helping Women Fund Tri-Cities Grants support initiatives that empower women and children in the Tri-Cities area. Grants, ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, prioritize programs that demonstrate cost-effectiveness, community collaboration, and measurable impact. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the fund's mission to create healthy families and vibrant communities. Focus areas include childcare, mental health, and self-sufficiency, with applications accepted annually.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

Asheville Merchants Fund

The Asheville Merchants Fund (AMF) seeks to improve the quality of life in Buncombe County by supporting innovative projects that strengthen the community through economic efforts in one or more of its Funding Priorities.

The Fund provides grants of up to $50,000 over two years. Approximately five to eight grants are awarded during each two-year funding cycle. Grants are paid in two installments, with the second year of funding contingent upon reasonable progress toward expected results.  

Projects must target economic benefit for Buncombe County residents. Priority will be given to projects comprehensively addressing one or more of the following Funding Priorities: 

Innovative Economic Approaches 

• Community asset development: investing in emerging local economies, especially those related to home-grown businesses 
• Entrepreneurship: resources for entrepreneurs, including access to training, service providers and capital to accelerate business success 

Quality Jobs & Workforce

• Living wage work: recruitment, retention and expansion of businesses providing high-quality, well-paying jobs 
• Appropriate skills: training for jobs that are in demand and critical to community viability 
• Non-traditional training and employment services: flexible schedules, short-term certificate programs and community-based (versus academic institutional) settings 

Social Infrastructure 

• Programs contributing to family economic success, including financial education and asset development
• Affordable housing: developing effective strategies and supporting implementation
• Services that increase employees’ ability to participate fully in the workforce, including health and wellness or dependent care 

Youth Success in School 

• Middle and high school students: targeted academic (particularly in math, science and technology) and non-academic activities related to job skill development 
• Family support: improving the home environment for learning

AMF supports organizations that have the capacity and vision to develop multi-faceted programs to help Buncombe County and its citizens thrive in the emerging economic environment. Factors considered in evaluating applications include: 

• Focus on a critical need
• Defined, measurable results that can be achieved within the grant period and make a long-term difference in the beneficiaries' lives
• Skilled leadership with the potential to carry out innovative, integrated efforts effectively in one or more of the focus areas

Ecolab Foundation

Ecolab Foundation is a philanthropic arm of Ecolab dedicated to advancing community well-being through programs that promote education, environmental stewardship, and public health. Its mission is to create positive social impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and foster sustainable development.

The foundation’s primary areas of engagement include educational programs that enhance learning and workforce readiness, environmental projects that encourage conservation and sustainability, and health-related initiatives that improve hygiene and safety. It focuses on partnerships that deliver measurable benefits and long-term impact.

Ecolab Foundation operates primarily within the United States while also supporting global initiatives aligned with its corporate responsibility goals. Its geographic scope reflects a commitment to addressing local community needs and contributing to broader sustainability efforts.

The foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based groups. It prioritizes partnerships that demonstrate strong governance, clear objectives, and alignment with its mission of education, health, and environmental responsibility.

Ecolab Match Program

Ecolab established the Volunteer and Community Relations programs to encourage and reward Ecolab employee and alumni involvement in the communities where people live and work. There are three programs including the Board Leadership Volunteer Grant.

Board Leadership Volunteer Grant

Ecolab will donate up to $500 USD annually to a qualifying 501(c)3 organization (some restrictions apply) for which an eligible person serves on the Board of Directors. 

Focus Areas of Giving

• Youth and Education: programs that promote youth development, particularly for programs that ensure all students are successful
• Civic & Community Development: affordable housing, work readiness, crisis assistance and hunger relief
• Environment & Conservation: hands-on environmental learning programs, environment and conservation organizations
• Arts & Culture: arts education for children and youth as well as support for museums and the performing arts

The MainStreet Foundation Quarterly Grant, initiated by Androscoggin Bank, focuses on supporting at-risk youth in Maine by funding essential programs related to food, security, shelter, and education. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded quarterly to nonprofits that effectively address the needs of vulnerable children. By emphasizing community involvement and sustainable practices, the Foundation aims to create a supportive environment for youth development, ultimately enhancing their well-being and future prospects.

The Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grants, provided by Metro, support diverse community projects aimed at enhancing local parks, restoring streams, and promoting nature education. These grants prioritize projects led by community organizations and local governments, focusing on publicly owned capital projects that advance racial equality and climate resilience. With funding available for land acquisition and urban transformations, the program seeks to engage communities and foster connections with nature throughout the greater Portland area.

The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tuition Scholarships for American students of Polish descent pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Scholarships can provide up to $12,000 for full-time studies, including master's and Ph.D. programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with Polish heritage and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Poland, supporting various fields of study.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Knapp Community Care Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Mid-Valley region that enhance health and wellness. Since 2013, the foundation focuses on projects addressing the Social Determinants of Health, including economic stability and healthcare access. Eligible organizations must be recognized 501(c)(3) entities and demonstrate innovative programs that positively impact the community. The foundation encourages partnerships and evidence-based initiatives to leverage additional funding and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Lilly Foundation

To extend Lilly’s charitable reach and impact, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) was established in 1968 and is supported by donations from Eli Lilly and Company.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation supporting programs that align with its philanthropic priorities.

Grantmaking Approach

The Lilly Foundation’s work is guided by a charitable vision of a world where every person has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. Through grantmaking focused on Lilly Foundation’s charitable vision, grants can serve as a catalyst for closing gaps and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

All proposals should demonstrate clear alignment with at least one focus area and include charitable outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the Foundation’s long-term charitable goals.

Global Health, K-12 STEM Education and Economic Mobility Grant

Focus Areas

Global Health

Lilly Foundation, through its charitable grants, aims to support permissible charitable efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for resource-limited communities in low- and lower-middleincome countries (L/LMICs) and in the United States. Strengthening access to care is essential for enhancing community well-being and supporting economic stability in resource-limited settings.

The Global Health focus area aims to close gaps in quality healthcare by supporting charitable solutions that improve access, bring care closer to where people live, and address the high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited settings. To the extent permissible, the Foundation prioritizes charitable efforts related to cardiometabolic health in resource-limited settings.

K-12 STEM Education

The K-12 STEM Education focus area aims to close the gaps for students from low-income communities by supporting programs that foster new pathways and pipelines to STEM education through focused K-12 efforts, concentrating on the critical middle school years. The Foundation’s K-12 STEM Education grants are focused on initiatives that benefit Marion County, Indiana.

Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility focus area supports charitable and educational programs that strengthen workforce readiness, postsecondary and skills-based educational pathways, and housing stability to promote long-term prosperity. This support is focused on Marion County, Indiana, with the goal of improving economic opportunity for low-income communities and advancing community well-being.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) by the Ohio Department of Transportation funds projects enhancing non-motorized travel, historic preservation, and environmental efforts. It supports local governments in implementing initiatives that improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Eligible projects include shared paths, bike lanes, and upgrades for ADA compliance. The program prioritizes connections to activity centers, ensuring public accessibility and engagement in transportation planning.

The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, initiated in 2018, aims to enhance ecosystems in the Delaware River watershed through grants supporting habitat restoration and water quality improvement. With $72.1 million awarded to 239 projects, it has significantly impacted over 26 miles of riparian habitat and 77 miles of stream habitat, along with conserving 1,176 acres of wetlands. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, also emphasizes outdoor recreation and community vitality in the region.

Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis is a charitable women's giving circle focused on awarding impactful grants to nonprofits in various sectors such as arts, education, environment, family, and health. The initiative aims to foster community engagement by funding innovative solutions to social challenges. This organization values integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity, ensuring all community members have access to essential services. By supporting diverse projects, Impact 100 strengthens the fabric of the Indianapolis community and enhances the quality of life for its residents.