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Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

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

33,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,595 Results based on applied filters

Children, Youth, and Families Grant

Caring For Colorado Foundation
Private
Pueblo County, Colorado
More than US $15,000
The Children, Youth, and Families Grant supports programs fostering equity and resilience among youth in Colorado. By partnering with community leaders, the initiative aims to create safe, nurturing environments for children, helping them thrive. Funding is available in areas such as basic needs, emotional well-being, behavioral health, and economic stability. Organizations can apply if they serve the Colorado community and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. This grant is essential for promoting long-term prosperity and equity for families.
Youth Services Basic Human Needs Early Childhood Development +3 more

ESVCF Field of Interest Grant Program

Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation
State/Local Government
Virginia
Unspecified amount
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation's Field of Interest Grant Program aims to support organizations addressing child labor exploitation. Grants will prioritize initiatives that assist affected individuals and combat labor trafficking. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), with a focus on projects serving Accomack County. Funding will cover basic needs, legal services, youth programs, education, and nonprofit capacity-building efforts. Application deadlines are March 1 for Spring and September 1 for Fall.
Basic Human Needs Legal Services Child Care Services +2 more

Annual Community Impact Grants program

Fallon Community Health Plan Inc
Private
Barnstable County, Massachusetts, Berkshire County, Massachusetts +10 more
US $5,000 - US $45,000
The Annual Community Impact Grants program by Fallon Health provides funding between $5,000 and $45,000 to support new or existing programs addressing critical community needs. Focus areas include food security, support for older adults, and early intervention for children and youth. Emphasizing collaboration and sustainability, the program aims to enhance access to essential services, particularly in Massachusetts, ensuring the well-being of underserved populations.
Food Security Senior Services Social Isolation

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

Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation - Targeted Grants

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Private
Strafford County, New Hampshire
Up to US $25,000
The Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation offers targeted grants of up to $25,000 to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing access to dental, maternal, and mental health care in Strafford County, New Hampshire. Established with proceeds from the Frisbie Memorial Hospital sale, this foundation aims to improve community health and well-being. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, while those outside Strafford County may apply if they serve the area.
Dental Health Maternal And Perinatal Health Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases

Women's Bar Association Foundation Community Grants

Womens Bar Association Foundation
Private
District of Columbia
US $2,500 - US $10,000

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. 

Domestic Violence Sexual Assault / Abuse Legal Services +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

Teresa and David R. Schmidt, M.D. Scholarship Fund

San Antonio Area Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Teresa and David R. Schmidt, M.D. Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing careers in the medical field. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment at accredited institutions. This renewable scholarship assists with tuition, fees, and books for students from specific Texas counties, fostering community growth and educational opportunities in healthcare since 1964.
Nursing Physical Therapy Medical Education & Professional Training +2 more

Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Resilient Florida – Planning Grants

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
State/Local Government
Florida
Unspecified amount
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection offers the Resilient Florida – Planning Grants to support local governments and organizations in resilience planning efforts. These grants aim to enhance the assessment of vulnerabilities to critical assets, ensuring that coastal communities can recover more swiftly from natural disasters. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, and water management districts, which can also collaborate with the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Science and Innovation to address data gaps.
Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid Climate Change Resilience & Equity Environmental Policy

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children WIC

State of New Jersey Department of Health
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Unspecified amount

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.

Children’s Health & Pediatrics Women's Health Maternal And Perinatal Health

Outreach and Education NOFA

State of New Jersey Department of Health
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Unspecified amount

The Department awards grants from State appropriations, federal awards, and other funding sources. Since the award and appropriation of these funds do not always conform to the State Fiscal Year, the information included in this directory is based on anticipated grant awards that will begin in the period from July 1 through June 30 of each State Fiscal Year. The ability of the Department to make grant awards is expressly dependent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the State Legislature from State and/or federal revenue or such other funding sources as may be applicable.

Outreach and Education NOFA

Provide outreach and education to healthcare providers and the community to increase awareness of maternal and fetal mortality, identify risk factors, and develop preventive strategies to decrease the incidence of occurrence. Provide quick access and information for healthcare services and resources in NJ. Provide data collection, management, and analysis. 

