Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Fund of The Providence Shelter Foundation Grants

The Providence Shelter Foundation established two funds at the Rhode Island Foundation: a donor advised fund in 2014 through which the Shelter's Board of Managers recommends grants for the community, and an organization endowment in 2016 from which grants are made back to the Shelter to ensure a secure funding stream for the organization.

About the Providence Shelter

The Providence Shelter was founded in 1838, when white Quaker women noticed Black families needing a place to care for their children if, for example, the mother was a live-in maid to a white family, or the father was at sea. Existing children’s homes in Providence were closed to children of color, so a building on Wickenden Street was purchased to provide accommodation for such children.

More than a century later, the Shelter, by then in a larger building on Olive Street, closed its doors. Assets from selling the property were invested in an endowment and the Providence Shelter became a grantmaking foundation in 1951, using funds generated through its endowment to support a wide variety of agencies in Greater Providence.

Providence Shelter Foundation’s Role Today

In their role as a grantmaking foundation, the Providence Shelter remains dedicated to supporting organizations serving historically marginalized children of color and their families in Rhode Island, with a focus on programs that offer well-being, mental health support, educational advancement, and leadership opportunities. Prudent financial management and the dedicated oversight of a diverse Board of Managers have enabled the Providence Shelter to navigate the 21st century effectively while continuing to support its core mission.

The John H. Wright Scholarship, established in 2018 by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, honors John H. Wright's legacy in agriculture and support for youth. It aims to assist students from Virginia's Goochland, Louisa, Hanover, Powhatan, Cumberland, and Fluvanna counties, including high school graduates and adult learners, who pursue studies related to agriculture or land stewardship, fostering success for future generations.

The Pelucca-Muller Scholarship Fund, managed by The San Diego Foundation, provides financial support to a diverse group of students from San Diego County pursuing post-secondary education. It aims to promote educational access for high school seniors, current college students, community college attendees, and adult learners. With a focus on those demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0, this scholarship fosters opportunities across various educational pathways.

The New Beginnings Scholarship Fund for Unhoused Youth, managed by the San Diego Foundation, aims to support San Diego County residents who have experienced homelessness during high school. This scholarship is available to a diverse group of students, including high school seniors and adult re-entry students, enabling them to pursue post-secondary education or vocational training. By addressing educational access and housing instability, the fund promotes long-term stability and success for these individuals.

The AVID High Tech Academic Achievement Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, recognizes exceptional AVID seniors in San Diego County. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have participated in an AVID program for a minimum of three years. This scholarship highlights academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to the AVID program, encouraging students to pursue higher education at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the U.S.

The AVID Founder’s Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports high-achieving AVID seniors in San Diego County. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, completed community service, and participated in an approved AVID program for at least three years. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence and leadership, encouraging students to pursue higher education at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the U.S. It aims to promote college readiness and long-term success for deserving individuals.

The AVID Donald Costa Scholarship, offered by the San Diego Foundation, supports high-achieving AVID seniors in San Diego County. Eligible students must demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have a strong commitment to community service and leadership. This scholarship not only recognizes students' achievements but also assists them in pursuing higher education at accredited four-year colleges or universities, fostering future leaders in STEM and beyond.

The 3VCF Community Impact Grants aim to empower local nonprofits in addressing critical community needs, particularly in mental health, health equity, and environmental sustainability. For 2024, Three Valleys Community Foundation is expanding its grantmaking focus to include diverse and innovative proposals that respond to pressing health issues. Collaborative efforts among organizations are encouraged to foster impactful solutions and promote community well-being.

The Winter Park Community Grant, managed by the Winter Park Community Foundation at Central Florida Foundation, aims to provide eight one-time grants to 501c3 organizations in Winter Park, FL. Grants include three for up to $25,000 and five for $5,000, targeting projects that enhance nonprofit capabilities in areas like education, health, and economic stability. Applications are due by September 26, 2025, with specific deadlines for new and existing nonprofit profiles.

The National Rainbow College Fund, managed by The San Diego Foundation, provides crucial scholarships to California residents who face barriers due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. This initiative aims to promote equity and reduce educational disparities, ensuring confidentiality for applicants. Open for the 2026-2027 academic year, it supports students with financial needs and encourages enrollment in accredited educational institutions. The program aspires to expand its reach nationally, fostering inclusive opportunities for future generations.

