Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Team Schnak Strong Fund

The purpose of the Team Schnak Strong Fund is to provide funds to qualified individuals to cover expenses related to the treatment of childhood Type I Diabetes. Grant requests will be considered for children up to the age of 21. Full time students at Emporia State University or Flint Hills Technical College are eligible until the age of 24.

The George Family Foundation's Youth Development Grant aims to empower youth from under-resourced communities by supporting initiatives that foster personal growth, educational enrichment, and workplace learning. By encouraging diverse interactions and community service, the foundation seeks to provide young people with the tools to thrive and positively impact their communities. Although unsolicited proposals are not accepted, Letters of Inquiry are welcomed during specific review periods.

The Hansberry-Lilly Fellowship, initiated by the Lillys’ Lorraine Hansberry Initiative, aims to empower women and non-binary playwrights of color by providing $25,000 stipends for their graduate education in playwriting. This need-based scholarship addresses financial disparities, ensuring that awardees can focus on their craft without economic burdens. Eligible applicants must be newly accepted to designated MFA programs. The fellowship fosters a supportive environment for writing and collaboration, honoring Lorraine Hansberry's legacy in the arts.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Fund, supported by the Patient Advocate Foundation, offers financial assistance for patients dealing with pulmonary hypertension. This fund covers essential healthcare costs, including medication copays and health insurance premiums. Patients must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as having a confirmed diagnosis and appropriate health insurance. Since 1996, the foundation has empowered millions to navigate healthcare challenges, ensuring they receive the care they need without financial burden.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Latinos Count Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The AVID: Priscilla and Ranney Draper Scholars Fund offers scholarships to high school seniors enrolled in the AVID elective, supporting their transition to a four-year college or university. Administered by Scholarship America, this program recognizes students from Orange County, CA, who have demonstrated commitment and financial need. Each applicant completes a single application for multiple scholarships, with awards of up to $5,000 available for undergraduate studies.

The Fund for Ravenswood Grant Program, managed by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, offers competitive grants twice a year to support projects in various fields, including Arts, Education, and Community Development. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit or public entities serving Ravenswood residents. The program prioritizes capital projects, program development, and capacity building to enhance community welfare. This initiative aims to empower local nonprofits to create meaningful impact and foster growth within the Ravenswood area.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Kirby Smart Family Foundation

The Kirby Smart Family Foundation enthusiastically supports those battling misfortune so that they can become victors over their circumstances.

Mary Beth and Kirby Smart have always exhibited the focus and work ethic required to become champions on and off the field. They bring that same passion to the opportunity to help children and families who are facing adversity. Working to be champions and help those in need in their home state of Georgia means so much to their family.

Our Mission: To be champions in our community by supporting and giving back to needy children and families facing adversity.

Grant Applications

During our annual Grant Application process, The Kirby Smart Family Foundation has the privilege of learning more about the incredible organizations in our community. Applications are thoroughly reviewed to ensure that the organization's needs align with our mission statement.

The James R. and Mary Jane Drury Scholarship, administered by The Oregon Community Foundation, aims to support graduates of McKenzie High School in Finn Rock, Oregon, pursuing higher education in natural resource-related fields. This scholarship prioritizes applicants attending the College of Forestry at Oregon State University, fostering educational opportunities that contribute to the stewardship of Oregon's natural resources and empower local communities.

The CRDA Community Development Grants aim to enhance Atlantic City through targeted support for community initiatives. Grants of up to $30,000 are available for various projects, including education, youth services, and cultural festivals, fostering a vibrant community for residents and visitors alike. Eligible applicants must be non-profit organizations with a proven track record. The CRDA prioritizes projects that strengthen community ties and improve the quality of life in Atlantic City.

The Rockwell Fund, a private foundation established in 1931, focuses on enhancing community well-being in Greater Houston. For the 4th Quarter, it seeks to support nonprofit organizations implementing dropout prevention strategies for at-risk middle school students. By prioritizing mentoring, quality out-of-school programs, and school-community collaboration, the Fund aims to improve educational outcomes and ensure that young individuals stay on track to graduate high school.

The Lily Auchincloss Foundation's Fall Cycle Arts Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in New York City by supporting small to mid-size organizations that provide free or low-cost access to arts experiences and professional support for artists. With a focus on inclusivity, the foundation prioritizes organizations that have a proven track record of welcoming diverse audiences and fostering artistic talent. This initiative reflects a commitment to making the arts accessible and enriching for all New Yorkers.

The Blue Foundation Inc

The Blue Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization founded to champion, fund and celebrate local nonprofit causes that keep our community and people strong, financially stable and healthy. The Blue Foundation also helps make tax-deductible charitable giving easy for you.

Additionally, Blue Federal Credit Union matches all new member donations up to 80%. Since its inception, The Blue Foundation has given over $350,000 back to our communities.

