Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Inspire Olympia Comprehensive & Impact Funding initiative aims to enhance access to diverse arts, sciences, and cultural experiences in Olympia. This voter-approved program focuses on lowering participation barriers, particularly for youth and underserved communities. By strengthening local nonprofit cultural organizations, the initiative seeks to deliver inspiring and creative programs for all residents. Funding is allocated through a competitive application process, ensuring that selected projects effectively benefit the community.

About

Humanities Texas advances education through programs that improve the quality of classroom teaching, support libraries and museums, and create opportunities for lifelong learning.

We strengthen Texas communities by conducting and supporting programs that cultivate the knowledge and judgment that representative democracy demands of its citizens. These programs also contribute to Texas’s thriving economy, culture, and civic life.  

Announcing Our New Rural Grants Initiative

In February, Humanities Texas launched a new grant program for organizations based in Texas counties with a population of 60,000 residents or fewer. Our rural grants support educational, historical, and cultural organizations offering public humanities programs to rural communities throughout the state.

Rural Grants

Humanities Texas major and mini-grants have been serving rural Texas for over fifty years. With this new grant line, we aim to expand our service to rural communities, where access to philanthropic resources can be limited.

Our rural grants have a streamlined application process that does not require cost-share. Our grants team provides organizations with focused support throughout the entire process, from questions about program design and budgeting, to basic grants administration, to conducting a program evaluation and writing an effective final report.

A key goal of this new initiative is to increase the fundraising and administrative capacity of the organizations that receive support.

The Community Foundation Impact Grants support projects that address pressing community needs in the Capital Region of New York. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000 and focus on areas such as homelessness, disabilities, land conservation, and services for new Americans. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations located within the ten-county region. This funding opportunity aims to leverage local expertise to create significant social impact.

The Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program, administered by the California Ocean Protection Council, aims to support coastal communities in developing and implementing nature-based adaptation projects against sea level rise. Recognizing the urgent threat posed by climate change, the program provides essential funding for local governments to enhance resilience and protect critical infrastructure, public health, and biodiversity along California's coastline and San Francisco Bay.

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2025-2026 AmeriCorps Formula Grant Opportunity

As the AmeriCorps State Service Commission in Oregon, OregonServes (OSC) administers state AmeriCorps Program Grants. The AmeriCorps Formula Funding Grant Opportunity is funded through OSC’s AmeriCorps State Formula Funding Allocation and provides grant funding for two types of AmeriCorps program models: (i) Formula Cost-Reimbursement Grants and (ii) Formula Fixed Amount Grants. These grants are awarded to organizations that propose to place AmeriCorps members in service solely within Oregon.

• New AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • New Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA (Cost Reimbursement only, new programs are not eligible for Fixed Amount Grants).
• Continuation AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • Organizations that have current AmeriCorps awards that do not end in the 2025-26 program year must submit a continuation Application to be eligible to receive funding for the following year.
• Recompeting AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • Current OSC-funded programs with a three-year funding cycle that ends in the 2025-26 program year are considered to be in “recompete” status. These Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA. 

The deSaussure “deS” P. Moore, III, MD Scholarship Endowment, established in 2023, supports students pursuing a medical degree with a focus on Family Medicine. This scholarship honors the legacy of deS Moore, III, a dedicated physician. Eligible applicants include seniors from specific localities, who must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service. The scholarship covers tuition and related expenses, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

About NCTM

Founded in 1920, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is the world's largest mathematics education organization.

Mission Statement

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics advocates for high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student.

Designing Interventions that Support Learners with Disabilities (2-8)

The MET Fund sponsors this grant to support the development of engaging interventions for students with disabilities in grades 2-8. This grant encourages the implementation of interventions that develop 2 - 8 students’ conceptual understanding and expand mathematical fluency.

Purpose

This grant supports elementary teachers in designing, implementing, and sharing engaging hands-on interventions to support students’ conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts. This grant is specifically intended to support teachers of students who have disabilities. This grant could be used to fund materials, such as manipulatives. The expectation is that the recipient of the grant would share their interventions with other teachers and interventionists in their school/district, and beyond.

