Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Project Lead the Way inc.

School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, we've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, best-in-class teacher training, and our proven activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional model. At PLTW, we're on a mission to create a transformative learning environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. 

PLTW Gateway

PLTW Gateway (6-8) opens paths that create meaningful futures. It connects students to careers in areas they can, and can't, imagine. Through explorations of skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways that connect their learning to life. All the while, students step into roles spanning the career landscape—a crucial experience during this transitional time in their lives, long before they enter their degreed or skilled trade professions. 

PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion (Haemonetics)

Haemonetics is a global medical technology company dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of health care. Haemonetics strives to make a positive difference in their communities. They support PLTW in order to help foster innovation and career readiness in the communities they serve. 

Through this partnership, Haemonetics is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.

The Balch Fellowship, offered by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, supports research in various fields related to American history, particularly focusing on ethnic and immigrant studies. Each year, two to three fellows receive a $3,000 stipend for one month of residency in Philadelphia. This fellowship allows scholars to explore topics such as immigrant experiences and American cultural history, utilizing the extensive collections of the Historical Society and the Library Company of Philadelphia.

The Howard Fellowships, administered by the George A. and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation, support early mid-career artists and scholars with $40,000 awards for independent projects in selected fields. This unrestricted, non-residency fellowship encourages significant creative development and public visibility through exhibitions or publications. Applicants should demonstrate a promising program of work and must currently reside in the U.S. or its territories. Ten fellowships are awarded annually, promoting artistic and intellectual advancement.

The Hofma Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports local high school graduates motivated to pursue college education. This competitive scholarship considers financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants can submit a single application for multiple scholarships, simplifying the process. Established by Edward and Elizabeth Hofma, who significantly contributed to the community, the scholarship honors their legacy and commitment to education and environmental efforts.

The JSF People with Disabilities Grant supports organizations that empower students with disabilities through education and employment opportunities. With a focus on scholarships and mentorship, the Foundation addresses barriers that hinder access to higher education. It has established partnerships with universities and schools, including Gallaudet University, to create impactful programs. Additionally, it funds initiatives that help transition individuals into the workforce, ensuring inclusivity in educational and professional settings.

The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research Network aims to enhance foundational research on human consciousness, addressing critical biomedical issues such as coma and dementia. By fostering a collaborative framework among 14 NIH institutes, the initiative seeks to improve diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders through interdisciplinary approaches. Key objectives include detecting consciousness in minimally responsive patients, enhancing understanding of sleep disorders, and exploring new methodologies. This effort will ultimately strengthen U.S. leadership in neuroscience and improve patient outcomes.

The Willimantic Basic Needs Fund Grants, provided by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, aim to enhance self-sufficiency for Windham residents through education and employment initiatives. Priority is given to projects promoting economic security, food access, and homelessness intervention. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies. The fund emphasizes inclusivity and evidence-based solutions while disallowing grants for individuals or for-profit entities.

The HRiA Robert E. Leet and Clara Guthrie Patterson Trust Mentored Research Award aims to promote research on human diseases by supporting early-stage postdoctoral and clinical investigators. Established in 1980, the program encourages innovative pilot studies across various disciplines and aims to enhance the transition to independence for researchers. With a two-year award of $200,000 available to applicants in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, it prioritizes diversity and inclusion in biomedical research.

Project Lead the Way inc.

School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, we've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, best-in-class teacher training, and our proven activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional model.

At PLTW, we're on a mission to create a transformative learning environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. Our people are most critical to our mission, and we're dedicated to building a collaborative culture of talented, enthusiastic team members who will continuously improve the extraordinary programs we deliver daily to students and educators nationwide.

PLTW Gateway (Middle School STEM Curriculum)

Through explorations of skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways that connect their learning to life. All the while, students step into roles spanning the career landscape—a crucial experience during this transitional time in their lives, long before they enter their degreed or skilled trade professions. 

To ensure that more middle school students have equal access and opportunities to engage and be empowered through the PLTW experience, we offer all PLTW Gateway units and teacher resources in both English and Spanish. 

New Program (Launching STEM Atlanta)

Public schools, including charter schools, that meet the 10-county geographic requirement that do not yet offer PLTW Gateway are eligible for consideration to support program implementation. PLTW will disburse grant funds over two years and require two years of reporting from awarded schools. 

Project Lead the Way inc.

School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, we've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, best-in-class teacher training, and our proven activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional model.

