Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Eligible students can apply for various merit-based scholarships, with awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000. The College Fund encourages applications by the priority deadline for a better chance of funding.

The American Indian College Fund Scholarship supports high school students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, or their descendants, pursuing higher education. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. This merit-based scholarship provides an opportunity for students to receive awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000 to help fund their college education. Eligible students should apply during their last semester of high school.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant to support the construction and renovation of waste reception facilities for recreational vessels. This initiative, funded through the Sport Fish Restoration Account, aims to maintain clean waterways. Eligible applicants include public and private marinas, with grants covering 100% of approved costs. The program emphasizes projects in areas with low flushing rates and significant recreational value, contributing to environmental protection and public health.

The KFAS: Al-Sumait Prize for Health recognizes groundbreaking contributions to food security, health, and education in Africa. This prestigious award, established in honor of Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait, seeks nominations for individuals or institutions that have made significant advancements in various fields, including sustainable agriculture and innovative health solutions. The prize aims to celebrate impactful research and initiatives that contribute to the continent's socio-economic development, with nominations open for the 2025 cycle.

The OREF/ASES Rockwood Clinical Shoulder Research Grant aims to foster innovative clinical research in shoulder care. By offering seed funding to new investigators, this grant supports promising projects that demonstrate clinical relevance and practical application. Successful completion will position principal investigators to pursue larger NIH or DOD funding opportunities, further advancing shoulder research. This initiative underscores the commitment to nurturing talent and excellence within the field.

The Programming Grants for Arts Organizations, previously known as Presenter/Production Assistance Grants, provide funding to nonprofit organizations and artists in Southeastern Minnesota. Sponsored by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, these grants support arts-related programming, including public performances and educational activities. Organizations must demonstrate artistic quality and community impact, while educational institutions are eligible for Presenter Assistance. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to foster creativity and cultural engagement in the region.

The Lynn E. Poffenberger Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Middle Paxton Lions Club, honors the legacy of Mr. Poffenberger by providing annual scholarships to two graduating seniors. Eligible applicants must reside in Middle Paxton Township or Dauphin Borough, demonstrate financial need, and show active community involvement. This one-time scholarship aims to support deserving students in their educational pursuits, reflecting the values of service and commitment to the community.

Destination: Home

Destination: Home is a public-private partnership ending homelessness in Silicon Valley.

Our goal is to END homelessness in our community and we’re committed to advancing solutions that will deliver true systemic change. 

Through our collective impact model, we convene and collaborate with stakeholders across our community to advance strategies that address the root causes of homelessness and help ensure that all our neighbors have a stable home. We embrace a data-driven and human approach to our work – advocating for policies, incubating new ideas and programs, and investing in strategies that reduce and prevent homelessness in our community.

Sponsorship

As part of our commitment to support other nonprofits, we accept sponsorship requests on an ongoing basis from organizations whose mission and work align with our mission to prevent and end homelessness in Silicon Valley. 

Requests will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You can generally expect to receive a response within 2-3 business days. Payments typically take an additional 10-14 business days to process. 

The Skyler James Wenger Scholarship, established in 2012 in memory of Skyler, a 14-year-old who tragically lost his life, supports graduating seniors from Cedar Cliff or Red Land High School. Eligible applicants must plan to attend college or trade school, come from a single-parent household, be athletes, and demonstrate financial need. This one-time award aims to honor Skyler's legacy by helping deserving students achieve their educational goals.

The Steven C. Leuthold Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profits in areas such as land conservation, environmental protection, human services, and animal welfare. Founded in 1991 by philanthropist Steven C. Leuthold, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its giving preferences. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, with grants distributed by December 2025. Note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The Bray Cares Foundation Grant provides essential resources for housing-related needs in Mesa County. It supports organizations aiming to deliver emergency shelter, affordable housing, and services for seniors and veterans. Eligible applicants include qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and public service agencies operating within the county, ensuring support is directed effectively to those in need.

The DC Great Streets Retail Grant Program aims to enhance commercial corridors by supporting projects that promote sustainability, create jobs, and improve essential services. Designed for brick-and-mortar businesses and select non-profits, the program offers up to $85,000 in funding, including a $20,000 innovation top-up for creative business expansions. This initiative encourages local businesses to innovate and adapt, ensuring vital retail areas thrive in the community.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

Davie Community Foundation

Founded in 1988, Davie Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the lives of Davie County residents, today and for generations to come.

Mission: The Davie Community Foundation inspires philanthropy to strengthen Davie County for present and future generations. Vision: We envision Davie County as a vibrant community where everyone can thrive!

Elsie and Pansy Allen Memorial Fund

The Elsie and Pansy Allen Memorial Fund was established for residents of Davie and Southeast Yadkin Counties who are experiencing hardship due to illness or medical conditions, with priority given to those affected by cancer, chronic disease, or other long-term illnesses.

This application asks about your financial and personal situation so we can better understand your needs and provide appropriate support.

Applications are reviewed monthly and applicants will be notified once decisions are made.

The Arthur A. Seeligson Jr. Conservation Fund Grant, administered by the Fort Worth Zoo, aims to conserve native Texas wildlife through collaborative projects. With over $101,000 awarded to date, the fund focuses on supporting partnerships among scientists, educators, and landowners. In 2025, it seeks proposals that promote conservation, enhance biodiversity, and have a measurable impact, while keeping project costs at $5,000 or less. This initiative is vital for sustaining Texas's rich natural heritage.