The Blue Foundation Grant

Blue Foundation Grants are awarded to 501c3 organizations whose programs directly impact financial wellness or financial education. The grant funds may not be used toward general operating expenses.

Grant commitments are generally for one year only and in the range of $3,000 – $25,000.

It is strongly encouraged that potential applicants read our guidelines prior to submitting an application to confirm their eligibility to apply. 

The Kentucky Statewide Reserve Fund supports innovative workforce development initiatives under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Funded by the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, this program provides financial assistance to local workforce development boards, state agencies, and non-profits. Eligible applicants must be engaged in workforce training activities, while for-profit organizations are ineligible. Applications are accepted monthly, with a focus on enhancing workforce capabilities across the Commonwealth.

Weather Modification Grant Program

The Program provides state grants to water providers, local governments and/or their fiscal agents that assist in funding ground-based wintertime operational cloud seeding programs. 

Grant money is to be used to help the local water users fund well-designed cloud seeding programs and help modernize programs to take advantage of new technologies. Permits are issued for five months of winter (typically November 1 through March 31).

Examples of how the money can be used:

• To enable full utilization of all winter months in a weather modification permit.
• To purchase or lease equipment like weather stations and remote-operated ice nuclei generators that enhance reporting and effectiveness of cloud seeding programs.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of cloud seeding in a particular area.

Grants are currently only available for permitted cloud seeding programs. To leverage the Weather Modification Grants Program, you will need to develop a plan and funding at a local level, and then apply for a weather modification permit. Annual requests come from the local level project sponsors to the CWCB.

The Blue Foundation Inc

The Blue Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization founded to champion, fund and celebrate local nonprofit causes that keep our community and people strong, financially stable and healthy. The Blue Foundation also helps make tax-deductible charitable giving easy for you.

Additionally, Blue Federal Credit Union matches all new member donations up to 80%. Since its inception, The Blue Foundation has given over $350,000 back to our communities.

The Blue Foundation Sponsorship

Donations and sponsorships are available at any time through Blue Federal Credit Union, and will be discussed at a monthly meeting. Though we strive to help everyone, not all donation requests will be fulfilled. We work hard to provide follow-up to all requesting parties regardless of fulfillment decision.

Both our sponsorships and grants focus on supporting non-profits who impact financial health and wellness.

The CAFE Group 

We resource leaders, invest in their genius, and bring people together to reimagine what philanthropy can do.

Founded by Liz and Don Thompson, The CAFE Group is a national nonprofit transforming how change is resourced. 

With a focus on education equity, social capital, and philanthropic transformation, we pair catalytic funding, community-rooted leadership development, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen the people and institutions shaping a more just future. Everything we do is grounded in relationship, because we believe the way resources move matters just as much as where they land.

The 1954 Project Luminary Award

The 1954 Project Luminary Award celebrates transformational education nonprofit leaders dedicated to serving Black students and communities through powerful investments in their organizations' ability to create lasting change.

The Luminary Experience

Each Luminary organization gets more than funding. Through The 1954 Project, leaders gain a community, a platform, and space to grow with tailored support over the course of the three year journey.​

• $1 Million, Unrestricted: Catalytic funding to expand what’s working.
• Leadership Coaching + Capacity Support: Guidance from peers and experts who are committed to helping you build a lasting, impactful organization.
• National Network: Luminaries join a powerful community of innovators, change-makers, and visionaries driving systemic progress to support students and communities across the U.S.

The 1954 Project’s Impact Areas

We focus on three interconnected areas critical to advancing equity:

• Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Create education models that center Black students through culturally affirming approaches that challenge traditional structures and transform how learning happens, ultimately serving all students. 
• Diversity in Education: Build pathways that increase and sustain Black educators and education leaders who transform where and how students learn.
• Pathways to Economic Mobility: Build pathways to wealth, ownership, and economic power for Black students, families, and communities through innovative educational programming.

Our Selection Criteria

We seek out extraordinary applicants who embody our values and vision across three categories:

Leader: We look for leaders whose influence and vision contribute to the collective well-being and advancement of the Black community. These leaders:

• Are Visionary: They demonstrate a strategic and pragmatic mindset, articulating a transformative vision for significant, positive change.
• Show Demonstrated Commitment: They embody steadfast dedication to your cause, inspiring and influencing others, and galvanizing community involvement.
• Are Adaptive: They assertively tackle challenges, turning setbacks into opportunities for innovation, while maintaining humility and thoughtfulness in problem-solving.

