Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The CGF Graduate Scholarships, offered by the Colorado Garden Foundation, provide financial assistance to students pursuing graduate degrees in horticulture and related fields at accredited Colorado institutions. The scholarship covers full resident tuition, books, and fees for one year. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have completed relevant coursework in plant sciences, ensuring they are well-prepared for advanced studies in their chosen area.

The Wolf Kahn Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on visual arts, enhancing education and artist careers through exhibitions and residencies. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, prioritizing projects that promote social justice and environmental awareness. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific regions, while school-based programs and certain other entities are excluded. This initiative honors Wolf Kahn's legacy by fostering artistic collaboration and public engagement.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The CFDC: Youth In Action Grant empowers young people aged 12-18 to lead impactful projects in their schools and communities. With grants of up to $1,000, students are encouraged to identify local needs and develop creative solutions. This program fosters leadership, collaboration, and responsible resource stewardship, enabling youth to make a positive difference. Eligible projects include community gardens, mental health initiatives, and peer mentoring programs, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for their peers.

The B26 Occupant Protection Regional Coordination Solicitation offers grants starting at $30,000 to support programs aimed at enhancing occupant protection. Funded by the Ohio Department of Health and Human Services, this initiative requires first-tier subrecipients to manage operational costs until grant payments are received. The application process involves submitting program updates, budgets, and necessary attachments, adhering to specific policies and procedures, with funding covering a designated budget period from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

The Annie Sinclair Knudsen Memorial Fund, part of the Community Grants Program by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support organizations that benefit the people, flora, and fauna of Kaua‘i. This fund addresses various community needs, including culture, arts, education, environment, and health services. By providing project-based funding, it empowers local nonprofits to respond effectively to the unique challenges and opportunities within their communities, fostering a vibrant civic society across the islands.

The Youth Philanthropy Council Grant supports young individuals aged 13-19 in Harrison County by funding community service projects. The grant encourages organizations to engage youth through diverse activities like arts, sports, and character-building opportunities, fostering healthy relationships with adults and a sense of community. Priority is given to innovative approaches that actively involve youth, ensuring they have constructive, enjoyable experiences in a safe environment.

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, managed by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, is launching its Fall 2024 grant cycle for local 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Interested organizations must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) online. The foundation supports initiatives in Lackawanna County, with upcoming funding areas including Veterans' Affairs, Animal Welfare, and Environmental Programs. The Spring 2025 cycle will follow, encouraging applications that address these critical community needs.

The Kirby Event Grants, offered by the Polk County Community Foundation, aim to support free community gatherings that foster social interactions and strengthen local ties. Events funded include entertainment, educational programs, and activities for diverse groups, ensuring inclusivity. Applicants are encouraged to promote healthy living and utilize public spaces. These grants are essential for enhancing community engagement and enriching the lives of residents in the Polk County area, making all events completely free for participants.

New Jersey Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance

New Jersey is responding to the crisis of violence that has emerged in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic through an innovative approach to public safety. In September 2022, through an administrative directive, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin created the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) within the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS). In October 2023, Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed A-4978/S-3086 into law, codifying VIVA within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

VIVA advances a unified strategy for public safety by bringing together victim services – including victims of domestic violence and sexual assault – and the Department’s violence intervention and prevention programming. Having previously been dispersed throughout the Department, VIVA centralizes under one roof services that were previously dispersed throughout LPS and provides staffing to support the programs statewide.

Competitive Community-Based Violence Intervention Program - Tertiary Prevention (Category 1)

The purpose of the CBVI program is to support non-profit community service providers in the development and implementation of community violence intervention programming for communities impacted by higher than average rates of community violence, with a focus on gun violence. Applicants may develop new initiatives or enhance already existing programs. This public health approach to addressing violence requires working collaboratively, creatively, and by addressing various levels of community and individual engagement, Primary/Secondary and tertiary prevention each have specific benefits, and all are part of our collective public safety ecosystem. 

Tertiary prevention (or violence intervention) strategies attempt to intervene with those already engaged in violent behavior or at high risk of violence due to past victimization or as a result of retaliation. Proposals must at a minimum provide tertiary prevention strategies, but may, in addition, provide hybrid strategies that include secondary approaches. 

The LRAC Legacy Individual Grants offer up to $6,000 for individual artists in Minnesota's nine-county region, promoting arts access, learning, and cultural heritage. Eligible projects include public art production, artist residencies in schools, performances, educational experiences, workshops, and exhibits. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact LRAC for guidance before applying, ensuring they understand the program's requirements and maximize their chances for funding.

