Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Hierholzer-Fojtik Scholarship, established in 2006 by Frances Hierholzer, supports students pursuing a career in law. It is awarded to Grand Haven Area Public Schools graduates with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship offers a streamlined application process for all eligible foundation scholarships. Frances, inspired by her grandson's success with a GHACF scholarship, aims to give back to the community that helped him achieve his educational dreams.

Welcome to Chugiak Eagle River Foundation

Our Purpose

The purposes of the Foundation are to make lasting improvements to our community and its residents; to foster the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors; and to promote a healthy and productive community. Activities include provide grants to the Chugiak-Eagle River community organizations, educational scholarships, the latter a legacy of the Briggs family. Guiding the Foundation is a commitment to honesty, compassion, respect, and stewardship. By growing our endowments, our community will have the resources to thrive now and forever.

Our Mission

The Chugiak-Eagle River Foundation, an Affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation, is dedicated to improving the quality of life and to address emerging needs in the community of Chugiak/Eagle River, Alaska by providing grants and scholarships from a permanent endowment.

The SWE Golden Gate Section (SWE-GGS) Scholarships provide financial support ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for Bay Area students planning to pursue engineering or related degrees. Open to high school seniors and community college students entering college in Fall 2026, applicants must identify as women or other underrepresented genders and reside within the Golden Gate Section boundaries. The application period starts on December 1, 2025, encouraging diverse candidates to apply.

The Carrie J. Loose Trust Grant supports charitable initiatives in Kansas City, Missouri, focusing on areas like community improvement, education, health, human services, and research. Established under the will of Harry Wilson Loose in 1927, it prioritizes operational and program support while excluding capital support and requests from individuals, endowments, and certain public service projects. This grant aims to enhance quality of life through diverse funding opportunities.

The Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on music, arts, education, and environmental action. Established in 1996, the foundation prioritizes programs that enhance participation in acoustic guitar music, community activities in the Nazareth, PA region, and the preservation of America's guitar heritage. Grants are aimed at effective 501(c)(3) organizations, while political or religious activities are excluded from funding.

Trusteed Foundations Funds provide essential grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with specific review periods aligning with the foundation's operational calendar. The foundations seek to support initiatives in Leadership Development, Economic Mobility, Thriving Communities, and Education, ensuring that funds are allocated to organizations with a proven track record of community impact. This streamlined application process allows nonprofits to apply to multiple foundations through a single form.

The KC Can Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Kansas City, focusing on projects that address children's basic needs, education, and wellness. Eligible projects should provide long-term benefits, be feasible within a year, and align with the KC CAN! mission. The grant aims to fund initiatives that might otherwise go unsupported and encourages community involvement through professional and volunteer efforts.

The Duluth Builders Exchange Legacy Fund provides scholarships to support students in pursuing careers in the construction industry. Three scholarships are available: one for four-year degree students in fields like engineering and architecture, another for two-year students in trades like carpentry and plumbing, and a third for apprentices needing tools and safety equipment. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000, promoting education and skill development in the local workforce.

The Zur Hausen Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports students pursuing degrees in Engineering or Agriculture. This scholarship honors Edith and Elmar zur Hausen, who emigrated from Germany and dedicated their lives to the Wenatchee Valley. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates from Chelan or Douglas County, aiming to study at an accredited institution in the USA.

The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Diagnostic Research Innovation Center (DRIC), supported by NINDS, aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities for UDN participants. This initiative will foster collaboration among clinical networks and stakeholders to develop innovative diagnostic tools and strategies. The DRIC will also focus on the systematic evaluation of unresolved UDN cases, advancing genomic and non-genomic diagnostics, and discovering novel disease-associated genes. This forecast allows potential applicants to prepare and collaborate effectively for future projects.

About

Six Decades of Human(e) Progress

At IHS, we build bridges across coalitions working to renew the liberal project—creating a 21st century that's freer, more tolerant, and more prosperous than any in human history.

This work takes on new urgency in a world of rising illiberalism and authoritarianism. Thanks to the generosity of over a thousand individual donors and foundations, IHS continues to find new ways to support the thinkers and leaders who are carrying liberal principles forward.

Impact

IHS works where ideas take root. We place smart bets on the people and research projects that are redrawing the boundaries of human potential in classrooms, in policy, and in public life.

Free Society Grants

For Faculty

Free Society Grants support faculty seeking to develop or expand undergraduate programming grounded in the liberal tradition. Grants are awarded based on project scope and need. The next application cycle opens March 13, 2026; the deadline is June 15, 2026. Funding decisions will be announced by August 7, 2026.

Support for Undergraduate Programming

These grants are designed for faculty who want to cultivate sustained intellectual engagement through mentorship, structured reading, and rigorous discussion—inside and beyond the classroom. The goal is not simply exposure to ideas, but intellectual formation.

All grants include access to ScholarsEdge digital tools, including registration support, to help ensure smooth execution and sustained engagement.

The AESEF Genelec Mike Chafee Audio Pioneering Scholarship supports exceptional women pursuing graduate studies in audio engineering. Named in honor of Michael Chafee, a significant figure in audio innovation, this scholarship aims to empower women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 and are awarded based on academic merit and commitment to audio engineering. Payment is made directly to the student’s graduate school, facilitating a smoother educational journey.