The Boost San Diego Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, is designed to support first-generation college students from San Diego County. Eligible applicants are high school seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and who plan to enroll in STEM or other high-demand fields. The scholarship emphasizes character, integrity, and financial need, aiming to expand opportunities for students pursuing impactful careers in various disciplines.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation's Healthy Start Grant Program aims to enhance early childhood care and education by funding tax-exempt nonprofits, Tribal Nations, and fiscally sponsored groups in Minnesota. With a total of $2 million over two years, grants of up to $100,000 per year will support initiatives to improve access to quality care, screenings, and family support services, ultimately addressing health inequities and fostering healthy development for vulnerable children.

The Housing Solutions Honors Award, provided by the Texas Capital Foundation, aims to support nonprofits focused on enhancing housing stability and generational wealth through education and planning. The award offers two grants of $50,000 and one of $100,000, specifically targeting organizations that assist low- to moderate-income families, veterans, and first responders. Eligible nonprofits must have a proven record of service in Texas and comply with specific funding criteria.

Affordable Materials Grants

Purpose

Affordable Learning Georgia is a GALILEO initiative to reduce the cost of course materials for students. Since 2014, the initiative has addressed affordability goals in the University System of Georgia with regards to the cost of educational resources. For more about Affordable Learning Georgia, see our Mission and Values page. For data and more information about how these programs have affected USG students, visit the Our Impact page.

The implementation of no-cost and low-cost materials in place of a commercial textbook has been found to be an effective practice, either raising student performance or keeping it the same while reducing the cost of course materials to students. To this end, Affordable Learning Georgia (ALG)’s Affordable Materials Grants are intended to:

• Explore and expand course materials transformation to include the adoption, adaptation, and creation of OER; the adoption of materials available through GALILEO and University System of Georgia (USG) libraries; and the use of other no-cost and low-cost materials.
• Provide support and time to faculty instructors, librarians, instructional designers, and other professional staff to meet, plan, review, and implement these approaches.
• Work toward access for all, lowering materials costs for students and contributing to their retention, progression, and graduation.

Examples of qualifying Affordable Materials Grants projects include:

• Adopting an open textbook and creating new ancillary materials to support the adoption.
• Adapting and revising existing OER and then adopting these new materials in place of commercial materials.
• Authoring a new open textbook to adopt in place of a commercial textbook when there are no OER to cover the subject.
• Adopting library materials in place of expensive materials when there are no OER to cover the subject.
• Adopting low-cost software and/or textbooks to ensure total required resource costs for students are under $40.00.
• Affordable Learning Georgia has also added a category of Research Grants to explore research questions related to teaching and learning with affordable and open learning materials.

Affordable Learning Georgia has also added a category of Research Grants to explore research questions related to teaching and learning with affordable and open learning materials.

Overview of Grant Categories

Continuous Improvement Grants

Continuous Improvement Grants support projects that increase the sustainability of open educational resources through the creation of new open materials, the revision of existing open materials, and new research regarding the use of open materials in instruction.

Continuous Improvement Creation and Revision Projects include:

• Revision of OER used in existing courses
• Creation of ancillaries for existing OER courses
• Replacement of current OER in courses with new/improved OER

For the purposes of this grant, we define a substantial improvement and/or adaptation as the major adaptation and/or improvement of a resource through updates for accuracy, accessibility, clarity, design, and formatting. We define ancillary materials as any materials created to support substantially the instruction of a course using an existing OER.

Affordable Materials Grants

Purpose

Affordable Learning Georgia is a GALILEO initiative to reduce the cost of course materials for students. Since 2014, the initiative has addressed affordability goals in the University System of Georgia with regards to the cost of educational resources. For more about Affordable Learning Georgia, see our Mission and Values page. For data and more information about how these programs have affected USG students, visit the Our Impact page.

The implementation of no-cost and low-cost materials in place of a commercial textbook has been found to be an effective practice, either raising student performance or keeping it the same while reducing the cost of course materials to students. To this end, Affordable Learning Georgia (ALG)’s Affordable Materials Grants are intended to:

• Explore and expand course materials transformation to include the adoption, adaptation, and creation of OER; the adoption of materials available through GALILEO and University System of Georgia (USG) libraries; and the use of other no-cost and low-cost materials.
• Provide support and time to faculty instructors, librarians, instructional designers, and other professional staff to meet, plan, review, and implement these approaches.
• Work toward access for all, lowering materials costs for students and contributing to their retention, progression, and graduation.