Award Type: Organizational

For MET grants, an organization is defined as a school, school district, university, or non-profit mathematics education organization. The primary applicant will indicate an organization to administer the finances of the grant when applying for the grant. The primary applicant MAY choose to administer the finances of the grant themselves; if so, they are responsible for reporting this award to the IRS on their personal tax return as income.

The Reverend Lonnie and Patricia Gable, Jr. Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports children of full-time Christian ministry workers who struggle with college expenses. This initiative honors Rev. Lonnie Gable Jr. and his wife Patricia, who made significant sacrifices for their faith and community. The fund aims to provide educational opportunities for those whose families serve in ministry, particularly benefiting students interested in engineering and related fields.

Boone County Community Foundation Grants

The Boone County Community Foundation invites charitable organizations in Boone County to apply for a community grant funded by the Melvin & Mildred Banks Grant Fund and the Wilbur & William Cummings Grant Fund.

Wilbur & William Cummings Grant Fund

Wilbur and William Cummings were lifelong residents of Boone County. Pursuant to their interests, a grant program was established that enhances the Boone County community. The majority of the proceeds are available for the Boone County Fair Association and the Boone County Historical Society. The balance is reserved for at-large community purposes.

To award grants for projects that enhance the quality of life in Boone County.

The Spannagel Vocational Education Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, honors the legacy of vocational educator Billy Wayne Spannagel and his son, Dale Robin Spannagel. This scholarship supports graduating students from Kerr County who are accepted into vocational training programs, particularly those pursuing certification in aviation mechanics. With a commitment to fostering community impact, the Foundation manages over $100 million in assets to enhance the quality of life in Central Texas.

The N D Cobden Trust Grant provides funding for charitable initiatives in the Fort Worth, Texas area. This grant aims to support projects that benefit local communities and enhance the quality of life. It is essential for applicants to tailor their proposals to align with the trust's goals. For further details and to locate specific information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the foundation finder provided by JPMorgan.

The Arenac County Community Partnership Grants, managed by the Bay Area Community Foundation, support local organizations through a biannual application process. Grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, fund community initiatives, education, arts, health, wellness, recreation, and animal welfare projects. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Arenac County residents, promoting a vibrant and inclusive community.

The Golden Heart Community Foundation Fund provides annual grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to support diverse charitable needs in the Greater Fairbanks area. It invites applications from qualified tax-exempt organizations, including 501(c)(3)s, schools, and faith-based groups. Eligible projects must be completed within a year. Preference is given to initiatives that benefit a broad range of residents, fostering health, education, arts, and community development.

The UNLOCK program aims to enhance energy and critical resource extraction from subsurface resources, addressing geological and technical challenges. It focuses on increasing extraction efficiency from low permeability formations and optimizing water management while ensuring cost efficiency. Despite advancements in hydraulic fracturing, recovery rates remain below 20%, leaving significant resources untapped. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to improve recovery methods and manage produced water effectively, paving the way for more sustainable resource utilization.

The Visions – Projects + Events Grant, administered by HumanitiesDC, invites DC-based nonprofit organizations to create innovative public humanities programs. By supporting projects that engage with the community through documentaries, events, and educational initiatives, this grant fosters creative interpretations of humanities scholarship. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a connection to Washington, DC, and incorporate relevant expertise in their projects. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration and accessibility, enriching the cultural landscape of the District.

The UNLOCK program by the U.S. Department of Energy aims to revolutionize subsurface resource extraction by enhancing recovery efficiency from low-permeability formations. This initiative seeks to overcome geological challenges that hinder oil, gas, geothermal, and mineral recovery. By developing innovative stimulation techniques and field-validation processes, UNLOCK targets a twofold increase in resource recovery efficiency while minimizing costs and wastewater production, ultimately contributing to national energy resilience and reduced foreign energy dependency.

The Community Engagement Grant, offered by the First Responders Children's Foundation, aims to strengthen relationships between first responders and youth in their communities. By funding programs that promote mental health, youth education, family support, and emergency assistance, the grant helps foster trust and understanding. This initiative not only benefits first responders and their families but also inspires future generations to consider careers in public service. Together, we can build safer and healthier communities.

