Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The L.E.A.H. (Lending Every Amputee Hope) Grant connects donors with individuals in need of financial assistance for medical supplies related to limb amputation. It aims to improve the quality of life for residents in Southwest Missouri, providing up to $150 annually per person. Applications are confidential and evaluated by a committee based on individual medical needs, ensuring support reaches those who require it most.

The Climate Literacy for Community Resilience grant program aims to enhance climate change education for K-12 students in New Jersey. It focuses on providing equitable access to high-quality educational resources, promoting experiential learning, and fostering collaboration among local education agencies. The program encourages student-led initiatives that address climate action within their communities. With funding up to $30,500, this grant supports innovative projects that will commence on June 1, 2026, and conclude by May 31, 2027.

About The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence

The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence partners with communities to drive bold social impact—mobilizing local expertise, shifting systems, and creating the conditions for every community to live free from gender‑based violence. We advance this mission through direct crisis response, community education, advocacy, and sustained power‑building that uplifts the leadership and voices of survivors.About The Survivor Fund The Survivor Fund provides limited direct financial assistance through a variety of funding programs and partnerships. City of Chicago residents may be eligible to apply for $1,000 in cash assistance. Applicants must submit an Appointment Eligibility Form during the monthly open window, after which a random selection process determines who can move forward. The form becomes available around the 15th of each month and remains open for about a week, depending on funding availability. This program is not emergency funding, and eligibility is based on household income below 300% of the national poverty guidelines. 

New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)

The New Jersey Department of Health leads the state’s response to public health challenges and works to improve health outcomes for all New Jersey residents. Through its three primary branches—Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health—the Department collaborates across programs and partners to strengthen New Jersey’s health system. Guided by its mission to protect public health, promote healthy communities, and improve the quality of health care, the Department supports initiatives that advance prevention, system integration, and equitable access to health services statewide.

Special Child Health Child Evaluation Centers

Child Evaluation Centers are funded to provide a variety of evaluative services to assess the needs of children with congenital acquired neuro-developmental disorders including communication, learning and behavioral disorders.

New Jersey State grant funds available for this initiative are contingent upon state appropriation. Approximately $2.2 million may be available in State Fiscal Year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026 and ends June 30, 2027.

This funding opportunity aims to address the urgent mental health crisis in the U.S. by promoting research that enhances access to evidence-based practices for youth. It encourages applications focusing on interventions for underserved populations, including those facing housing and food insecurities. Researchers are invited to explore strategies for improving service delivery, overcoming workforce challenges, and integrating care into accessible settings, ultimately striving for equitable mental health services for all youth.

Brain Research & Innovation Network: Grant Initiative of Texas

The Rainwater Charitable Foundation is launching the Brain Research & Innovation Network: Grant Initiative of Texas (BRING IT), a new funding opportunity designed to support innovative ideas in brain health and dementia research across Texas.

BRING IT will provide one-year seed grants of up to $100,000 to Texas-based academic institutions and nonprofit organizations to accelerate promising research, foster collaboration, and generate the preliminary data and proof-of-concept evidence that can help seed a strong pipeline of innovative brain health and dementia research across Texas.

With the launch of DPRIT, Texas has a unique opportunity to expand its leadership in brain health and dementia research. BRING IT is designed to help seed and strengthen this growing research ecosystem by supporting innovative ideas, building collaborations, and generating early evidence that can help promising research move forward.

What We’re Looking For

RCF is seeking focused, innovative pilot projects that can advance brain health and dementia research while positioning promising ideas for future development and larger-scale funding.

Projects should be designed for completion within 12 months and generate a clear foundation for next-stage research, implementation, validation, or funding. Competitive proposals should address an important unmet need or research opportunity, demonstrate a strong and feasible approach, and show how the work could position the team for future DPRIT or other external funding.

BRING IT is particularly interested in projects that leverage Texas-based expertise, populations, institutions, healthcare systems, community organizations, datasets, infrastructure, or collaborations.

