Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Charles B. Decker Memorial Scholarship, established in 1991, supports college and graduate students from the Tri-Lakes area pursuing journalism careers. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in the Adirondack region by providing essential financial assistance to students dedicated to journalism. Candidates are evaluated based on financial need, demonstrated commitment to journalism, and academic achievements, ensuring that the scholarship aligns with the foundation's mission to invest in educational opportunities.

The Sioux Empire United Way Grants support non-profit organizations addressing critical needs in the community, particularly for children, vulnerable adults, and individuals in crisis. To apply, agencies must be tax-exempt and demonstrate operational funding deficits. Applications are reviewed competitively by community volunteers. This initiative aims to enhance the impact of services provided in Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, and Turner Counties through measurable outcomes.

The JA Community Foundation focuses on funding solutions that address the needs of the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. They prioritize programs that enhance senior health, promote history, arts, culture, and support youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 organizations and can apply from all 50 states. However, organizations with open grants cannot submit new applications until their current grants are closed.

The Agriculture, Soil Health, and Water Efficiency Innovation Pilot Program aims to enhance the health and safety of Arizona's agricultural sector while promoting efficient water use. Funded by the Arizona Department of Agriculture with an allocation of $1.8 million for the fiscal year 2026, this initiative provides grants to agricultural stakeholders for innovative soil health practices. The program underscores the state's commitment to sustainable agriculture and water management, fostering advancements in farming techniques.

The Indigo Hope Foundation offers grants to organizations in the Upstate of South Carolina, focusing on addiction, homelessness, at-risk youth, veterans, and first responders. They award between $250 and $100,000, prioritizing projects that demonstrate measurable results and address critical community needs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or government units, with only one application allowed per grant period. The foundation emphasizes collaboration and favors faith-based organizations.

The Fellowship Program for the Postdoctoral Associate Grant aims to support research that enhances inclusivity in the autism workforce. It offers three awards totaling $195,000 over three years, targeting diverse, independent investigators to transition into tenure-track positions. This initiative, established by the Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism, strives to advance the understanding and management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through innovative research and training programs.

Our Mission

The Horner Foundation is a family-based charity dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations that provide youth, aged 10-19, hands-on experiential learning opportunities through Out of School Time (OST) to foster positive youth development.

We work in 4 geographic regions, determined by where family members live, their specific interests and needs identified by the community.

Our Vision

• All youth will be empowered to realize their full potential and become active participants in their communities.
• All youth will have ample opportunities both inside and outside the classroom to experience a diversity of quality learning styles and frameworks.
• All youth will be healthy, strong, and well-prepared for the 21st Century.

Organizational Funding Statement

The Horner Foundation strives to be responsive and meet organizations where they are. This means that we may provide multi-year funding and ongoing support to nonprofits who may be launching a pilot project or going through a transition. However, we also believe in the value of diverse funding sources. The Horner Foundation typically funds organizations for 1-2 funding cycles (2-4 years). In rare cases, we may fund an organizations for 3 funding cycles (6 years).

Grants

The Foundation awards two-year grants dedicated to project funding. We fund in four geographic regions, each with its own funding priorities.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Out of School Time (OST) Organizations - STEM Programs    

Strategy

Since 2013, The Horner Foundation has supported Out of School Time programs working directly with underserved youth aged 10-19 in the City of Philadelphia. For our 2024 funding cycle, we will focus on out-of-school time STEM programming. 

Funding Focus

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math): The intention of this funding focus is to inspire members of the next generation to pursue careers in the science, technology, engineering, and math sectors through programming delivered in an inclusive learning environment.

• The program may include coding, robotics, entrepreneurship, engineering, and other STEM-related OST programming aimed at equipping youth with the tools necessary to thrive in a tech driven society.
• This funding focus also includes programs that encourage leadership training and career preparation for young tech leaders in underserved communities.

