Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program aims to enhance America's national interests by fostering private sector-led growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Focusing on Critical Minerals Investment and Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration, this initiative encourages market-based solutions that attract foreign investment. Projects must provide measurable benefits to sub-Saharan countries, promoting sustainable economic growth and increasing investment from high-quality U.S. and U.S.-aligned companies, while creating favorable conditions for U.S. commercial participation.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited William L. Arbuckle Memorial Scholarship

Recipients of this award must be accepted to an accredited degree granting college or university within the Southern Appalachian Region. Recipients must be pursuing an undergraduate and/or graduate degree in the field of fisheries, aquaculture, freshwater biology, or other related fields. 

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the FDA, is funding clinical trials targeting rare neurodegenerative diseases. This initiative aims to enhance treatment options by evaluating the efficacy and safety of new products for both children and adults. By fostering innovative and collaborative trial designs, the FDA seeks to accelerate the approval of new therapies, ultimately benefiting patients with rare conditions and advancing drug development in this critical area.

The Baltimore Women's Giving Circle (BWGC) invites applications for grants aimed at supporting organizations that empower women and their families in Baltimore City and County. Eligible organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) IRS Letter of Determination and should not have received a BWGC grant in 2024. Grants cannot be used for endowments, capital improvements, or political activities, ensuring funds directly support service delivery to women.

The Community Food Grant program provides $1.7 million in funding for food pantries in Colorado to procure and distribute healthy, culturally relevant foods. This initiative aims to enhance access to nutritious options while supporting local agriculture. Eligible food pantries can use these funds to purchase produce, meat, and dairy from local sources, ensuring that community needs and diverse cultural identities are met. The program emphasizes equity in the charitable food system, fostering collaboration with the communities served.

Who We Are

Advancing Wisconsin to be the healthiest state in the nation

AHW provides funding and resources to researchers, organizations, and communities devoted to improving the health of the people of Wisconsin.

Call for Applications: MCW-Led Seed Grants

Funding Summary

AHW’s Call for Applications: MCW-Led Seed Grants supports eligible MCW faculty to develop new approaches and methodologies, test innovative ideas, and foster greater collaboration to address Wisconsin’s leading health challenges and produce deeper impact on health and health equity in Wisconsin. Successful seed grants will build a foundation for future research or health workforce development endeavors beyond the project period. Applicants may request up to $50,000 for projects completed within a 12-month period, beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

To foster a collaborative approach to award selection, applicants will participate in a peer review process to assess proposals submitted to this funding opportunity by their fellow applicants. For the submitted application to be considered for funding, completion of all assigned reviews is required.

The SB IEP Training/Coaching Support Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance special education through targeted professional development and technical assistance. This initiative is designed to build capacity within education service centers and school systems, ensuring compliance with IEP development and fostering improved student outcomes. By empowering SB IEP leaders, the program seeks to implement best practices and effective training strategies, ultimately benefiting over 5 million students across Texas.

The Compassion Fund Grants, provided by the Womens Foundation of New Jersey, support agencies responding to natural disasters and community crises, such as floods, fires, and health emergencies. This funding is crucial during traumatic events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. To quickly access assistance, applicants can complete the Letter of Inquiry form on the foundation's website, ensuring timely support for urgent needs.

Native Voices Rising (NVR) offers grants to empower Native-led grassroots organizations in the U.S. With over $16 million awarded since inception, NVR focuses on enhancing lives through collective action and advocacy. Eligible organizations must be Native-led and engage community members in policy improvement efforts. NVR supports initiatives addressing environmental justice, health, and youth involvement, with a commitment to fostering leadership and social change within Native communities.

The Ashland County Farm Bureau Scholarship supports high school seniors and college students from Ashland County pursuing degrees in agriculture. Established in partnership with the Ashland County Community Foundation, the scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative reflects the Farm Bureau's long-standing commitment to empowering youth interested in agriculture, ensuring they have the financial resources to further their education and contribute to the agricultural community.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children WIC

To improve the nutrition and health status of eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5; encourage the utilization of each WIC participant of available health and social services ; and promote and support breastfeeding.

The Child Care Grant Program by the Santa Barbara Foundation aims to enhance the quality of early child care and education in the community. It offers grants of up to $15,000 to nonprofit providers, focusing on workforce development, family engagement, and equitable access for children aged 0-5. With rising demand for quality child care exceeding supply, this initiative seeks to strengthen the sector and ensure that every child has access to safe, nurturing environments for their development.

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Lieutenant Taylor A. Graham Memorial Scholarship

Lieutenant Graham served in the fire service for more than 30 years, dedicating his career to protecting citizens across Greenville and Spartanburg Counties. He proudly served 22 years with the City of Greer Fire Department as a Lieutenant and was also a member of the Greenville County Emergency Response Team (ERT). Beyond his years of service, Lieutenant Graham was deeply passionate about mentoring and teaching future firefighters. As an instructor at the fire academy, he took great pride in helping develop the next generation of fire service professionals and was honored to share his knowledge and experience with others entering the profession.

