Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Laura Jane Musser Fund was established by the estate of Laura Jane Musser of Little Falls, Minnesota to continue the personal philanthropy, which she practiced in her lifetime.

Environmental Initiative Program

The Laura Jane Musser Fund assists public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces, while encouraging compatible human activities. The Fund’s goal is to promote public use of open space that improves a community’s quality of life and public health, while also ensuring the protection of healthy, viable and sustainable ecosystems by protecting or restoring habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species.

Projects must..

• Focus on protecting/restoring a sustainable ecosystem that is a defined, public open space.
• Promote public access to and use of the defined open space.
• Involve active participation of local community members, with a particular appreciation for volunteer and youth engagement and stakeholder contributions.
• Contain measurable outcomes within the first 12-18 months.
• Include a plan for the long term financial and environmental sustainability of the proposed program.

Projects during any one grant period will be eligible for either:

• implementation grants or 
• planning grants

Environmental Initiative - Implementation Grant Program

Implementation grant applications must demonstrate clear evidence of local community active participation and support.

Projects will be eligible for either planning or implementation funds during any one grant period.

Our Mission

The Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. Through its programs, the Institute seeks to discover, support, and inspire independent film and media artists from the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work.

Sally Menke Editing Fellowship

Description of Fellowship

The Sally Menke Editing Fellowship will include the following elements:

• Two editing mentors; collaboration with Sundance Institute staff to identify the mentors who will be available from July 2026 through May 2027. You will engage in monthly meetings with one or both of the mentors for advice on the editing process and potential opportunities for career development. When appropriate, there might be a key moment to observe mentors at work during an essential part of their process.

• Invitation to join the American Cinema Editors as an associate member. Benefits include receiving the ACE CinemaEditor Magazine, invitations to events, and screeners, with the opportunity to vote for the Feature Film Best Editing categories as part of the ACE Awards.

• Invitations to join periodic informal gatherings of the cohort of Menke fellows.

• Invitation to join the Art of Editing event at the 2027 Sundance Film Festival, where the annual Menke fellow is announced.

• Participation as an editor for two of the directing fellows at the 2026 Sundance Directors Lab (fellow must be available to attend in person at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, anticipated dates June 10–23, 2026).

The EMF EMRA Resident Research Grant, funded by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Foundation, aims to enhance research in emergency medicine by providing up to $10,000 for residents in accredited programs. This grant promotes the development of future researchers, improves patient care, and supports effective health policy through rigorous scientific inquiry. Eligible applicants must be ACGME-approved residents and secure a faculty preceptor's support, ensuring a robust educational experience in research methodologies.

The Grigg-Lewis Foundation Grant supports projects benefiting residents of Eastern Niagara County and Western New York. The foundation focuses on arts, education, health, and community improvement. Grants of $90,000 or more are reviewed quarterly, while smaller requests are considered at staff discretion. Applicants must demonstrate sustainability and provide a 501(c)(3) letter. The foundation prioritizes collaborations among nonprofits but gives lower priority to scholarships and religious organizations not historically supported by its founder.

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 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.

The Dr. Betty James Robinson Youth Scholarship, offered by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, supports high school seniors in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, PA, who display financial need and maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA. This initiative aims to empower African American students facing economic challenges, helping them pursue post-secondary education opportunities and achieve academic persistence, thereby enhancing their future prospects and contributing to their communities.

The Hall of Scholars Scholarship, offered by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, recognizes high-achieving students who are committed to community service. Open to graduating high school seniors and African American college students in Bucks, Montgomery, or Philadelphia Counties, applicants must maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA and provide proof of acceptance or enrollment at an accredited institution. This scholarship honors both academic excellence and dedication to community service, empowering students to further their education.

Jayden DeLuca Foundation

Dedicated to raising awareness for children’s heart defect and disease — the number one birth defect in the nation — The Jayden DeLuca Foundation is a testament to the life of Jayden Riley DeLuca.