The Ferguson Family Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports graduating seniors, current college students, and non-traditional students from Chelan or Douglas County pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology at Wenatchee Valley College. This scholarship aims to assist students demonstrating financial need and a commitment to engineering, providing support over multiple years contingent on maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The Kilpatrick Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable organizations, particularly those serving the San Antonio metropolitan area. It focuses on helping vulnerable individuals with food, shelter, and social service needs. Funded by the Dr. George H. Kilpatrick Memorial Trust, this grant aims to enhance the well-being of those in need. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, as individuals cannot apply directly. For more information, please visit the foundation finder.

The Bisbee Foundation offers Mini Grants for small organizations with annual budgets under $100,000, aimed at enhancing Bisbee's cultural, historical, and environmental qualities. These grants support projects in the arts, humanities, education, and historic preservation, helping to maintain Bisbee's unique character. Eligible organizations can receive grants up to $750, while ensuring no discrimination occurs in their practices. The foundation seeks to foster collaboration among local groups dedicated to preserving Bisbee's rich heritage.

The NEF Publication Grant Programme provides support for scientific publications that stem from original research aimed at enhancing nature conservation knowledge in developing countries within the Asia-Pacific region. Eligible applicants are nationals of these countries who are full-time researchers. The grant covers printing and distribution costs and is focused on publications that contribute to public understanding and conservation efforts, with a requirement for timely publication.

The Marshfield Utilities Scholarship, offered by the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, aims to support local students who are customers of Marshfield Utilities. This scholarship is specifically for those pursuing studies in engineering, natural sciences, or vocational fields. Preference is given to full-time university students, reinforcing the Foundation's mission of enhancing education and community well-being in the Marshfield area.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering sustainable business growth in Southeast Michigan. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, the Foundation supports initiatives that leverage funding to create favorable conditions for small businesses. By promoting networking and resource sharing, and diversifying industries, they aim to enhance regional resilience. Since 2008, over $180 million has been awarded to initiatives aligned with their mission, with plans to spend down all assets by 2034 to facilitate impactful investments.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Jennifer Grimes Lindley Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

The Jennifer Grimes Lindley Scholarship recognizes and awards young women residing in Monroe and Yates counties who intend to continue education beyond high school, preferably in the field of engineering.

Number and Size of Awards

Two awards of $1,000 each to both a Monroe County and a Yates County recipient, plus a four-year student membership to the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by the Lindley family in memory of their daughter, Jennifer Grimes Lindley. Jennifer was a very bright student who eventually obtained her electrical engineering degree in her mid-30s. This scholarship recognizes those women who choose to continue their education in the field of engineering and science.

The Environmental Justice Fellowship, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, offers a two-year postgraduate opportunity for Texas Law alumni aiming to work with environmental legal organizations. Applicants must propose impactful projects, collaborating with designated host organizations. This fellowship emphasizes public interest law, promoting access to justice and community engagement in Texas. Ideal candidates are third-year students or recent graduates completing a judicial clerkship by Fall 2026, ensuring sustainable public interest law practices.

The Health Equity Data Access Program (HEDAP) offers funding for six seats in the CMS Virtual Research Data Center, enabling researchers to access critical CMS data for minority health research. Focused on various health topics, HEDAP aims to tackle health disparities among underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals affected by poverty. The program encourages innovative research methods and intersectional approaches, enhancing researchers' capacity to utilize CMS data effectively while providing actionable insights for stakeholders.

The Jacob A. Bradley Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Bradley Family Foundation, offers a renewable annual scholarship for U.S. citizens graduating from Conroe Independent School District. This scholarship supports students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering, providing mentorship alongside financial aid. Eligible candidates must demonstrate strong character and leadership skills. The scholarship honors Jacob A. Bradley, whose legacy inspires students to succeed and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

CarMax proudly supports local nonprofit organizations in Richmond, Virginia through its RVA Sponsorships program. Applications are accepted annually from September 1 to October 15 for initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement, sustainability, and connection. Eligible activities must occur within designated local areas. Priority is given to projects that encourage employee volunteerism. However, the program does not fund table sponsorships, fundraising events, or business ventures.

The Leo Potishman Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations, focusing on Fort Worth, Texas. It prioritizes various program areas including animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, and health research. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations recognized under IRS section 501(c)3. Note that individual applications are not accepted. For further details on this grant, please refer to the foundation's online resources.

The Region IV Benny Bootle Memorial Scholarship offers a one-year financial award for undergraduate students in pre-engineering, engineering, or architecture within ASHRAE Region IV (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia). Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific eligibility criteria, including affiliation with an ASHRAE student branch or an ABET-accredited program. This scholarship aims to support future leaders in the HVAC&R industry, promoting sustainability and innovation in engineering.

The T. Patrick Carr Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Tarrant County, Texas, focusing on areas such as animal welfare, arts and culture, education, and health. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, while individuals cannot apply. This grant aims to enhance community development and promote civic activities, fostering a positive impact in the region.

The Bontrager Family Foundation, established by the Bontrager family, aims to enhance life in Elkhart County through generosity and philanthropic efforts. They focus on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those aligned with their values of integrity, inclusion, and collaboration. Grants are awarded twice yearly, targeting local initiatives, including Christian faith-based programs and services for youth and families. The foundation continues a legacy of charitable giving that dates back to the family's early commitment to tithing.