Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The George A. Ohl, Jr. Trust Grant supports nonprofit organizations in New Jersey that focus on community welfare. Established by George A. Ohl, Jr. through a testamentary bequest, the foundation aims to enhance the well-being of state residents. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, with around 25 grants awarded annually. The foundation prioritizes programs that assist the poor, improve living conditions, and provide care for vulnerable populations.

The R. E. Olds Foundation Grant supports community-based education programs in the Greater Lansing area, focusing on youth, families, animal welfare, and environmental issues. Through challenge grants, it encourages nonprofits to enhance their fundraising efforts. The foundation prioritizes organizations that directly benefit children and families, while generally excluding funding for building projects, scholarships, religious organizations, and individual aid. This grant aims to address pressing community needs with limited resources.

The OCCF Community Investment Grant offers flexible funding to enhance the quality of life for Owen County residents. This program aligns with the foundation's strategic priorities, focusing on access to information, recreation, childcare, and community wellness. Note that the current grant cycle is canceled, with no funds remaining for 2025. The next application period will open on January 1, 2026, allowing eligible organizations to apply for support in addressing local community needs.

The ACT Grants Program by the City of Boise offers up to $2,500 for neighborhood associations to fund community projects and events. Applications are competitive and accepted year-round, with two funding rounds annually. Projects must serve the public and can include neighborhood clean-ups, block parties, and communication initiatives. Only recognized associations in good standing are eligible to apply, ensuring that funds are directed to enhance community engagement and visibility.

The SWE Santa Clara Valley Section Scholarship, offered by the Society of Women Engineers, supports women in California pursuing engineering or computer science degrees at accredited institutions. Annually, approximately $15,000 is awarded to eligible candidates, including high school seniors and college students, who demonstrate commitment to their fields of study. This scholarship not only encourages academic excellence but also promotes diversity in engineering, aiding the professional growth of women in STEM.

The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports religious, charitable, scientific, and educational initiatives in Florida, with special focus on organizations aiding children and animals. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, while grants are not available for political campaigns or individuals. The foundation emphasizes funding for community-driven efforts, ecological projects, and educational institutions, ensuring a broad impact across various sectors.

Foundation of the Federal Bar Association

The Foundation of the Federal Bar Association provides the best way for practitioners to give back to the Federal legal community. Chartered by Congress in 1954, the Foundation serves people in communities across the United States through its generous grants, scholarships, and programming.

Our Mission: The Foundation’s mission is to:

• Promote and support legal research and education;
• Advance the science of jurisprudence;
• Facilitate the administration of justice;
• Foster improvements in the practice of Federal law

Foundation Grants

Foundation grants support community service projects and civics programs which comply with the Foundation’s mission to promote and support legal research and education; advance the science of jurisprudence; facilitate the administration of justice; and foster improvements in the practice of Federal law.

Civics Education Grant

The Civics Grant Program is designed to support projects and initiatives that promote a wider public understanding of democratic principles, the judicial system and the rule of law. Through targeted funding, the program empowers FBA chapters, sections, divisions, national standing committees (FBA entity), and other organizations to develop and support projects in their communities that foster public understanding of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, particularly among younger Americans.

Applicants may only receive one (1) Foundation grant per year.

Florida Department of Transportation

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is an executive agency and directly reports to Governor Ron DeSantis. FDOT’s continuing mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities. This mission is accomplished through a primary purpose to plan and develop (either directly or indirectly) Florida’s robust transportation system. 

Highway Safety Grant Programs

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) State Safety Office awards subgrants to traffic safety partners that undertake priority area programs and activities to improve traffic safety and eliminate crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. Subgrants may be awarded for assisting in addressing traffic safety deficiencies, expansion of an ongoing activity, or development of a new program.

Subgrants are awarded as "seed" money to assist in the development and implementation of programs in traffic safety priority areas. Many types of organizations are eligible to receive traffic safety subgrant funding including government agencies, political subdivisions of state, local, city and county government agencies, law enforcement agencies, state colleges and state universities, school districts, fire departments, public emergency service providers, and certain qualified non-profit organizations (e.g., MADD, SADD, etc.).

Each applicant must develop a concept paper that identifies a traffic safety problem in the applicant’s jurisdiction. Applicants should provide documentation in the form of crash data of the traffic safety problem targeted by the subgrant. Concept papers must detail the activities of how the traffic safety problem will be addressed using subgrant funds.

