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Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Get professional development grants for nonprofit staff training, leadership growth, and skills-based learning.

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,423 Results based on applied filters

Les Paul Foundation Grant

Les Paul Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,500 - US $2,000
The Les Paul Foundation Grant supports innovative music education and medical research related to hearing loss. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based public charities under 501(c)(3) and avoid religious, political, labor, or business affiliations. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance music production, performance, and STEM/STEAM initiatives, particularly those benefiting individuals in challenging situations. Proposals must detail how they will share Les Paul's legacy in their work.
Music Education STEM / STEAM Education Hearing Disorders & Audiology

Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship

Central Indiana Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to women pursuing education in STEM fields. Designed to support tuition, room and board, and related fees, this scholarship aims to empower women in their educational journeys. Eligibility includes demonstrating financial need and enrollment in a qualifying program. With a commitment to building a community of opportunity, this scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring female STEM students.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Academic Scholarship Programs +3 more

Glick Education Award

Central Indiana Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Glick Education Award, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports educational opportunities for dependents of Gene B. Glick Company employees. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current post-secondary students. Selection criteria focus on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, work experience, and financial need. Awards cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses at accredited institutions. This initiative aims to foster educational attainment within the community, promoting access regardless of race or identity.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - High School +2 more

Carson Bailey Memorial Scholarship

Childrens Brain Tumor Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $1,000
The Carson Bailey Memorial Scholarship, established by the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, honors the memory of Carson Bailey, a dedicated student and beloved family member. This scholarship is aimed at brain tumor survivors who have been diagnosed before the age of 21 and seek to pursue higher education. It provides $1000 to eligible applicants, supporting their educational aspirations while promoting inclusiveness and respect for all backgrounds within the brain tumor community.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - High School +2 more

Carol & Hugh Warnecke Teacher Scholarship

Central Indiana Community Foundation
Private
Indiana
Unspecified amount
The Carol & Hugh Warnecke Teacher Scholarship, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Indiana residents pursuing a degree in secondary education. This scholarship aims to assist individuals with academic promise and financial need, particularly those making a career change into teaching. Eligible expenses include tuition, fees, and, in some cases, room and board. Applications are encouraged from those attending any accredited Indiana college or university.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs College Success / Persistence +2 more

Foundation for Southeast Texas Grant

Foundation for Southeast Texas Inc.
Private
Hardin County, Texas, Jefferson County, Texas +1 more
Unspecified amount
The Foundation for Southeast Texas Grant supports civic and social projects focusing on arts, education, health, and community development. Eligible organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government entities operating for over a year in Hardin, Jefferson, or Orange Counties. Grants are awarded annually based on available funds, with a focus on emerging community needs. Applicants must adhere to strict guidelines, and funds must be used exclusively for the approved project.
Art & Culture Historic Preservation Education +6 more

Carson Bailey Memorial Scholarship for Siblings

Childrens Brain Tumor Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $1,000
The Carson Bailey Memorial Scholarship for Siblings, established by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, honors the memory of Carson Bailey. This scholarship aims to support brain tumor survivors pursuing their educational goals. Eligible applicants must have been diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor before age 21, reside in the U.S., maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and be at least a senior in high school. A $1000 scholarship is available for those attending various educational institutions.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - High School +2 more

Lakken’s Legacy Sibling Scholarship

Childrens Brain Tumor Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $1,000
The Lakken’s Legacy Sibling Scholarship, established by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, honors Lakken Burzynski's courage and resilience in her battle with cancer. This $1,000 scholarship is designed for siblings of children diagnosed with brain tumors, emphasizing support for families impacted by such challenges. Eligible applicants must be 21 or younger at diagnosis and reside in the U.S. This initiative promotes positivity and hope, continuing Lakken's legacy of strength and family support.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - High School +2 more

Lakken’s Legacy Survivor Scholarship

Childrens Brain Tumor Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $1,000
The Lakken’s Legacy Survivor Scholarship, offered by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, awards $1,000 to brain tumor survivors pursuing education beyond high school. This initiative honors Lakken, who faced challenges during her cancer journey yet remained passionate about education. The scholarship aims to support individuals diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors before age 21, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue their studies in various educational institutions. It's a commitment to empower survivors and foster their dreams.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - High School +2 more

Innovation in STEM Grant

Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
State/Local Government
Idaho
US $15,000
The Innovation in STEM Requests for Proposals, offered by Idaho National Laboratory, aims to bolster STEM education by providing up to $30,000 for projects that align with INL's mission and workforce development needs. The initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, inviting proposals from educational institutions and organizations that strive to inspire Idaho's future STEM workforce. Each project is evaluated individually, ensuring a broad impact on K-12 education and innovation.
Education - K through 12 STEM / STEAM Education Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness +1 more

