Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

The Conservation Foundation Environmental Scholarship Fund

In 2007, Ron Yenerich of Oswego created an environmental scholarship fund to encourage respect for the world future generations will inherit. Called The Conservation Foundation Environmental Scholarship Fund, it provides annual awards to local students pursuing careers in natural resource management (forestry, wildlife management, etc.) or other environmentally related fields of study. In the awarding of these scholarships, preference is given to candidates with a strong commitment to the preservation of the environment as evidenced through their work-related, volunteer or other community activities. Ron Yenerich is a graduate of Indiana University and served as an officer in the United States Army for five years.

California Credit Union League: Distinguished Service Award

Each year, California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions honor distinguished industry leaders and volunteers during the Leagues’ REACH Conference. 

Recipients of the Distinguished Service Award are honored for service to the credit union community outside the usual scope of employment at a credit union, and beyond the scope of their networks.

California Credit Union League: Network Awards

Each year, California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions honor distinguished industry leaders and volunteers during the Leagues’ REACH Conference. 

Recognizes individuals and local Networks for their extraordinary impact and commitment to professional development, advocacy and collaboration in the Networks and the local community of credit unions. 

The Teri Rogers Filmmakers Grants, presented by ArtsKC and the Kansas City Film Office, honor the legacy of Teri Rogers by supporting early-career female and gender nonconforming filmmakers. Each grant provides $10,000 for production or post-production of new short films, alongside valuable resources like memberships and mentorship. The program prioritizes projects that reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as those highlighting Kansas City as a character in the narrative.

The Dallas Foundation's Spring Grant Cycle invites nonprofits to submit Letters of Inquiry for funding in key areas: Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, and Domestic Violence. Emphasizing diversity and inclusivity, the Foundation aims to support organizations that enhance community welfare and provide essential services to Dallas County residents. With plans to fund 5-10 nonprofits, this initiative underscores a commitment to improving lives and fostering a brighter future for all in North Texas.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families was established to bring together programs to better serve children, youth, and families. 

RFP to Promote Restorative Practice Programs

The department, through its Office of Restorative Practice Division, is seeking to promote initiatives statewide that create new restorative practice programs or have current programs in place. 

The activities funded through this RFP are intended to benefit individuals (youth and adults) and communities impacted by harm, including those who have caused harm, those who have been harmed, their families, and the broader communities connected to them. This includes work across a range of systems, including pretrial diversion programs, delinquency and criminal justice, child welfare, education, and community violence prevention. 

The Lake Minnetonka Excelsior Rotary Club offers grants for international projects that create positive impacts in communities, focusing on human health, education, economic development, and clean water. Preference is given to projects completed by June 30, 2026, and organizations based in the U.S., especially Minnesota. These grants are designed to support non-profits that collaborate with local Rotary clubs, ensuring meaningful contributions to both local and international causes.

About CFO Grants

 The CFO offers a series of grant cycles based on its July–to–June fiscal year, so grant cycles are announced beginning in July. Throughout the year, the CFO’s affiliate foundations also offer grants to eligible agencies within their geographic service areas. 

Discretionary grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who want to support a specific cause or a general field of interest, such as education or animal welfare. Each cycle has its own criteria and deadlines. 

Organizations within the CFO’s service region are eligible to apply if they hold IRS tax status of 501(c)3 or are education, faith or government institutions with similar tax-exempt status. 

The CFO uses a grant portal — GLM by Foundant Technologies — to accept applications and track grant progress for most grant programs offered by the CFO and its affiliate foundations.

Grants 

The CFO connects generous donors with nonprofit organizations seeking project funding and families in need.

Joplin Schools Launch Program Community Grant

The Joplin School District’s Launch Program is a collaboration between a student-led organization at Joplin High School and the Joplin Regional Community Foundation's Philanthropic Society. Launch’s purpose is to promote philanthropy. One way we accomplish this is through a student-directed community grant program that supports one local, non-profit organization to improve the future for the citizens of Joplin. 

The grant program focus for this year is: Impoverished Students. The maximum award amount will be up to $15,000.00 (depending on funds raised through fundraising).

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.

Minnesota Humanities Center

The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), a non-profit organization, strives to create a more just society that is curious, connected, and compassionate by increasing the collective understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our histories through stories and experiences. 

Youth Literary Grant

Grant Goals

Funding will support individual authors and organizations to create, produce, and distribute books for youth in Minnesota.