Examples of qualifying Affordable Materials Grants projects include:

• Adopting an open textbook and creating new ancillary materials to support the adoption.
• Adapting and revising existing OER and then adopting these new materials in place of commercial materials.
• Authoring a new open textbook to adopt in place of a commercial textbook when there are no OER to cover the subject.
• Adopting library materials in place of expensive materials when there are no OER to cover the subject.
• Adopting low-cost software and/or textbooks to ensure total required resource costs for students are under $40.00.
• Affordable Learning Georgia has also added a category of Research Grants to explore research questions related to teaching and learning with affordable and open learning materials.

Affordable Learning Georgia has also added a category of Research Grants to explore research questions related to teaching and learning with affordable and open learning materials.

Overview of Grant Categories

Research Grants

In order to learn more about how implementations of open resources affect various aspects of instruction and student outcomes, new research studying the impact of open educational resources and open pedagogy also qualifies through the same funding structure as a Continuous Improvement Grant project.

This is a limited funding category: the total funds awarded for Research Grants in a Fiscal Year will not exceed $45,000.

In order to ensure project feasibility, research grant teams must involve at least one non-instructional faculty research collaborator on the project to help manage the project and conduct research activities. Collaborators can include research faculty or professional staff such as institutional researchers, instructional designers and technologists, librarians, or student assistants.

Research questions must aim to further our broader knowledge of OER and affordable materials use beyond the basic course-level measures required in Transformation Grant projects. Topics can include, but are not limited to, these examples:

• Access effects: Does the free and open access to open educational resources lead to increased student success over other resources?
  • Analyzing disaggregated data, such as the data analysis in Colvard, Watson, and Park 2018, is preferred over only total student measures.
• Openness effects: Does the ability to revise and remix open resources for more localized student relevance influence student success over the use of other resources?
• Perceptions effects: What do students and/or faculty prefer in an educational resource? When students and/or faculty describe an open resource as high- or low- quality, what do they mean?
• Engagement effects: Does the openness of materials affect how, or how often, students interact with educational materials?

The Andrew McMorris Foundation Scholarship honors the memory of Andrew McMorris, a vibrant twelve-year-old who tragically lost his life in 2018. This scholarship seeks to recognize high school seniors who embody Andrew's spirit of positivity, kindness, and leadership. Applicants pursuing education in various fields, especially those involved in scouting, the arts, and aviation, are encouraged to apply. The Foundation aims to support students who live life fully and inspire others to pursue their dreams with passion.

We are living in a time of intensified state violence and mass criminalization. The current political climate has doubled down on surveillance, policing, incarceration, and the criminalization of protest, migration, and mutual aid. For directly impacted communities, the trauma is relentless — and those of us committed to resistance are feeling the weight of outrage fatigue.

But we know: the antidote to outrage fatigue is movement response. The expansion of state violence and mass incarceration often forces organizations to respond quickly to unanticipated events despite lacking the necessary resources or capacity.

The Strategic Opportunities Support (SOS) Fund-CJI’s rapid-response fund-is designed to support bold, strategic, and immediate actions by grassroots organizations on the front lines of resistance. The Fund awards grants up to $7,500 and enables organizations to move quickly and collaboratively in response to emerging threats and seize opportunities to advance justice, healing, and systemic transformation.

The Sam Viersen Family Foundation, established in 1987, aims to support non-religious educational, charitable, cultural, and scientific organizations primarily in northeast Oklahoma, focusing on Okmulgee County. The Foundation is dedicated to projects that address basic human needs such as food, shelter, and education, helping individuals achieve independence. It welcomes grant requests ranging from $1,000 to $500,000, prioritizing cultural programs that enrich lives and provide opportunities for those in need.