Estimated amount in the grant program

  • $ 843,160
Reproductive Health Women's Health Maternal And Perinatal Health

HEAL Initiative: Integrative Management of chronic Pain and OUD for Whole Recovery (IMPOWR) - Building Engagement, Assistance, Capacity, Outreach, and Networks (BEACON) Center

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The HEAL Initiative aims to address the significant overlap between chronic pain (CP) and opioid use disorder (OUD), with 40-75% of individuals affected by both. The IMPOWR project focuses on testing innovative interventions and implementation strategies to integrate care for CP and OUD across various health systems. The BEACON Center will enhance network coordination, build capacity, and develop resources to address barriers in service delivery, ultimately improving sustainability and scalability of evidence-based practices.
Epidemiology & Public Health Addiction & Substance Use Disorders Health Care Access & Delivery +2 more

Victim of Crimes Act (VOCA) and State Victim Assistance Grant Programs

Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
State/Local Government
Nebraska
Unspecified amount

Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

The Governor's Crime Control Commission was created in 1967 by Executive Order. The name was later changed to the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice with legislation enacted in 1969 to establish the Crime Commission as an agency of state government.

The Crime Commission was established to develop comprehensive plans and coordinate activities related to the improvement of criminal justice administration among state and local agencies. Since its inception, additional statutory responsibilities have been assigned to the Crime Commission, which now serves as an umbrella agency for many criminal and juvenile justice programs. The majority of the Crime Commission's responsibilities are set forth in Nebraska Revised Statutes 81-1415 to 81-1429.02.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) & Victim Assistance Grant

Executive Summary

This Request for Applications (RFA) for the federal Victim of Crimes Act (VOCA) and state Victim Assistance Grant Programs for Nebraska’s State Fiscal Year. Under this program, Nebraska provides grants to local community-based public, non-profit, and other organizations that provide services directly to crime victims.

The VOCA and Victim Assistance Grant Program support a broad array of programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of crime, and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives. All services funded through the VOCA and Victim Assistance Grant Program are provided to individual crime victims at no cost to the victim.

Purpose

The purpose of the VOCA and Victim Assistance Grant Programs is to provide direct services to individual crime victims at no cost to the victim and to improve outreach and services to victims of crime. VOCA guidelines define a crime victim as a person who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime. State Statute defines a crime victim in Neb. Rev. Stat. §§29-119(2).

Victim services, as outlined by federal VOCA Program Guidelines, are efforts that:

  • Respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims.
  • Assist primary and secondary victims of crime to stabilize their lives after victimization.
  • Assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system.
  • Provide victims of crime with a measure of safety and security.
Crime Victim Services Domestic Violence Sexual Assault / Abuse +1 more

Direct Service Grants

Retirement Research Foundation
Private
Illinois
Up to US $50,000
The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Direct Service Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing the quality of life for older adults. These grants prioritize projects addressing caregiving, economic security, housing, and social connectedness. Organizations must demonstrate a clear understanding of the aging network and articulate service gaps. RRF emphasizes equity and supports initiatives that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for historically marginalized populations. Applications are accepted from eligible nonprofit entities, aiming for transformative impacts in communities.
Senior Services Residential Care & Nursing Homes Caregiver Support / Respite Care

Capacity Building Grant - Comprehensive Organizational Assessment & Reports (COAR) Grant Program

Marillac Mission Fund
Private
Bond County, Illinois, Calhoun County, Illinois +14 more
Up to US $12,000
The Capacity Building Grant - Comprehensive Organizational Assessment & Reports (COAR) Grant Program by the Marillac Mission Fund aims to enhance nonprofit infrastructure and leadership. This initiative supports organizationally-ready nonprofits by providing funding for core capacity building, fostering sustainable practices to better serve vulnerable populations in the St. Louis area. The program emphasizes organizational assessments to evaluate strengths and weaknesses, ultimately facilitating growth and positive change.
Immigrant Services Senior Services Human Trafficking +2 more

