Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program supports Pennsylvania's public school districts and area career and technical schools by funding facility improvement projects. Grants range from $500,000 to $5 million, covering essential upgrades such as roof repairs, HVAC systems, plumbing, and energy-saving initiatives. This program aims to create safer, more accessible learning environments, enhancing educational opportunities for all students in the Commonwealth.

The Rossin Foundation, established in 1989 by Peter C. and Ada E. Rossin, is dedicated to supporting qualified nonprofit organizations in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The foundation focuses on five key areas: arts, culture, healthcare, education, and religion. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and are reviewed semi-annually, although applications are accepted year-round. The foundation’s mission is to give back to the community and empower children and families.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Madeline A. Naegle Scholarship for Mental Health Nursing

In 2018, Madeline A. Naegle, PhD, CNS-PMH, RN, BC, FAAN, a national and international nursing leader in mental health/substance abuse education, research, and practice together with NEF created this scholarship with a preference to graduate nurses specializing in mental health nursing.

Wyoming County Community Health

The Community Health Foundation identifies, selects and invests in programs and organizations that will improve the health and wellness of people in Wyoming County, PA and surrounding communities.

Our Guiding Principles

• Support collaborative approaches to address unmet community needs
• Promote proven health care techniques and understanding
• Encourage innovative approaches to health care and understanding
• Identify and advocate for underserved and vulnerable populations

Wyoming County Health Grants

Our grants focus on programs and organizations that will improve the health and wellness of people in Wyoming County, PA and surrounding communities.

Our vision is to be recognized as a collaborative and important funding source for programs that provide for enhanced health -- and the understanding of health and wellness -- in our communities.

The Gloria Mills Mallamas and James Vincent Mallamas Jr. Scholarship Fund, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from Mercer and Raleigh counties in West Virginia. This scholarship aids students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and financial need. The Beckley Area Foundation, established in 1985, aims to foster charitable giving to address local needs and enhance community development in southern West Virginia.

The Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of Realtors, aim to enhance education on housing affordability for REALTORS® and the community. Grants of up to $3,000 support various initiatives, including forums, speakers, and stakeholder meetings. This initiative encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing to address pressing housing issues and promote affordability in communities. Eligible associations can receive one grant annually, with reimbursement requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Harris Foundation Grant invites proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations in Oklahoma, focusing on religious, charitable, educational, benevolent, or scientific initiatives. Founded by Vernon V. Harris in 1938, the foundation aims to support public welfare and community service. Preference is given to organizations in Central Oklahoma and Enid. Applicants must submit an online application detailing their funding needs, with decisions communicated following the review of submissions.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Francine Bono-Neri Scholarship Fund

As a grateful 2019 NEF Scholar, in 2023, Francine Bono-Neri wanted other nurses to benefit from receiving a scholarship while focusing their master's or doctoral degree clinical study and research on the problem of human trafficking. As an experienced Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Bono-Neri's deep concern about the global reach of human trafficking inspired her to become the co-founder and serve as president of Nurses United Against Human Trafficking. Committed to education and clinical awareness about human trafficking for every nurse in all settings and countries, this scholarship will support the study of human trafficking as well as related clinical and research areas which include forensic nursing, sexual assault, child sexual assault/abuse, sexual exploitation, sextortion, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, adverse childhood experiences, and child maltreatment.

Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is the state agency that helps businesses large and small succeed in Tennessee. We recruit new businesses to the state, support the growth of existing businesses and market the state as a premier business destination.

In pursuit of sustainable job-creation and investment in Tennessee, TNECD works closely with public- and private-sector partners at the state, regional and local levels. 

