Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Agency of Commerce and Community Development 

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) helps Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities.

Collaboration is central to carrying out this mission and we work with other state Agencies as well as businesses of all sizes, communities, educators, non-profits, students, recreational venues and many others. We at ACCD “set the table” for opportunity. So whether you are a business owner seeking to relocate here, a developer interested in building a new project, an individual hoping to restore an historic gem or a community hoping to increase the livability of your town, you have come to the right place.

Vermont Community Development Program

The Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP) administers U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Vermont’s CDBG funding assists communities on a competitive basis by providing financial and technical assistance to identify and address local needs in areas of:

• housing
• economic development
• public facilities
• public services
• handicapped accessibility modifications

70% of CDBG funds must primarily benefit persons of low and moderate income. Assistance can also be provided as “Slums and Blight” or “Urgent Need” to communities that VCDP determines meet federal qualifications. 

Community Development Block Grants

The federal government created the Community Development Block grant program in 1974. 

Grant Types

The VCDP provides federal CDBG funding for eligible activities through the following application types: Implementation Grant (IG); Scattered Site Grants (SS); Planning Grant (PG); and Accessibility Modification Grants (AM)

CDBG Scattered Site Grants (SS)

Provides funds to the regional scattered site housing rehabilitation revolving loan fund programs and are a specific type of implementation grant and have their own application on the Online Grants Management System. A 10% match of cash or cash-inkind goods or services is required for all grants.

Agency of Commerce and Community Development 

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) helps Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities.

Collaboration is central to carrying out this mission and we work with other state Agencies as well as businesses of all sizes, communities, educators, non-profits, students, recreational venues and many others. We at ACCD “set the table” for opportunity. So whether you are a business owner seeking to relocate here, a developer interested in building a new project, an individual hoping to restore an historic gem or a community hoping to increase the livability of your town, you have come to the right place.

Vermont Community Development Program

The Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP) administers U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Vermont’s CDBG funding assists communities on a competitive basis by providing financial and technical assistance to identify and address local needs in areas of:

• housing
• economic development
• public facilities
• public services
• handicapped accessibility modifications

70% of CDBG funds must primarily benefit persons of low and moderate income. Assistance can also be provided as “Slums and Blight” or “Urgent Need” to communities that VCDP determines meet federal qualifications. 

Community Development Block Grants

The federal government created the Community Development Block grant program in 1974. 

Grant Types

The VCDP provides federal CDBG funding for eligible activities through the following application types: Implementation Grant (IG); Scattered Site Grants (SS); Planning Grant (PG); and Accessibility Modification Grants (AM)

CDBG Accessibility Modification Grants (AM)

Provides funding, on a first-come, first-serve basis for projects that bring existing municipally-owned buildings that serve a municipal function and non-school-community libraries (do not have to be municipally owned) into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the rules of the Vermont Access Board. Projects must be bid ready- all decisions must be made that would impact the bid documents. Construction of new stand-alone buildings is not eligible for the AM program. A 10% match of cash or cash-in-kind goods or services is required for all grants.

Idaho Department of Commerce

We empower business success and support Idaho’s vibrant communities for the state’s current and future prosperity.

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Idaho Department of Commerce plays a pivotal role in revealing new opportunities, solutions and innovative possibilities to maximize Idaho’s potential and empower its future. We foster economic growth, quality job creation and innovation while supporting businesses and communities statewide.

Rural Idaho Economic Development Professionals (Rural ED Pro) Grant Program

The Rural Idaho Economic Development Professional Grant Program aims to boost economic development in rural areas by providing state funds for hiring Economic Development Professionals. These professionals collaborate with local boards or committees to drive community-focused economic development projects. The Economic Development Professional (ED PRO) will work with the Department to implement projects focused on business growth and community development. These initiatives aim to meet the goals of both the rural area and the Department of Commerce. 

Applicants are limited to either a part-time or full-time position. 

The Donald Brady Scholarship, offered by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, supports undergraduate students in mechanical or architectural engineering. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and attend specific North Carolina universities. This one-year scholarship also provides recipients the chance to intern with Brady Trane Services, enhancing their professional development in the HVAC field. This initiative aligns with ASHRAE's mission to promote sustainability and well-being in built environments.

The Inspire Giving Fund Grant, established by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, aims to promote civic engagement and philanthropy in the Sacramento area. It supports organizations focusing on Community and Economic Development and Affordable Housing, offering monetary contributions up to $10,000. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)3 status, a strong operational history, and a commitment to enhancing local quality of life. This initiative encourages collaborative efforts for a vibrant community by funding impactful projects.