In Jayden’s name, we are dedicated to supporting children and families facing the challenges of congenital heart defects and disease. We are committed to building a better future by providing financial support through our patient assistance fund, building a community of like families through sharing resources and providing encouragement to those navigating pediatric heart conditions and continuing to invest in dedicated heart research programs.

Our efforts create a meaningful impact — advancing medical and scientific research, improving access to treatment and amplifying awareness of cardiac diseases.

The funds we raise directly support pediatric heart research, treatment advancements and community programs, extending Jayden’s light and legacy far into the world.

Patient Assistance Fund

Our Patient Assistance Fund is dedicated to supporting families with financial support due to complications related to congenital heart disease. Financial assistance may include, but is not limited to:

• Travel assistance related to CHD medical care
• Medical bills related to CHD and not covered by insurance
• CHD specialized equipment not covered by insurance

Eligible applicants may be reimbursed up to $1,500 quarterly for expenses related to CHD complications. Applicants must submit corresponding receipts alongside their application to be considered for this reimbursement program.

The Robert W. and Irene O. James Community College / Technical Career Scholarship, provided by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, supports African American high school seniors from Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania, who aim to pursue education at community colleges or technical schools. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and demonstrate commitment to their academic and career goals. This scholarship fosters access to postsecondary education, empowering young individuals to achieve economic stability and success.

The McAllister’s Love Scholarship, provided by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, aims to empower high school seniors of African ancestry residing in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania. With a minimum GPA of 3.5, applicants are encouraged to pursue degrees in business, communication, or engineering at four-year accredited institutions. This scholarship not only supports academic excellence but also promotes professional development in fields with promising career prospects, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Patricia Blue Williams Scholarship, offered by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, supports African American public high school seniors from Bucks, Montgomery, or Philadelphia Counties, Pennsylvania, who are planning to enroll in college in Fall 2026. With a focus on expanding access to higher education, this scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a valid college acceptance letter. It aims to empower students and promote academic success within the Greater Philadelphia area.

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 Vela Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on improving nutrition and wellness in underserved communities, particularly those with annual budgets under $5 million. Preference is given to organizations operating in low-income areas and those with budgets under $3 million. The foundation aims to enhance access to healthy foods and provide nutrition education in the Greater Boston area and Gateway Cities, fostering entrepreneurial programs that promote community wellness.

Ohio Department of Development

Empowering communities to succeed.

That’s the mission statement for the Ohio Department of Development, and it’s what we work toward every day. Our values fit that mission statement. We strive to be:

• Bold
• Diverse
• Responsive
• Solution-focused

Our work is aimed at helping Ohio businesses, communities, and individuals thrive. We know that Ohio is the best state to live, learn, work, innovate, and play, and we strive to improve on that every day. Our programs and employees can have an impact on the lives of many Ohioans, and we take that responsibility to heart. 

Roadwork Development Grant (629) Program

The Roadwork Development Grant Program (“629 Program”) was created to promote economic development, business expansion and job creation by providing roadwork improvement funding for eligible projects in the State of Ohio.

The Ohio Department of Development 629 Program provides grants to local jurisdictions with an economic development project to assist them with eligible public roadwork improvement costs. A secondary goal of the 629 Program is working with employers benefiting from the public roadwork improvement to create new jobs or preserve existing employment opportunities in the State of Ohio.

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

Ohio Pediatric/Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line (OPPAL) Competitive Solicitation

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health announces the availability of funds for Children’s Hospitals and Perinatal Psychiatry experts to apply for the Ohio Pediatric Psychiatry Access Line (OPPAL) (OP27) grant. The program focuses on improving the diagnosis, treatment, and referral of behavioral health conditions in youth and perinatal populations. OP27 will support the peer-to-peer consultations from child and adolescent psychiatrists to pediatricians, family medicine and other primary care providers across Ohio. A supplemental funding opportunity is available for Perinatal Psychiatry experts to expand OPPAL to include perinatal psychiatry consultation.

The Oil Spill Response Equipment Grant, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, provides funding to local government agencies for purchasing essential oil spill response equipment. This program aims to enhance the readiness of first responders in mitigating oil spills, ensuring economic stability in affected communities. Grants also cover training and equipment delivery, focusing on agencies located near state waters. Applications are accepted continuously, emphasizing ongoing support for local environmental protection efforts.