An applicant that receives funding under this grant opportunity must do at least one of the following:

• Amplify arts, culture, and heritage in Minnesota,
• Increase the depth and breadth of Minnesota who will connect with arts, culture, and heritage, and
• Provide opportunities for individuals in Minnesota to enjoy arts and culture for free or at reduced cost to allow access for economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Minnesota to attend Legacy programs.

Legacy funding may only be used for new work or new additions to existing work. Funding must supplement and not substitute existing funding sources or be used as reimbursement of expenses for existing projects.

Applicants must provide books for free or at a reduced cost for youth and families.

The Howard Kelsey Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing degrees in Health and Human Performance or Kinesiology. As Montana's largest public research university, MSU emphasizes education, research, and community service. This scholarship varies in award amounts and aligns with MSU's mission to enhance student success and foster innovation, ultimately contributing to the region's economic and social development.

The Youth Cultural Activities Grant, offered by the Alaska Children's Trust, aims to enhance youth mental health through cultural engagement. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $1,000 to support activities such as subsistence practices, traditional arts, language learning, and cultural celebrations. With rising mental health concerns among Alaska's youth, this funding will empower communities to foster cultural connections and provide supportive environments for young people, ensuring they thrive as the future of Alaska.

The NY State Farm-to-School Grant Program promotes the use of locally produced foods in K-12 school cafeterias, enhancing meal quality and fostering relationships between schools and New York farmers. Established in 2015, the program aims to increase the purchase of New York specialty crops while addressing challenges such as seasonality and procurement complexities. Its secondary goals include improving agricultural education and exposing students to local culinary experiences, ultimately benefiting school-age children across the state.

About

One Valley Foundation was created with a simple belief: when a community comes together, meaningful change follows.

As the charitable arm of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, One Valley Foundation exists to ensure everyone in our valley has the opportunity to thrive—on and off the ice. From the very beginning, the Foundation was built to reflect the spirit of this region: diverse, hardworking, passionate, and united by a shared love of sport and community.

Long before the Firebirds ever dropped their first puck, the commitment to give back was already taking shape. The Foundation launched hockey programs across all three local school districts, expanding access to the game while using hockey as a gateway to education, confidence, and connection. That early focus set the tone for everything that followed—local impact, lasting legacy, and inclusive opportunity.

One Valley Foundation Grant

One Valley Foundation invests in qualified nonprofit organizations creating meaningful local impact across the Coachella Valley. We support programs aligned with our three pillars—Education, Well-Being, and Community—and the focus areas defined within each pillar.

Our grantmaking is guided by a simple promise: Local Money Stays Local.

We invite eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the Coachella Valley to submit funding requests during our open application periods.

Before submitting an application, please review the following information to determine whether your organization and proposed program are eligible.

Select the proposal’s primary purpose

Some programs may touch more than one pillar. Applicants should select the one pillar and focus area that most closely reflect the proposal’s primary purpose.

• Programs centered on learning, literacy, leadership instruction, career readiness, inclusive education, or arts and music instruction belong in Education.
• Programs centered on health, personal stability, housing, nutrition, sport participation, physical activity, resilience, or youth development belong in Well-Being.
• Programs centered on inclusion, safety, independence, accessibility, community connection, animal welfare, or the human-animal bond belong in Community.

School-based programs

One Valley Foundation works directly with all three Coachella Valley public school districts to understand and respond to the needs of local students. Following a joint three-district convening, we established an Education Committee with representatives from elementary, middle, high, and alternative schools. Their insight helps us identify priorities, coordinate support, and ensure our education investments reflect the needs of students across the Valley.We also support eligible nonprofit organizations whose programs strengthen learning and opportunity beyond the classroom—from literacy, leadership, and inclusive education to arts, music, workforce training, and career pathways.Programs benefiting students or taking place on school campuses must be submitted and administered by an eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, such as a district education foundation or qualified nonprofit program partner.

The Oregon Food Bank's Capacity Building Grants aim to empower organizations addressing food insecurity, particularly among underserved populations such as BIPOC, immigrants, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. These grants support projects that enhance advocacy efforts, expand access to food programs, and improve infrastructure. By prioritizing equity and community engagement, the initiative seeks to dismantle systemic barriers to food security and promote lasting change across Oregon.

The OFB Rapid Response Grant provides up to $5,000 for organizations to address food insecurity and inequities faced by marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include organizations working to become Partner Agencies with the Oregon Food Bank, as well as existing Partner Agencies. The grant prioritizes projects expanding access to food services, particularly for BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+, and single caregivers. This funding aims to enhance operations, improve accessibility, and support urgent needs in food distribution.