The Changemakers at Work Grants program, offered by the Hutchinson Community Foundation, aims to enhance community connections in Reno County. By funding projects that foster social interaction, environmental engagement, and placemaking, the program seeks to empower local residents as changemakers. With grants ranging from $250 to $5,000, this initiative supports organizations that are 501(c)(3) compliant and promotes inclusivity and community pride.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

Betty and Glenn Tribe Scholarship

This scholarship awards 3–5 students annually, with individual awards typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. The scholarship is renewable, and renewal applicants must reapply each year, with preference given to previous recipients. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from a high school in the Battle Ground or Ridgefield School District, or current students at Clark College or Washington State University. Applicants must plan to continue their education at Clark College or Washington State University in the upcoming academic year and be pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree.

The Vermont Community Action Team Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, provides small grants, typically under $2,000, to local non-profits and community programs in Vermont. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed monthly. The program prioritizes support for underserved populations, addressing basic needs, and fostering community involvement. Ineligible organizations include those outside Vermont or focused on individual scholarships. For more details, visit their FAQs.

Brooklyn Brewery is committed to supporting local communities through event donations. They have a rich history of partnering with various organizations, including Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Museum, to enhance community welfare. Interested parties can apply for donations for their events to further their causes, focusing on areas such as arts, health, education, and social justice. This initiative reflects the brewery's dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen.

The Daniel J. Briggs Fund for Integrity Grant Program, managed by the Northern New York Community Foundation, offers grants up to $2,500 to support nonprofit programs enhancing community life in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Focused on bullying prevention and character education, the fund also promotes professional development for educators and staff in local school districts, ensuring a positive impact on the region's youth.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

What Is Kiwanis?

Kiwanis is a global service organization of volunteers committed to improving the lives of children—one community at a time.  Our members take action every day by:

• Sheltering the homeless and supporting families in crisis
• Feeding the hungry and organizing food drives
• Mentoring at-risk youth and empowering young leaders
• Raising funds for pediatric medical research and care
• And much more—all focused on helping children in our communities thrive

All Indiana Kiwanians make up the membership of the Kiwanis Indiana Foundation, Inc. (aka the Indiana District Foundation) The Foundation has 501(c)(3) status.

Grants

The Foundation makes grants to increase the capacity of Indiana District of Kiwanis clubs. It also supports Indiana District of Kiwanis supported projects to respond effectively to the needs of the citizens of the state. In general, the Foundation prefers funding for projects that further the Objects of Kiwanis.

A club may only receive a grant once every two years.

The Foundation’s goal is to provide effective assistance to as many Indiana Kiwanis Clubs as possible. Grant awards will be available from $250- $4,000 and require matching funds on a sliding scale, depending on the amount of therequest. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until the total funds available for the fiscal year are depleted. All clubs will be notified if/when that happens.

What We Fund

It is anticipated that projects receiving grants will involve one of the following categories:

• Youth
• Elderly
• Civic and Community Development
• Health and Human Services

The Detwiler Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of children in local communities through support for educational and artistic programs. The foundation focuses on assisting children facing life challenges, including those experiencing food insecurity, mental health needs, and disabilities. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations in specific U.S. regions, prioritizing projects that foster community growth and empowerment. This initiative exemplifies a commitment to enriching children's well-being and ensuring access to vital resources.

The NASGA Research Grants aim to enhance strawberry production sustainability in North America by addressing critical research priorities, including cultivar development, pest management, and production efficiency. Proposals that improve fruit quality, reduce environmental impacts, and align with growers' needs are prioritized. The program welcomes submissions from all researchers, with a focus on innovative solutions that promote economic viability and environmental stewardship in the strawberry industry.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) partners with state, federal, local and nonprofit housing and community and economic development initiatives. DHCD programs strive to maintain the vibrancy of communities throughout the Commonwealth and include providing universal broadband access, investing in economic development initiatives, promulgating the statewide building and fire regulations, preserving the affordability and efficiency of Virginia’s homes and buildings, addressing homelessness, reducing eviction rates across the state and fostering innovative solutions to create affordable housing. DHCD invests over $350 million annually in addition to $2 billion in federal recovery programs as a partner to Virginia communities to create safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

DHCD is committed to creating safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

Community Business Launch Grant

The Community Business Launch (CBL) is a place-based entrepreneurial development strategy that fills a critical mass of vacant storefronts with expansion or start-up ventures. Local CBL programs train entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners about business planning practices. This training culminates in a group of finalists pitching their ideas to a panel of judges, with winners receiving grant funding and support services from the community to kick-start their new venture. While only a limited number of entrepreneurs may win the business competitions, the CBL gives rise to many budding entrepreneurs that have been prepared through the CBL grant to create or expand successful businesses.  

