Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The SHC Student Research Grant supports research utilizing herbarium resources across various taxa, including plants, fungi, lichens, and algae. Eligible projects may involve fieldwork, data collection, or meta-analysis of herbarium data, with an emphasis on enhancing herbarium collections. Three grants are awarded annually: two for $500 and one specifically for undergraduates for $250. Applicants must be student SHC members with projects likely to lead to publication.

The NESOT Student Travel Award for SOT Annual Meeting supports graduate and undergraduate students who are members of the NESOT Regional Chapter. Eligible students must apply with a membership application, abstract, and a letter of support from their Major Advisor. The award offers significant prizes for the top five applicants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, promoting student engagement and research in toxicology within the NESOT region.

The Barbara L. Tate Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing. To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum of two semesters of study remaining, possess a valid RN license, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. This scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Barbara Tate, a prominent figure in nursing education, and aims to promote leadership within the nursing profession.

The Empowering Manufacturing Grant Program, initiated by the Don Wood Foundation, aims to enhance northeast Indiana's manufacturing ecosystem by engaging nonprofit-led initiatives that collaborate with manufacturers. This program focuses on enabling young people to explore STEAM fields, develop leadership skills, and navigate career pathways. By providing essential resources and fostering partnerships, the program seeks to create sustainable workforce systems and promote innovation in the manufacturing sector, ensuring a robust future for the industry.

The Bea Goodwin Scholarship, established in 2026, honors the legacy of Dr. Bea Goodwin, a dedicated nursing leader. This scholarship is aimed at supporting professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education. Applicants must have a minimum of two semesters remaining in their studies and must hold current RN licenses. Preference is given to candidates whose work reflects Dr. Goodwin's commitment to excellence in nursing education and preparing future nurse educators.

The Maki Foundation Grant Program, established in 1981, focuses on environmental protection in the western United States. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at organizations where modest support can create significant impact. Priorities include wilderness protection, river conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within specific states. The foundation avoids funding large groups or projects involving community recreation facilities and wildlife rehabilitation.

National Housing Trust Fund

Federal Resources, Local Compassion

It takes compassion and commitment to create and sustain affordable living options around Iowa. The National Housing Trust Fund does just that. The program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, complements existing federal, state and local efforts to increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing for extremely low-income and homeless families.

How Funds Are Used

Funds may be used for the production or preservation of permanent affordable rental housing through new construction, adaptive reuse and/or rehabilitation projects. Proposed projects addressing the needs of extremely low-income renters—those with incomes below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI)—are a high priority for the Iowa Finance Authority.

The George C. Cotzias, MD, Memorial Fellowship, established by the American Parkinson Disease Association, supports young neurologists in their research and treatment of Parkinson's disease and related disorders. Funded at $125,000 annually for three years, this fellowship encourages recent graduates to develop their careers in neurology, ensuring they have the mentorship and resources necessary for success. The fellowship aims to honor Dr. Cotzias' legacy and inspire the next generation of leaders in neurology.

The Developing Talent Grant Program, established by the Don Wood Foundation, aims to empower young individuals in northeast Indiana by enhancing access to high-quality STEAM education and career pathways. By fostering partnerships among schools, nonprofits, and industry, the program promotes experiential learning and essential skills like leadership and adaptability. This initiative not only equips students with the necessary tools for future success but also strengthens the local workforce, ensuring a sustainable impact on the community.

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Next Gen Pregnancy Initiative Grants aim to enhance research on pregnancy outcomes, addressing issues such as preterm birth and maternal health. With an emphasis on fostering diverse scientific collaboration, the initiative supports innovative proposals from researchers across various disciplines. Each grant offers up to $500,000 over four years, encouraging groundbreaking studies that explore the biological and environmental factors affecting pregnancy. This initiative seeks to improve health outcomes through informed research and interdisciplinary partnerships.

The Boomer Esiason Foundation Academic Scholarship provides crucial financial support to students with cystic fibrosis. This scholarship not only alleviates educational expenses but also recognizes students who exhibit resilience and academic excellence. Annually, the foundation awards scholarships to deserving candidates, ensuring they can pursue their educational goals without overwhelming financial stress. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong character and leadership while maintaining academic achievement. With awards up to $30K for undergraduates and $45K for graduates, this scholarship is pivotal for affected students.

The Parker B. Francis Fellowship for Pulmonary Research offers three years of funding, totaling $225,000, for clinical and basic scientists transitioning to independent research careers in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Eligible candidates include those with relevant doctoral degrees, U.S. or Canadian citizenship, and a track record of research experience. The fellowship encourages diverse research topics, including bioethics in pulmonary medicine, while requiring mentorship and adherence to strict eligibility criteria.

The Hadassah Foundation supports organizations enhancing the leadership roles of women and girls in the U.S. Jewish community. Grants of $80,000 are distributed over three years, focusing on program-based or unrestricted support. Eligible applicants must have specific legal statuses and align with the Foundation's gender equity mission. Proposals are accepted until June 11, 2025, through an online system, aiming to address challenges like financial security and mental health while promoting leadership advancement.

