Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Community Foundation of Carroll County offers Strategic and General Grants aimed at fostering sustainable community improvements. Strategic Grants focus on key aspirations identified through community conversations, such as affordable housing and inclusive initiatives. General Grants support a variety of programs, including health services and education. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations benefiting Carroll County residents. The Foundation emphasizes quality applications and innovative projects that demonstrate community impact.

The Kelsey Trust, established in 1988, collaborates with the Vermont Community Foundation to provide grants focused on supporting children, families, and basic human needs in the Lake Champlain Basin. With a yearly budget of approximately $200,000, grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. Organizations serving the local community must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or represented by a fiscal sponsor. The Trust emphasizes non-discrimination and prioritizes local organizations.

The Old York Garden Club Scholarship Program supports aspiring students in plant sciences, including botany, ecology, and horticulture. The scholarship, established in memory of Marion Prince Hosmer, awards $2,700 to a full-time Maine resident who has completed one year of study in a related field. This opportunity aims to foster the next generation of environmental stewards and gardening enthusiasts, ensuring their educational journey is supported financially.

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership was formed as a community foundation to distribute Iowa’s County Endowment Fund money and support charitable giving in Warren County, Iowa.

For more than a decade, the foundation has responsibly distributed charitable dollars through grants to community nonprofit organizations. Since our inception, we have awarded more than $1 million into the community for beneficial projects.  As we move into the future, our goal is to continue grantmaking, but also to assist citizens in their charitable giving plans, work closely with city leaders and other organizations for organizational collaboration, and improve the quality of life in Warren County.

WCPP is an Affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and is governed by a Board of Directors under the direction of Warren County Economic Development Corporation, made up of passionate individuals invested in making decisions to improve Warren County.

WCPP Grants

Program Area of Focus

Applications should fall under one of these focus areas: 

• Arts/Culture/Humanities: Museums, historic preservation, exhibits, art and music
• Education: Schools (all ages) and adult learning programs
• Environment/Animals: Environmental protection, beautification, animal-related issues
• Health: General public health, rehabilitation, mental health
• Human Services: Public protection and safety, recreation, youth development (other than education), food insecurity, general human services
• Community and Economic Development: Community improvement and development, capacity-building, tourism, civil rights

Project Type

Projects should fall under one of two types:

• Capital-Based: request refers to the building of or physical improvement or a project that helps maintain or improve an asset, such as equipment, new construction, renovation or replacement.
• Program-Based: request refers to activities or general programmatic support, such as purchase of educational materials or items needed to support a program or service.

Grant Type

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership currently offers three grant options: Community Grant; Trails Grant; and High Impact Grant.

Community Grant

For Community Grants, we are looking for applications which:

• Are for small to large projects which benefit a single community, smaller percentage of the citizenship or for the entire county.
• Address a community need in a community within Warren County or for the entire county.
• Successfully shows the need and how funds will cover equipment, capital and program items necessary to support the community need.

The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation, established in 1987, has invested over $70 million in grants to enhance community life through education, arts, health, and social services. The Foundation focuses on innovative solutions to persistent challenges, supporting projects primarily in Waco, Texas, while also engaging in discretionary funding for broader initiatives. Its mission emphasizes building resilience and fostering civic participation, ensuring that programs enrich lives, particularly for underserved populations.

The Horace A. Moses Charitable Trust, established in 1923, focuses on enhancing educational, health care, and human services for underserved populations in Massachusetts. The Trust supports diverse programs including academic enrichment for all ages, health initiatives, and community assistance. They prioritize requests that align closely with their mission, particularly in Springfield, MA. Grants are typically one year in duration, with multi-year support available occasionally. Organizations are encouraged to seek general operating support to strengthen their capacity.

The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, and educational organizations focused on improving the lives of underprivileged individuals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, often requiring a challenge or match. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS codes and located within specific Florida counties. However, requests from primarily government-funded institutions or for certain excluded purposes, such as individual scholarships or operating expenses, are generally denied.

