Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Assisting Our Neighbors In Need

We are investing in what’s most important to Michigan – its people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. We award grants for capital funding and innovative projects and campaigns that align with our priorities for each.

Grant seekers are encouraged to review our priorities and ensure projects/programs align with the outcomes we seek. Metrics related to outcomes will be requested within the grant application.

What type of projects does the Consumers Energy Foundation fund?

The Consumers Energy Foundation funds capital projects and provides program and operation support in alignment with our commitment to Michigan’s people, planet and prosperity. Our priorities include reducing poverty levels/ALICE numbers in Michigan by focusing on basic needs, education and workforce readiness; protecting/preserving Michigan’s land, water & air; and economic development by focusing on neighborhood revitalization, job growth, and arts and culture.

Check Your Grant Request Against These Standards: People; Planet; and Prosperity

Grant Priorities: Planet

Will your project/program protect/preserve or restore land, freshwater bodies, or air quality in Michigan?

Land, Water & Air

The Consumers Energy Foundation is dedicated to ensuring Michigan has world-class natural resources by funding programs and organizations that strengthen environmental stewardship, preserve the natural beauty of Michigan and reduce environmental impact when natural resources are used.  

The Joseph and Elaine Malama Vierra Scholarship Fund, established in 2016, supports Hawaii residents pursuing degrees in conservation and environmental sciences. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and attend an accredited four-year institution. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. This fund encourages the study of vital fields, including Conservation Biology and Marine Sciences, contributing to the sustainability of Hawaii's natural resources.

The Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation, established in 1984, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Stamford and Worcester, New York, and Winchendon, Massachusetts. By funding charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation supports various initiatives, including community health services, historical preservation, education, and public safety. Organizations aligned with these goals are encouraged to apply for grants to foster community spirit and cooperation.

The Burning Foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, totaling around $650,000 annually, to support environmental 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington and Oregon. The foundation focuses on preserving habitats that enhance biodiversity and promote quiet recreation. Eligible projects must align with their mission of protecting local rivers, forests, and ecosystems. Preference is given to local initiatives over national organizations, encouraging grassroots efforts in environmental conservation.

About PCORI

PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Our Mission

PCORI helps people make informed healthcare decisions, and improves healthcare delivery and outcomes, by producing and promoting high-integrity, evidence-based information that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.

Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. 

Research Initiative Highlights

CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.

Special Areas of Emphasis

For Cycle 2 2026, PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAE) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of identifying these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, rather than limiting submissions to these topics. Applicants addressing one of the below SAEs should identify the area that is best associated with their research approach:  

• Addressing Obesity
• Diabetes Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Management of Urogynecological and Pelvic Pain
• Pain Management for Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease

In PCORI-funded research, patients and other research partners are expected to meaningfully contribute their lived experience or professional expertise to ensure studies are patient-centered, relevant and useful for healthcare decision making. Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research — an evidence-based framework supported by tools and resources to guide effective engagement strategies. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the inclusion of a broad range of patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes. 

Broad Pragmatic Studies PFA: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Study Specifications

PCORI will commit up to $120 million in direct costs through this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity contains three categories for funding:

• Category 1: Category 1 will support research projects with direct costs up to and including $5 million.

• Category 2: Category 2 will support research projects with direct costs greater than $5 million and up to a maximum of $12 million. Applications for funding under Category 2 will be required to provide additional information in the Letter of Intent (LOI) and application to justify the size and scope of the proposed research projects and to explain how additional funds are necessary with respect to the scale, scope and complexity of personnel and material resources needed to address the research question.

• Category 3: Category 3 will support research projects with direct costs up to $12 million that utilize PCORnet® to conduct observational studies and/or pragmatic trials that are national in scale. Category 3 PCORnet Studies® must include two or more Clinical Research Networks and share study progress, performance metrics and best practices with the network to promote continuous learning and improvement. PCORnet Studies® will leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model® as appropriate. Additional details about Category 3 can be found on the PCORI website.  

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, established under the HEARTH Act of 2009, provides crucial funding to local governments for rehabilitating homeless shelters and financing essential services related to these shelters. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with at least two years of operation. The City of Orlando expects to allocate approximately $194,000 for homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing, and emergency shelter operations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness in the community.