The Native American Preparedness Tribal Grant, offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, provides crucial support for California Native American tribes. This grant focuses on enhancing emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to protect ancestral lands from oil spills. By fostering better readiness and resilience among tribes, it aims to ensure the safety and sustainability of their communities and environments.

The Page/Lake Powell, Tuba City, and Williams Community Funds, part of the Arizona Community Foundation, aim to enhance local philanthropy. These funds, dedicated to specific communities, support local initiatives through grants derived from endowed funds. Community members engage in identifying needs and guiding funding decisions. By collaborating with local organizations, the foundation ensures that resources are allocated effectively, fostering sustainable growth and addressing pressing community issues for the benefit of residents in these areas.

The James R. Bullock, Jr. Scholarship, offered by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating & A C Engineers, is a one-year scholarship aimed at undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students in ASHRAE Region IV. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and meet specific criteria, such as being enrolled in an accredited program or a school hosting an ASHRAE student branch. This scholarship promotes education in HVAC&R fields and supports future professionals.

The Long Island Community Foundation (LICF) offers health grants aimed at improving healthcare access and equity for underserved communities in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Grants support initiatives addressing health disparities, providing coordinated care for the uninsured, and promoting maternal and child health. Eligible applicants include hospitals and nonprofits aligned with LICF's goals. Notably, the foundation does not fund camps, general operating support, or religious activities. The upcoming funding cycle has an August deadline.

The Barberton Community Foundation offers the Education, Workforce and Economic Development Grants to support tax-exempt non-profit organizations and local schools. The foundation prioritizes projects that strengthen the Barberton community by fostering collaboration and creating a legacy of giving. Grant requests are reviewed and approved through a structured process, with funding typically capped at $15,000. This initiative aims to drive impactful change and improve the quality of life for residents in Barberton.

The Alabama Power Foundation's Gateway Grants aim to enhance economic and cultural vibrancy in local communities. With funding up to $2,500, these grants support projects that promote civic pride, improve community aesthetics, and attract visitors. Eligible applicants include municipalities working on signage, website development, and marketing materials to showcase their unique offerings. This initiative invites new industries and neighbors to discover the rich heritage and beauty of Alabama, fostering growth and connection within its towns.

The Harper County Community Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Harper County. Focused on education, health care, and community improvement, the foundation supports various projects aimed at fostering community development. Grants are available for full or partial funding, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. However, individuals are not eligible for funding, and administrative costs cannot be covered. This initiative is vital for local progress.

The Minnesota Chapter Peter Potvin Scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students enrolled in institutions within the Minnesota Chapter's geographic boundaries. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class, with additional criteria for program accreditation. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees that prepare them for careers in the HVAC&R field, contributing to sustainable building practices.

The Sustainable Communities Grant Program, funded by Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey, aims to enhance environmental stewardship in New Jersey. With a total of $35,000 available, the program will award five grants of $5,000 each to municipalities for projects that improve public spaces, such as parks and natural areas. This initiative supports sustainability efforts and empowers communities to create a healthier environment for future generations.

About Dia

Mission

Dia Art Foundation is committed to advancing, realizing, and preserving the vision of artists. Dia fulfills its mission by commissioning single artist projects, organizing exhibitions, realizing site-specific installations, and collecting in-depth the work of a focused group of artists of the 1960s and 1970s.

Learning and Engagement Fellowships

Learning and Engagement fellowships at Dia offer emerging artists, educators, and cultural producers exposure to and practice in being both the author and protagonist of their own creative, intellectual, and professional trajectories. Based in Beacon and Chelsea and engaging Dia’s sites across New York, fellowships explore the potential for meaningful learning experiences at the intersection of contemporary art, experimental pedagogy, and community engagement.

Fellowships include mentorship from Dia artists, educators, and staff; a co-created, peer-learning community with monthly, in-person meetings; access to artists, materials, and community spaces; and direct engagement with Dia’s learning and public programs.

Fellowships are offered annually, and participants receive a stipend of $3,000.

