Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Aim High Grant Program, funded by the New York Life Foundation, offers 15 two-year grants of $100,000 each to support out-of-school time programs that assist middle school students in their transition to high school. This initiative addresses chronic absenteeism and promotes educational attainment in low-income communities, enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional development of youth. By fostering skills necessary for academic success, the program aims to create brighter futures for participants.

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Healthy Corner Stores RFA

The Department of Health (DC Health) is requesting proposals from qualified applicants to implement evidence based or evidence informed strategies that increase food access and improve food environments for District residents through corner stores.

The purpose of this funding is to improve food access and food environments in communities experiencing inequities that contribute to food insecurity. The District of Columbia, Department of Health (DC Health), Community Health Administration (CHADistrict of Columbia to implement evidence-based, multi-level interventions designed to improve food environments, food access, and food security for vulnerable residents across the lifespan.

The total funding amount of up to $750,000 is anticipated for one (1) award for the first budget period

Agnes McCarthy Caregiver Foundation

The Agnes McCarthy Caregiver Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity that provides hope and relief to caregivers who care for a loved one with mental health conditions.

Caregiver Grant

Family caregiving has become a public health issue that receives inadequate recognition in our country. While it can be rewarding to care for our loved ones, it often comes with significant physical, emotional and financial costs to the caregiver. On average, caregivers spend over 25% of their own income to support their loved one and provide 32 hours a week in unpaid care.

AMCF currently offers a $500 financial relief grant to assist family members with unexpected expenses due to their caregiving role. If you are a family caregiver to someone living with a mood or psychiatric condition like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia, or other mental health/co-occurring conditions, you are not alone, and we welcome you to apply for a caregiver grant today.

Additional Information

• To ensure our limited funds reach families with the greatest need, grants may require documentation confirming a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI).  

• The $500 grant is limited to one award per household within a 12-month period.

• Applications are generally reviewed by our Board of Directors, with decisions made within 30 days of receipt.

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Program

The program awards grants for research relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. The Legislature has established the following goals, with priority for research designed to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease:

• Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention and diagnoses of and treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Expand the foundation of knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease
• Stimulate economic activity in the state in areas related to Alzheimer’s disease research

Researchers at any university or research institute in Florida are eligible to apply. The following types of applications may be considered for funding:

• Investigator-initiated research grants
• Institutional research grants
• Pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research fellowships
• Collaborative research grants, including those that advance the finding of cures through basic or applied research

Priority will be given to project proposals that focus on:

• therapeutic strategies for dealing with behavioral and social needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers;
• the discovery and validation of a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic targets or novel therapeutic strategies, or discoveries which provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, and/or identify novel biomarkers;
• stimulate a consortium of clinical centers to conduct high quality clinical research studies of greater breadth than described in priority two;
• epidemiologic studies to improve our understanding of genetic, epigenetic, and acquired neurodegenerative, cardiac, and vascular disorders that result in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease and how these conditions affect Floridians; and
• support for physician or postdoctoral fellowship training in Alzheimer’s disease research. Refer to the Research Priorities section of this FOA for more information. 

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the grant categories outlined in this FOA for research in the areas of focus outlined in the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category to pursue an area of focus from the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Applications for research infrastructure grants that are reviewed and assigned exceptional scientific merit will be considered for preferential funding. 

The grant categories are: 1) Consortium Grant; 2) Standard Grant; 3) Pilot Grant; 4) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grant Categories: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grants support the career development of individuals who have made a commitment to focus their research endeavors on research oriented to clinical service, evaluation, neurochemistry, neurosciences, neuromedicine, neurotherapeutics, neuropharmacology, neuropathology, etc. Research organizations are eligible to apply for no more than three Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grants. Organizations choosing to submit two or more Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant applications must assure that they address different focus areas (1-4) listed under Priority Area 5.

Samsung Solve For Tomorrow

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition asks students to consider how science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can be used to create change in their communities. With the help of their teachers, students compete to win up to $100,000 in prizes for their school, plus the opportunity to work with Samsung employees to develop their innovations. 

Guidelines

Your teacher will apply on behalf of your team by answering these five questions, each in 1,000 characters or less.

• Describe the community challenge or issue you are planning to tackle.
• How will STEM be applied to address this challenge or issue?
• What is the anticipated impact to your local community?
• What activities will you put in place to achieve your goals?
• How will you define and measure success?

Your solution may go through many iterations as you test and refine the idea, but the problem you are solving should remain the same throughout the competition. .

Once your teacher submits your team’s application, the fun begins! Get to work building your solution, gathering data, and iterating as you go. 

Helpful Tips

• Choose a problem that you and your classmates are truly passionate about solving.
• Pick a topic that's manageable for your team and realistic to execute within the bounds of the competition. Feasibility is included in the judges’ scoring rubric.
• Consider the audience you are developing a solution for and get their input as you work.
• Leverage your local community. See if you can connect with your town government or other leaders in your area to get them invested in and excited about your project.
• Remember to back up any claims with facts and statistics.