The Regional Investment Initiative's Implementation Phase aims to support California's disadvantaged communities by funding economic development projects that align with regional Jobs First Strategies. With up to $125 million in available grants, the initiative focuses on creating good-paying jobs, fostering equitable economic growth, and investing in workforce development. This approach seeks to transition California to a clean energy economy while ensuring prosperity for all through targeted investments in job training, business development, and innovative practices.

The Campbell Endowment offers various fall grant opportunities aimed at supporting programs that enhance self-sufficiency in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Established in 1996, this fund focuses on key areas including food, health care, housing, and childcare. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits, educational institutions, and governmental entities. Preference is given to initiatives that create a transformative impact on community needs.

Ent Credit Union

Ent’s mission is to improve our members’ financial quality of life. We make the communities we serve more vibrant and believe it is part of our responsibility to make a lasting, positive impact through our work as a financial cooperative and as a philanthropic partner. We foster mutually supportive relationships with, and strive to amplify the message of, the charitable organizations we support. 

Community Advocacy

By definition, a “community advocate” has a vested interest in the development of a neighborhood or community. At Ent, we believe that being an advocate for the numerous neighborhoods and communities we serve across the Front Range is crucial for our communities to thrive. 

Helping our communities across Colorado

For decades, Ent has contributed millions of dollars to support communities across Colorado as a part of our mission to improve our members’ financial quality of life. As a “community advocate” we have a vested interest in supporting the communities where our owner-members live, work and play.

We are partnering with the Pikes Peak Community Foundation to help us raise awareness of the funding available to organizations through Ent, identify volunteer opportunities for Ent employees and to maximize the impact of our financial contributions.

Ent provides funding to various nonprofits along the Front Range that fall into any of the following impact categories:

• Youth: Primary program impact focuses on children under the age of 18 with emphasis on impact in housing, food, behavioral and/or mental health.
• Education: Primary program impact supports classroom learning at all levels, with an emphasis on organizations that design and manage these educational initiatives. For higher education, the focus is primarily on providing scholarships to students attending Colorado-based universities and community colleges.
• Community: Primary program impact addresses major community issues with a focus on community enrichment, food banks, homelessness, and/or poverty.
• Legacy: Primary program impact does not fit into any categories above but may continue to receive support based on Ent’s Colorado Springs heritage.

Applicants who have received Community Advocacy and/or YES Grants funding within the same calendar year may still qualify for an additional grant. However, if funding is limited, priority will be given to new applicants. Applicants may reapply if their initial application is denied.

The Moses D. Nunnally, Jr. Charitable Trust B Grant supports charitable activities in the Greater Richmond, Virginia area, established in 1984 by Moses D. Nunnally, Jr. It focuses on arts, education, health, human services, and religion, primarily aiding local organizations. Grants range from $5,000 to $75,000, with priority given to healthcare and educational initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round but must meet specific eligibility criteria, including 501(c)(3) status.

The Santa Barbara Foundation's Conservation, Environment, and Public Trails Grant Program aims to support vital conservation and environmental projects within Santa Barbara County. With a maximum award of $25,000, the program prioritizes initiatives that enhance ecological sustainability, habitat restoration, and public trail access. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a clear strategy and capacity for project management. This initiative fosters community engagement and contributes to the preservation of the region's rich natural resources.

The Memorial Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting nonprofit organizations in areas such as health care, social services, and education. With a focus on data-driven, trauma-informed initiatives, the Foundation funds projects that address critical needs and promote lasting impact. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate community support. Grants are not available for individuals or certain specific projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for community enhancement.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Vitalyst Health Foundation offers Spark Grants to support Arizona-based organizations in their efforts to improve community health. These planning grants allow collaborative partners to explore solutions for systemic change rather than funding predetermined projects. Organizations must demonstrate a clearly identified community problem and engage in meaningful partnerships. Award amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing health disparities across Arizona.