The Western State Fire Managers provide funding to mitigate wildland fire risks within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) through a competitive process. Emphasizing hazard fuel reduction, education, and monitoring, projects like defensible space creation, shaded fuel breaks, and prescribed fire are eligible for support. Administered by the Idaho Department of Lands, this initiative aims to enhance community safety and environmental resilience against wildfires.

About

Since its founding in 1977, the El Paso Community Foundation has awarded more than $249,142,042 in grants to nonprofit organizations and individuals in the greater El Paso region. We constantly look for innovative approaches to solve community problems and to meet our community’s ever evolving needs.

The El Paso Community Foundation and its supporting organizations respond to the needs of nonprofit organizations by providing grants in the greater El Paso region.

The Cardwell Foundation Grant

This grant provides funding for a variety of philanthropic projects in the El Paso region, far west Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Chihuahua, Mexico.

Granting Areas of Interest:

• Arts and Humanities
• Education
• Environment/Animals
• Health and Disabilities
• Human Services (basic human needs)
• Economic Development

Granting Priorities

• Projects that will result in more effective ways of doing things — ideas that require risk-taking
• Projects that can create an impact with a moderate amount of grant money
• Projects that show collaboration with other organizations

The Community Priorities Fund Grant, established by the Grand County Board of County Commissioners, aims to enhance the quality of life in Grand County, Colorado, through targeted support for childcare, housing, and local tourism. Funded by lodging tax revenue, it allocates at least 30% for community needs and 50% for tourism marketing. The BOCC's commitment ensures that 20% of the new tax revenue will directly support community priorities, fostering a sustainable and vibrant local economy for residents and visitors alike.

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. 

Rural Innovation Grant Program

The Rural Innovation Grant program seeks to support creative ideas that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities. This grant opportunity aims to increase available housing stock in rural Iowa by leveraging funding programs, driving private investment, and rewarding creative solutions. The goal is to provide funds to communities that have demonstrated significant progress on housing initiatives and that propose to bring innovation into implementation with a definitive outcome. 

Funding is awarded on a reimbursement basis — grant recipients will be reimbursed only after eligible expenses have been incurred and paid for approved project activities during the designated time frame.

The J. Margaret Ada Mutch Scholarship, established by the Columbia University-Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, offers financial support for nursing students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6. Preference is given to Columbia University School of Nursing students and alumni. This scholarship honors the legacy of Ms. Mutch, a pioneering nurse who contributed significantly to nursing education and practice.

The Rural Innovation Grant program seeks to support creative ideas that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities. This grant opportunity aims to increase available housing stock in rural Iowa by leveraging funding programs, driving private investment, and rewarding creative solutions. The goal is to provide funds to communities that have demonstrated significant progress on housing initiatives and that propose to bring innovation into implementation with a definitive outcome. 

This program is administered by the Center for Rural Revitalization, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), in consultation with the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative Task Forces.

The Columbia University – Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association Inc./Penny Hund West Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., offers support to graduate nursing students. It aims to honor Penny Hund West, a dedicated nurse and culinary enthusiast. Applicants must have two semesters remaining in their studies and meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.6. This scholarship reflects NEF's commitment to fostering nursing leadership through advanced education.

The Bronx Council on the Arts offers the Arts on the Block Grants to support local organizations in hosting arts activities at block parties and festivals. Grants of up to $1,500 are available for artist fees to enhance event attendance. Applicants must be Bronx-based organizations or associations, with a minimum one-year existence and proof of non-profit status. Preference is given to smaller organizations and those new to BCA funding, fostering cultural equity and community engagement.

Daviess County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Daviess County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

Leonidas (Lon) R. Horrall Memorial Scholarship

Annual scholarship established by Patty A. Summers in memory of her father.

Award Amount

• $660

The Columbus Area Future Fund provides ongoing grants to support charitable purposes, specifically for 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities. The fund seeks to enhance community leadership, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and youth engagement. Grant applications are evaluated on their merits, emphasizing clarity and completeness. While not every proposal is guaranteed funding, the fund encourages innovative solutions to community issues that can significantly impact the quality of life for many.

The ALACRITY Research Centers, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, aim to enhance the effectiveness of mental health interventions for youth and adults. This initiative supports interdisciplinary research to develop innovative approaches for optimizing mental health care access and quality. By fostering collaborations across various fields such as behavioral science and health systems engineering, the program seeks to transform clinical practices and improve outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges.

The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., supports nurses pursuing doctoral programs in nursing education. To qualify, applicants must hold a current RN license and be enrolled in an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This permanent scholarship, initiated with a generous $50,000 donation in 2012, honors Cynthia Sculco, a dedicated NEF Board member known for her leadership roles. It aims to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education.

The Undergraduate Development Program Student Travel Award offers undergraduate science majors a unique opportunity to attend the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting from March 21–23, 2026. The program aims to inspire students pursuing research careers in toxicology and related biomedical sciences. Participants will engage with professionals, attend sessions, and explore various educational and career paths. SOT emphasizes inclusiveness, encouraging diverse perspectives to enhance innovation in the field.

The Little Traverse Bay Protection and Restoration Fund, established in 2010, aims to enhance and protect the waters of Little Traverse Bay for future generations. Grants are awarded annually to tax-exempt organizations and public agencies addressing key objectives in the watershed management plan, including invasive species control and stormwater management. To date, nearly $460,000 has been distributed to support these vital environmental efforts.