The Young Philanthropist Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, aims to enhance the quality of life in the region through strategic philanthropy. Established in 1999, it supports eligible organizations addressing community needs in various sectors, including arts, education, and health. Grants are awarded annually from proceeds of the 25 Under 35 Awards dinner, encouraging collaborative efforts among local professionals while ensuring accountability and integrity in resource management.

The Education Plus! Grant Program aims to enhance educational outcomes and employment opportunities for families by supporting community nonprofit organizations and K-12 public school teachers in Solano County. The program prioritizes projects that improve reading literacy and math skills for students, fostering a stronger community. Eligible applicants are encouraged to incorporate the 'Plus!' factor, demonstrating how their initiatives will positively impact students' learning experiences. Grant funding focuses on sustainable educational activities.

SECURA Insurance Companies Charitable Fund Grants support local nonprofit organizations in the Fox Valley area that provide essential services such as food, clothing, shelter, arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Grants are awarded by SECURA’s Community Commitment Committee, which evaluates applications based on community impact. Eligible organizations include public charities and government units serving the Foundation’s service area, while ineligible projects include political affiliations and general operational costs.

The Youth Community Access Grant Program, introduced by the California Natural Resources Agency, aims to enhance outdoor access for youth, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Funded by the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account, this program supports initiatives like community education and recreational amenities for substance use prevention. With approximately $18.5 million available, grants range from $25,000 to $500,000 to foster a healthier, more inclusive California.

The Indian Rights Association Fellowship, awarded by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, supports one month of research residency in Native American studies. This fellowship offers a $3,000 stipend for advanced, postdoctoral, and dissertation research, encouraging exploration of the HSP's extensive Indian Rights Association Records. Open to various topics, it aims to foster scholarly work on the history and rights of Native Americans, enhancing understanding of their cultural heritage and historical narratives.

The Urbani Family Scholarship supports adult learners in San Luis Obispo County who are re-entering education. This scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing post-secondary education at community colleges or vocational programs, ensuring they receive the necessary financial aid to succeed. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and reside in the county, while online programs are not eligible. The scholarship is renewable, providing ongoing support for students as they advance in their educational journeys.

Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation

A 2021 International Tennis Hall of Famer, Dennis was the founder of the Professional Tennis Registry Foundation (PTR Foundation), now called Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation, Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), and the Van Der Meer Tennis University.

Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation provides support to deserving individuals and organizations globally. The foundation is also focused on bringing tennis within reach to countless people worldwide.

Nehemiah Atkinson Humanitarian Grant

This grant reflects the Foundation’s dedication to giving and serving others. It is awarded to individuals who have shown an extraordinary commitment to enhancing the lives of those around them.

The Foundation supports projects that promote and preserve the legacy, vision, and spirit of our founder, Dennis Van der Meer. We will only consider funding for educational, life enrichment, mentoring, and tennis programs.

Idaho Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Grant

$200,000 is available for the 2026-2027 funding year through the Idaho Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program for projects in Idaho communities. Eligible applicants may request a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $100,000. All grants will be distributed on a reimbursement basis.

Project types include but are not limited to:

• Tree inventory updates, risk management,
• tree pruning and removal,
• tree planting and replacement,
• workforce development,
• education, and
• training

The Virgie Robinson Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, provides financial support to alumni of the Pasco School District and educators at Virgie Robinson Elementary School. This scholarship honors Virgie Robinson, a dedicated employee of the Pasco School District, ensuring that her legacy continues to benefit the community by empowering students and supporting educational excellence.

The Women's Fund of the Blue Ridge Grant supports non-profit organizations that enhance the lives of women and girls in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties. With over $2.1 million awarded since inception, the fund promotes education, health, and empowerment through its grant cycles. Awards typically range from $1,500 to $15,000, focusing on projects that demonstrate collaboration and sustainability. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and community service entities that respect inclusivity and do not discriminate.