Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Edith M. Pritchard Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education and public health. Applicants must hold a current RN license, maintain a GPA of 3.6, and have at least two semesters of study remaining post-award notification. This scholarship promotes nursing leadership and is funded through donations, reflecting over a century of commitment to nursing education.

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AHCJ Netherlands Health Care Study Group

Americans historically have shown little interest in learning from health systems in other countries, but skyrocketing costs in the U.S. are putting medical care out of reach for millions of middle-class patients. This has stoked growing unhappiness about the American health care system. And it offers a new opportunity to educate Americans about how other wealthy nations organize their health systems and make care more widely available at more affordable costs.

To improve understanding of other health systems, the Association of Health Care Journalists will hold its 2026 Health Care Study Group in the Netherlands. It’s a weeklong in-person program for U.S.-based reporters to travel to the Netherlands, meet with health care leaders and experts to inform reporting projects for U.S.-based outlets.

The Netherlands offers an especially compelling case study for an American audience. It consistently ranks among the top-performing OECD health systems while relying on a model that blends universal coverage with regulated competition among private health insurers. Care is delivered primarily by private physicians and hospitals, and residents purchase insurance from private nonprofit health plans that are required to offer a standardized package of benefits and accept all applicants. The result is a system that combines broad access to care with patient choice and strong public oversight.

Like any health system, the Dutch model faces challenges, including an aging population, workforce shortages and rising costs. Yet it continues to deliver high-quality care with relatively low levels of unmet medical need and strong financial protections for patients. General practitioners serve as the cornerstone of the system, helping coordinate care and manage costs, while limits on out-of-pocket spending reduce the risk that illness leads to financial hardship. For Americans struggling with high medical bills despite having insurance, the Dutch experience offers valuable lessons. Special thanks to The Commonwealth Fund for supporting this program.

The Lou Moneymaker Legacy Scholarship for the Blind & Visually Impaired, established by the Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation, aims to support Indiana residents pursuing education at accredited institutions. This scholarship prioritizes blind or visually impaired applicants and requires demonstration of financial need or barriers to obtaining a post-secondary credential. Eligible expenses include tuition, fees, room, board, and books, facilitating educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Major Richard L. Ridder Memorial Scholarship, established by Mary Ann Ridder, honors her husband’s dedication to the Indiana National Guard and the value of education. Open to Indiana residents, it supports current or former members of the National Guard and their families. Applicants must show financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, and educational expenses at accredited institutions in Indiana.

Suncadia Fund For Community Enhancement

The mission of the Fund is to provide a source of funding and organization for activities and investments that will create and enhance a dynamic and vital community experience. The Fund will have the ability to participate in a broad range of activities intended to improve the social, cultural, economic, and environmental conditions of Suncadia and its immediate environs, including the Town of Roslyn, the City of Cle Elum, and the City of South Cle Elum.

Grant Program

The intent of the Grant Program is to provide funding for projects that will benefit the quality of life and sense of community for people who live and work in Suncadia and the immediately surrounding communities (Communities).

Grants will only be considered for registered non-profit organizations, Suncadia Resort community functions, or local governmental agencies. Requests for grants associated with private residences, for personal financial gain, for-profit businesses or other for-profit ventures will not be considered. 

Grants are reviewed quarterly (Grant Month) January, April, July, and October. Grants should be submitted at least 15 days prior to the Grant Month. 

Women's Bar Association Foundation

Founded in 1981, the mission of the WBAF Foundation is to leverage the generosity of lawyers and friends to support nonprofits that serve the legal and related needs of women and girls in the DC Metropolitan community.

Community Grants

To further this mission, the WBAF Foundation supports community non-profit organizations in the D.C. Metropolitan Area through its annual grant program. 

Grantees have used our funding to serve the critical legal needs of women and girls in the DC region on issues of domestic violence, employment, immigration, sexual assault, family law and more. The WBA Foundation welcomes proposals that are consistent with our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and will further our mission. The WBA Foundation is interested in funding a diverse group of projects and organizations. 

Once selected, grantees are expected to participate in the WBA Foundation’s Grant Awards Ceremony and submit a report that provides data and other information on accomplishments achieved during the grant period with WBA Foundation funding. 

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness of behavioral health strategies in rural settings. By developing evaluation tools and resources, this initiative seeks to empower local communities in their health initiatives, ensuring that future programs are informed by comprehensive evaluations. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the program highlights the importance of tailored approaches to address opioid-related challenges in rural areas.

The Youth Innovations Test Grant, offered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, empowers grassroots groups by funding projects led by youth or youth-adult partnerships. This initiative aims to enhance the social and economic well-being of young people, especially those from Indigenous and Black communities facing systemic barriers. Eligible projects should foster collaboration, innovation, and cultural connection, enabling youth to address issues collectively and create lasting positive impacts in their communities.

The Allison Adams Wieczorek Scholarship supports graduate nurses pursuing degrees in maternal-infant and pediatric nursing. Established through the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., this scholarship honors the contributions of Allison Adams Wieczorek, a dedicated board member with extensive experience in financial services. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining and meet specific eligibility criteria, including holding a current RN license and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.6. This initiative fosters nursing leadership and education.

