Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Grace Scholarship for Nursing, offered by the John Wood Community College Foundation, provides financial assistance of $100 to female students pursuing a nursing degree. This scholarship aims to support candidates based on their motivational goals articulated in a personal narrative, financial need assessed through income and aid, and academic performance. Established in 1984, the JWCC Foundation strives to empower students and foster future leaders in the healthcare sector.

The NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Grant aims to support tobacco-dependent communities in North Carolina. Established to assist farmers and businesses affected by the Master Settlement Agreement, the Commission focuses on economic development, increasing farm profitability, and promoting agricultural diversity. Grants are available for organizations that deliver services to impacted populations, with priority given to projects that foster community stability and resource development. The Commission's funding is managed by the State Treasurer and requires strategic project proposals.

The Mech SS Carl C. Smith Graduate Student Award, established by the Society of Toxicology, honors Carl C. Smith's commitment to advancing graduate education in toxicology. This prestigious award encourages graduate students to submit outstanding abstracts for the 2026 SOT Annual Meeting. Eligible applicants must be graduate student members of SOT and PhD candidates who have passed their comprehensive exams. The award promotes diversity and inclusiveness in the field while recognizing exceptional contributions to toxicology.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of people without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, and advance housing policy at every level of government.

Request for Proposals - Environmental Review Services for Blue Buffers Program

Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. ("Enterprise") was selected as a subrecipient of New York State Housing and Community Renewal to administer the Blue Buffers Program pursuant to a subaward. To fulfill its obligations, Enterprise formed a special purpose entity, Enterprise Assisted Properties, LLC (“EAP”).

EAP is seeking to procure professional services for environmental review for eligible properties in the New York State Blue Buffers Voluntary Risk Property Buyout Program (Blue Buffers Program) in the Town of Brookhaven, Mastic Beach, New York. The Blue Buffers program is currently available for property owners within the designated buyout area in the Town of Brookhaven, Mastic Beach. The environmental review will be conducted on properties where the owner has signed a purchase and sale agreement to participate in the program.

The Margaret Beelard Community Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities and government agencies operating in Vacaville and Solano County. The foundation is committed to advancing educational programs for children and alleviating poverty, with a special focus on cancer research. Applications must be submitted in print, as electronic submissions are not accepted. The board reviews applications quarterly and informs applicants of their decisions in writing.

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) is an independent unit of government that operates in the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) and is chaired by the MDP Secretary. MHAA oversees the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, which is housed administratively within the Maryland Historical Trust.  

Maryland Heritage Areas Program Project Grants

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program awards approximately $3 million towards capital and non-capital project grants within one or more of Maryland’s 13 heritage areas. These projects highlight Maryland's diverse heritage, enhance local communities, and promote tourism, sustainability, and economic development. 

Capital Project Grants

Capital projects funds support and create heritage tourism infrastructure within the 13 heritage areas.

About KHC

Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) invests in affordable housing solutions by offering programs and services designed to develop, preserve, and sustain affordable housing throughout the state.

Created by the 1972 General Assembly, KHC is a self-supporting, public corporation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors. KHC is a quasi-government agency, which is administratively attached to the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, and a portion of KHC's funds are derived from the interest earned through the sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. From these proceeds, KHC has made homeownership possible for more than 76​,000 Kentucky families.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

​The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program is designed to identify sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons, as well as those at risk of homelessness, and provide the services necessary to help them quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.

The ESG Program provides funds to:​

• Engage homeless individuals and families living on the street.​
• Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families.
• Help operate these shelters.
• Provide essential services to shelter residents.
• Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families.
• Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

The program is also intended to lower the increase of homelessness through the funding of preventive programs and services.

The Lizanell and Colbert Coldwell Foundation Grant provides funding to support institutions or associations focused on advancing medical research in Texas. The grant particularly emphasizes research aimed at curing and preventing heart disease and cancer, contributing significantly to public health initiatives. Organizations dedicated to these causes are encouraged to apply for this funding opportunity to enhance their research efforts and impact in the medical field.

Who We Are

Saginaw County is home. It is a beautiful community you’d be foolish to underestimate. We may have our challenges, but seeing its cities, villages and townships continue to grow and flourish gives us a sense of satisfaction and pride like none other.