Reasons to get involved

• Prizes for your school range from $1,000 all the way up to $100,000.
• Community recognition: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow participants and winners are frequently featured in the local news.
• Build crucial skills in areas like public speaking, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship.
• Collaborate with your peers on a project you feel passionate about.
• Help your community become a better place with your innovative thinking.
• Through the Solve for Tomorrow competition, educators can teach Problem-Based Learning (PBL) by challenging students to find solutions in their communities. 

State Funded Highway-Railroad Crossings Program

KDOT offers several highway-railroad funding opportunities to improve safety at highway/railroad crossings. These include: 

Highway/Railroad Crossing Program Safety Funds: This federal-aid program finances up to 100% of the cost for installing protective devices and eliminating hazards at public highway/railroad grade crossings. Crossings are prioritized based on a hazard index that considers highway and train traffic, as well as warning devices. 

Railroad Crossing Surfacing: This program focuses on improving the surfaces and approaches of at-grade crossings on rural state highways and City Connecting Links in small cities. Funding is split 50/50 between the state and railroad companies. 

State Funded Highway/Railroad Crossing: This state-funded program allocates $300,000 annually for projects that don't qualify for federal aid. Projects are funded with 80% state funds and 20% railroad company funds. 

Childhood Cancer Research

The grant purpose is to fund one awardee or a research project conducted by Illinois researchers on childhood cancer. The grant award must be used to research childhood cancers or expand current childhood cancer research that must be completed by June 30, 2027. Topics may include, but are not limited to, epidemiology, etiology, pathology, social or economic impacts, in-home care, and psychosocial issues. This is a one-year grant award.

The NewYork-Presbyterian Mini-Grants Program offers financial support to community-based organizations (CBOs) in New York City and Westchester County, focusing on health and wellness initiatives. Launched in 2011, it aims to assist CBOs in creating sustainable programs addressing nutrition, urban gardening, and youth development. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000 over three years, with an emphasis on projects serving specific neighborhoods like Crown Heights and Harlem. Eligible organizations must maintain a budget under $500,000 and demonstrate proof of nonprofit status.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.

ALDOT

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) manages statewide transportation and administers Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds through programs such as Section 5311, which supports rural public transportation, and Section 5310, which serves seniors and individuals with disabilities. ALDOT, through its Transit Section and initiatives like RTAP & ALTRANS, is dedicated to ensuring communities across Alabama have access to safe, reliable, and equitable transportation services, while providing critical support to transit providers throughout the state.

Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program 

The Local Transportation Bureau of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is now accepting Applications for funding through the Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. This program is supported by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and offers funding to help provide transit services for the State’s population of senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

Those eligible may apply for Capital Assistance. For Capital Assistance through the Section 5310 Program, funding is provided with an 80/20 split: FTA/Provider respectively.

The SHIP-Homebuyer Education & Counseling program in Miami-Dade County offers funding for educational and counseling services aimed at prospective homebuyers. With a maximum request of $200,000, qualified HUD-approved agencies can apply to address important topics such as financing, fair housing practices, and foreclosure prevention. This initiative seeks to enhance homebuyer readiness and ensure equitable access to housing resources across the county.

Mississippi State Department of Health

Mississippi's State Board of Health was established in 1877, and became the Mississippi State Department of Health in 1982.

Mission: The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being and safety of everyone in Mississippi.

Telehealth Hub Connectivity, Equipment & Education Grant Program

Purpose

The State of Mississippi, through the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), invites Eligible Providers (defined as Mississippi-located hospitals, physician practices (including solo practitioners), rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, local health departments, Native American Sovereign Tribe healthcare facilities, certified community behavioral health clinics, substance use disorder facilities, dental care services, and licensed long-term care facilities located in rural areas or servicing rural populations) to apply for funding through the Telehealth Hud Connectivity, Equipment & Education Grant Program (TCE).

TCE is part of the State’s Rural Health Transformation Plan (the Plan) and is funded under the Cooperative Agreement with the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHT Program).

TCE Goal

Provide funding to entities to support necessary enhancements to increase telehealth visits across rural and underserved communities to reduce barriers, expand access to specialty care, and improve preventive care. This will be accomplished by increasing the number of telehealth hubs across the State, improving connectivity, and encouraging higher utilization among patients. 

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program supports shelters across the U.S. that provide essential services to women and children escaping abusive situations. Established in 2000, this grant aims to uphold the mission of eradicating domestic violence through financial assistance to dedicated organizations. Eligibility is limited to shelters recognized by state domestic violence coalitions, while those funded in the previous cycle are ineligible. Join the fight against domestic violence by applying for this vital support.

The Salem Community Foundation Ministerial Scholarship supports college students pursuing careers in ministry, Christian education, and related fields. Established in 2008, this scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Awards are available for Bible colleges, undergraduate, and graduate schools, with an emphasis on academic performance and financial need. The Foundation, founded in 1966, has awarded over $112,000 in scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year, reflecting its commitment to enhancing community education.

John Estrella Foundation: Helping Hand GrantThe John Estrella Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in memory of John Estrella.