Downtown Improvement Grant Program

Tennessee Main Street Programs and Tennessee Downtowns alumni Rounds 1-9 who are currently pursuing certified status and have an active Design Committee, are eligible for a grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) for downtown improvements. Grants of up to $300,000 will be awarded to organizations that can illustrate the need for improvements and the ability to execute an effective design plan for eligible properties in their downtown district. Improvement can include:

• Building Façade Improvements (At least 50% of the proposed total grant project must be for façade improvements)
• Downtown Gateway Improvements on publicly owned property
• Streetscape Improvements on publicly owned property
• Downtown Courtyard Improvements-on publicly owned property
• Downtown/Wayfinding Signage
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• Safety and Stability Improvements to include roofs and sprinkler systems at a percentage of total project
• Entertainment Venue Improvements to include stages (Eligibility must be approved by TNECD)

Partners for Health Foundation offers General Operating and Project Grants aimed at strengthening organizations and supporting specific initiatives that promote health equity. These grants prioritize proposals that focus on improving services based on community feedback, collaboration, and data-driven outcomes. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities serving specific communities in New Jersey. By investing in these initiatives, Partners for Health aims to create thriving communities where health equity is recognized and addressed.

Partners for Health Foundation offers Small Grants of up to $15,000 to promote health equity in communities. These grants support both general operating expenses and specific projects aimed at improving health outcomes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities serving designated communities in New Jersey. The foundation prioritizes proposals that demonstrate collaboration, data-driven results, and a commitment to addressing health inequities.

The Rebecca and Sada Tarshis Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002 by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to Jewish students pursuing higher education. This scholarship aims to support eligible recipients in achieving their academic goals while promoting a culture of philanthropy within the Jewish community in Oregon and Southwest Washington. With a focus on educational empowerment, the scholarship fosters long-term impact and community development.

About 

The National Sea Grant College Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1966 and works to create and maintain a healthy coastal environment and economy. The Sea Grant network consists of a federal/university partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and 34 programs in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium is a regional collaboration that includes 8 Sea Grant programs in 7 Northeast states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium collaborates on regional initiatives in research, education, extension, and communications—leveraging local expertise to create regional benefits and accomplishments.

American Lobster Initiative (ALI) Collaborative Research

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative is pleased to announce funding to support new collaborative research projects that closely align with emerging lobster industry and management needs. This request for proposals (RFP) adds to the substantial breadth of previous ALI-funded research by prioritizing projects that create “actionable science” (outputs and findings of the scientific process are useful to and usable by end-user communities) through the co-creation of information and/or products. 

To reach this goal, the ALI seeks to support collaborative research practices, the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources/capacities amongst the many people who comprise the American lobster industry. Projects must be developed and led by collaborative research teams that include at least one fishing industry representative, such as a commercial fisherman or a representative from a commercial fishing business, including cooperatives, dealers and processors. This call emphasizes research conducted with and for the industry, offering an exciting opportunity to support and elevate industry-research-management partnerships to address current ecological, regulatory, and socio-economic challenges faced by the American lobster fishery.

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative invites proposals for collaborative research projects to be funded from December 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028. Projects can be up to two years in duration, with a recommended duration of no less than 18 months. 

This opportunity is designed to support collaborative research conducted by those affiliated with the American lobster industry (including shoreside supply chain businesses), and any public or private higher education institution, municipal, state, federal, or tribal entity, research laboratory, or other community or non-profit institution. This opportunity is not open to single investigator proposals.

A total of $400,000 is available to support up to 8 two-year project awards. Project budgets cannot exceed $100,000 (including all direct and indirect costs), and must include non-federal cost share is required for this competition. See full RFP for guidance.

The Altrusa Club of Wenatchee Scholarship supports female graduates of Wenatchee Valley College pursuing further education. Funded by the Community Foundation of NCW, this scholarship aims to empower women through financial assistance based on need and academic merit. Eligible recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate commitment to their educational goals. This initiative reflects the club's dedication to promoting women's education and ensuring their successful transition to higher learning institutions.

The Amon G. Carter Foundation, established in 1945, is a Texas non-profit that provides grants to support various fields including arts, education, health, and community services. Focused primarily on Tarrant County, it accepts grant applications year-round, with evaluations occurring three times annually. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Notably, the foundation does not fund individuals or projects outside its primary geographic interest. This commitment enhances community quality of life through diverse programs.

The Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd. Scholarship Fund supports students from Hawaii pursuing degrees in civil engineering, nursing, or education. Established by a company with a long history in Hawaii, this fund aims to give back to the community. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.0, and be either college juniors or seniors. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet the criteria and are in good standing.

The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program aims to expand opportunities in the construction industry for underrepresented populations, including women, veterans, and people of color. Administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, this program focuses on areas lacking pre-apprenticeship initiatives and encourages participation from historically underserved communities. With funding ranging from $150,000 to $550,000 and an anticipated 35 awards, it plays a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the building trades.

The Flood Communications of Beatrice Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers two $500 scholarships to senior student athletes from Beatrice High School. This initiative aims to support students pursuing higher education, recognizing their academic efforts and community service. Recipients are selected based on their sportsmanship and commitment to their education. The scholarships will be awarded during the Beatrice Orange and Black Banquet, with the goal of fostering educational growth in the local community.

The South Dakota Jobs Grant program provides financial assistance to companies for the upfront costs of relocating, expanding operations, or upgrading equipment within the state. Eligible applicants include businesses with project costs under $20 million for new facilities and $2 million for equipment upgrades. The program aims to support projects that demonstrate a clear necessity for the grant, ensuring economic growth and development in South Dakota.

The Linda S. Culver Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, offers financial support to graduating high school seniors and current college students who are registered Girl Scouts in Central Illinois. Eligible applicants must be direct descendants of U.S. Service Members and reside in designated counties. This scholarship honors Linda S. Culver's legacy by empowering young women to pursue higher education.

The Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program is a prestigious 10-week research initiative for U.S. undergraduates aspiring to advance their education in the sciences and engineering. Participants engage in cutting-edge biotechnology research under expert faculty mentorship, attend professional development workshops, and participate in the Amgen Scholars North American Symposium. Scholars receive stipends, housing, and dining support, and enhance their academic experience through rigorous training and collaborative activities, all while fostering a commitment to research integrity and professional growth.

The Ian Doane Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Ian Doane Smith, a passionate athlete and youth coach from Maui. Established by his family after his passing in 2004, the fund supports students in Hawaii who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. Preference is given to those involved in soccer, surfing, or paddling, and to renewal applicants maintaining a GPA of at least 2.7. This scholarship embodies Ian's love for sports and his community.

The Gage County Agricultural Society Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have participated in Gage County Agriculture Society events. The foundation, established in 1987, supports educational opportunities and does not consider economic need in its selection process. Applications are available through local resources and online.

Yellow Dog Studio Memorial Scholarship

The Yellow Dog Studios Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Mari Zimmerman-Thompson and Christopher Thompson. Mari and Chris became husband and wife in May of 2002. They lived their remaining years together as kindred spirits until July 2, 2015 when a tragic automobile accident took them from their family and friends.

Evaluation Criteria

• Special skills/interests (30)
• Career goals (20)
• Essay (15)
• Letters of recommendation (15)
• Extracurricular activities (5)
• Awards and honors (5)
• Overall involvement in work, school and community activities (5)
• Academic performance (5)

The Kelsey Nicole Cooper Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, offers scholarships to deserving students from the Martinsville Henry County community, emphasizing volunteerism. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates from local high schools, enrolled or planning to enroll in accredited colleges, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to those attending Virginia Tech or involved in the CHILL youth task force. For more information, contact the Foundation.

The Alfred M. Aseel Legacy Scholarship honors the memory of Alfred Aseel’s parents and supports non-traditional students from Tupper Lake and surrounding areas in their pursuit of higher education. With a grant maximum of $5,000 annually, this scholarship aims to empower students to reinvent their futures through accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, or certification programs in the U.S. Eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a commitment to personal growth and integrity.

The California Permitting Academy aims to enhance local government efficiency in permitting processes through targeted training and technical assistance. This initiative, led by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, will provide in-person, one-week courses for representatives from multiple local governments. Participants will gain valuable skills in streamlining permits, ensuring compliance, and implementing continuous improvement strategies. The program focuses on modernizing practices and fostering collaboration among local agencies to better support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and clean energy projects.