Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Allen Family Career Advancement Grant (AFCAG) offers financial support for credentialing, licensure, internships, degrees, or certificates for working residents in Essex, Elizabethtown, Lewis, Westport, or Willsboro, NY. Award amounts range from $250 to $3,000 annually, with renewal options available based on academic progress. This grant aims to enhance career opportunities and foster educational pathways, ensuring that eligible residents can pursue their professional goals effectively.

The RFP 0323 - Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program invites Soil and Water Conservation Districts to propose projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution from agriculture in New York State. Eligible projects focus on planning (AEM Tier III) or implementing (AEM Tier IV) Best Management Practices. This program supports initiatives that contribute to cleaner watersheds and sustainable agricultural practices.

STOP Violence Against Women Act (STOP) Formula Grant Program

The S.T.O.P. (Services – Training – Officers – Prosecutors) VAWA program supports communities in their efforts to develop and strengthen effective criminal justice strategies to address violent crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence, and the development and enhancement of victim services in cases involving these crimes.

The 2013 Reauthorization of VAWA specifies that states must allocate at least 25 percent of the S.T.O.P. funds to law enforcement, 25 percent to prosecution, 5 percent to courts, 30 percent to nonprofit, non-governmental victim services (10% of which must be distributed to culturally specific community-based organizations). The remaining 15 percent may be allocated at the state’s discretion within the parameters of the Act.

About MNA

The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) stands strong for nurses, patients, and quality healthcare everywhere.

We are 22,000 dedicated RNs and other healthcare professionals in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Iowa, who promote the professional, economic, and personal well-being of nurses through collective action. Our members care for patients in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.

Since 1905, MNA members have effectively influenced healthcare policy and practice; advocating for social justice and public health, as well as nursing practice and policies that enable nurses to provide the quality care patients deserve.

MNA empowers members to use their collective strength, knowledge, and experience to advance and enhance safe and professional nursing practice, nursing leadership, and community health and well-being, including access to quality healthcare for all.

MNA Foundation Scholarships & Grants

The Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation (MNAF), a non-profit corporation affiliated with the Minnesota Nurses Association, awards scholarships and grants each year to advance the nursing profession and create more opportunities for students to achieve their goals. 

MNA members, members’ dependents and grandchildren, nursing students, and veterans are eligible to apply for MNA Foundation Scholarships.  

40 & 8 Veterans Scholarships

The Michael and Carolyn Stelman Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, supports students pursuing education in Culinary Arts, Music, or Photography. With annual awards of up to $1,250, this scholarship aims to empower high school graduates from Southern Arizona with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, enabling them to achieve their educational dreams and contribute as future leaders in the community.

The Jespen, Peter W. Scholarships, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offer two $2,150 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. These scholarships support students pursuing higher education, including vocational training. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, character, and financial need, with a FAFSA Student Aid Report required for need-based consideration. The Foundation has provided substantial financial support to local students since its establishment in 1987.

The Ka'ehu Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Hawaii who demonstrate financial need. Eligible applicants include those who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and may be part Native Hawaiian, identify as LGBT, or have a history of community service and athletics. This fund not only focuses on academic achievement but also values diversity and community involvement among its recipients.

The Holy Cross Lutheran Church Matt 25 Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 award to one deserving student from Beatrice High School. Established to support education, this needs-based scholarship is applicable for various higher education institutions, including colleges and trade schools. Applications can be obtained from the Student Services Office or the foundation's website. The foundation has been active since 1987, promoting academic excellence and community involvement.

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services

At the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS), we are committed to building stronger communities and empowering Wyoming’s workforce. We uphold legal employment practices, enforce labor laws, and promote safe and healthy working conditions. But our impact goes beyond policies—we support businesses, connect people with opportunities, and serve a diverse range of individuals, including employers, employees, job seekers, individuals with disabilities, veterans, families, healthcare providers, and more.

State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF)

The SAEF 3 grant provides financial support to approved applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis. Funding is available in two distinct categories: the Sponsor Incentive or the Pre-Apprenticeship Incentive. Eligible applicants may apply for funding from one or both categories; however, each applicant is limited to a single award per category for the lifetime of the grant.

Pre-Apprenticeship Incentive

The Pre-Apprenticeship Incentive is intended to assist employers in building pathways that prepare individuals for successful entry into a RAP. Pre-apprentice programs must include the following five elements: partnership with RAP sponsors; sustainability through partnerships; meaningful training combined with hands-on experience replicating a workplace that does not displace paid employees; access to career and supportive service; and strategies that increase Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented or underserved populations facing significant barriers to employment in the Registered Apprenticeships labor force.

The Funding for Optimal Comprehensive Universal Screeners (FOCUS) grant, provided by the New Jersey Department of Education, supports Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in implementing high-quality universal literacy screeners for grades K-3. With a budget of $5.25 million, this initiative aims to enhance early literacy identification and instruction, ensuring compliance with state literacy standards. The grant fosters a data-driven approach to literacy education and promotes effective practices across New Jersey's educational landscape.

The BJA FY 2026 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Formula Grants Program aims to enhance the capacity of state, local, and tribal governments in providing residential substance use disorder treatment for incarcerated individuals. This funding opportunity supports evidence-based treatment, aids in reintegration into society, and promotes continuity of care through community-based recovery services, ultimately improving outcomes for those with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

The Parrot Charitable Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Fort Wayne area focused on children's well-being. Grants are awarded for year-round programs that provide direct services, address community needs, and have measurable outcomes. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial accountability and collaboration while ensuring their projects complement existing efforts. Ineligible expenses include general operating costs and capital campaigns. This grant aims to foster impactful initiatives that benefit underserved populations.