The 2025 Giving Project Fund for Community Organizing aims to empower community-led movements in Maine, providing unrestricted support of up to $20,000 for at least five groups. This participatory grantmaking initiative, guided by a diverse cohort of donor-organizers, focuses on advancing justice in economic, environmental, racial, and social spheres. By prioritizing organizations that utilize community organizing as a strategy, the fund seeks to foster equity and address systemic issues faced by marginalized communities.

The Ronald P. Guerrette FFA Scholarship Fund, established in 1998 by friends and family, honors Ronald P. Guerrette of Caribou. This fund awards a $1,000 scholarship annually to graduating high school seniors in Maine who are FFA members and are committed to pursuing careers in farming or agriculture-related fields. The Maine Community Foundation, founded in 1983, supports this initiative by providing resources for educational opportunities across the state.

The Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants aim to support workforce development by funding technical education equipment for high school students in advanced manufacturing and construction. This initiative addresses Wisconsin's skilled worker shortage by prioritizing grants for eligible school districts and consortia. The program ensures that at least one-third of the funds are allocated to districts qualifying for sparsity aid, fostering collaboration and enhancing educational opportunities for students across the state.

The Fellowship Training Award for Workforce Expansion, offered by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, aims to improve access to rheumatology care by supporting the training of fellows at institutions facing funding constraints. This $50,000 per year award, available for up to three years, seeks to ensure a sufficient supply of rheumatology providers, particularly in underserved areas, thereby enhancing the quality of care for patients with rheumatic diseases.

The Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Skills USA-Continuation-Year 4 grant program aims to provide statewide leadership for CTSOs, specifically SkillsUSA. This continuation grant, available exclusively to Somerset County Vocational School District, supports initiatives that enhance student competencies and career readiness. The grant period extends from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, with a maximum award of $158,500, fostering leadership skills and realistic career choices among students.

Kansas Office of Apprenticeship

The Kansas Office of Apprenticeship (KOA) supports the development and expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs across the state and administers the Kansas Apprenticeship Council (KAC), which ensures programs meet state and federal apprenticeship standards.

Mission: To meet the needs of the Kansas economy and its citizens, the office of Apprenticeship will actively grow a robust system that supports our apprenticeship stakeholders, sponsors, intermediaries, and apprentices. We do this by strategically empowering partnerships that serve a diverse and inclusive workforce through occupational proficiency, for generations to come.

Rural Apprenticeship Innovation for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Grant

Overview

The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship are committed to meeting Kansas’ high-wage, high-demand workforce needs by expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs in counties with populations under 50,000 residents. This grant provides direct operational support to new and existing programs—such as business support, marketing, and training equipment—to help them grow, expand services, and reach more Kansans.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to provide seed funding for long-term investments in the expansion of new or established Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural Kansas with populations under 50,000. Registered Apprenticeships are a sustainable and economical way to connect residents to meaningful training for long term careers, retain talent in rural areas, and keep Kansas competitive.

Goals

• Support expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural Kansas counties.
• Increase Registered Apprenticeship enrollment by at least 10% year over year in high-wage, high-demand occupations

The MyGOAL Autism Grant Program provides essential financial support for families caring for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This need-based grant assists with non-reimbursable medical expenses, nutritional needs, personal care, and educational enrichment activities. With a funding amount of $1000, the program prioritizes first-time applicants and aims to enhance the well-being and development of children with ASD, addressing gaps left by other funding sources.

Elisa B. Hughey Scholarship for the Arts

Scholarships will be awarded annually from this fund for college-bound students from any Cattaraugus County High School committed to advancing their skills in any aspect of the arts. Preference will be for graduating seniors of Ellicottville, Cattaraugus-Little Valley, West Valley, Salamanca or Franklinville/Ten-Broeck Academy high schools. First preference will be for students pursuing the fine arts, with second preference for students pursuing performing arts fields. This award is not limited to students majoring in art.

