Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) offers State and Community Grants to enhance dementia-capable home and community-based service systems. Option A targets state agencies to develop sustainable HCBS systems, while Option B focuses on community-based organizations to fill service gaps for individuals with dementia. Both options aim to provide quality support for those living with dementia and their caregivers, fostering independence and safety in their communities.

The Dickinson Area Community Foundation offers grants through various funds aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in Dickinson County and nearby areas. These funds target veterans, community health, civic improvements, and arts, ensuring a wide range of support for local initiatives. Organizations can apply for funding to enhance resources, health programs, and educational services, fostering community development and welfare across Michigan and Wisconsin.

The Local Share Account (LSA) program in Fayette County, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance community and economic well-being. Funded by local share assessments from licensed gaming facilities, LSA supports various projects focused on economic development and public interest. This initiative ensures that resources are allocated effectively to foster a resilient and thriving community, benefiting residents and local businesses alike.

Litchfield Area Community Foundation

Litchfield Area Community Foundation began in 2002. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $100,000 for our permanent endowment fund. An endowment fund is like a ‘savings account’—donations are invested and never spent. Only income generated from the original gift is used for community reinvestment. The endowment fund ensures a permanent, stable revenue stream for the benefit of our community.

LACF concentrates on the overall well-being of the community. We have partnered with parents to realize the construction of new park equipment. We have collaborated with community members to beautify Litchfield through the planting of trees. Through future grants, we anticipate working with concerned citizens to enhance our community.

Litchfield Area Community Foundation Grant

One of the principle purposes of the Litchfield Area Community Foundation is to promote and facilitate the distribution of charitable donations to our area. Since 2008, many lives were enriched thanks to $20,000 in grants being distributed in our area.

All projects should be focused on improving the Litchfield area. Primary focus of giving:

• Arts, culture, humanities
• Health and safety
• At-risk youth
• Youth development
• Community Club/Organizations

The Howard Wolpe Scholarship for African Study, offered by the WMU Department of Political Science, supports undergraduate students with a demonstrated commitment to studying Africa. Applicants must have completed between 60 and 105 credit hours in political science and show academic excellence. The scholarship, valued at up to $1,000, encourages students to engage deeply with African studies, fostering future leaders in this critical area of research.

Montecito Community Foundation

The purpose of the Montecito Community Foundation is to support a strong Montecito community and serve as a resource for philanthropy.

For 50 years, the Foundation has invested in projects that help to preserve the uniqueness, beauty, charm and safety of our surroundings, as well as foster the Spirit of Montecito.

Montecito Community Foundation Grants

Types of Grants We Make

Grants are provided for projects and programs that promote the general welfare and good of the Montecito community. By the terms of its founding documents, the Montecito Community Foundation confines its support to projects located in Montecito which is defined as within the boundaries of the Montecito Fire Protection District, as well as Coast Village Road.

Some of the areas in which we have provided grants are:

• Projects which promote public safety and property protection, such as traffic improvements, fire protection, flood control, and earthquake and disaster preparedness.
• Projects and events which foster the community and spirit of Montecito, such as community celebrations, events honoring individuals or groups for improving our community and events which encourage greater community involvement.
• Activities which inform residents of Montecito on local and other matters, such as public forums on matters of current interest or concern, library resources, and other public resource information services.
• Beautification and improvement of our public roads, parks, local government properties, and other public places.
• Improvement and, occasionally, acquisition of recreational facilities, such as parks, open spaces, beach-side entrances, trail heads, and trails.
• Maintenance and preservation of our community, such as community clean-up days of the roadsides and other public places.
• Assisting local governmental entities with capital projects and other unique needs.

About Us

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to providing leadership in support of anthropology and anthropologists worldwide.

Our Mission

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is committed to playing a leadership role in anthropology. We help anthropologists advance anthropological knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify the impact of anthropology within the wider world. We dedicate ourselves to broadening the conversation in anthropology to reflect the full diversity of the field.

Wadsworth African Fellowship

General

Wadsworth African Fellowships provide funding for African students pursuing a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree at South African universities where they can receive international-level training in anthropology, including archaeology and biological anthropology.

Unless they officially withdraw from the program—or fail to comply with the conditions of the award—Fellows are considered active until they have completed their thesis and are awarded a degree.