The Dunn Foundation Grant supports initiatives focused on social justice, population stability, and environmental issues in West Virginia. Preference is given to non-profit organizations engaged in coalition building, climate change, sustainable forestry, and alternative energy. The foundation encourages innovative funding methods, including real estate acquisition and donations, to achieve its goals. Applicants must be public charities with a 501(c)(3) determination letter, ensuring their projects lead to meaningful societal and environmental improvements.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Christine and Katharina Pauly Charitable Trust Grant supports educational, health, and human services for underserved populations in Springfield, Missouri. Established in 1985, it prioritizes programs benefiting children and older adults, focusing on systemic school improvement, effective healthcare delivery, and strengthening community safety nets. Grants typically last one year, with special consideration for organizations with operating budgets under $1 million. This trust aims to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the region.

The Twin County Community Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Carroll and Grayson Counties and Galax by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. The foundation focuses on initiatives that improve health, education, and general welfare. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, the foundation strives to create meaningful and measurable impacts that uplift the region's residents and enhance their overall well-being.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

About Us

Georgia’s Own Foundation, Inc. is the charitable arm of Georgia’s Own Credit Union and was founded in 2016 as a way to deepen and amplify the outreach efforts of the organization.

Mission

Since 1934, Georgia’s Own Credit Union has been committed to the “people helping people” philosophy. We not only strive to serve our members’ financial needs, but to give back to our communities and empower local youth through financial assistance and volunteer opportunities. Our goal is to improve what matters by helping people get ahead, get involved, and own their future.

Georgia's Own Grant

At least 85% of the Foundation’s grants must fall within our mission of empowering local youth. Past grantees have used their funds to promote children’s wellbeing through financial literacy, sports-based youth development, access to healthcare, food, and housing, education, the arts, and more.

Each year a small amount may be allocated outside these areas, which enables us to respond to unplanned opportunities and meet unknown needs.

Grant Size

Georgia’s Own Foundation is proud to partner with non-profits in our community through an annual grant program. The total amount awarded will be determined by the previous year’s fundraising efforts, and individual grants may vary in size—up to, but not to exceed $10,000. Larger grants will be made possible through special fundraising events such as our annual Golf Challenge.

What We Support

The Georgia’s Own Foundation funds proven programs OR new/expanding initiatives run by qualified nonprofits that empower local youth in the following categories:

• Literacy
• Financial Literacy
• Food Insecurity
• Sports-Based Youth Development
• Children’s Healthcare
• Career Readiness/Workforce Development
• Mentorship
• Arts Education
• Mental Health
• Disability Services

The AllOne Foundation Grant seeks to fund programs in five key impact areas: Behavioral Health, Women & Children, Autism, Opioid Solutions, and Food Security. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, serve specific counties in Pennsylvania, and employ at least one paid staff member. The foundation aims to enhance healthcare delivery and address critical issues in the region, fostering innovative solutions to improve community well-being.

The Kenneth King Foundation's Removing Barriers to Employment Grant aims to enhance job creation and entrepreneurship in Colorado. With a focus on individuals facing economic challenges, this grant supports programs providing essential services like financial assistance and job training. Organizations must demonstrate a proven track record in fostering job placements with livable wages. Average grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, promoting sustainable growth and self-sufficiency within the community.

The Long Foundation Grant aims to support Texas Hispanic youths by addressing the high school dropout rate and enhancing their economic and social potential. Through annual grants to nonprofits and educational institutions, the foundation seeks programs that promote caring adult relationships, safe spaces, health, and marketable skills. With a focus on the Austin Metropolitan area, at least 75% of beneficiaries must be Hispanic, ensuring inclusivity while prioritizing this demographic's needs.

Maine Community Foundation

Founded in 1983, the Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. We offer a range of giving options tailored to fit each donor’s financial means and charitable objectives. Our staff provides personalized service, community leadership, and a deep understanding of local issues.

River Rock Shared Future Fund

Purpose

The River Rock Shared Future Fund’s long-term goal is achieving greater racial equity by increasing economic opportunities, education levels and health and wellness in communities of color in Maine.

Types of Funding

Two-year general support grants for flexible funding of any type such as new/expanding/ongoing programs and operational needs including capital expenses. Your organization’s primary work must meet the River Rock Shared Future Fund criteria listed below.

Multi-year grantees will be selected every two years.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.