The Medica Foundation Grant for MN Early Childhood Health supports early intervention programs aimed at the growth and development of children from birth to age 12. With a focus on health equity, the grant prioritizes proposals that serve marginalized communities, including BIPOC, immigrants, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Grants can be up to $100,000 and are awarded to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota. This initiative aims to improve healthcare access and quality through measurable outcomes.

The Kirkpatrick Foundation Small Grants program supports diverse initiatives in arts, culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation, and historic preservation, primarily in Central Oklahoma. With no specific deadlines and monthly reviews, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life through strategic funding. Organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3) nonprofits and serve the local community are encouraged to apply. This program reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable environment for all citizens.

The Community Impact Grants by the United Way of Martin County support local programs focusing on health, education, and financial stability. These grants aim to enhance community well-being by funding organizations that demonstrate measurable outcomes and align with the United Way's mission. Eligible programs must be 501(c)(3) entities, serve Martin County residents, and have a track record of at least two years. A review panel of community leaders evaluates applications to ensure impactful funding.

The Climate Change Investment Initiative Grant Program, funded by the Exelon Foundation, aims to support innovative start-ups focused on climate change solutions within Exelon's service territories. With a commitment of $20 million over ten years, the program promotes not only environmental sustainability but also social equality and economic prosperity. Eligible businesses can benefit from substantial equity investments and valuable in-kind services. The initiative seeks to empower diverse leadership teams, particularly those representing women and minorities, to drive impactful change.

The Broadrick Family Foundation Grant, established in 2010, focuses on supporting local charities dedicated to aiding children and those in need. With a commitment to enhancing community welfare, the foundation raises funds for programs that match at-risk youth with mentors, support research for childhood cancer, and provide educational opportunities. The foundation seeks to collaborate with organizations that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and grassroots impact, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most in the community.

The Delta Foundation, established by CFD Research Corporation in 2021, aims to enhance community well-being through collective employee-owner contributions. By funding local non-profit organizations, the Foundation supports vital initiatives in arts, mental health, and basic needs, ensuring that every dollar directly benefits the Huntsville area. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its mission to improve quality of life, fostering impactful change through collaboration and community engagement.

The DeKalb County Human Services Grant Program supports local non-profits focused on improving community welfare. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and operate for at least two years, serving DeKalb residents in priority areas such as youth development, crisis intervention, and public health. The program aims to enhance public safety and advocate for vulnerable populations, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to foster sustainable communities.

About the Montana Department of Commerce

Every day, staff at Commerce work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, provide affordable housing and improve community infrastructure.

The economy of the Treasure State continues to grow and diversify. Studies rank Montana as the number one place in the country to start a business. Plus, our workforce has earned some of the highest rankings in both trade and technical skills by having one of the highest STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concentrations in the country.

Public and Community Facilities

Public and Community Facility Grants

Montana's CDBG Public and Community Facilities grants help local governments fund construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure and facilities that primarily benefit low- to moderate-income (LMI) Montanans, i.e. individuals earning less than 80% of the area median income. These projects can target LMI residents and provide direct benefits by improving or creating access to suitable living environments or necessary services, or these projects can provide an area-wide benefit to the entire community as long as at least 51% of the project’s beneficiaries are determined to be LMI. 

Certain projects such as senior centers, food banks, homeless shelters, youth homes, or head start centers are presumed to serve a limited clientele that is primarily LMI. Therefore, determining exactly what percent of project beneficiaries qualify as LMI is not required. Other projects, such as a wastewater improvements or water treatment improvements provide benefits to the entire community and are considered to have area-wide benefit because both LMI and non-LMI residents are served. Therefore, applicants must document at least 51% of the project’s beneficiaries qualify as LMI for projects considered to have an area-wide benefit.

The Monmouth County Community Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, invites nonprofit organizations to submit proposals addressing diverse community needs. Prioritizing initiatives that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, this grant supports programs in education, healthcare, and food security, among others. With funding up to $10,000 per organization, the grant aims to foster collaborative partnerships and address systemic issues affecting underserved populations in Monmouth County.

The UWGNB Community Impact Grants aim to enhance local communities by funding projects focused on Healthy Community and Child and Youth Opportunity. This initiative prioritizes access to basic needs, mental health, and youth development programs. Eligible applicants include non-profits and public entities, with one application allowed per organization. The funding supports programs that foster health and learning, ultimately helping individuals and families thrive in the Greater New Bedford area.