Traffic Safety Priority Areas

The following are the priority areas that are available for subgrant funding: 1) Aging Road Users; 2) Community Traffic Safety Outreach; 3) Distracted Driving; 4) Drowsy Driving; 5) Impaired Driving; 6) Interstate Speeding Enforcement; 7) Motorcycle Safety; 8) Occupant Protection and Child Passenger Safety; 9) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety; 10) Law Enforcement Liaison Program; 11) Public Traffic Safety Professionals Training; 12) Speed/Aggressive Driving; 13) Teen Driver Safety; 14) Traffic Records; 15) Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC); 16) Work Zone Safety.

Traffic Records

Includes the addition of crash, citation, roadway, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) data into an electronic record management system, the development of a comprehensive highway safety information system, and the automation of analytical processes. Items eligible for funding under this category may include, but are not limited to, computer software and licenses (other than citation and crash form software). Support for proprietary crash and citation software activities are not funded because the state provides a software solution that includes the Uniform Traffic Citation form, DUI citation form, long and short form crash reports and the updates to Appendix C available at no charge to all Florida law enforcement agencies. However, comprehensive data system updates can be considered. 

Florida Department of Transportation

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is an executive agency and directly reports to Governor Ron DeSantis. FDOT’s continuing mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities. This mission is accomplished through a primary purpose to plan and develop (either directly or indirectly) Florida’s robust transportation system. 

Highway Safety Grant Programs

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) State Safety Office awards subgrants to traffic safety partners that undertake priority area programs and activities to improve traffic safety and eliminate crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. Subgrants may be awarded for assisting in addressing traffic safety deficiencies, expansion of an ongoing activity, or development of a new program.

Subgrants are awarded as "seed" money to assist in the development and implementation of programs in traffic safety priority areas. Many types of organizations are eligible to receive traffic safety subgrant funding including government agencies, political subdivisions of state, local, city and county government agencies, law enforcement agencies, state colleges and state universities, school districts, fire departments, public emergency service providers, and certain qualified non-profit organizations (e.g., MADD, SADD, etc.).

Each applicant must develop a concept paper that identifies a traffic safety problem in the applicant’s jurisdiction. Applicants should provide documentation in the form of crash data of the traffic safety problem targeted by the subgrant. Concept papers must detail the activities of how the traffic safety problem will be addressed using subgrant funds.

Traffic Safety Priority Areas

The following are the priority areas that are available for subgrant funding: 1) Aging Road Users; 2) Community Traffic Safety Outreach; 3) Distracted Driving; 4) Drowsy Driving; 5) Impaired Driving; 6) Interstate Speeding Enforcement; 7) Motorcycle Safety; 8) Occupant Protection and Child Passenger Safety; 9) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety; 10) Law Enforcement Liaison Program; 11) Public Traffic Safety Professionals Training; 12) Speed/Aggressive Driving; 13) Teen Driver Safety; 14) Traffic Records; 15) Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC); 16) Work Zone Safety.

Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards additional funding that can only be used for Traffic Records with the condition that the distribution of these funds must be made by a TRCC. The review and approval of these subgrants goes through a separate process but is otherwise similar to the above Traffic Records priority area.

The funding can be used for projects that improve the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and uniformity of the state's six traffic records systems (citation/adjudication, crash, driver, EMS/injury surveillance system, roadway, and vehicle) or that advance the goals and objectives of Florida's TRCC as documented in the Florida Traffic Safety Information System Strategic Plan. TRCC subgrant funding to purchase third party software to provide an interface with law enforcement agencies to submit electronic citation data is not allowed. If the funding will be used to purchase a Records Management System, Case Management System, or other type of overall document management system, only the portion of the system related to traffic records (e-crash or e-citation data) can be funded. 

Agencies are encouraged to apply for both the Traffic Records and TRCC priority areas. Please note this requires the submission of two separate concept papers, which can be exactly the same. 

The Howard D. Colman Scholarship supports high school seniors from Boone and Winnebago Counties pursuing degrees in engineering or technology fields. Established in memory of entrepreneur Howard D. Colman, the scholarship offers $2,500 in the first year, with potential renewal up to $10,000 for three additional years, contingent on meeting criteria. Recipients gain hands-on experience through internships with local firms, fostering connections to the Rockford area.