Grants

Through our grantmaking, we support nonprofits that serve South Carolina at local, regional and state levels to address root causes of poverty while honoring the dignity of every South Carolinian.

Starting in 2026, our grants focus primarily on systems change in the areas of

• economic mobility,
• housing security and
• health care (with health care systems change grants by invitation only).

By focusing our efforts and going deeper on these three issues, we aim to have an even greater impact on the nonprofits and communities we serve.

Systems Change Grants

Systems Change Grants fund organizations and coalitions that are working to change the policies, power structures and mindsets that cause and reinforce poverty in South Carolina. These grants specifically fund systems change that supports economic mobility and housing security.

Through these grants, we aim to generate a larger impact through more intentional funding, highly focused work and alignment across our Foundation’s activities.

What Systems Change Grants Support

• Organizations that are actively working on systems change that impacts people experiencing poverty and addresses economic mobility or housing security. To see how the Foundation defines these terms, visit our Strategic Plan webpage.
• Organizations that are seeking to change systems at the local, regional or state level. Systems Change Grants provide up to $75,000 annually for local or regional work.
  • State-level grants have a $100,000 maximum each year. 
• Organizations addressing systems change in at least one of the following ways:
  • Participating in advocacy and lobbying
    • Focus on changing policies, practices, processes, rules or laws
    • Impacting resource flows (i.e., reallocated and/or new funding streams)
    • Holding systems accountable to their intended purpose through the above as well as through litigation
  • Addressing unequal power
    • Focus on changing the distribution and dynamics of privilege, relationships and tradition
    • Organizing and building connections and coalitions that center community voices and perspectives
    • Civic engagement
  • Affirming the dignity of people experiencing poverty
    • Focus on changing the narrative around poverty
    • Focus on changing attitudes, mindsets, values, belief systems, norms, mental models and paradigms
  • Implementing big impact, scalable, or innovative solutions
    • Focus on changing results, especially for groups experiencing inequitable outcomes as a result of historic and current marginalization

All grants are for one year, with the possibility of renewal up to three years based on meeting reporting requirements and the availability of funding.

The Paraprofessional Grant aims to assist Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) in New Jersey by supporting paraprofessionals pursuing teacher certification through an alternate route. It encourages partnerships with high poverty school districts and focuses on enhancing training and sustainability models for these educators. The grant, overseen by the New Jersey Department of Education, is available for up to $260,000 and is set to operate from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

Transportation Research and Policy

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through evidence-based solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice.

The Infrastructure team has been investing in efforts to build better, faster, and lower-cost infrastructure with a focus on housing, energy, and transportation. For transportation, we are investing in policymaking and research that tackles the inefficiencies that make U.S. transportation infrastructure so difficult and expensive to build. 

Purpose

Transportation policy represents an avenue for improving the systems moving people, goods, and services. The Infrastructure team is seeking proposals evaluating the effectiveness and/or benefits of existing transportation or transportation-adjacent policies on outcomes for communities in the United States.

Eligible Projects and Topic Areas of Interest

This Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to bolster the knowledge base of potentially effective policies, programs, and interventions by funding efforts that align with key AV Infrastructure policy areas.

AV is primarily focused on traditional surface transportation — road and public transit — but is open to proposals in aviation, maritime, passenger and freight rail, trucking, and more.

We seek proposals for: 1) research, expanded data sets, or analysis; 2) administrative or legislative policy reforms at the federal, state, or local level; or 3) models of effective implementation including proposals for implementing agencies to partner with researchers or program evaluators to conduct baseline and post-intervention research on implementation effectiveness that will advance the knowledge base and provide illustrative examples within, but not limited to, the following topic areas:

• Transportation Capital Investment Reform. Evaluating how capital funding is prioritized and selected at the federal, state, or regional level, including discretionary grant programs and formula-based funding. What reforms could ensure projects deliver higher public returns?