Evaluation Criteria

The Foundation is looking for talented African scholars who might not otherwise be able to pursue a doctoral degree. We are eager to support students with the potential to advance anthropology in their home countries and globally.

The Humboldt Area Foundation's Community Health Grant aims to enhance the well-being of Humboldt County residents, particularly those facing social and economic disadvantages. It supports initiatives that improve health access for underserved populations and fosters community engagement. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 are available for projects that create significant community impact, promote preventive health measures, and ensure sustainability post-funding.

The Zollner Foundation Grant aims to support educational and charitable organizations in Fort Wayne, IN and Golden Beach, FL. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, with preference given to local initiatives. The foundation prioritizes funding for education, health, and human services, while typically excluding liberal arts, fine arts, and certain religious organizations. Overall, the foundation seeks to enhance community well-being through targeted philanthropic efforts.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr  Family Scholarship

F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship provides scholarship support to graduating seniors from Quincy Senior High School who intend to pursue a career in education, with a preference for elementary education. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, supporting students throughout their undergraduate studies. Eligibility requirements and application criteria are coordinated through the school, and interested students should contact their school guidance counselor for details. Awards are made annually in the spring.

The GCCF Community Grants, offered by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, aim to enhance community well-being through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. With a focus on health, education, and cultural development, these grants support 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit residents in Sarasota, Charlotte, and Boca Grande. Grant requests are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for impactful projects. Individual schools and booster clubs are not eligible for funding, as the foundation prioritizes broader community initiatives.

The F.M., Anne G., and Beverly B. Bistline Foundation Fund, managed by the Idaho Community Foundation, supports arts initiatives in southeastern Idaho. Founded by Beverly Bistline, the fund honors her commitment to the arts and aims to enhance community engagement through educational programs and performances. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, focusing on both public arts education and opportunities for local artists, thus fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in Bannock, Bingham, Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power counties.

The Katharine M. Grosscup Scholarships in Horticulture, established by the Garden Club of Allegheny County in 1981, honors the legacy of passionate gardener Katharine MacConnell Grosscup. These scholarships, aimed at supporting students in horticulture and related fields, provide awards of up to $3,500 for education and research. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in specific states with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This initiative promotes a love for gardening and conservation.

The Perry County Community Foundation Grant, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers competitive funding for nonprofit organizations in Perry County. Grants up to $3,500 support projects that enhance community quality of life through arts, education, health, and environment initiatives. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and align with PCCF's funding priorities. However, funding does not cover advertising, capital campaigns, or religious purposes, and organizations must demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant term.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

In creating the Department of Transportation in 1976, the Legislature determined that MnDOT would be the principal agency to develop, implement, administer, consolidate and coordinate state transportation policies, plans and programs (Minn. Stat. Ch. 174).

MnDOT makes special efforts to consider the social, economic and environmental effects of its decisions and aggressively promotes the efficient use of energy resources for transportation purposes. It also maintains close working relationships with the many public and private individuals, groups and associations involved in transportation.

Safe Routes to School Planning Assistance Grant

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will support SRTS plans for K-12 schools across Minnesota through planning assistance awards. Successful applicants will receive planning assistance provided by the Regional Development Organizations or a statewide planning consultant.

Learn more about SRTS planning of individual school plan, School Districtwide Plan, or community plan with several schools.

Plans will include:

• Student and Parent/Caregiver engagement
• Analysis of existing conditions and local data
• Prioritize potential infrastructure improvements and school-based education and encouragement strategies
• Identify school-based education and encouragement strategies

CTSGC Faculty-Student Research Grant

To encourage undergraduate student engagement in the research process, NASA CTSGC has created a Student-Faculty Research Grant. This grant will enable undergraduate students to gain meaningful research experience in NASA CTSGC Affiliate research laboratories in areas consistent with the mission of NASA as exemplified by its Mission Directorates. They are Aeronautics Research, Human Exploration and Operations, Science, and Space Technology.

The award will support two undergraduate students (one from a 4-year institution and the other from a community college) with a stipend and provide a small stipend for the faculty advisor. If the research is happening over the summer, the project should span a minimum of 8-weeks in length, where students work full-time on the project. If the project is to be completed during the academic year, students and PI must present a plan to obtain approximately 320 hours of commitment to the project.