The Amazing Grace Scholarship

Childrens Brain Tumor Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $1,000
The Amazing Grace Scholarship, established by the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, honors Grace Fulcher, a brain tumor survivor. This scholarship supports students diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors before age 21, who reside in the U.S. and are pursuing higher education. With a $1000 award, the scholarship aims to empower survivors to achieve their educational goals, inspired by Grace's resilience and academic success despite her challenges.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - High School +2 more

The Jenna’s Rainbow Moving Forward Grant

Childrens Brain Tumor Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Jenna’s Rainbow Moving Forward Grant, offered by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to adult survivors of brain or spinal cord tumors. Aimed at fostering independence, this grant supports costs associated with job transitions, new living situations, and resources to enhance self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed before 21, and not have received recent funding from CBTF or JRF. This initiative empowers survivors to overcome challenges and move forward in their lives.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - High School +2 more

Martha Rodriguez Scholarship Fund

Nurses Educational Funds Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Martha Rodriguez Scholarship Fund

Martha Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship was initiated in 2025 by Lisa Ackerman, close friend and then Director of the Columbus Citizens Foundation. Raised in Gary, Indiana and a true New Yorker, Martha died as the result of traumatic head injuries from a tragic accident just outside her NYC apartment. Martha Rodriguez gave in life, working as a nurse helping patients navigate the trauma of breast cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In her death, she was lauded by the President of LiveOnNY, an organization that coordinates and oversees organ donations, for her last selfless act of giving. Martha donated organs that gave life and hope and helped three people lead better lives. Her zest for life was contagious, and her dedication, compassion, and expertise left an indelible mark on the lives of countless MSKCC patients and caregivers. She was a friend and mentor to many. She loved being a nurse at MSKCC and worked for more than 28 years as a nurse practitioner and for the last 15 years of her life dealing with breast cancer patients. This scholarship is awarded to nurses studying in master's or doctoral programs who are dedicated to oncology care, or women’s health, or are Latinx nurses.

Education - Higher Education Nursing Cancer / Oncology +1 more

After School Education and Safety FY 2024-25

California Department of Education
State/Local Government
California
Unspecified amount
The After School Education and Safety (ASES) program for FY 2024-25 aims to enhance literacy and academic enrichment for students in grades K-9 through partnerships between schools and community resources. This funding will sustain existing before and after school programs and ensure eligibility for all elementary and middle schools in California that submit quality applications, fostering safe and constructive alternatives for students.
After School / Summer Educational Programs Literacy Education - Middle School +1 more

Emergent Needs Impact Grant

Parkview Legacy Foundation
Private
Riverside County, California
Up to US $20,000

Parkview Legacy FoundationThe Parkview Legacy Foundation Impact Grants will provide financial support to organizations that are working everyday to attain permanent affordable housing, social mobility, and whole health for the residents within our service area. The Foundation respects and appreciates the work of all organizations that aim to improve the lives of others but is committed to fund systemic change that positively affects the root causes of poverty and health disparity.Focus Areas

  • Housing Stability
  • Social Mobility
  • Whole health accessibility
  • Integrated Solutions

About Emergent Needs Impact Grant

  • Emergent Needs (formely Special Needs) funding is intended to support one-time needs organizations have to accomplish institutional or programmatic goals that are instrumental to their mission. Examples of emergent needs include purchases of equipment or software, one-time programmatic gap funding, cash flow support, a special staff support project, and one-time staff development needs.
  • The Emergent Needs Fund is the smallest of our three funds and intended to help fill smaller funding gaps or cover smaller one-time needs that are not currently funded by other sources. 
  • Grants from the Emergent Needs fund are expected to be used as described in the Grant application within one year of distribution.
Equitable & Affordable Housing Wellness & Healthy Living Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health

The Yale Teaching Fellowship (YTF): Teacher Pipeline Track

Yale University
Private
New Haven County, Connecticut
More than US $47,380
The Yale Teaching Fellowship (YTF) aims to cultivate high-quality teachers for New Haven Public Schools, addressing teacher shortages and enhancing retention. This program offers full tuition for graduate studies and a living stipend, encouraging a commitment of at least three years of teaching. Designed for diverse candidates, including NHPS staff, the fellowship supports certification in critical areas like Math, Science, and Special Education, fostering educational equity and community engagement.
Teacher Development & Training Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Educational Access & Equity

Summer Career and Technical Education Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
Up to US $50,000
The Summer Career and Technical Education Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities for students. This funding supports districts in offering greater access to approved CTE courses and summer work experiences, addressing barriers such as transportation and scheduling. The initiative aligns with TEA's strategic plan to prepare students for success in college, careers, and military service.
Educational Access & Equity Vocational & Trade Education Career / College Preparation +1 more