The Little Rapids Corporation Egan Family Foundation Grant, established in 1986, supports charitable initiatives in communities where the company operates. The foundation emphasizes philanthropy in education, health and human services, youth development, and the arts. It seeks to fund projects that benefit many individuals over extended periods, with a preference for causes located in Northeast Wisconsin. This commitment reflects the family-owned structure's dedication to community enhancement and long-lasting positive impact.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

County Conservation AIDS

County conservation grants provide financial assistance to enhance county/tribal fish and wildlife programs.

This Fish and Wildlife Management Grant Program was created to assist counties in the improvement of the fish and wildlife resources. The fund was established by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1965 as an alternative to bounty payments on coyote, foxes and bobcats. Every year since the bounty program was canceled, a state allocation equal to the average annual bounty payment has been earmarked as matching money for a growing list of county-sponsored fish and wildlife habitat projects.

After the state budget is approved, funds are allocated to each county in proportion to the ratio of the size of each county to the total area of the state.

Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship

Established by Ben and Rose Schwabenbauer, former long-time teachers in the Olean City School District, this fund awards scholarships for graduating seniors from Olean High School, Otto-Eldred High School, Portville Central School or Bradford Area High School who will be attending a 4-year college with a preference for students majoring in education, particularly elementary education; criminal justice or a law enforcement-related field; or healthcare-related fields of study. 

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

The Wallach Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to high school students and those with equivalent credentials from Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, and Henry counties. This fund aims to support individuals facing financial need or barriers to education, enabling them to pursue post-secondary credentials. Awards cover educational expenses such as tuition and fees, with a preference for applicants maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The initiative fosters educational opportunity for all.

The Fellowship Training Award by the Rheumatology Research Foundation aims to enhance the rheumatology workforce by supporting fellows in ACGME-accredited training programs. The award provides $50,000 per year for up to three years, ensuring a steady supply of qualified rheumatology providers and educators. Special emphasis is placed on supporting underrepresented populations in medicine. This initiative is crucial for improving patient care in rheumatic diseases across diverse communities.

The Two Oaks Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Ivy Tech Community College graduates who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree at IUPUI. Eligible applicants must graduate with an associate degree, demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and pursue a degree in a helping profession such as nursing, teaching, or social work. This scholarship aims to foster a community of opportunity and service.

The Hellene Henrikson Fund of the Lutheran Church of the Foothills offers grants of up to $15,000 for nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of Native American communities in Southern Arizona. This fund, established through a generous donation, aims to support programs that help navigate cultural and societal challenges. With a total of $60,000 available to fund up to four applications, this initiative reflects a commitment to continuing Hellene Henrikson's legacy of philanthropy in the Tucson area.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is advancing Type 1 diabetes research by exploring the innate immune system's role in disease onset. This initiative aims to identify genetic and environmental factors contributing to Type 1 diabetes through multidisciplinary teams. By employing innovative methodologies, the program seeks to determine how immune responses affect pancreatic tissues, potentially leading to early detection and prevention strategies for at-risk individuals.

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

Crime Victim Assistance Grants

The mission of the Department of Crime Victim Assistance Grants (DCVAG) is to enhance South Carolina’s capacity to assist crime victims and to provide leadership in the promotion of justice and healing. Through grant funding, victims can receive services including:

• Victim Advocacy
• Counseling
• Residential Shelter
• Forensic Interviews and Forensic Nurse Examination
• Emergency Assistance

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)

DCVAG is responsible for the administration of four grant programs including the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), a 1984-Public Law 98-473 established the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) - Federal Fines, Fees, and Assessments

The primary purpose of VOCA is to support the provision of direct services to victims of violent crime. The program goal is to provide federal funding through grant awards to certified private non-profit organizations and public/government agencies for projects that will provide, enhance, improve, and expand direct services to victims of violent crime. 

According to the 2016 VOCA Program Rule, direct services or services to victims of crime are defined as those efforts that (1) respond to the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of crime victims, (2) assist victims to stabilize their lives after victimization, (3) assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system, or (4) restore a measure of safety and security for the victim.

Funding cannot be used for the investigation of crimes or collection of evidence to further the prosecution of crimes.

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