At PLTW, we're on a mission to create a transformative learning environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. Our people are most critical to our mission, and we're dedicated to building a collaborative culture of talented, enthusiastic team members who will continuously improve the extraordinary programs we deliver daily to students and educators nationwide.

PLTW Gateway (Middle School STEM Curriculum)

Through explorations of skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways that connect their learning to life. All the while, students step into roles spanning the career landscape—a crucial experience during this transitional time in their lives, long before they enter their degreed or skilled trade professions. 

To ensure that more middle school students have equal access and opportunities to engage and be empowered through the PLTW experience, we offer all PLTW Gateway units and teacher resources in both English and Spanish. 

Program Expansion (Launching STEM Atlanta)

Public schools, including charter schools, that meet the 10-county geographic requirement that are interested in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway program are eligible for consideration to support program expansion.

Gabby's Dream Scholarship honors the memory of Gabriella Garven, who tragically passed away but chose to be an organ donor, saving five lives. This scholarship aims to support Muskingum County high school seniors pursuing higher education. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship helps students achieve their dreams, reflecting Gabby's spirit of kindness and generosity, and empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Three Sisters Nursing Scholarship

Marion Community Foundation has had a scholarship program for students of the Marion area since 2000. The Foundation provides approximately a quarter of a million dollars a year in scholarship awards to support the college aspirations of local scholars. Building on this long-standing scholarship effort, in 2016, a group of donors chose to anonymously support students from the Marion area who wish to pursue a career in nursing; thus, the Three Sisters Nursing Scholarship Fund was created. 

While wishing to remain anonymous, the donors of this scholarship expressed great respect for the medical profession and have had nurses, midwives, doctors, and other medical professionals among their family members for generations. This scholarship is their way to both give back for the blessings of their own careers and to provide a path for a future generation dedicated to helping others.

Recipients of this scholarship award may be high school seniors or graduates from any school in Marion County who have lived in the Marion area for two or more years and are pursuing, or intending to pursue, an education in the field of nursing that will result in an associate degree or above and qualify for a license as a Registered Nurse.

The Riverside Hospital Foundation Legacy Grants aim to support initiatives that uphold the unique qualities of Riverside Hospital, established in 1991. The Foundation prioritizes funding for programs that enhance healthcare delivery and effectiveness in Northeast Florida, focusing on personal treatment, high-quality care, and clinical-based nursing training. By providing financial assistance to eligible organizations, the Foundation seeks to foster a compassionate healthcare environment, ensuring lasting improvements in community health.

The Pueblo Youth Action Council Grant, established in 2021 by the Caring for Colorado Foundation, supports youth-led initiatives in Pueblo County. This program empowers young leaders to engage in grantmaking, focusing on gang prevention, substance use disorder, and mental health. By participating, youth develop critical decision-making skills and gain insight into community needs. This innovative approach not only funds essential services but also nurtures a generation committed to social change and civic responsibility.

The Asian American Leaders in Mental Health Scholarship, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports Asian American and Pacific Islander students pursuing careers in clinical mental health. It emphasizes a commitment to social justice and community service, with scholarships awarded based on academic merit and passion for the field. One-time awards can be re-applied for in subsequent years, covering tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, ensuring support for students in their academic journey.

Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Since 1973, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (“THDA”)  has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee. Our purpose: Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee; Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families; Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

The THDA administers the federally funded HOME Investment Partnership Program (“HOME”) to promote the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of single-family housing for low-income households. The purpose of this Program Description is to explain the requirements and the application process of THDA’s HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. 

HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation

HOME funds are awarded under this Program Description through a competitive application process open to cities, counties, and non-profit organizations that are located outside of local participating jurisdictions. Local participating jurisdictions (“Local PJs”) are those local governments that also receive HOME funds directly from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). The Local PJs in Tennessee are Chattanooga, Clarksville, Jackson, Knoxville, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville-Davidson County, Knox County, Shelby County, and the Northeast Tennessee/Virginia Consortium (the cities of Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, Bluff City, Sullivan County, and Washington County, excluding the Town of Jonesborough). Non-profit organizations located in a Local PJ may apply for projects located outside of a Local PJ. An applicant must apply for at least $250,000 and may apply for a maximum HOME grant of $750,000 for funding under this Program Description. 

The Caesars Foundation of Floyd County Major Grant supports impactful projects in the community, focusing on arts, education, health, community development, and human services. Established in 2002, the foundation has committed significant funds to enhance the quality of life in Floyd County. With a strong emphasis on long-term benefits, the foundation encourages applications that align with its mission to foster cultural enrichment, educational advancement, and community well-being.