Our funding supports a clinical protocol to acquire tumor samples from kidney cancer patients who have a kidney removed. These important samples are being used to identify factors that help predict which patients are likely to require additional therapy for their disease. With our continued funding, this protocol has been expanded to other major hospitals in the area, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Purpose of the Grant: In addition to the ever-mounting cost of medicines and treatment, people with Kidney Cancer often need assistance with expenses like transportation, living expenses, home care, and childcare. The purpose of our grant is to provide support to individuals and their families experiencing financial burdens associated with a diagnosis of and treatment for Kidney Cancer.

The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience offers the Neurobiology of Brain Disorders Award to support innovative research aimed at understanding and treating brain disorders. It provides up to four awards of $100,000 each year for three years, encouraging proposals that explore biological mechanisms and environmental contributions to neurological disorders. The program emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration among researchers to advance the field and improve therapeutic interventions for conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

The Youth Services External Agency Fund Grant, offered by the Louisville Metro Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, aims to combat gun violence through innovative community strategies. Grants between $25,000 and $75,000 will support organizations focused on primary and secondary prevention, intervention, and victim support. This initiative fosters community collaboration and ownership, ensuring impactful solutions for youth development and violence reduction in Louisville's neighborhoods.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) for Tribal Applicants in California offers funding to support affordable housing initiatives. This program accepts applications until September 24, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. It aims to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-income and very low-income households through loans and grants. Eligible applicants can utilize these funds for various housing-related activities, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

The Valley Water Standard Grants for Education support projects in Santa Clara County that promote safe, clean drinking water, conservation, and environmental stewardship. With $1.87 million available, these grants fund educational activities, such as presentations and field trips, to raise community awareness. Eligible applicants include local agencies and organizations. Projects must directly benefit residents and align with Valley Water's mission, while focusing on safe drinking water and flood preparedness.

The PGE Foundation offers an Education Grant aimed at enhancing educational outcomes through community collaboration. The foundation prioritizes programs that connect students with real-world experiences, foster essential skills, and promote diversity and inclusion. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and based in Oregon, focusing on communities historically facing barriers. By supporting innovative education initiatives, the foundation strives to create pathways to higher education and career opportunities for young people.

The Vanderburgh Community Good Grants Program provides funding for charitable organizations in Vanderburgh County to support new or ongoing programs addressing local needs. Annual funding requests are accepted, and proposals are reviewed by a committee of community volunteers. Supported areas include arts, education, health, and human services, while religious and political activities are excluded. The program aims to enhance community development through diverse initiatives.

About Wyoming Community FoundationSince 1989, the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) has connected people who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming. With over 500 funds and $270 million in assets, we support local nonprofits and make grants in every county. WYCF has granted more than $150 million to charitable causes and works with donors to support the communities and organizations they care about most. Katie Parton Memorial Dance FundThe Katie Parton Memorial Dance Fund grant provides tuition and other financial assistance such as support for costumes, shoes, special equipment, travel stipends, or any other expenses related to dance that might be incurred by someone with Down syndrome or other cognitive or physical disabilities. Organizations qualify if they serve the following counties: Albany, Converse, Natrona, Sweetwater.Priority 1: Any person of any age who has Down syndrome

Priority 2: Any person of any age with a cognitive or physical disability

Priority 3: Any person 18 or under, regardless of ability, needing financial assistance for classesOrganizations do not need to be a 501(c)(3) to receive this grant funding, but the grant funds must be used for the stated grant purpose (covering the tuition, fees, supplies, and travel for individuals).

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Program: Multi-Vitamin

Research Focus

The purpose of this announcement is to stimulate research activities that study the impact of daily vitamin use on the improvement of cognitive function and any associated health care cost impacts on populations over the age of 65.

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the following grant categories to pursue research in the area of focus outlined in the Research Focus section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category to pursue the area of focus from the Research Focus section of this FOA.   

The grant categories are: 1) Consortium Grant; 2) Standard Grant; 3) Pilot Grant; 4) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grant Categories: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grants support the career development of individuals who have made a commitment to focus their research endeavors on research oriented to clinical service, evaluation, neurochemistry, neurosciences, neuromedicine, neurotherapeutics, neuropharmacology, neuropathology, etc. Research organizations are eligible to apply for no more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant.

The Warrick Community Good Grants Program, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc., supports local charitable organizations by funding new or ongoing projects that address various community needs. Grants are provided annually through unrestricted funds and aim to enhance the quality of life in Warrick County. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies, while specific funding criteria may vary each year. Organizations must review requirements before applying.

The Town of Granby Donor Advised Fund Grant, facilitated by the Grand Foundation, supports local non-profits enhancing community welfare in arts, education, environment, health, and recreation. Established in 1996, the Grand Foundation has provided over $23.7 million in grants, focusing on projects with measurable impacts. This grant encourages operational funding requests, but typically not multi-year commitments. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations, fostering collaboration among agencies for effective community service.

The UMEZ Arts Engagement Grant supports diverse arts initiatives in Upper Manhattan, inviting proposals from local artists and nonprofit organizations. This program aims to enhance cultural presentations and community engagement through publicly accessible projects. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and individual artists, all of whom must attend an information session before applying. Projects should promote public access to the arts and take place in Upper Manhattan between January 1 and December 31, 2025.