The St. Catherine of Alexandria Scholarship, established by Robert and Elaine Damler, aims to support Marion County residents facing significant personal hardships. This scholarship is designed for students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, with a strong preference for those demonstrating financial need and overcoming challenges such as being first-generation college students or from single-parent households. The scholarship covers essential educational expenses and encourages applicants who are committed to improving their lives.

The George H. and Charlotte B. Cressy Memorial Scholarship supports adult learners in Maine aiming for post-secondary education. Established in 2021, it assists residents of Greater Portland in overcoming financial barriers to educational opportunities at accredited institutions, including colleges and trade schools. Eligibility includes being a Maine resident and meeting one of several criteria for nontraditional students, such as age or financial independence. This scholarship empowers individuals to pursue personal and professional growth through education.

Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

At Syndax, we are determined to realize a future in which people with cancer live longer and better than ever before. We believe that it takes a community to build a great medicine, and that is why we are working to set the new standard for developing medicines in the field of oncology – one that revolves around collaboration, shared learning, and excellence.

Syndax’s mission is to obtain regulatory approval and commercialize drugs that extend and improve the lives of cancer patients by drawing on the newest scientific research and advances, collaborating with determined problem solvers, and identifying value in overlooked aspects of science.

Educational Funding

At Syndax, we are committed to the goal of supporting objective, balanced and scientifically rigorous education that furthers improvements in science, medicine, and patient care. We accomplish this goal, in part, by providing grants for independent medical education (IME) programs. These can include live, online, and/or enduring programs that educate healthcare providers (HCPs), patients, or caregivers. Programs that are funded via Syndax medical education grants must be primarily dedicated, in both effort and time, to medical, health or scientific topics that are objective, balanced, unbiased, and scientifically rigorous. Medical education grants must never be made with the intent to directly or indirectly reward, influence or encourage the recipient to prescribe, purchase, sell or arrange for any Syndax product.

The CFSCNY Women's Fund Grant aims to empower women and girls in South Central New York by supporting innovative projects that promote economic self-sufficiency, mental health, and personal safety. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and selected local government agencies. The fund prioritizes initiatives that create positive change, strengthen social support, and enhance leadership development. Proposals should align with the foundation's commitment to racial justice, equity, and community development.

The Ann Miller Gonzalez Graduate Research Grant, offered by the Native Plant Society of Texas, supports graduate students at Texas universities conducting research on native plants and habitat conservation. Grants up to $2500 are available to promote academic pursuits in biology, botany, and related fields. This initiative honors an early advocate for Texas native plants, encouraging future research that emphasizes the importance of native flora in the state's ecosystems.

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

Since its founding in 1869, Goldman Sachs has been a dominant force in the financial world. Built from the foundation of our renowned investment banking business, the firm has evolved its culture and expanded its offerings over time - but its commitment to client service and excellence endures.

The Goldman Sachs culture values teamwork, client service, and giving back to the communities we serve. It has been described as the foundation of the firm's success. Moreover, the people of Goldman Sachs have long valued their opportunity to give back through public service and volunteerism, humanitarian efforts, and programs that foster economic progress in communities around the world.

Goldman Sachs Community Development Grant

The Community Development Grants program aims to address critical funding gaps in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities across New York City, New Jersey, and Salt Lake City. The program provides financial support to high-impact organizations dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and community stability. 

The Change Makers Initiative

The Change Makers Initiative: Provides organizations with a one-time, general operating grant (e.g., for programmatic or staffing needs). Key themes in this cohort included:

• Access to Housing: Expediting access to affordable apartments for homeless New Yorkers with housing vouchers.
• Embracing AI: Leading AI adoption initiatives, ensuring LMI communities aren't left behind in the digital economy through literacy training and organizational transformation.
• Empowering Parents: Providing free, high-quality childcare, enabling parents to work towards financial autonomy and security.
• Building Financial Futures: Offering financial coaching and debt relief services that open doors to homeownership and economic stability.

The Clay Minerals Society offers a Student Travel Award to support students attending its annual meeting. This award provides partial funding for intracontinental and intercontinental travel, along with coverage for meeting registration, field trips, and lodging. Applications are judged competitively, with no restrictions on nationality or gender. Students may apply for both the travel award and research grant in one year, but can receive a maximum of two awards each.

The Clay Minerals Society Marilyn and Sturges W. Bailey Distinguished Member Award honors outstanding contributions to clay mineralogy through original research. This prestigious recognition is awarded solely based on scientific merit, without consideration for teaching or administrative service. The award includes a $2000 honorarium and waived registration for the Annual Conference, where the recipient will present a plenary lecture. Nominees may be renominated after three years, ensuring a fair evaluation process.