Back in 1984, The Saginaw Community Foundation was founded to enhance the quality of life in our county by providing leadership, education, and support for philanthropy. Today, we still continue this mission of supporting the needs of our community through targeted grants, investments, and scholarships.

In addition to our grantmaking and scholarship programs, the Foundation also offers donor advised funds, which allow donors to recommend charitable grants to organizations of their choice. We also manage several endowed funds, which provide ongoing support for specific causes or organizations.

Saginaw Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of community leaders and volunteers. A staff of professionals oversee our day-to-day operations and work with donors and community organizations to identify and address community needs.

CTE Scholarships

Dreaming of a career in welding? Maybe managing your own auto mechanics garage fuels your thoughts or you would love to become an electrician. Perhaps studying to become a chef in a culinary arts program suits your tastes.

No matter what your career path may be, there is little doubt that in recent years interest in Career and Technical Education (CTE) has grown. The increased need for workers skilled in the trades has resulted in larger numbers of students seeking out CTE programs.

Schools offering CTE encompass a wide variety of hands-on education, from HVAC to carpentry to cosmetology. In the past, financial assistance has been hard to come by for these areas of study, but that is no longer the case. Saginaw Community Foundation has several scholarship opportunities for those who have the desire to pursue CTE.

According to leading economists, not everyone needs a four-year degree. In fact, millions of good-paying jobs are opening up in the trades. And some pay better than what the average college graduate makes.

For aspiring welders, electricians, carpenters, and other valued skilled trade workers, there is great opportunity to take advantage of tailored CTE programs. The demand is massive as an estimated 3 million trade jobs in the United States remain vacant.

Our CTE scholarship awards range between $500 – $4,000 typically.

The Patricia and William Hendrick Memorial Scholarship

Long-time Saginaw residents Pat and Bill Hendrick were graduates of St. Mary’s High School in Saginaw. They supported Catholic education their entire lives at the primary, secondary, and higher education level. Pat and Bill believed in and helped further the cause of Catholic education with enthusiasm and financial support all their lives.

To honor Pat and Bill, their family and many friends established this scholarship to help Saginaw County residents who are going on to attend Catholic higher education. Special preference will be given to graduates of Nouvel Catholic Central High School and/or those attending the University of Notre Dame – two organizations which held a special place in their hearts.

The Ruth Mitchell Hanson Scholarship is designed to support talented students from Saginaw County pursuing a career in music. Established in memory of Ruth Mitchell Hanson, a passionate composer and music instructor, this scholarship aims to honor her legacy and encourage future musicians. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25, be high school seniors, and be enrolled full-time in a music program at an accredited college or university. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000.

The Bernice Barlow NAACP Scholarship, awarded by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing higher education or vocational training. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be current members or children of members of the Saginaw NAACP Branch. This scholarship honors Bernice Barlow, a dedicated educator and NAACP leader, providing financial assistance to foster educational opportunities in the community. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, helping students achieve their career goals.

The Beverly E. Hendricks Nursing Scholarship, established by the Hendricks family, honors Beverly's dedication to nursing and community. It supports students pursuing a Nursing degree at Delta College with a minimum 3.0 GPA, offering financial aid based on need. The scholarship reflects the importance of skilled healthcare professionals in today's society, aiming to enhance the quality of care within the community. This initiative empowers aspiring nurses to achieve their educational goals and contribute to the healthcare field.

The CAC/Robert L. Viera Community Service Scholarship, established in 1998, supports Saginaw County high school seniors pursuing higher education. This award assists students demonstrating financial need and recognizes those with special circumstances allowing part-time college enrollment. The scholarship honors Robert Viera's legacy of leadership in the minority and low-income communities, aiming to empower future leaders through education and community service. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, ensuring accessibility to higher education for deserving students.

UPPA Fund

The Underground Plant Protection Account (UPPA) fund was created by Indiana Code § 8-1-26-24 with the express purpose of funding positive outreach to minimize underground facility damages. Per Indiana Code § 8-1-26-24, money in the UPPA fund may only be allocated to improve the safety of Indiana’s underground plant resources through:

• Public awareness programs concerning underground plant protection
• Training and educational programs for contractors, excavators, locators, operators, and other persons involved in underground plant protection
• Incentive programs for contractors, excavators, locators, operators, and other persons involved in underground plant protection to reduce the number of violations of the Indiana 811 law.