Areas of Interest

BRING IT will support projects aligned with five strategic topic areas reflecting anticipated DPRIT priorities and emerging opportunities in dementia research.

Support the translation of evidence-based innovations into real-world clinical and community settings. Areas of interest include brain and vascular health and dementia risk-reduction programs, blood-based biomarkers, AI-enabled clinical decision support, digital health technologies, community screening programs, care coordination models, and approaches that improve adoption in primary care, rural healthcare systems, and other medically underserved settings.

Projects should emphasize scalability and the potential to improve implementation of evidence-based brain health interventions, delay cognitive decline, promote timely diagnosis, reduce dementia risk, or enhance care.

Develop, validate, or apply New Approach Methodologies that improve the efficiency, predictive power, and translational relevance of dementia research.

Areas of interest include human iPSC-derived models, organoids, organ-on-chip systems, computational and AI-driven disease models, digital twins, neurovascular models, and other innovative platforms that can accelerate therapeutic discovery, biomarker development, or target validation.

Explore how digital health technologies and computational tools can help identify cognitive changes or risk factors within existing healthcare settings.

Projects may incorporate natural language processing, computer vision, clinical decision support systems, wearable sensors, speech analysis, retinal imaging, or other approaches that can be integrated into primary care and community health settings, particularly those serving rural and medically underserved populations.

Use machine learning and computational approaches to identify promising opportunities to repurpose existing regulatory-approved drugs for dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases.

Projects may explore disease-modifying or symptomatic treatment strategies and should establish a computational workflow that can provide a translational bridge to future validation studies.

Develop innovative approaches to identify and reduce dementia risk by addressing modifiable factors associated with cognitive decline.

Areas of interest include physical activity, nutrition, sleep, cardiovascular health, diabetes, obesity, hearing loss, and other modifiable risk factors. Projects may incorporate digital health technologies, wearable devices, AI, or community-based implementation approaches to improve brain health, reduce dementia risk, and support healthy aging across Texas populations.

The Disaster Grants Program by LSC provides vital funding to organizations aiding survivors of government-declared emergencies. It empowers legal aid groups to deliver essential services to low-income disaster survivors, ensuring access to legal assistance during crises. The program also educates communities on disaster legal services and prepares them for future emergencies, enhancing resilience and response capabilities. By supporting various grant types, the initiative addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term recovery strategies.

The Samuel "Eric" Storm Memorial Scholarship Fund offers $2,500 to students pursuing advanced degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy. Established in honor of Eric Storm, a dedicated physical therapist, the fund aims to support students in accredited programs. Eric's legacy includes his commitment to mentorship and community service, reflecting his belief in health care as a calling. This scholarship honors his impact on many lives and encourages future health professionals to follow in his footsteps.

Destination: Home is proud to help fund impactful strategies for preventing and ending homelessness in our community. To help individuals with lived experience overcome these barriers and build toward long-term housing stability, Destination: Home developed the Supportive Employment Assistance (SEA) Fund. The fund supports community-based organizations that deliver targeted employment services, including job readiness support and workforce connections, for eligible residents across Santa Clara County. We welcome interest from mission-aligned organizations that provide employment support to people experiencing homelessness. Partners must be able to administer financial assistance, accept referrals from Destination: Home and other network partners, and participate in regular reporting and coordination activities with Destination: Home.

About the Office of Food Systems Resilience

Bill 20-22 established the OFSR as a non-principal office of the County’s Executive Branch. The OFSR works to make the County’s food system more resilient and equitable to improve the health of residents, the economy, and the environment. The Office serves as the liaison between County agencies and community partners with the goal of addressing the conditions which lead to food insecurity for residents.

About the Office of Grants Management

As charged in Bill 36-19, the OGM provides a central point of contact regarding the grants that the County receives or awards. The OGM also develops countywide policies and procedures regarding grants management and ensures these are consistent with racial equity and social justice goals and performs outreach regarding grants offered by the County and other grants functions.