A CBL program generates excitement while educating the community business opportunities for local people. A CBL grant from DHCD leverages other financial and in-kind resources to prepare multiple entrepreneurs to operate successful businesses, whether they win or lose the pitch competition. Additionally, many CBL grantees replicate the CBL strategy repeatedly without DHCD resources to amplify job and business creation. When preceded by thorough market analysis and relentless outreach, then followed by ongoing business retention efforts, a CBL program is a key building block in a coordinated, comprehensive, and sustainable entrepreneurial eco-system of community-based entrepreneurs and small businesses at all stages of life. 

Montana Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce effectively and efficiently delivers programs and resources through technical assistance, funding/investments, training/consulting, promotion, research, reporting and outreach to provide affordable housing and create sustainable business and economic growth to enhance community vitality to benefit the citizens of Montana. The vision of Commerce is to be the recognized leader in realizing Montana’s full potential by efficiently growing sustainable economies and vibrant communities.

Opportunities in Rural Economies

The purpose of the Opportunities in Rural Economies is to assist in economic development for Montana that will: create good-paying jobs for Montana residents, promote long-term, stable economic growth in Montana, retain or expand existing businesses, provide a better life for future generations through greater economic growth and prosperity in Montana, and encourage workforce development.

Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant

The Opportunities in Rural Economies Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant supports EDOs in strengthening their ability to provide outreach to their communities for economic development.

Eligible uses of grant funds may include, but are not limited to, technology investments, including software and hardware upgrades, workflow optimization, staff training, contracted services, marketing to increase program or organization visibility, community engagement efforts and partnership development with local lenders, workforce entities or education providers and other capacity-building uses that align with programmatic strategy. ORE EDO CBGP investments aim to ensure Enrolled EDOs have the resources to act as effective intermediaries between Eligible Businesses and the ORE LPP. Funding is not intended to support routine operations but to help Enrolled EDOs strategically increase their impact within Rural Montana.

The Resiliency Award, presented by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, honors nonprofit organizations that enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities facing challenges such as natural disasters and public health crises. This annual award, part of the 40th Piñon Awards, seeks nominations from community members and aims to recognize organizations with a strong track record in northern New Mexico. Eligible nonprofits must have operated for at least three years and align with the Foundation's funding priorities.

The Human Services and Education Grant, offered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, provides up to $25,000 to support programs addressing the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and educational initiatives. Grants aim to enhance early childhood development, K-12 education, and adult learning opportunities. Eligible organizations must serve specific WNC counties and demonstrate sustainability. However, the fund does not cover general operating expenses or support for capital projects. This grant cycle encourages impactful community-focused projects.

The Melvin R. Lane Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, aims to empower nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to individuals in need. Grants ranging from $90,000 to $180,000 are available over three years to help improve operations, develop partnerships, and ensure financial stability. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities with at least three years of operation, located in specific WNC counties, and have an operating budget of over $100,000.

The Community Enhancement Program, funded by San Diego County, supports local non-profit entities aiming to enhance tourism and economic development. Eligible activities include cultural programs, museums, and visitor bureaus, all designed to enrich community life. Non-profits can apply for funding to create jobs and improve the quality of life in San Diego County. Applicants should submit their proposals to the appropriate Board of Supervisors district based on their project location.

Wyoming Community Development Authority

Since 1975, Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) has been making it easier for people across Wyoming to finance their first home. 

In addition to its single-family programs, WCDA currently administers five major affordable rental housing development programs: the Low-income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) Program, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), and the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP). Together, these five federal programs have funded more than 5,500 units of affordable rental and homeownership housing across the state, along with dozens of water, sewer, and other public infrastructure projects, and have provided one-time funding to HOME participating jurisdictions, such as WCDA, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability across the state.

Community Development Block Grant Program (Wyoming)

The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) is dedicated to community development throughout the State of Wyoming. This is accomplished using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the CDBG program's primary goal is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate incomes. The rules and regulations of the CDBG Program are regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  

• Projects must meet at least one National Objective to be eligible for CDBG funding:
  • Benefiting low and moderate-income persons primary national objective, no less than 75% of the total CDBG funds must be expended on projects that meet this objective.
  • Preventing or eliminating slum or blight – Limited to addressing one or more conditions that contributed to the deterioration of a spot or area basis.
  • Urgent Need (Applications can be accepted outside a competitive funding round).