The Emily W. Scott Foundation Grant supports organizations in the metropolitan Atlanta area, focusing on health, education, spiritual missions, and vision health for the blind. Established in 1981, it funds program support and general operating costs for 501(c)(3) organizations. Capital improvements and individual support are not eligible. The foundation prioritizes qualified applications that align with its mission to enhance community well-being and health services.

The AGRI Farm to School and Early Care Full Tray Grant supports school districts and early childhood education centers in Minnesota seeking to enhance local food procurement. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000 with a 1:1 cash match requirement. Projects may include increasing the frequency of Minnesota-grown foods in meals and forming relationships with local producers. This initiative aims to promote healthy eating and local agriculture while benefiting communities across the state.

The Community Foundation of West Texas offers the Community Funds Grant, designed to support a variety of community needs through targeted funding. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on areas such as Civic Development, Education, and Basic Needs. Organizations within the 15-county South Plains region that are 501(c)(3) or equivalent can apply, with the goal of alleviating poverty and creating pathways for individuals and families in need.

The AGRI Equipment Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, provides funding up to $25,000 for equipment purchases that support Farm to School initiatives. Applicants may also apply for the Farm to School First Bite Mini Grant. The grant requires a 1:1 match and completion of projects by a specified date. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for Minnesotans by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The Arizona Water Protection Fund Grant is a competitive program aimed at restoring and conserving Arizona's water resources. It supports projects that provide measurable benefits to local water resources, set positive examples for similar initiatives, enhance water conservation knowledge, and raise public awareness about the significance of riparian ecosystems. This program is administered by the Arizona Department of Water Resources and overseen by the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission, ensuring effective use of grant funds.

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

Iowa Thriving Communities

The Iowa Thriving Communities initiative recognizes forward-thinking communities that are proactively addressing workforce housing needs. Designated communities complete a highly competitive application process, including a live pitch from teams of local partners to a panel from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).

Selected communities demonstrate best practices in planning, financial support, targeted development, leadership and employer engagement. Communities previously recognized through the initiative are already seeing strong results, with increased developer interest and significant public and private investments in housing. In addition to valuable scoring advantages for the Federal Housing Tax Credit and Workforce Housing Tax Credits, HOME and Community Catalyst programs (effective through 2028), designated communities will gain statewide and national visibility as models for successful housing strategies.

Requirements

Awarded Iowa Thriving Communities must enter into written agreement with IFA | IEDA

ArtsFairfax 

ArtsFairfax is the 501(c)(3) designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency funded in part by Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals. ArtsFairfax invests in and amplifies the arts for all in Fairfax County.

Project Support Grants

ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants serve arts organizations with funding to support projects that engage Fairfax County residents. Project Support Grants are awarded in four grant subcategories, including Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Arts Access.

Grant Program Objective

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grant seeks to:

• Provide financial and other means of support to both established and emerging arts organizations.
• Promote opportunities for arts organizations of all disciplines to create, present, and celebrate their artistic endeavors.
• Be a catalyst for increased private sector support for arts organizations through leveraged public funding.
• Encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County.
• Support activities that would not normally be part of your organization’s usual activities.

Examples of Eligible Activities

• If your organization provides afterschool arts instruction, then this funding could support the design and implementation of a new class offering that has not been offered before.
• If your organization occasionally hosts a guest artist, then funding could support bringing an artist who might normally be financially out of reach.
• This funding is not intended to support ongoing activities that your organization does on a regular basis as part of your mission.

Grant Subcategories

There are four grant subcategories within the Project Support Grant Program. An organization can submit one grant application in a single subcategory. The four subcategories are: Arts in Education; Opportunity; Partnerships; and Arts Access

Arts in Education

Arts in Education projects provide high-impact art experiences. Projects may take place in schools, after-school programs, or nonprofit agencies such as art centers, social service agencies, and parks and recreation facilities that provide services to youth and/or adults. Project Support Grants can support artist’s fees and travel, space rental, transportation, advertising, publicity, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music, art supplies, and equipment rental or purchase.