The Vocational Training Fund for Girls, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, aims to empower underprivileged female students in Allegheny County by providing scholarships for vocational training at accredited institutions. By addressing financial needs and promoting educational access, this fund seeks to break down barriers created by systemic gender inequity. The Pittsburgh Foundation, founded in 1945, emphasizes long-term community impact through flexible philanthropic initiatives that enhance opportunities and quality of life in the region.

The 1829 Legacy Fund Grants, managed by the Rhode Island Community Foundation, support nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island focusing on human services, education, arts, and journalism. Established in 2012, the fund continues a legacy of philanthropy dating back to 1956. Organizations can apply annually, with decisions made within three months. This initiative aims to mobilize community generosity and drive impactful change across the state.

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

SHM’s Awards of Excellence

SHM’s Awards of Excellence Program honors members who have made exceptional contributions to hospital medicine in a wide variety of categories: 

• Excellence in Research
• Excellence in Teaching
• Excellence as a Partner in Hospital Medicine
• Outstanding Service in Hospital Medicine
• Clinical Leadership for Physicians
• Clinical Leadership for Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants
• Excellence in Humanitarian Services
• Excellence in the Care of Vulnerable Populations
• Excellence in Teamwork

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

SHM’s Excellence in Teamwork Award

This award is presented in recognition of exemplary quality improvement initiatives in hospital medicine that engage the full patient care team. The award is intended to highlight outstanding team approaches to implementing interventions that improve patient care and safety but is particularly interested in projects related to the core competencies in hospital medicine and SHM’s quality improvement resource rooms. 

Recipients of the Excellence in Teamwork in Quality Improvement Award receive recognition at SHM Converge 2026 and complimentary registration for up to 4 team members.

The Lam Research Core Values Scholarship, offered by the East Bay Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from specific districts in California and Oregon. Recipients are awarded $10,000 over four years, promoting educational success. Eligible students must exemplify Lam's Core Values, maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher, and plan to attend a college or technical school. This scholarship aims to empower diverse youth in their educational pursuits and foster community development.

The Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementia Mini Grant, administered by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, provides financial support up to $2,500 for beneficiaries facing Alzheimer's and related conditions. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life and promote independent living among Trust beneficiaries through necessary equipment and services. Grants are awarded monthly, with applications due by the first Tuesday of each month, ensuring timely assistance for those in need.

The Center for Scholarship Administration

The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) provides corporations, foundations, trust funds, and individual philanthropists scholarship selection and administration management that is experienced, professional, and cost efficient while lending the program an integrity not inherent in internal selection committees.

Francis, Elizabeth, and Edward Roger Welsh Scholarship

The Francis, Elizabeth, and Edward Roger Welsh Scholarship is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

May attend or plan to attend a Catholic elementary, middle or high school located in Camden County, New Jersey.

This scholarship is for one year only; however, current recipients may reapply and be considered for additional funding along with other new applicants. Scholarship recipients may attend or plan to attend a Catholic elementary, middle or high school located in Camden County, New Jersey. Students must reapply for additional scholarship awards. Renewal is not guaranteed and students will be included in the pool of scholarship applicants.

The Florida Blue Foundation's Mental Well-being Grant Program aims to enhance the mental health of families and communities in Florida, addressing stressors exacerbated by the pandemic and social media. This initiative focuses on supporting children, teens, and their caregivers, promoting mental health resources and increasing the pipeline of mental health professionals. By prioritizing mental well-being, the Foundation seeks to create a positive impact on the health outcomes of Floridians, fostering resilience and community support.

The Family Unification Program (FUP) aims to assist families and youth at risk of homelessness by providing Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance. It targets families facing housing issues that could lead to out-of-home placement for children and youth aged 18-24 who have aged out of foster care. The program offers flexible voucher durations, with extensions available under specific conditions, ensuring support for those in need of stable housing.

The Destination Development Grant (ND) provides $15 million in funding to enhance tourism in North Dakota for the 2025-2027 biennium. It aims to develop new visitor experiences aligned with the state's identity, focusing on infrastructure for attractions that stimulate economic growth. Eligible projects include unique lodging, culinary experiences, and outdoor recreational venues. This program is designed to support projects that are ready for implementation, not for early-stage development.

The Thomas C. Burke Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations focused on alleviating human suffering and improving health for those affected by disease and disability, particularly in Bibb County and nearby areas. The foundation prioritizes initiatives in cancer prevention and treatment. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations recognized under IRS 501(c)(3) status. Grants are typically awarded for one year, with occasional multi-year support available.