The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Grant, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to enhance the waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region. This initiative focuses on reducing stormwater runoff through nature-based infrastructure, improving fish and wildlife habitats, and promoting community engagement. The program supports projects under three main categories: habitat quality improvement, stormwater solution expansion, and activation of restored natural areas, encouraging strategic investments for ecological resilience.

Healthy Chippewa County Grants

About the Grants

The Healthy Chippewa County (HCC) grant program, supported by endowed funds at the Community Foundation of Chippewa County (CFCC), provides funding to invest in organizations serving the greater Chippewa County area. Grants are awarded to programs that address key health needs across the County. Funding prioritizes programming initiatives that meet current community health needs, while also reducing health disparities. It will also support AODA services, home health and hospice, financial assistance to health care and care for women and infants.

Applicants are limited to one application per cycle and may apply specifically for one of the five priority program areas. Grants are awarded toward the end of June each calendar year and the grants range from $20,000-35,000.

General Community needs such as the arts, community development, animal care and general education are not included in the scope for this opportunity. Grants may not be used to support abortion, contraception, assisted suicide, IVF or embryonic stem cell research.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Louisville Water Foundation is dedicated to enhancing global health and well-being through water education and assistance. Their mission focuses on ensuring safe water access for all communities. They support innovative projects that demonstrate clear objectives, community engagement, and sustainability. Eligible applicants include non-profits addressing water-related needs within specified service areas. The foundation emphasizes measurable impacts and reasonable budgeting, fostering a collaborative approach to water stewardship.

The Competitive Graduate Research Fellowship, offered by Maryland Sea Grant, supports graduate students conducting research on critical issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters. This fellowship emphasizes social relevance and community engagement, particularly focusing on underserved populations. Awarded fellows receive a stipend of $34,000, tuition remission, and travel allowance. A professional mentor is required to ensure research aligns with the needs of resource managers and policy makers. Applications are encouraged from a diverse pool of candidates.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences. 

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development works to encourage strong civic engagement through INFRASTRUCTURE, SUSTAINABILITY, COMPLIANCE, and RESILIENCY. WV CAD administers state and federal programs designed to improve the quality of life in West Virginia.

Neighborhood Investment Program

What is NIP?

The Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) is a tax credit program of $3 million each year, which allows 501(c)3 designated charitable organizations to apply for tax credit vouchers, which began in 1996 with $2 million. When awarded, the organization can distribute the vouchers to business and individuals who contribute a minimum of $500 to organizations, receiving up to 50% in tax credit, allowing the donor or corporation to reduce their West Virginia tax liability no more than 50%. The organizations pay a 3% fee on the donation, which offsets the administrative costs of NIP. 

Benefits of NIP

There are 15,883 non-profits in West Virginia and we assist 200 of them each year with NIP credits, which has leveraged over $143 million in donations since inception.

Projects generally eligible for program participation include but are not limited to the following:

• Health clinics
• Homeless shelters
• Educational programs
• Housing programs
• Preservation/revitalization activities
• Domestic violence shelters
• Children's shelters
• Meal delivery programs
• Senior citizens' centers
• Community foundations
• Scholarship programs
• Hospice care
• Transportation programs
• Day care centers
• Counseling services
• Services for the disabled

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation supports various initiatives in metro Atlanta, focusing on early childhood education, K-12 education, human services, health, and youth development. The foundation seeks to enhance educational opportunities and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations. Through collaborations with established organizations, it aims to address community needs and invest in proven solutions that empower children and families, ultimately fostering economic opportunities and health improvements in the region.

The SBM Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties through funding programs in health, education, human services, housing, and the arts. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt or municipalities, focusing on community benefit. The Foundation prioritizes educational scholarships and health programs, emphasizing direct services and broad-based community projects. Applications are accepted annually, promoting accessibility and support for local initiatives.

The Mellon Foundation's Economic Development Grant Program aims to address economic disparities in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania by enhancing workforce skills and creating job opportunities. The program focuses on talent development, workforce systems, and community building, advocating for innovative education and training that aligns with future job markets. It seeks proposals that promote 21st-century skills, foster entrepreneurship, and support underrepresented groups, ultimately driving economic independence and community vitality.