The Shickley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Nebraska Community Foundation, supports community enhancement projects without minimum gift restrictions. They aim to involve all community members in their initiatives, building an endowment fund for sustained contributions to vital projects. The Foundation fosters a collaborative environment, ensuring a healthy, progressive community where residents can thrive. Their mission is to secure the future of Shickley through charitable giving, enhancing quality of life for generations to come.

The Porter Fleming Foundation, established in 1963, aims to enrich the Greater Augusta community through educational, artistic, and cultural initiatives. With no maximum requesting amount, the foundation supports local 501(c)(3) organizations that advance learning and cultural life in the region. While grants are available for innovative projects, they are not intended for usual operating expenses or expenses covered by governmental funding. The foundation encourages community engagement and philanthropy to enhance quality of life.

The Bright Green Future School Grants, offered by the City of Austin Office of Sustainability, support sustainability projects in preschools and K-12 schools. This competitive program funds innovative initiatives such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and organic gardens, encouraging students to engage in environmental stewardship. Open to all AISD and local charter/private schools, the grants foster hands-on learning and community involvement, although home school classes are not eligible to apply.

The CMFF: Faces Grants in Sussex County, led by the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, aims to support small, community-driven projects that often go unnoticed. Established in 2000, this program prioritizes local nonprofits with operating budgets under $500,000. To qualify, organizations must have been active for at least two years and serve Sussex County residents. FACES emphasizes collaboration with community leaders to ensure funding aligns with local needs, fostering impactful initiatives that enrich the community.

The Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund's Core Grants Program aims to foster Galveston's long-term success, sustainability, and well-being through initiatives that promote vibrant culture. The program supports arts, humanities, and historic preservation, while prioritizing organizations that enhance community identity and economic growth. Eligible applicants include USA-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on benefiting Galveston residents. The Fund values equity and collaboration, making it essential for applicants to align with its mission and values.

The SWE–OC Graduate Student Scholarship, awarded by the Society of Women Engineers, supports female graduate students pursuing engineering degrees at accredited California universities. Established in 2021, it aims to empower women in engineering by providing $800 to eligible candidates. Selection criteria include academic performance, community involvement, and leadership potential. Recipients will be honored at the SWE-OC Professional Development Conference in May, fostering a supportive network for future engineers.

The ACCF Community Grants support a diverse range of programs and projects in Ashland County, focusing on charitable organizations that benefit the community. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations. Funding can be used for project grants, program development, seed money, equipment, building renovations, capital campaigns, and matching grants. This competitive funding opportunity aims to enhance community welfare and promote impactful initiatives.

Monarch Mountain Impact Grant Program

The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) is proud to partner with Monarch Mountain for the new Impact Grant cycle. This funding supports projects that reflect Monarch Mountain's core values of environmental sustainability, recreation, humanitarian efforts and building a strong, supportive community.

Monarch Mountain Impact Grant process will award $15,000 to one or more applications for projects that align with Monarch Mountain’s core values of environmental sustainability, recreation, humanitarian, and fostering a supportive community across Chaffee County. Strong applications will clearly describe the needs being addressed, approach to addressing the needs, activities, outputs and outcomes of the project or program. Applicants can apply for an existing project or program, but should be able to clearly describe how the grant will increase the impact. Public/private partnerships are encouraged to apply, but the applicant must be a 501c3. 

• Applications that demonstrate the following factors will be most competitive: 
• Clearly defined activities that are meeting an identified community need
• Measurable outcomes, outputs, and impacts for proposed programs and projects
• Supporting data to help define the organization's impact and need
• Applications are encouraged to review the Application Questions and the Impact Grants Rubric prior to starting the application. 

The review committees will determine how many awards will be selected for each grant, but all applicants are eligible to request up to the maximum amount. 

The SWE–OC Endowed Student Scholarship, established by the Society of Women Engineers Orange County Section, provides a $1,250 award to support women pursuing engineering degrees at California universities. Launched in 2021, it recognizes academic excellence, work experience, community involvement, and leadership potential. Eligible applicants must identify as female, be high school seniors in the Orange County area, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship recipients will be honored at the SWE-OC Professional Development Conference in May.

Volunteer West Virginia is offering AmeriCorps State Formula grants to support eligible programs starting in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024. This initiative requires at least five AmeriCorps members and aims to enhance volunteerism across the state. With $3 million in yearly funding, Volunteer West Virginia, established in 1994, administers national service programs and provides vital support to local nonprofits, ensuring the growth and sustainability of community engagement efforts.