Food Aggregation Grant Program - Stage One

Program Summary

The Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), in partnership with the Office of Grants Management (OGM), is soliciting grant applications from local food aggregation and distribution companies with experience in market development for small farmers to establish and maintain a facility in Montgomery County, Maryland under the County’s FY2026 Food Aggregation Grant Program. This facility, and the grantee selected to run it (“Operator”), will aggregate, distribute, and market food grown by regional farmers to wholesale markets- including, but not limited to, Montgomery County institutions and agencies- such as schools, senior centers, hospitals, food banks, and correctional facilities.

$550,000 in funding is available to fund one award from OFSR to support startup, construction and retrofitting of necessary facilities, ongoing operations, and to purchase food over the initial one-year program period; the performance period of this grant is anticipated to cover a four year period from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2030. Multi-year funding across the four fiscal years will range from $250,000 to $550,000 in grant funds and/or food purchasing commitments, pending funding availability and grantee performance, with a maximum of $550,000 total available in a single fiscal year. 

The Freshwater Algae Control Grants (WA) support initiatives to manage toxic algae blooms that threaten public health and ecosystems. The program offers funding ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, with a maximum award of $50,000 per project. Eligible applicants include state agencies, counties, cities, and tribes. Priority is given to lakes affected by harmful algae in the last three years, emphasizing the program's commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges.

My Brother's Keeper

Welcome to New York State’s My Brother’s Keeper (NYSMBK) initiative! The New York State My Brother’s Keeper initiative seeks to “Change the Narrative” of boys and young men of color, and all students, by closing and eliminating the opportunity gaps they face and helping them to reach their full potential.

Family and Community Engagement Program Grant

The purpose of the FCEP is to increase the academic achievement and college and career readiness of boys and young men of color. Many schools and districts are faced with the challenge of how to develop and sustain effective relationships with families toward the goal of increasing student success. Teachers, Principals and School District leaders identify family engagement as one of the most challenging aspects of their work. When narrowing the scope of this ongoing concern to the issues of boys and young men of color, it is not only an issue of engaging and connecting to the immediate family, but to the extended family and the larger community.

The IUSE: Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to enhance STEM education at two-year colleges. This initiative encourages innovative projects that promote student success in foundational STEM courses. Eligible institutions can request up to $500,000 for three years, with an extra $100,000 for those without NSF funding in the last five years, facilitating a total budget of $600,000 for impactful educational projects.

The Edward J. Bouwer/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award recognizes outstanding research by emerging scholars in environmental engineering and science. This prestigious award, honoring Prof. Edward J. Bouwer, includes a plaque and a $1,500 cash prize for the student, along with a $500 prize for the faculty advisor. Additionally, a travel allowance of $750 is available for both the student and the faculty advisor to attend the Awards Ceremony, encouraging participation and celebration of academic excellence.

The Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Education (E4) Award recognizes outstanding contributions by university faculty in environmental engineering education. Administered by AAEES and AEESP, this annual award includes a $1,000 monetary prize and $500 for travel to the E3 ceremony. Nominees should demonstrate significant impacts in curriculum development, student mentorship, and educational outcomes. Past nominations can be reconsidered for three years, encouraging ongoing recognition of excellence in environmental engineering education.

The Kenedy Memorial Foundation Grant supports both Sectarian and Non-Sectarian entities, primarily focusing on Catholic schools and churches in Texas. The Foundation emphasizes grants that foster significant community benefits and encourages applications from recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. Core values include breaking the cycle of poverty, advancing spirituality, and nurturing support for Catholic institutions. The Foundation also allocates a portion of funds to non-sectarian charities, promoting inclusive support within the community.

The Sophie Kosiorek Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, awards $800,000 in scholarships to over 500 deserving students annually. This scholarship specifically supports a four-year member of the Seneca High School girls basketball team, recognizing the positive attitude and strong team ethic exemplified by Sophie. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, ensuring that the scholarship supports both athletic and academic excellence.