Spiritual Pedagogies Fellowship, Dia Beacon and Dia Chelsea, 2026–27

The 2026–27 Spiritual Pedagogies Fellowship draws on the sustained inquiry of artists in Dia’s collection and exhibition history to question the evolving relationship between artistic practice, pedagogy, and spirituality. What does it mean for artists to act as conduits, channel inspiration, and create artworks that invite contemplation, revelation, or transcendence? How have spiritual traditions and spaces shaped the ways that people gather, learn, and make meaning? With a broad understanding of spirituality that encompasses theological, mystical, ritualistic, and embodied practices, fellows will examine how spirituality is entwined with creative and pedagogical pursuits and explore what a rigorous engagement with spirituality might open in our understanding of contemporary art, learning, and culture.

The A. K. Erhardt Education Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, aims to support students in the Department of Education who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to upperclassmen and Montana high school graduates. This scholarship fosters the growth of future educators by providing essential financial assistance, enabling students to pursue impactful careers in teaching and educational leadership.

The Garden Club of America and the Royal Horticultural Society offer prestigious Interchange Fellowships aimed at fostering British-American collaboration in horticulture and landscape architecture. These fellowships provide American and British scholars with transformative experiences in the UK and US, respectively, focusing on hands-on horticultural work and education. The program includes financial support for travel and living expenses, ensuring fellows gain significant exposure to diverse horticultural practices and build valuable professional connections.

The Cohen-Tucker Dissertation Fellowship Program, established by ASEEES in 2015, supports doctoral students conducting research in Russian/Soviet historical studies. With a stipend of up to $28,000, it is open to students from all disciplines. A special focus is given to Women's and Gender Studies. Applicants must be doctoral students at US universities, proficient in relevant languages, and able to defend their dissertations during the fellowship tenure. Preference may be given to research on the Soviet era.

The Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation, established in 2001, focuses on enhancing the lives of residents in Henry County, Illinois. It provides grants primarily for educational assistance, historic preservation, religious purposes, and nursing home care. The foundation carries forward the legacy of Bill and Susan, who were dedicated to charitable causes and community support. By funding diverse programs in arts, education, health, and human services, the foundation continues to make a significant impact in the local community.

Tara Lynn Clossman Memorial Fund

Established by the Clossman family and many others in memory of Tara Clossman, who passed away suddenly in 2016 at the age of 25, to provide postsecondary scholarships to Akron City School District high school seniors pursuing a career in dance or education.

Amount:

• Varies ($1,000 minimum)

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

The Colstrip Impacts Foundation, part of the Montana Community Foundation, offers grants aimed at supporting impacted workers and enhancing economic development in the Colstrip community. With a focus on fostering community resilience, the foundation funds innovative projects that address local issues, leverage additional support, and promote sustainable growth. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to cover general support and operational expenses, driving meaningful change and development in this evolving region.

The Fred M. Klaus and Harold L. Murphy Charitable Foundation Grant supports organizations providing relief to the underprivileged in Key West or Stock Island, Florida. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of November 15 for annual review in January. Eligible organizations must be classified as 501(c)(3) entities. This grant aims to enhance community welfare and assist those in need.

The Colstrip Impacts Foundation offers an Economic Development Grant aimed at supporting impacted workers and fostering economic growth in the Colstrip community. Grants are available for existing and startup businesses that propose innovative solutions to local economic challenges, leverage additional support, and contribute to community sustainability. The initiative seeks to enhance job creation and retention, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The WACF - New London Spicer Area Fund Grant supports community advancements through citizen participation and professional management. As a fund of the Willmar Area Community Foundation, it focuses on arts, healthy lifestyles, environmental sustainability, and collaborative initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities, while it avoids funding individuals, political campaigns, and completed projects. The grant emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and equity in funded projects.

The Crown Point Community Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in South Lake County by funding diverse community projects. It focuses on maximizing charitable contributions and ensuring financial assistance meets specific community needs. The Foundation supports non-profit organizations through grants for programs that benefit local residents, while adhering to guidelines that emphasize community impact, volunteer involvement, and fiscal responsibility. This initiative fosters collaboration and positive change within the communities of Crown Point, Cedar Lake, Lowell, and Winfield.

The Sauk Centre Area Arts Grants, provided by CommunityGiving, aim to enhance arts and cultural activities in the Sauk Centre area. These grants support a variety of projects, including visual and performing arts, and prioritize initiatives that foster community engagement and accessibility for disadvantaged populations. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities, with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.

The Mid Wisconsin Grants, established under the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, provide funding for nonprofit projects in communities once served by Mid Wisconsin Bank. The grants support initiatives in health, education, and community development. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt entities based in specific Wisconsin locations. Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their project ideas with grant officers before submission. Note that political or strictly religious purposes are not funded, and prior recipients are ineligible for two years.