National Collegiate Cancer Foundation

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young adults diagnosed with or impacted by cancer. Its mission is to provide services, resources, and need-based financial assistance that empower survivors and their families to adopt a resilient “Will Win” mindset throughout treatment and beyond. NCCF is one of the few national organizations that provides direct financial support to young adult cancer survivors, primarily through its Survivor and Legacy Scholarships, which assist students pursuing higher education during or after treatment. The Foundation also promotes cancer awareness and prevention within the young adult community. Recognizing that adolescents and young adults (ages 15–39) face unique challenges—including delayed diagnoses, limited access to insurance and clinical trials, fertility concerns, employment disruption, and social isolation—NCCF prioritizes addressing the significant service gaps affecting this underserved population. Operated entirely by volunteers, NCCF remains committed to advancing educational access, financial relief, and hope for young adult cancer survivors nationwide.

NCCF: Legacy Scholarship Program

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) offers $1,000 competitive scholarships to young adults pursuing higher education who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer. The award is designed to provide financial assistance and encouragement to students continuing their education despite personal loss. Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s personal journey, sources of encouragement, demonstrated financial need, notable accomplishments, and the quality of recommendations. The scholarship recognizes resilience, perseverance, and academic commitment in the face of cancer-related loss.

National Collegiate Cancer Foundation

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young adults diagnosed with or impacted by cancer. Its mission is to provide services, resources, and need-based financial assistance that empower survivors and their families to adopt a resilient “Will Win” mindset throughout treatment and beyond. NCCF is one of the few national organizations that provides direct financial support to young adult cancer survivors, primarily through its Survivor and Legacy Scholarships, which assist students pursuing higher education during or after treatment. The Foundation also promotes cancer awareness and prevention within the young adult community. Recognizing that adolescents and young adults (ages 15–39) face unique challenges—including delayed diagnoses, limited access to insurance and clinical trials, fertility concerns, employment disruption, and social isolation—NCCF prioritizes addressing the significant service gaps affecting this underserved population. Operated entirely by volunteers, NCCF remains committed to advancing educational access, financial relief, and hope for young adult cancer survivors nationwide.

NCCF: Survivor Scholarship Program

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) Survivor Scholarship Program provides a competitive scholarships to young adults who are cancer survivors or current patients and are pursuing higher education during or after treatment. The program supports students who have demonstrated resilience and continued their educational journey despite the challenges of cancer. Applications are evaluated based on six criteria: demonstration of a strong “Will Win” attitude, quality of essays, financial need, overall cancer survivorship story, commitment to education, and the quality of recommendations. The scholarship recognizes perseverance, hope, and dedication to academic and personal growth.

The South Dakota Fund Grants provide financial support to non-profit organizations across South Dakota, focusing on culture, economic development, education, and health services. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, with exceptions possible. Applicants must be public, non-profit organizations or partner with a verified fiscal sponsor. The fund encourages community involvement and matching funds to enhance project sustainability and success.

Nutrition Incentive Program (TX)

This funding opportunity invites Grant Applications requesting funding for the NIP Project. The purpose of this program is to provide NIP Project services. NIPs are designed to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income households participating in the SNAP by providing an Incentive for the purchase of fruits and vegetables at the point of sale to a household buying food with SNAP benefits. NIPs improve access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for Texas families, create more business for Texas farmers and Retailers, and boost local economies. 

HHSC will look solely to the Grantee for the performance of all Grantee obligations and requirements in a Grant Agreement resulting from this RFA. Grantee shall not be relieved of its obligations for any nonperformance by its subgrantees or subcontractors, if any.

The total amount of State funding available for the NIP Project grant is $6,000,000.00 for the entire Project Period. The NIP Project(s) must be completed no later than August 31, 2027. It is HHSC’s intention to make multiple awards to Applicants that successfully demonstrate that they currently implement a NIP that qualifies for federal funds under Section 4205, Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. Section 7517).

Applicants are strongly cautioned to only apply for the amount of grant funding they can responsibly expend during the Project Period to avoid lapsed funding at the end of the Grant Term. Successful Applications may not be funded to the full extent of Applicant’s requested Budgets in order to ensure grant funds are available for the broadest possible array of communities and programs. Reimbursement will only be made for actual, allowable, and allocable expenses that occur within the Project Period. No spending or costs incurred prior to the effective date of the award will be eligible for reimbursement.