Omdahl Conservation Fund

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation
Private
Beltrami County, Minnesota, Clearwater County, Minnesota +10 more
Up to US $25,000
The Omdahl Conservation Fund, managed by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, invites applications for environmental projects in the Northwest Minnesota region. With a total funding of $50,000 and a maximum award of $25,000, the fund aims to support 501c3 nonprofits focused on preserving natural resources. This includes areas inhabited by Red Lake and White Earth Nations, covering 12 counties. Grant applicants will help foster sustainability and conservation efforts in the community.
Environmental Education Environmental Conservation Environmental Health +1 more

Clifford and Rubye Angleton Scholarship Fund

Central Kansas Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Clifford and Rubye Angleton Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and college students from Butler County, Kansas, pursuing higher education. Scholarships are based on available funds and applicants' merit. Recipients may renew their scholarships for up to three years with satisfactory academic progress. This initiative emphasizes the importance of rural philanthropy and aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals.
Education - Higher Education Agriculture Vocational & Trade Education +3 more

Child Neurology Foundation Summer Scholarship For Medical Students

Child Neurology Foundation
Corporate
Canada, United States
US $3,500
The Child Neurology Foundation offers a Summer Scholarship for first, second, or third-year medical students interested in neurodevelopmental disabilities or child neurology. This scholarship provides $3,500 for clinical research focused on neurodevelopmental disabilities in children or young adults, conducted under the supervision of a qualified subspecialist. Applications are evaluated based on their importance, originality, and contribution to the medical student's development.
Neurological Diseases & Disorders Children’s Health & Pediatrics Children With Disabilities +1 more

Local Jobs Fund Grant

Community Foundation of Central Illinois
Private
Bureau County, Illinois, De Witt County, Illinois +15 more
Unspecified amount
The Local Jobs Fund Grant, provided by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, aims to break the cycle of poverty by equipping individuals with skills to earn above minimum wage. This grant is open to tax-exempt organizations and local government units, supporting impactful programs within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, IL. Eligible projects must comply with anti-discrimination laws and demonstrate measurable outcomes, fostering community development and collaboration.
Poverty Alleviation & Services Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Vocational & Trade Education +1 more

Colin and Sally Rowell Memorial Scholarship Fund

Central Kansas Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Colin and Sally Rowell Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to graduating seniors from Butler County, KS high schools pursuing higher education or vocational training. This scholarship aims to support students with a demonstrated interest in education or agriculture, emphasizing financial need and potential for success in college. It reflects the foundation's mission to strengthen communities through charitable giving, promoting rural philanthropy in the central Kansas region.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - High School +3 more

Collective Impact Grant

Parkview Legacy Foundation
Private
Riverside County, California
Approximately US $100,000

Parkview Legacy Foundation

The Parkview Legacy Foundation was created in July of 2019 by the sale of Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center (a non-profit hospital) to AHMC (a for-profit hospital group). With the sale, the State of California required that the proceeds of the non-profit hospital be put to use for the benefit of the community through the creation of non-profit public charity or private foundation. The Parkview Legacy Foundation is the result of that transaction, and Parkview Legacy Foundation now exists as an independent Public Charity serving the Riverside region. With the funds endowed to the foundation, we are honored to invest back into the local community with a broader scope of ensuring the equitable probability of wellness through social determinants of health.

Parkview Legacy Foundation is committed to support organizations, collaborations, and initiatives that directly address the root causes which negatively affect the four focus areas of housing stability, social mobility, whole health accessibility, and integrated solutions, and therefore, prevent residents of the Inland Region from achieving wellness and stability. 

Collective Impact Grant

Parkview Legacy Foundation’s Impact Grants Program is driven by our core values and intended to support organizations seeking to make transformational progress in addressing needs and seizing opportunities in our four focus areas throughout the Riverside region.   

Collective Impact funding is intended to support the advancement of efforts toward specific and stated objectives (goals, outcomes, and/or impacts) being carried forth by strategically coordinated and operated multi-sector collaborations and initiatives involving multiple organizations and/or institutions. Examples of ways the Collective Impact Grant may be used include:

  • funding the operations of a backbone organization for the effort,
  • providing participation funding to the participating organizations to help sustain the effort, and
  • paying consultants or partner organizations to accomplish specific tasks on behalf of the effort.  
Health Care Access & Delivery Wellness & Healthy Living Equitable & Affordable Housing +1 more

Core Operations and Capacity Impact Grant

Parkview Legacy Foundation
Private
Riverside County, California
Approximately US $50,000

Parkview Legacy Foundation

The Parkview Legacy Foundation was created in July of 2019 by the sale of Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center (a non-profit hospital) to AHMC (a for-profit hospital group). With the sale, the State of California required that the proceeds of the non-profit hospital be put to use for the benefit of the community through the creation of non-profit public charity or private foundation. The Parkview Legacy Foundation is the result of that transaction, and Parkview Legacy Foundation now exists as an independent Public Charity serving the Riverside region. With the funds endowed to the foundation, we are honored to invest back into the local community with a broader scope of ensuring the equitable probability of wellness through social determinants of health.