The Graham family has established an annual scholarship in remembrance of Lieutenant Taylor A Graham’s dedication and passion for the citizens of Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, and South Carolina’s fire service.

Applicants must complete the application, offer a letter of support from the applicant’s Fire Chief, and provide a general reference letter of support from a person of the applicant’s choosing. 

The Judith Halama Ebert Scholarship aims to support graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, pursuing Education, particularly in Special Education. Established by Judy Ebert, a passionate advocate for education, the scholarship reflects her commitment to assist students demonstrating leadership and community engagement. This initiative not only honors Judy's educational legacy but also fosters future educators who will positively impact the community.

The Newton E. & Hester G. Dilgard Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools with a minimum GPA of 2.75. This scholarship honors the legacy of Newton E. Dilgard, a self-made business leader and advocate for education, promoting the pursuit of excellence in chosen fields. It aims to assist students in attending accredited colleges or universities, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to community development.

The Chico Children's Endowment Grant, funded by the North Valley Community Foundation and anonymous donors, aims to support organizations that assist children in Chico and its surrounding areas. This grant addresses unmet physical, emotional, or mental needs of children, providing unrestricted funding to enhance programmatic offerings and strengthen community resources for families in need.

The Whitney R. Harris and Saint Louis Zoo Fellowship in Animal Conservation offers a fully-funded master's or Ph.D. opportunity for motivated graduates. This fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in animal conservation through a structured program that includes stipends, tuition waivers, and research funding. Enrolled fellows will participate in workshops and internships to enhance their impact in conservation efforts. The fellowship is a collaboration between the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the Saint Louis Zoo.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship Fund honors Samuel W. Wilcox II, supporting Kauai residents pursuing degrees in finance, business, or liberal arts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students. Preference is given to previous awardees who remain eligible. This fund aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals while honoring the legacy of its founder through continued support for higher education.

The Pederson Nursing Scholarship, awarded by the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, provides $1,000 to support an oncology nurse at the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital. This scholarship aims to enhance the education of nurses caring for women with ovarian cancer, improving their ability to provide quality care. Established in memory of Janet Pederson, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2015, this scholarship honors her legacy and commitment to healthcare.

The Elena Albano "Maka'alohilohi" Scholarship Fund, established by a Maui family, honors their ancestor's legacy of hope. This scholarship supports adults recovering from mental health, behavioral, or psychological disabilities, aiming to pursue traditional or vocational education. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, reside in Hawaii, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. Preference is given to students of Hawaiian ancestry and previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements.

 Cherokee Nation Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship

The Cherokee Nation Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to Cherokee Nation citizens pursuing college degrees in nursing and health care fields to support their readiness to contribute to and grow within the Cherokee Nation reservation labor market. 

Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship

The Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship benefits current vineyard or winery workers, their children and spouses/partners studying for a certificate and/or an associate degree in viticulture and/or enology at Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Allan Hancock College, Cuesta College, Walla Walla Community College or Umpqua Community College. Transfer students admitted to Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo for a bachelors degree in Wine and Viticulture may also be considered. The scholarship is geared toward individuals seeking skills that will allow them to advance above entry-level positions in viticulture and enology. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply in subsequent years while working to complete their degrees.

Award Amount:

$6,000-$10,000 per year ($3,000-$5,000 per semester)

The International Development and Education Award (IDEA) supports early-career oncologists in low- and middle-income countries, enhancing their expertise through mentorship and participation in the ASCO Annual Meeting. Recipients benefit from long-term professional relationships and access to resources such as the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Additionally, the IDEA-PC program focuses on medical education in palliative care, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration to improve cancer care in their home countries.

The James M. Schooler, Sr. Scholarship, established by the Beta Theta Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, aims to support African American male students from Durham and Orange County, North Carolina, pursuing a four-year degree. This scholarship encourages academic excellence without a minimum GPA requirement, emphasizing the importance of education and community engagement for young African American men. It reflects the Triangle Community Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering leadership in the local community.

The Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated nursing professional who inspired many through her passion for healthcare. This scholarship encourages aspiring nurses at various educational levels to pursue their dreams in nursing. It supports individuals planning to attend accredited nursing institutions, fostering a new generation of compassionate caregivers, just as Dashanna did throughout her impactful career.

The Compass Society Grantmaking, part of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, aims to foster high-impact, collaborative projects that enhance the community's quality of life. Grants of $50,000 will support innovative initiatives across various focus areas, including arts, education, and health. Priority is given to projects demonstrating significant community collaboration and visionary goals. This funding opportunity invites organizations to partner and create sustainable changes for the Greater Huntsville area.

The Cleveland Foundation's Equity in the Arts Fund supports organizations led by people of color in promoting diverse arts and cultures. Grants between $5,000 and $30,000 are available for non-profits and collectives with fiscal sponsors, focusing on enhancing organizational capacity and sustainability. The fund aims to uplift Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga Counties.