The Joseph L. and Vivian E. Steele Music Scholarship, funded by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers support to students pursuing classical music in composition, teaching, or performance. With over 100 years of philanthropic history, TFEC provides more than 190 scholarships annually, totaling over $1.7 million. Applicants must demonstrate a serious interest in classical music, apply for financial aid, and maintain residency in specified Pennsylvania counties. This renewable scholarship encourages talented individuals to continue their education in accredited institutions.

Texas Nurse-Family Partnership (TNFP) Program

The purpose of this grant is to partner with community-based organizations and local agencies across the state to provide Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) home visiting services.

The purpose of TNFP program is to improve maternal and child health, child development, and family economic self-sufficiency Outcomes for participating families. 

This funding opportunity invites grant Applications requesting funding for TNFP program. The purpose of the TNFP program is to provide nurse home visiting services to expectant parents in communities across Texas to improve maternal and child health, child development, and family economic self-sufficiency Outcomes for participating families. Using the Nurse-Family Partnership model, the TNFP program works with expectant parents, beginning in early pregnancy and continuing through the child’s second birthday. Nurse home visitors provide parent education and support services to participating families through regular home visits addressing behavioral health, caregiver mental health, early care, safety, and overall well-being.

Families benefit from improved pregnancy Outcomes, improved infant and child health, and increased economic self-sufficiency, with Outcomes including reduced child maltreatment, fewer emergency room visits, healthy developmental indicators, and greater opportunity for parents to complete their education or find or maintain employment.

The TNFP program is entirely voluntary and free-of-charge to enrolled families.

The total amount of federal and State funding available for the TNFP grant program is $134,480,753.00 for the entire Project Period. It is System Agency's intention to make multiple awards to Applicants that successfully demonstrate the ability to provide NurseFamily Partnership programming in the State of Texas.

HHSC estimates the total amount of funding for the TNFP program is $17,930,767.00 per State fiscal year. Annual awards per individual Grant Agreement typically range between $500,000.00 and $2,000,000.00. HHSC estimates the value of the RFA based on the stated annual amount multiplied by five (5) years, plus an additional 50% to allow for any potential increases in funding during the Project Period.

Applicants are strongly cautioned to only apply for the amount of grant funding they can responsibly expend during the Project Period to avoid lapsed funding at the end of the Grant Term. Successful Applications may not be funded to the full extent of Applicants’ Requested Budgets in order to ensure grant funds are available for the broadest possible array of communities and programs.

The Marbrook Foundation aims to support arts programs in the Twin Cities that promote cultural awareness and inclusion. It prioritizes projects that facilitate cross-cultural collaboration and showcase professional artists. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits focusing on culturally specific and intercultural programming. The foundation does not fund youth arts education as a primary activity, start-up organizations, or individual grants. This initiative seeks to foster positive social impact through the arts.

The Diabetes Innovation Challenge Grant, hosted by the American Diabetes Association, invites emerging companies to propose innovative solutions addressing the daily challenges faced by individuals with diabetes. Participants present their ideas to a panel of experts, competing for the opportunity to implement their visions. The top five applicants are selected to showcase their concepts, while the top ten runners-up can display their pitches during the event, fostering collaboration and advancement in diabetes care.

About the Program

The Women’s Foundation of Alabama (WFA) created the Advancing Alabama Child Care Accelerator as a critical part of our multi-pronged approach to addressing the child care crisis impacting families nationwide. Through this accelerator, we invest in women business owners, support peer community, and leverage proven business growth strategies to advance sustainable, community-based child care solutions.

Limestone County Child Care Accelerator Program

Launching in April 2026, the Limestone County Advancing Alabama Child Care Accelerator is designed to support center-based and home-based child care providers who are starting or expanding high-quality, thriving child care businesses that meet the needs of working families in Alabama. Businesses accepted into the cohort will join a community of peers and receive high-quality training and coaching from business and child care experts across the state, along with access to tools, resources, and funding opportunities aimed at strengthening operations and increasing the supply of child care seats in Limestone County.

Funding Opportunity

At the conclusion of the training program, participants will be eligible to apply for a grant of up to $25,000 from the Women’s Foundation of Alabama to support the launch or expansion of their child care business. Additional details about the funding application and review process will be shared with individuals selected for the Spring 2026 Limestone County cohort.

Time Commitment

Participants must be able to commit 3–5 hours per week to training and program activities.