The Owen & Jean Pritchard Foundation, based in Pittsburgh, awards approximately $82,000 in grants annually, with a median grant size of $5,000. Focused on the physical and emotional well-being of children in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations, while avoiding funding for general operating costs and new programming.

The Fall Teacher Fellowship by the Pulitzer Center offers educators an enriching opportunity to engage with global health stories through innovative reporting. This virtual program, open to teachers in grades four–12, emphasizes critical analysis of health inequities and civic engagement. Participants will collaborate with award-winning journalists, develop lesson plans, and receive a stipend, digital badge, and professional learning units upon completion. This fellowship aims to empower educators to connect their students' learning with global issues, fostering a deeper understanding of interconnected health challenges.

The Elsie Beavers Carver and E. Lois Carver Educational Fund Grant supports K-12 educational programs in Horry and Georgetown Counties. It aims to enhance children's learning experiences in core subjects such as language arts, math, and the arts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The fund provides resources for equipment, supplies, and special projects, ensuring that no qualified individual is excluded from participation based on various factors.

The Balcueva Family Memorial Scholarship, established in 1998, honors the memory of four sons lost to congenital heart defects. This scholarship supports students pursuing environmental sciences, reflecting the family's commitment to environmental stewardship. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it aims to inspire future generations to protect our natural resources. Applicants must be Saginaw County residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA, enrolled full-time in undergraduate studies. This initiative reflects the community's values and dedication to environmental preservation.

The Thomas J. Sweeney Scholarship, established by the East Bay Community Foundation, honors labor leader Tom Sweeney. It awards $2,000 to graduating high school students accepted into college or university, and $1,000 to post-secondary students in undergraduate or graduate programs. Eligibility requires students to be members or dependents of IBEW Local 595 and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This scholarship supports educational expenses, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering academic success in the community.

The Johanna Drew Cluney Scholarship Fund, established in 2004, offers financial assistance to Hawaii residents pursuing vocational or technical education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be high school graduates attending a community college or vocational training institute in Hawaii. Preference is given to past recipients and students of Hawaiian ancestry, ensuring support for those who continue to meet eligibility requirements.

The Seeds of Strength Giving Circle empowers women in Georgetown through collective grantmaking, having awarded over $2.3 million to local nonprofits. This initiative supports projects that address critical community needs, focusing on organizations that serve underserved populations and demonstrate measurable outcomes. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, fostering collaboration and innovative approaches to enhance community services. Eligible nonprofits must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within specified Georgetown zip codes.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides essential financial support for state and local governments in the United States to acquire and develop public outdoor recreation areas. Established in 1965, the LWCF is funded primarily through revenue from offshore oil and gas leasing. This funding ensures the preservation of outdoor spaces, enhancing community access to recreational facilities such as parks, playgrounds, and sports fields, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles and environmental conservation.

The Kronkosky Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on health issues, funding organizations that provide care and support for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and cancer. The foundation also prioritizes cultivating vibrant communities and caring for vulnerable populations through various initiatives. Nonprofit agencies in Bandera, Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties are eligible to apply, enabling them to enhance their services and improve the quality of life for those in need.

The Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) in Arizona, administered by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, allocates over $1.2 million to support vital services for victims of sexual assault. This federal initiative, part of the Violence Against Women Act, aids rape crisis centers and nonprofits in providing critical direct intervention, medical support, and social services, ensuring comprehensive care and assistance for affected individuals and their families.

The English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation Grant honors Dr. Calvin English, the first medical director of the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. This private foundation primarily supports operating, programming, and multi-year capital campaigns in Northeast Indiana. The Distribution Committee convenes biannually to review proposals and allocate resources, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Goble, Eldon and Frances Agriculture/Business Scholarship offers a $500 award to graduating seniors from Gage County, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation. Established in 1987, the foundation provides financial support to enhance educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District. Candidates are evaluated based on academic goals, achievements, and community involvement. Applications are available in the Student Services Office and online at www.beatricepublicschools.org, promoting academic excellence and civic engagement.

The Earl A. and Elaine M. Fetting Scholarship supports Fox Valley high school graduates attending Marquette University’s School of Dentistry. Established through a bequest from Elaine Fetting, this scholarship aims to ease educational costs for students demonstrating financial need. With a total of $30,000 available annually, it can be awarded to one or two recipients each fall semester, ensuring that dedicated students can pursue their dental education in a nurturing environment.

The Lane Meyer Scholarship Fund, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, honors students from Wake Forest and Rolesville High Schools who exemplify excellence in academics, athletics, and community service. Applicants must be members of the Wake Forest-Rolesville High School Soccer Team and demonstrate leadership and spirit in both school and community activities. This scholarship aims to support those who embody Lane Meyer’s legacy and contribute positively to their peers and communities.

The Jim Muller Build a Better Future Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, supports recent graduates from Athens, PORTA, or Greenview high schools who aspire to pursue careers in building trades. Eligible applicants must be descendants of U.S. Service Members and reside in specific Illinois counties. This scholarship aims to empower students by providing financial assistance for their post-secondary education in various vocational programs.