The Multicultural Fellowship Program, hosted by The San Francisco Foundation, aims to empower emerging leaders of color to advance racial and economic equity in the Bay Area. This two-year, full-time fellowship offers experiential learning, personal development, and access to a robust professional network. Designed for early-career professionals from diverse backgrounds, the program provides valuable insights into grantmaking and philanthropy while fostering significant social change. Fellows benefit from mentorship and a supportive community, making this a unique opportunity for impactful leadership.

The DC Emerging Retail Initiative Grant Program supports emerging businesses by activating vacant spaces, enhancing economic activity, and providing essential goods in underserved areas. This program encourages innovative temporary-use models, allowing businesses to test concepts in low-risk environments, create jobs, and deliver necessary amenities. With a maximum request of $20,000, it aims to foster sustainable growth and community-focused retail development, bridging the gap between shared spaces and permanent establishments.

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.

Society of Hospital Medicine: Junior Investigator Award

SHM’s Junior Investigator Award was created to recognize junior/early-stage investigators. Junior/early-stage investigators are defined as faculty in the first 7 years of furthest postgraduate training. Applicants must be a hospitalist and a clinician investigator or non-clinicians (i.e., a PhD) researching Hospital Medicine relevant topics. Nominations from mentors and self-nominations are both welcome. Applicants may request feedback about their applications after adjudication of the winner. The winner will present the Junior Investigator Award commendation talk (30 minutes) during SHM Converge.

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.

The 2025-2026 TSBVI and TSD Consolidated Application provides essential funding for special education services at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Texas School for the Deaf. This program aims to ensure that students with visual impairments receive a free appropriate public education, protect their rights, support classroom instruction, and assess educational effectiveness. Additionally, funds may address other priorities set by the State Board of Education and Texas Education Agency.

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.

Our Home State Grant Program

Our Home State works to ensure Minnesota’s housing ecosystem has the power and resources to create an equitable future where all Minnesotans have a stable home they can afford.

A collaborative effort by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, F. R. Bigelow Foundation and Mardag Foundation, with additional support from businesses, peer foundations and individual donors, the Our Home State Grant Program seeks to increase access to housing across Minnesota. Our Home State North Star: Minnesota’s housing ecosystem has the power and resources to create an equitable future where all Minnesotans have a stable home they can afford.

The grants support organizations and programs that provide pathways to affordable, quality housing supports organizations and programs that ensure access to affordable housing or emergency shelter.

Our Home State Ecosystem Grant Program 

The Our Home State Ecosystem Grant Program supports organizations and programs that ensure access to affordable housing or emergency shelter. Ecosystem Grants will be offered for general operating support.

• For shelter: grant amounts will be $100,000 per year for a five-year grant period, for total grant amounts of $500,000 per grantee.
• For affordable housing: grant amounts will be up to $150,000 per year for a five-year grant period, for total grant amounts of $750,000 per grantee.

In 2026, we plan to select ten shelter and ten affordable housing grantees. Seven East Metro and three Greater MN/Tribal grantees in each focus area. 

The Theisen’s More for Your Community Grants program aims to inspire generosity and strengthen communities in the Dubuque region. Since its inception in 2003, it has focused on meeting the basic needs of families and children, including food, shelter, education, safety, and health. Grants are awarded to local agencies that effectively serve these needs, creating lasting change and promoting inclusivity across all communities served by Theisen’s.

The Larson Family Foundation, established in 1990 by Dale Larson, aims to enhance the quality of life for South Dakotans through grants to tax-exempt organizations. With a maximum grant of $100,000, the foundation supports diverse programs addressing basic human needs, including food, clothing, and education. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in South Dakota. However, the foundation does not fund administrative expenses or individual scholarships, ensuring that contributions directly benefit community services.

Benjamin Moore & Co. Charitable Giving is dedicated to uplifting North American communities through support for educational programs, housing development, and preservation efforts. They focus on workforce development, community transformation, and sustainable practices. The initiative emphasizes philanthropy through financial and in-kind donations, alongside volunteer work from employees. Partnering with various organizations, they aim to create lasting impacts on local communities while adhering to strict eligibility criteria for support.

The Mardag Foundation's Community Emergency Grant Program provides one-time funding to Food Access and Housing organizations in East Metro and Greater Minnesota. Grants help address urgent needs like natural disasters and unexpected repairs. Prioritizing organizations serving low-income populations, the program aims to fill financial gaps and supports equitable outcomes for marginalized communities. Preference is given to first-time applicants and those demonstrating commitment to the geography served. This initiative reflects the Foundation's dedication to community welfare and resilience.

Tree and Soil Research Fund for Landscape Architecture Grant Program

The TREE Fund Board of Trustees is launching the new Tree and Soil Research Grant, made possible by a permanently restricted endowment fund supporting areas of research of interest to the landscape architecture community with special focus in the area of trees and the soils that support them. Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years, with a maximum award value of $10,000. No project may receive more than one award from this program. 

Award amount:

• up to $10,000 (minimum $5,000)