Kiwanis Foundation of New England End Hunger Grant

Kiwanis Foundation of New England Inc.
Private
Bermuda, Connecticut +5 more
Up to US $2,500
The Kiwanis Foundation of New England End Hunger Grant supports Kiwanis Divisions and SLP Administrators in their efforts to combat hunger in New England. By contributing $1,500 towards a $4,000 meal packing project, participants can access $2,500 in funding for projects aimed at providing 10,000 meals. This initiative not only fosters community involvement but also ensures that vital resources are allocated to fight hunger effectively.
Youth Services Food Access & Hunger Food Delivery & Distribution Services

Big 33 Academic Scholarship Fund

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Private
United States
Up to US $2,000
The Big 33 Academic Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers financial assistance to Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to pursue higher education. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate academic achievement, community service, and leadership. Since its inception in 1985, the fund has awarded over $3.9 million in scholarships, helping countless students achieve their academic goals and overcome obstacles.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Academic Scholarship Programs +2 more

Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants

South Arts, Inc.
Private
Alabama, Florida +7 more
Up to US $1,000
The Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, offered by South Arts, support the professional growth of presenters, programmers, and curators in the Southern U.S. These grants facilitate travel to conferences, workshops, and other opportunities to enhance organizational capacity and program design. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, South Arts encourages applications from organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals. Funding covers travel, training, and related expenses, promoting equitable access to professional development.
Media Arts Film Writing & Literature +3 more

Allendale Community Foundation Scholarship

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Allendale Community Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Allendale Community Foundation and Allendale Charter Township as a way to support a graduate residing in Allendale Charter Township who wishes to pursue a post-secondary education.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Art Education +2 more

Whitney R. Harris and Saint Louis Zoo Fellowship in Animal Conservation

The Curators of the University of Missouri
State/Local Government
St. Louis County, Missouri
Unspecified amount
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.
Herpetological Conservation Ornithological Conservation Mammalian Conservation +1 more

Harry Sudakoff Foundation Grant

Harry Sudakoff Foundation
Private
United States
US $5,000 - US $40,000
The Harry Sudakoff Foundation Grant supports qualified charities in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on arts, community, education for youth, environment, human services, and science. Established by builder Harry Sudakoff, the foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of support. Grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) entities, excluding individuals and certain funding types like endowments and operating expenses. A commitment to impactful contributions is central to the foundation's mission.
Art & Culture Community Services Senior Services +6 more

Hale Kauai Scholarship Fund in Memory of Samuel W. Wilcox II

Hawai'i Community Foundation
Private
Hawaii
Unspecified amount
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.
Academic Scholarship Programs Business Education Financial Literacy +6 more

Heather Dayton Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond
Private
Charles City County, Virginia, King and Queen County, Virginia +1 more
US $3,000
The Heather Dayton Memorial Scholarship, established by Heather's family in 2001, honors her memory by providing post-secondary financial support to students of Native American descent. This scholarship emphasizes diversity, community service, and a commitment to benefiting Native Americans. Eligible candidates must be graduating high school seniors with a demonstrated commitment to their community, and preference is given to students from select high schools in Virginia. The scholarship aims to promote educational opportunities and support for underrepresented students.
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation College Success / Persistence +1 more

Pederson Nursing Scholarship

Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Inc (MOCA)
Private
Hennepin County, Minnesota
US $1,000
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.
Cancer / Oncology Gynecological Cancers Medical Education & Professional Training

Elena Albano "Maka'alohilohi" Scholarship Fund

Hawai'i Community Foundation
Private
Maui County, Hawaii
Unspecified amount
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.
Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases Psychology Medical Education & Professional Training +1 more

C.V Glassco Memorial Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The C.V. Glassco Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Mr. Clarence Verbal Glassco, a dedicated community volunteer and veteran. This scholarship supports full-time students pursuing higher education or approved workforce training in Alabama. Funded by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, it covers tuition, housing, and books based on available assets. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional financial resources. This initiative preserves Mr. Glassco's legacy of service and commitment to education.
Civic Leadership Development Academic Scholarship Programs Education - Higher Education +1 more

Dr. Gary King Sharp Memorial Scholarship

Central Kentucky Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Dr. Gary King Sharp Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Priority is given to those connected with Hospice services or in the foster care system, and to first-generation college students. This scholarship serves as a vital resource to empower students in their educational pursuits and enhance community life.
Education - Higher Education Hospice / End of Life Care Child Foster Care & Adoption Services +1 more

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.