The Dr. Larry Poel Field of Medicine Scholarship, administered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students from Ottawa or Muskegon County who have completed at least two years of college in a medical field. With a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, the scholarship aims to honor Dr. Poel's 42-year career in sports medicine and encourage future medical professionals. Preference is given to those studying sports medicine, ensuring community-focused support.

The GTF Afterschool Program Grant offers schools and organizations a chance to promote tennis among children beyond standard physical education. This grant, funded by the Georgia Tennis Foundation, supports initiatives at schools or local parks, enhancing access to tennis. Eligible applicants include schools or tennis-affiliated organizations, with a focus on providing qualified coaching. Grants of up to $750 are available to cover equipment, marketing, and facility fees, ensuring programs last a minimum of six weeks.

The EDU Core Research (ECR) program invites proposals for fundamental research in STEM education, focusing on learning environments, broadening participation, and workforce development. The program supports essential research activities for diverse learners, emphasizing long-term knowledge generation. Proposals can request funding up to $2.5 million over 3 to 5 years, depending on the project's scope. Successful proposals will advance foundational knowledge in STEM education, contributing to improved practices in the field.

The Building Local Alignment and Community (BLAC) Fund is a participatory grant process powered by IBBG. The BLAC fund will regrant $1M by 2027 to reproductive health and wellbeing organizations and projects across Nebraska that support and are led by underserved populations, including but not limited to Black women, femmes, and girls.

Blac Fund General Grant

The BLAC Fund aims to support community-based organizations and projects in Nebraska that are led by, and benefit, underserved populations, including but not limited to Black women, femmes, and girls. According to the Pocket Change report released by the Ms. Foundation in 2020, philanthropic giving to women and girls of color in the U.S. averaged just $5.48 per person, amounting to only 0.5% of the total $66.9 billion given by foundations. 

The Youth Neighborhood Association Partnership Program (YNAPP) provides grants up to $2,000 for youth aged 8 to 18 in Las Vegas to design and implement service learning projects in their neighborhoods. This initiative encourages youth leadership and community involvement, allowing participants to tackle local issues through various projects, such as care packages and community cleanups. Applications are reviewed annually by the YNAPP Grant Review Board, fostering positive change in the community.

The Fugazzotto Scholarship Fund for Visual Arts Students, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing careers in visual arts. This scholarship honors Barbara Fugazzotto's legacy as an art educator, encouraging students to explore their creativity in drawing, painting, ceramics, and graphic design. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship aims to nurture future artists who contribute to the cultural landscape.

OGFA Grow the Future Scholarship

Provides a scholarships to Oklahoma students who are continuing their education in an agricultural-based career/major.

We are pleased to empower many deserving organizations and causes throughout the year in the form of:

• Donations & Sponsorships. We generously award non-profits, charities, teams, and other community based programs that share our commitment to develop our city's potential and to create richer, more fulfilling lives. We're focused on areas of youth, education, and community development.
• Volunteers. Pima Federal is lucky to have a passionate staff who enjoy sharing their talents with community organizations like the Food and Diaper Banks, Children's Museum, Beads of Courage, PACC, and many more.
• Financial Literacy. Pima Federal regularly works with schools, clubs, and organizations to provide comprehensive financial literacy education to students of all ages, and attends events to promote the benefits of handling money wisely. Please email marketing@pimafederal.org with any requests or inquires. 

It's easy to make a request for support:  

• "Like" Pima Federal's Facebook page
• Complete and submit The PimaShares Community Giving application below  
• After the application is submitted we will contact you within 30 days

Community Foundation of Wabash County

Since its creation in 1954, the Community Foundation has grown and continually adapted its priorities to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Through these changes, challenges, and opportunities to grow as both a leader and provider, the Community Foundation has remained true to its mission and commitment to Wabash County citizens.

Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.  

Wabash County Society for Crippled Children & Adults Scholarship Endowment

Though the organization no longer exists, the Wabash County Society for Crippled Children and Adults lives on in this scholarship endowment. Scholarships are awarded to students in the county who have a passion for working with intellectually and/or physically disabled children and adults and who plan to obtain a college degree that supports a career in this field.

The Geri Coccodrilli Culinary Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing careers in culinary arts. Funded through charitable efforts by local community leaders, this scholarship considers financial need and requires applicants to submit transcripts and additional documents. It simplifies the application process by allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships at once, ensuring a fair and thorough selection process.