Organization: We look for organizations that drive significant change, anchored by a deep love for people and driven by the genius within communities of color. These organizations: 

• Have a Defined Problem: They clearly identify the issue they are addressing and explain in detail how your organization tackles root causes. 
• Take a Strategic Approach: They have clear, measurable, and achievable organizational goals with a well-defined strategy informed by thorough analysis. 
• Show Demonstrated Impact: They have a tested model that has produced positive results, incorporating continuous learning and iteration. 
• Have a Transformation Plan: They present a clear plan for using the $1M award to advance your organization's mission, vision, and long-term goals. 
• Embrace Collaboration: They use collaborate to build partnerships based on trust, love, and common goals. 

Radical Imagination: We seek leaders who challenge and redesign societal norms to build a just and equitable future. They demonstrate:

• Community-Rooted Leadership: They maintain and cultivate genuine community ties, integrating professional expertise and personal commitment to drive visionary, impactful strategies. 
• Long-Term Commitment: They are in it for the long haul, committing to sustained impact across generations and prioritizing long-lasting solutions over short-term gains. 
• Collectivism: They embody the philosophy of "I am because we are," actively engaging in collaborative networks and fostering community-reflective solutions. 

The Brett Candela Lacrosse Scholarship, established by the family of Brett Candela, honors his passion for lacrosse and supports central Ohio players pursuing higher education. A standout athlete from Columbus, Brett was recognized for his leadership and competitiveness in lacrosse and basketball. This scholarship aims to invest in student-athletes who embody his values of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, ensuring that the next generation of lacrosse players can achieve their educational goals while upholding Brett's legacy.

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation's NEW Grant Program offers essential funding of $5,000 to $30,000 to small and mid-sized arts organizations in the Bay Area. Since its inception in 2015, it has supported 149 organizations with over $4 million in grants. This initiative aims to empower artists in dance, theater, and multidisciplinary arts, focusing on projects that engage with their communities and foster innovative artistic expressions.

Oak Wilt Cost Share

Purpose

Provide cost-shares to landowners to minimize the spread of oak wilt.

Practices

Trenching, tree removal 

About

We have administered the federal cost-share program, the Texas Oak Wilt Suppression Program (TOWSP), to assist landowners in their fight against oak wilt since 1988. Trenching to contain the spread of oak wilt or removal of certain diseased red oaks may qualify for limited cost-shares.   

Cost-shares for trenching are capped at 50% of approved costs up to $5,000 per cooperator per year and multiple cooperator project costs are capped at 50% of approved costs up to $7,500 per project per year. Cost-shares for roguing or pushing are capped at 50% of approved costs up to $5,000 per cooperator per year. Cost-shares for removal of certain diseased red oaks are capped at 50% of approved costs with a maximum of $2,000 per cooperator per year.

The Kentucky Foundation for Women offers the Artist Enrichment Grant to support feminist artists and arts organizations in Kentucky. This grant encourages artistic development aimed at creating art for positive social change. Eligible applicants can seek funding for various activities, including artist residencies and exploring new techniques. The program prioritizes high artistic quality and a commitment to feminism, ensuring that grants are accessible to all individuals, regardless of background.

The St. Joe Community Foundation, established in 1999, aims to enhance the quality of life in Northwest Florida through grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on education, environmental stewardship, health, and cultural arts, the foundation prioritizes projects that promise long-term community benefits. Organizations based in Bay and Walton Counties are eligible to apply, fostering sustainable civic infrastructure to support the unique character and heritage of the region.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers quarterly Equipment Grants to nonprofit organizations serving children aged 0-18 in Vermont. These grants, up to $2,000, focus on primary prevention programs aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency and promoting positive family functioning. Eligible applicants include private nonprofits and public entities, while ineligible applicants include individuals and for-profit organizations. The foundation emphasizes programs that promote racial equity and effective youth services in the community.

The Play 60 Field Day is an initiative by the Los Angeles Rams aimed at encouraging children in grades K-5 to be active for 60 minutes daily, promoting healthy habits to combat childhood obesity. This structured event includes football fundamentals and interactive activities, allowing students to engage in a non-competitive environment. The Rams staff, along with mascots and cheerleaders, facilitate the event, ensuring a fun and impactful experience for young participants.

The Artificial Intelligence Technology in Career and Technical Education Pathways grant aims to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) by integrating high-quality AI applications. With funding of up to $250,000 available for fiscal year 2026, this initiative supports up to ten New Jersey districts in developing innovative, project-based learning experiences. Districts can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to cultivate AI competencies and foster partnerships with local businesses, ultimately preparing students for the future workforce.

The Peoria Diamond Club Grants Program aims to support local youth in achieving educational, athletic, therapeutic, and artistic goals. It provides funding for individual projects, as well as group initiatives by non-profit organizations and schools. Eligible applicants must be local organizations with appropriate tax status, and grants cover direct costs associated with projects. However, funds cannot be used for operating deficits or personal benefits. This program encourages community engagement and youth participation.