Award Information 

Refer to the NASA CTSGC website for the amount and number of awards available each program year. Since this is an institutional award, a subcontract for each lead institution will be executed.

Fund Distribution 

Awarded funds will be made available upon completion and execution of a subaward agreement between the awardee's institution and the University of Hartford. Award funds will be distributed to the recipient institution, which shall administer the award in accordance with its internal policies governing grants and sponsored programs.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Equity and Social Justice Grants: Youth Justice aims to support nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of youth involved with the criminal and juvenile justice systems in Allegheny County. The foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives that promote civic engagement and systemic change, emphasizing leadership from those directly impacted by injustice. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000, aiming to prevent disproportionate youth system involvement and enhance staff skills in trauma-informed practices.

The Hayswood Foundation Grant supports local non-profit organizations in northeastern Kentucky and southeastern Ohio, focusing on mental and physical health and education. Since 1985, it has awarded approximately $7.75 million to various projects. Organizations must be IRS-recognized and demonstrate that funds will benefit local citizens. While capital projects are eligible, grants are not for political or individual benefit. Matching funds are required, with the Foundation providing $1 for every $2 raised.

About Us

Near the sunset of a full career filled with hard work, perseverance, and many successes, Don Wood founded the 80/20 Foundation Trust in 2018, which was later renamed the Don Wood Foundation. Don built his life and career on a simple but powerful belief: opportunity should not be limited to one path. 

Don recognized the immense value of industrial trades, advanced manufacturing, innovation, having an entrepreneurial mindset, and leadership skills. He believed individuals should have access to the tools, credentials, and real-world training necessary to build meaningful careers and provide for their families and the community. He saw his Foundation as a vehicle to get there.

Opening Pathways

Young people thrive when they are given meaningful opportunities to do, lead, and imagine what’s possible. The Don Wood Foundation awards grants for programs that prioritize early and frequent opportunities for young people to:

• Explore STEAM through doing, not just observing
• Build foundational leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset alongside technical curiosity, building their capability for adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork                                                                                     
• Explore and navigate career pathways, so more students can see themselves in high-skill, high-wage technical careers

When every student in northeast Indiana has access to hands-on STEAM experiences and can connect learning to real careers in their communities, they develop the leadership skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to power Next-Gen Manufacturing—today and tomorrow.

Engaging Youth Grant Program

Through the Engaging Youth Grant Program, the Don Wood Foundation supports programs and initiatives that: 

• Engage youth in STEAM and career exploration experiences that help them imagine future possibilities
• Provide early, frequent, and hands-on learning experiences that engage students as active participants, not passive observers
• Build foundational skills and mindsets, including curiosity, confidence, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, persistence, and a growth mindset
• Offer progressive experiences that deepen over time as youth grow
• Expand access to opportunity by reducing barriers to participation 

​We are particularly interested in programs that center student voice and agency, are developmentally appropriate, and are delivered in partnership with schools, educators, and community organizations.   

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The State of Indiana is eligible to receive grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help address housing and community development needs. These grant funds include the: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) and the National Housing Trust Fund (HTF). The dollars are primarily meant for investment in the State's less populated and rural areas (“non-entitlement” areas), which do not receive such funds directly from HUD.

The Indiana Office of Rural and Community Affairs (OCRA) receives and administers CDBG. The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) receives and administers HOME, ESG, HOPWA, and HTF. As a condition for receiving HUD block grant funding, the State must complete a five-year strategic plan called a Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development (Consolidated Plan).

CDBG Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program

Indiana’s state-administered Community Development Block Grant program fosters growth and resilience in rural cities and towns by investing in local initiatives that encourage communities to build, strengthen and thrive. The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) seek applications from local units of government for programs funded through the State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Eligible local units of government are counties, cities, or incorporated towns not located within an entitlement community. Unincorporated areas must apply through the county in which they are located. OCRA established a maximum grant award for Owner Occupied Rehabilitation as outlined below to fund and create local owner-occupied rehabilitation programs.