The Marion L. and Chrystie M. Jackson Mid-Career Clay Scientist Award recognizes mid-career scientists for their significant contributions to clay minerals science. Awarded by the Clay Minerals Society (CMS), it includes a $2000 honorarium and a waived conference registration. Candidates must be aged 39-60 and full members of CMS. The selection is made by the CMS Awards Committee, with a decision announced at the Annual Meeting, where the awardee is expected to present a plenary lecture.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Vocation across the Academy Grants

​One major purpose of an undergraduate education in the liberal arts is to help students shape a philosophy of life. At the same time, undergraduates today are increasingly preoccupied with postgraduate employment. The purpose of this grant program is to help colleges and universities develop more effective ways to strengthen the link between these two purposes of undergraduate education. It is designed to support institutions in their efforts to expand vocational exploration and discernment programs across the curriculum and co-curricular programs, with the following goals:

• to help students develop more effective links between developing a philosophy of life and preparing for a career;
• to include more faculty and students in the work of vocational exploration and discernment; and, in some cases,
• to build connections with community partners, such as local businesses, nonprofits, and other community organizations.

The Joseph & Dorothy Headley Scholarship supports Maine's nontraditional students, providing financial assistance for those pursuing post-secondary education after facing various life challenges. Eligible applicants must be Vinalhaven residents for three years, display good character, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship aims to empower individuals over 25, those working full-time, or financially independent students. By easing financial burdens, this initiative encourages adult learners to focus on their educational goals and enhance their lives through training and education.

The Thomas Musgrave and Beulah Long Musgrave Scholarship supports Maine residents pursuing higher education as nontraditional students. Aimed at those facing financial challenges, this scholarship helps alleviate the costs associated with attending two- and four-year colleges, certificate programs, or self-directed learning experiences. The scholarship is available to applicants who meet specific criteria, including being over 25 years old or working full-time while studying. It encourages individuals to prepare adequately before applying.

The Public Health Nursing initiative aims to enhance the health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native men by implementing a culturally sensitive case management model. Through this program, Public Health Nurses will provide preventive health services, facilitate access to care, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. By promoting early identification and management of health issues, the initiative strives to improve overall community health outcomes through targeted, collaborative interventions.

The Gilbert M and Martha H Hitchcock FoundationThe Gilbert M and Martha H Hitchcock Foundation is one of the oldest private, continuously run family foundations in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 80 years serving the greater metro Omaha and Council Bluffs area with philanthropic support. From the start, the foundation matched the Hitchcocks' passions: supporting local journalism and the hard-working youth who delivered it, supporting religious institutions, promoting Omaha's growth, and providing care to the sick and elderly. In time, its focus has expanded to include private and higher education, the arts, conservation and animal welfare, preserving history, and social service organizations serving the greater Omaha and Council Bluffs area.

The Conservation Alliance Grants program is currently under evaluation, leading to a pause in the member-directed grant cycle as the organization aligns its funding with its strategic plan launching in 2025. This initiative aims to harness the collective efforts of businesses and outdoor communities to protect North America's wild places through impactful and efficient grant-making. Future funding will focus on projects that enhance habitat, support Indigenous initiatives, and address climate change.

Okoboji Foundation

The Okoboji Foundation was started in 1988, by a group of dedicated lovers of The Lakes Region who wished to improve the quality of life of those who call this area home.

Originally named the University of Okoboji Foundation, Berkley Bedell served as the first Board Chairman.  In 2006, the foundation changed its name to the Okoboji Foundation to establish the organization as a Community Foundation. Over $5.24 million has been granted to more than 80 different nonprofit agencies located around The Lakes since its inception and preserving the stories that make Iowa Great Lakes a place of local legends.

Today, the Okoboji Foundation is the center point of giving for vital capital projects. Current funding priorities focus on arts & culture, economic development, lake quality & environment, and outdoor experiences & recreation. It’s through the generosity of donors that the Okoboji Foundation continues to make a positive, lasting impact in the Lakes community.

Areas of Focus

We fund projects in the Iowa Great Lakes Region that align with one or more of the following:

• Arts & Culture – Enriching community life and sustaining nostalgia and legacy for residents and visitors.
• Outdoor Recreation – Expanding opportunities for active, healthy lifestyles.
• Lake Quality & Environment – Protecting and sustaining our lakes and natural resources

What We Fund

We fund VITAL CAPITAL PROJECTS, such as buildings, equipment, or physical property that will be available for many years of use in our Lakes communities. We want to help develop communities where people want to live, work, visit, and play

Projects should be visible, available to a large portion of the public, and have a long lasting impact in the Iowa Great Lakes region.

Professional signage must be included on structures or property funded by Foundation grants. The Okoboji Foundation will provide official logos and style guidelines for signage.

Funding Levels

There are two categories of funding: Leadership Grants and Community Needs Grants.

Community Needs Grants

Grant requests under $25,000 will be considered by the Youth In Philanthropy student led committee. Any unfunded grants in this category will then be reviewed by the Okoboji Foundation grant committee. Projects should be completed and request reimbursement with receipts totaling amount of grant award within one year of the award notification.

The OAC Community Arts Learning Grants support community-based arts learning programs across Oklahoma, emphasizing the transformative power of the arts. Established by the Oklahoma Arts Council, these grants aim to boost community vitality, enhance quality of life, and preserve cultural heritage. Funding is available for workshops and classes that serve people of all ages and abilities, ensuring accessibility to the arts for all Oklahomans.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.