The Ronald L. Schmied GCFI Scholarship is a travel award supporting graduate students studying marine recreational fisheries. Established in memory of Ron Schmied, a dedicated fisheries biologist, this scholarship aims to assist students in attending the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute annual meeting. With at least one $1,500 scholarship awarded each year, it covers airfare, lodging, and research-related expenses, fostering the next generation of fishery professionals and promoting engagement in vital discussions within the field.

The Kowalik Family Christopher Gott Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support a high school senior from the City of Erie who embodies Christopher Gott's passion for learning and skill development. In 2023, the foundation provided over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing further education. This scholarship honors Christopher, a devoted nurse and classical guitarist, who epitomized the spirit of continuous personal growth.

The Juan Diego Guadiana Legacy Foundation Scholarship supports students from Las Cruces High School or Doña Ana County, especially those affected by cancer treatment or pursuing health-related fields. This scholarship is open to various backgrounds, including BiPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. The foundation aims to empower students at different educational stages, ensuring they have the resources necessary to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

The Sarah K. de Coizart Perpetual Charitable Trust, established in 1992, focuses on supporting species conservation and blindness-related services in the Northeast United States. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000 for conservation projects and $20,000 to $50,000 for blindness initiatives. Priority is given to endangered species and innovative research efforts. Organizations must be IRS-designated public charities. The Trust does not fund individuals or matching gifts, ensuring support goes directly to impactful projects.

The James V. Gray Memorial Scholarship II, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County graduating seniors pursuing two-year programs with a minimum GPA of 2.5. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to help over 500 students achieve their educational dreams. This need-based scholarship honors James Vincent Gray, a dedicated teacher and coach, reflecting the foundation's commitment to education and community development.

The James & Abigail Campbell Family Foundation, established in 1980, focuses on enhancing the lives of Hawaiians through community-focused grants. The foundation supports youth programs, education initiatives, and projects that promote Hawaiian health and culture. Preference is given to organizations based in West O‘ahu. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profits, with funding typically not exceeding one year. Notably, the foundation does not fund individuals, endowments, or religious programs.

The James V. Gray Memorial Scholarship, established by the Erie Community Foundation, honors a dedicated educator and coach. This need-based scholarship supports Erie School District graduating seniors who have been accepted into accredited colleges with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, the Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to assist more than 500 deserving students in their pursuit of higher education.

The John C. Wallace Scholarship, established by Carolyn Wallace and Ashley Borders in 2017, supports post-secondary education for members of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. Eligible applicants include high school graduates and adult learners planning to attend accredited colleges or vocational schools in the U.S. Candidates must demonstrate church involvement, financial need, and community service. Previous recipients can reapply, fostering continued educational opportunities in the community.

The BioMarin Grant aims to support events, activities, and projects that enhance public health and benefit patients with rare diseases. This corporate funder focuses on scientific innovation and provides resources for organizations such as hospitals, universities, and patient advocacy groups. With an emphasis on education and community support, BioMarin encourages applications for funding throughout the year, ensuring timely assistance for eligible projects.

CT Collegiate Awareness and Preparation (ConnCAP)

What is the ConnCAP grant?

Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation (ConnCAP) is a competitive grant program available through the Minority Advancement Program (MAP). It helps fund pre-college programs offered by Connecticut colleges and universities. These programs help disadvantaged students at public middle and high schools:

• Improve their academic skills and graduate from high school
• Enroll in college and succeed in a degree program

An academically high-achieving disadvantaged student is unlikely to achieve their academic potential without programmatic intervention due to circumstances outside their control.

ConnCAP programs are delivered year-round (fall, spring, and summer). They support students for at least:

• 30 weeks across the fall and spring semesters
• One week of intensive programming in the summer

OHE oversees ConnCAP grantees. ConnCAP programs must maintain student records and file periodic reports in response to accountability procedures established by OHE. OHE staff also periodically visit ConnCAP programs to gauge their quality and compliance with program guidelines.