Parkview Legacy Foundation is committed to support organizations, collaborations, and initiatives that directly address the root causes which negatively affect the four focus areas of housing stability, social mobility, whole health accessibility, and integrated solutions, and therefore, prevent residents of the Inland Region from achieving wellness and stability.

Core Operations and Capacity Impact Grant

Parkview Legacy Foundation’s Impact Grants Program is driven by our core values and intended to support organizations seeking to make transformational progress in addressing needs and seizing opportunities in our four focus areas throughout the Riverside region.   

Core Operations and Capacity funding is intended to support the advancement of the organization’s mission toward specific and stated objectives (goals, outcomes, and/or impact) through use of the funding by the organization in whatever way they deem necessary to do so (excluding prohibited uses). Examples of ways organizations may choose to use the Core Operations and Capacity Impact Grant include: funding a reserves fund, covering indirect costs, covering direct costs, seeding a new program or project.  

Health Care Access & Delivery Wellness & Healthy Living Equitable & Affordable Housing +1 more

Mental Wellness Grants

Community Foundation of White County (CFWC)
Association/Society
Indiana
Up to US $75,000

About Us

Community Foundation of White County

Your community foundation is a philanthropic, nonprofit 501c3 organization that partners with visionary donors who believe that philanthropy has power to positively transform our White County community … forever.

To strengthen and transform our White County community by fostering charitable giving, philanthropic aspirations, and leadership.

Grants Available

Mental Wellness Grants

Through this grant cycle, $75,000 is available to non-profit organizations serving White County with a focus on mental wellness initiatives. Awards to be announced 10/30/26.

Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases Youth Services Health Care Access & Delivery +2 more

NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award for Established Investigators (K18 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award for Established Investigators (K18) supports seasoned researchers in enhancing or redirecting their research through new skills acquisition. This funding opportunity addresses critical questions in hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language sciences. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, ensuring ample opportunity for researchers to apply and contribute to these vital fields.
Medical Education & Professional Training Hearing Disorders & Audiology Communication Disorders

NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award for Established Investigators (K18 Clinical Trial Required) (352270)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award (K18) supports established investigators in enhancing or redirecting their research efforts. This program is crucial for acquiring new skills relevant to hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language sciences. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, including specific dates for AIDS-related grants, ensuring timely funding opportunities for innovative research.
Medical Education & Professional Training Communication Disorders Hearing Disorders & Audiology

Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Professional development grants for nonprofits provide funding to enhance staff skills, leadership training, and organizational growth. The following grants help nonprofits improve efficiency, adapt to challenges, and achieve long-term sustainability in their mission-driven work.


Search Instrumentl's Professional Development Grants Database


Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for professional development, with $3.43B in resources. Instrumentl helps organizations grow by providing grant-matching tools, deadline tracking, and funder insights to support career advancement and success.

Grant Insights : Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Economic Services & Development

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Professional Development grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Professional development grants are available for nonprofits focused on workforce training, leadership development, skill-building, and support for their staff and volunteers. These grants are ideal for organizations looking to boost their team’s skills and impact. Funders often prioritize nonprofits that serve underrepresented communities, focus on equity in leadership, or have a clear plan for using professional development to improve their mission-driven work.

Grants in professional development typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 29.8% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.

The main goal of professional development grants is to help nonprofit teams grow, improve, and become more effective. Funders see professional development grants as an investment for nonprofit professionals to improve their skills, ultimately leading to better leadership, stronger services, and more sustainable organizations. These grants often support leadership training, technical skill development, and mentorship programs that help teams with ongoing learning opportunities.

On average, grants in professional development provide funding between $0 and $188,250,000, with typical awards falling around $34,887 (median) and $655,609 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.

Professional development grants are typically funded by private foundations, corporate sponsors, and government agencies. Organizations like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Kresge Foundation are known for funding initiatives to build organizational capacity. Some corporations also provide grants to nonprofits that align with their workforce development goals, helping to create stronger communities and more skilled nonprofit professionals.

To improve the chances of receiving private grants, nonprofits should:

  • Research funders carefully – Get to know private funders by learning about their mission, past grant recipients, and funding priorities.
  • Be clear about your goals and expected results – Outline measurable outcomes, how the funds will be used, and what you hope to achieve. Having a history of success can also make your application more convincing.
  • Show financial responsibility – Prove you have good money management and a plan for long-term financial sustainability beyond the grant.
  • Build connections – Meet with grantmakers through networking events, email introductions, or funder Q&As.

Struggling to manage multiple grants? Learn how to stay organized with our comprehensive grant tracking spreadsheet guide.

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for professional development grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

See how Instrumentl helps you discover grants, cultivate relationships, and apply for funding.