The Community Capital Fund

The Klarman Family Foundation is committed to expanding access to critical services and enrichment opportunities that help make Massachusetts communities stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. We recognize that community-based organizations of all sizes and across a variety of mission areas play crucial roles in strengthening the fabric of neighborhoods. 

Community-based organizations often struggle to raise funds to support critical investments in physical assets (e.g., facilities and open space). These investments are necessary so they may deliver and sustain high-quality operations and advance their vision and mission. 

The Foundation believes that investments in physical assets help create a permanence that benefits the broader community. The Community Capital Fund (CCF) provides funding to support the development, improvement, or ownership of physical assets. This funding initiative aims to counter disparities in access to funding across Massachusetts and prioritizes organizations operating in the Boston neighborhoods of Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, and Roxbury, as well as the cities of Brockton, Lawrence, Lynn, New Bedford, and Springfield.

The Community Capital Fund supports facilities or land acquisition; construction; renovation; repair; preservation and major equipment. In some cases, funding will also support technical assistance to help organizations develop or assess the feasibility of a project, or engage expertise necessary to execute the project successfully.

Through this funding initiative, The Klarman Family Foundation hopes community-based organizations will be better positioned to make their space and neighborhoods more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive. At the same time, The Klarman Family Foundation seeks to deepen and expand its relationships within, and knowledge of more communities throughout Boston and Massachusetts. We know we do not have all the answers and expect our funding approach to evolve over time based on what we learn.

Our work in this area is guided by the following principles:

• Staying locally informed: We prioritize funding for organizations and projects rooted in their neighborhoods.
• Addressing barriers to capital: We prioritize funding to communities that have limited access to philanthropy.
• Looking for bold approaches: We are ready to take risks as an early or leading funder.
• Creating lasting benefit: We invest in projects that address community needs in meaningful, sustainable ways.
• Knowing one size doesn’t fit all: We are flexible and adapt our support based on the size, type and urgency of need.

The Mellon Foundation Long-Term Fellowships, hosted by the Newberry Library, offer scholars the opportunity to engage deeply with its extensive collections. This fellowship supports innovative research across various disciplines, allowing recipients to immerse themselves in the library's rich historical resources for four to nine months. International scholars are welcome, and applications are encouraged from those proposing effective use of the Newberry’s collections. This initiative fosters a vibrant community of learning and discovery.

WCCF: Competitive Community Grants, established in 1978, offers funding for projects that benefit the Wayne County area. The Foundation supports charitable organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or qualified governmental agencies. Grants are awarded for arts, education, health, and community projects, with an emphasis on innovative, sustainable solutions. The Foundation seeks well-planned proposals that demonstrate effective use of funds and community impact, while avoiding support for general operating expenses or religious purposes.

The Boone REMC Operation Round Up Grant provides up to $10,000 to eligible nonprofits within the Boone REMC service territory, focusing on community service, economic development, education, youth programs, environment, and disaster relief. Since 1936, Boone REMC has supported local initiatives through member contributions, enhancing community welfare. Grants are awarded bi-monthly, encouraging impactful projects that directly benefit the local area.

The Ackley Community Foundation Grants, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Ackley, Iowa. By providing financial support for various projects in arts, education, health, and community betterment, the foundation fosters a vibrant community. With a focus on sustainability, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate broad community support and effective collaboration among local organizations, ensuring impactful and lasting improvements.

About

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to creating safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia. Find out more about DHCD, including locations, mission and about our director.

Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) Program

The ASNH funding program opens applications twice a year - in the fall and spring to fund both rental and homeownership projects. To be eligible for ASNH funding, all projects must be new construction or substantial renovation of affordable housing units, or the adaptive reuse of buildings to create new affordable housing units for lower income homeowners or renters. Acquisition-only projects, public housing, and public facilities including emergency shelter, hospitals, nursing homes, or intermediate care or assisted living facilities are not eligible for ASNH funding. 

The Hardin County Community Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit Hardin County residents. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects that address community needs in areas like education, health, and arts. It seeks to enhance the quality of life, encourage volunteerism, and ensure efficient distribution of social services. However, it does not fund operating expenses, political activities, or projects already in progress. The foundation aims to create long-term community resources and support self-sustaining initiatives.