• Cost Estimation, Oversight, and Accountability. Why do major transportation projects frequently exceed budgets and timelines, and how can we identify strategies to improve transparency, cost realism, and performance oversight?

• Access in Mobility Outcomes. Measuring how current transportation investments affect access to jobs, services, and economic opportunities for workers and families, and what policy changes could improve access.

• Performance-Based Project Selection. How can public agencies shift from current, politically driven allocations to datadriven, performance-based decision-making on capital project selections?

• Institutional Barriers to Reform. What organizational, legal, or procedural hurdles prevent DOTs and MPOs from adopting better practices (e.g., outcome-based planning, integrated land use/transportation policy)?

• Permitting and Permit Reform. How do current local, state, and federal permitting practices affect project cost, quality, timeline, and other concerns?

• Intergovernmental Dynamics. How do federal, state, and local funding structures and requirements enable or constrain effective transportation investment? What governance structures would improve outcomes when it comes to transportation planning and project delivery?

• Data Sets and Root Causes of High Delivery Costs. Expanded data sets on unit costs and/or research illuminating the root causes of why transportation and transit projects cost so much and take so long to deliver. What policy and practice changes could manage project delivery risks and improve the likelihood that projects will be delivered on s chedule and on budget?

• Domestic Content. How do Buy America and domestic content requirements affect the cost, speed, innovation, and effectiveness of transportation infrastructure projects?

• Procurement Process. How do current procurement practices affect project cost, quality, innovation, and accountability — and what policy and regulatory reforms could improve outcomes?

• Other. AV also welcomes innovative proposals on other transportation issues that align with our mission.

These research, policy development, and implementation proposals can be relevant to federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation or federal administrative changes; state reforms to Departments of Transportation; and/or local-level reforms relevant either to regional transportation agencies, transit agencies, or municipal governments.

The Brownfield Opportunity Area Program in New York aims to revitalize underutilized and contaminated properties, enhancing community investment and growth. Managed by the New York State Department of State, the program provides grants and technical assistance to develop strategic redevelopment plans. This initiative targets areas with known contamination, especially in disadvantaged communities, transforming them into valuable assets that promote economic development and improve quality of life for residents.

The A.D. and Peggy Hewlett and Colonel David R. Inman Medical Scholarship, established by Steve Hewlett, Pam Inman, and Faye Houston, honors their parents' commitment to education and healthcare. This scholarship supports students pursuing nursing, pharmacy, or physical therapy, prioritizing applicants from Hancock, Ohio, or Daviess County, Kentucky. Applicants must demonstrate academic potential and compassion through relevant experiences. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee administers this fund to foster a more inclusive and thriving community.

The Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program Grant aims to support women and minority veterans in overcoming economic barriers to access training in construction trades. This initiative offers funding for eligible organizations to provide comprehensive training, placement services, and support to prepare these veterans for successful careers in the construction industry. With a funding amount of $1,500,000, the program is focused on enhancing workforce diversity and inclusion within the sector.

The Smart Growth Community Planning Program, managed by the New York State Department of State, aims to enhance community planning by integrating Smart Growth principles. This program supports the development of comprehensive plans and zoning codes that prioritize equity, economic development, environmental stewardship, and energy efficiency. By fostering inclusivity and sustainability, it empowers communities to create vibrant, livable spaces that cater to diverse populations and promote long-term resilience.

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.

The Silicon Schools Fund Grant supports innovative K-12 education models in California, focusing on empowering students and enhancing teaching through technology. By investing in excellent charter, district, and independent schools, as well as education support providers, the fund aims to create engaging learning environments that prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Their commitment to educational excellence fosters a collaborative approach to developing effective teaching tools and strategies.

The Brave Heart Fellowship, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth aged 18-24 to lead in environmental justice and food sovereignty efforts. This 9-month program offers a culturally-competent curriculum and promotes advocacy for protecting traditional lands and sacred sites. By uplifting Indigenous voices, the fellowship addresses inequities and fosters community engagement, aiming for a sustainable future rooted in Native culture and leadership.