• City or Town: $350,000
• County: $500,000
• Individual Grants to Homeowners: Must not exceed $25,000 per home 

The goal of the State CDBG program is to encourage communities with eligible populations to focus on longterm community development. Competitive projects must demonstrate the following: They meet a National Objective of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; The project addresses the long-term planning and development efforts of the community; The funds granted will have a significant impact on the overall project; The community has demonstrated a strong commitment to the project and its sustainability 

The Sybil Harrington Endowment for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, supports diverse artistic and cultural initiatives in Lubbock and Hale counties. Grants range from $500 to $2,500, aimed at start-up funding, operational support, and program initiatives. All recipients must report on fund expenditures within a year. The foundation does not fund annual appeals, political efforts, or grants to individuals, ensuring support for impactful community projects.

The Sophia Romero Trust Grant, established in 1948, focuses on enhancing health care and human services for underserved elders in Bristol County, Massachusetts. The trust primarily supports one-year grants aimed at improving access to primary care and health education. Organizations that meet basic community needs, especially those serving older women, are encouraged to apply. While general operating support is discouraged for public agencies, requests for program-related funding are welcome.

The Fairfax County Consolidated Community Funding Pool invites eligible nonprofits to apply for funding to deliver essential health, housing, and human services to residents across various regions of Fairfax County. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being and support local organizations in addressing critical needs. Nonprofits interested in contributing to this mission are encouraged to participate in the proposal process.

 Preservation & Accessibility of California’s LGBTQ+ History

The Preservation & Accessibility of California’s LGBTQ+ History grant opportunity provides funding for California organizations to support the preservation and public accessibility of LGBTQ+ archives. Funds are provided by the State of California.

This opportunity is targeted at archives, and organizations with archival collections, for projects that preserve and make publicly accessible collections relevant to the LGBTQ+ movement, culture, experience, and/or history in California. This opportunity aims to preserve and make accessible materials demonstrating the significant role of LGBTQ+ Californians and the LGBTQ+ movement in this state. By preserving and making these resources available to others, funded projects will help provide a more comprehensive and inclusive view of California’s history. 

Funding

Minimum funding request: $5,000. Maximum funding request: $200,000.

The Chamiza Foundation Grant supports the preservation and revitalization of Pueblo culture through targeted grantmaking. For over 33 years, the foundation has enabled positive change in Pueblo communities by prioritizing language preservation, sustainable agriculture, traditional arts, and youth leadership. With an emphasis on collaboration and community involvement, the foundation awards grants averaging between $3,000 and $15,000 to projects that foster cultural continuity and innovation.

STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

MBCC is soliciting proposals for STOP (Services-Training-Officers-Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to be funded by the Office on Violence Against Women. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is a component of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Created in 1995, OVW implements the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation and provides national leadership on issues of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Since its inception, OVW has supported a multifaceted approach to responding to these crimes through implementation of grant programs authorized by VAWA. By forging state, local and tribal partnerships among police, prosecutors, judges, victim advocates, health care providers, faith leaders, organizations that serve culturally specific and underserved communities, and others, OVW grants help provide victims, across their life span, with the protection and services they need to pursue safe and healthy lives, while improving communities’ capacity to provide justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.

The application process is competitive. Previous funding does not guarantee an award during this funding cycle. Approximately $800,000 will be available during the project period, depending upon availability of federal funds. Because federal funds are not always available immediately following the award date, applicants should prepare for this contingency.

Matching contributions of 25% (cash or in-kind) of the total cost of the STOP VAWA project (federal funds plus local match) are required and must be derived from non-federal sources. All funds designated as match are restricted to the same uses as the federal funds and must be expended within the grant period. Federally Recognized Tribes and victim services providers are not required to provide match.

ATTENTION: This funding opportunity is for grant funding that the Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) administers that originates from the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ). To continue program activities designed to maintain public safety services, MBCC has determined that it will proceed with this funding opportunity. MBCC anticipates that new grant guidance may be issued in 2026 to reflect USDOJ’s revised policies and priorities. New USDOJ guidance could change the terms and conditions and the availability of funding for any grants that are executed from this funding opportunity. MBCC will share new grant conditions, guidance, and requirements with all grantees as they become available. In some instances, executed grant awards may be revised or cancelled.

The Legal Assistance for Nonprofits program by the Chicago Lawyers Committee provides essential legal services to nonprofits and small businesses aiming to reduce systemic inequalities in wealth and access to economic opportunities. This initiative offers support specifically to organizations that advance race equity and serve underserved communities, ultimately helping to close the racial wealth gap through education, legal support, and advocacy for economic development.