Arts Education projects taking place in schools are considered Open to the General Public.

The Community Foundation of Jackson County offers Capacity Building Grants aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in Jackson County, WV. These grants support projects that provide technical assistance and training, allowing organizations to better fulfill their missions. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities located in Jackson County, ensuring their projects have a direct impact on local communities. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate significant community benefits and potential for sustainable development.

The Community Foundation of Jackson County offers Program Development Grants to support the creation and expansion of services addressing unmet community needs. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with eligibility for non-profit organizations and public institutions serving Jackson County residents. Priority is given to projects that significantly impact the community, reach new audiences, and enhance organizational capacity. This initiative aims to foster community development through innovative programs and collaborative efforts.

The Community Foundation of Jackson County offers Community Grants to support projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in Jackson County, WV. With a focus on capital and equipment projects, these grants assist non-profit organizations in achieving significant community impact through various sectors, including health, education, and economic development. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) and serve the local community, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively.

Houston Methodist

Our Mission: To provide high quality, cost-effective health care that delivers the best value to the people we serve in a spiritual environment of caring in association with internationally recognized teaching and research.

Mental Health Care Access Grant

One in five people in the United States are estimated to experience mental illness every year. Due to the growing need for mental health services, Houston Methodist offers the Mental Health Care Access Grant to local nonprofits working to reduce barriers to accessing mental health care services for indigent members of the Greater Houston community.

Before submitting a letter of intent, please read the "Things to Know" document. 

Apprenticeship to Educator (A2E) Grant

Educators at all levels play a critical role in preparing the next generation of Kansans for gainful employment and success in life. Kansas HB 2292 (2023) authorizes the Kansas Department of Commerce to develop grant programs that support eligible Teacher Educator Apprentices in their hands on training to fill critical and in-demand teaching jobs in our state. This piece of legislation allocates a total amount of 3 million dollars to be awarded to registered teaching apprentices in programs all over the state of Kansas.

What is the A2E Grant? 

• $2,750 in tuition reimbursement EACH registered teacher apprentice
• Employers have NO LIMIT on eligible apprentices
• DAY 1 ELIGIBILITY! Apprentices are eligible on day one of their registered apprenticeship
• Apprentices are eligible for this grant for up to four years

Eligible employers and applicant schools are encouraged to apply for this funding on behalf of their registered teaching apprentices. There is no cap on the number of apprentices who may apply. The use of grant funds must go toward an apprentice’s tuition, fees, and the cost of books and materials, up to a maximum of $2,750 per year for a duration of four years. Teacher Apprenticeship Grant funds will be reimbursed twice per year and require other documentation such as invoicing to show active scholarships, such as PELL or USDOL/MeadowLARK funding.

New York State Department of Labor

DOL’s mission is to provide outstanding services to our customers - the workers and businesses that call New York home. We help New Yorkers find the careers they will love by connecting them to employment, training, and up-skilling opportunities. We build and support New York’s businesses, helping them find qualified workers and keeping them informed about tools and incentives to make their businesses thrive. We empower and protect New York’s workers by supporting the unemployed and by ensuring all workers have a safe workplace where they receive a fair wage.

New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Office of Just Energy Transition (OJET) Growing the Clean Energy Workforce – Electric Vehicles (GCEW-EV)

Description 

The Growing the Clean Energy Workforce – Electric Vehicles (GCEW-EV) Request for Applications (RFA) will provide funding to eligible organizations to expand or create training or pre-apprenticeship programs in EV (light, medium, & heavy-duty) repair and maintenance, EV charging station repair and maintenance, and/or EV fleet maintenance, and provide wraparound services to participants in these programs.

Projects must expand or create training or pre-apprenticeship programs in:

• EV and fleet repair and maintenance; and/or
• EV charging station repair and maintenance.

For this program, there is a minimum requirement that 35% of enrolled program participants must be individuals residing in Disadvantaged Communities (DACs), as defined by the Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG), to be eligible for funding. Applicants will be required to submit the DAC Attestation Form (Attachment DAC) stating that this requirement will be met.

Tuition and other fees may not be charged to the individuals served under this funding opportunity.