Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Saint Luke's Foundation offers grants over $25,000 to organizations promoting health equity in Cuyahoga County. Through a rigorous review process, funded projects must align with the foundation's mission to address social determinants of health, particularly in targeted neighborhoods. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental agencies. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster long-term collaborations and innovative solutions aimed at reducing health disparities, ensuring community engagement and strategic alignment in its funding decisions.

The Lenny Zakim Fund Grant aims to empower grassroots organizations throughout eastern Massachusetts by providing unrestricted funding up to $20,000 to those with annual budgets under $350,000. The Fund prioritizes historically marginalized communities and supports initiatives focused on social, economic, and racial justice. With core values rooted in love, diversity, and grassroots leadership, the Fund seeks to foster relationships and create lasting change in the community. This commitment to equity and inclusion is essential for building a more just society.

The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Grant Making program provides funding between $2,000 and $25,000 to support initiatives that enhance community vitality in Northern New England. The foundation prioritizes projects that leverage additional resources, produce measurable results, and foster collaboration between public and private sectors. Quarterly and bi-annual reviews ensure timely consideration of applications. With a commitment to improving workforce and economic development, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact in education, health, and civic services.

The John Jordan Foundation Grant is dedicated to enhancing the lives of vulnerable communities through targeted initiatives. With a broad focus on youth empowerment, educational readiness, health, and animal welfare, this grant aims to create lasting positive impacts. Organizations aligned with the Foundation's mission are encouraged to apply for funding to support their vital work. The Foundation prioritizes community needs, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to those who need them the most.

The June G. Outhwaite Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Santa Barbara County, focusing on areas such as medical care, assistance for the disabled, and wildlife preservation. Established by June Outhwaite, the foundation prioritizes projects benefiting Southern Santa Barbara County. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations. The trust aims to strengthen the community by funding diverse initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The Acadia Science Fellowship aims to protect Acadia's environmental and cultural heritage through innovative research and public engagement. This fellowship supports early-career scientists and encourages projects relevant to resource management and long-term stewardship of Acadia National Park. With funding of up to $30,000 for one to three years, the initiative seeks to strengthen public understanding of science's importance for parks and society, fostering curiosity and concern for national parks.

The CPW Director's Innovation Fund, established by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), supports innovative projects that enhance the missions of both organizations. This fund is exclusively for creative initiatives that typically lack funding from GOCO or other sources. All CPW staff can apply for funding, which requires final endorsement from the CPW Director before submission to the GOCO board for approval.

The Community West Foundation provides essential grants to nonprofit organizations in Cleveland, Western Cuyahoga, and Lorain Counties. Their mission centers on advancing community health and well-being, supporting agencies that address homelessness, food insecurity, and health services. They encourage applications aligned with their quarterly focus areas, ensuring that funds enhance dignity and support for vulnerable populations. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities and demonstrate alignment with the foundation's values.

The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester offers general grants under $1000 to support nonprofit organizations in the Greater Rochester area. These grants aim to enhance quality of life by funding diverse projects in social services, education, health, arts, and more. The Foundation's 35 years of experience in philanthropy ensures a thorough assessment of community needs, allowing it to effectively link donors with impactful causes, ultimately fostering sustainable improvements in the community.

The Pentair Foundation, a corporate philanthropy initiative, focuses on creating sustainable communities through water solutions and STEM education. With over $80 million in contributions since 1998, the foundation emphasizes ecological resilience, water quality improvement, and youth engagement in science and technology. They prioritize grantmaking in specific U.S. states and international regions, fostering vibrant communities and encouraging employee volunteerism. Initiatives are invitation-only, ensuring a targeted approach to impactful philanthropy.

Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund 2026 RFA

About the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF)

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is a partnership among Restore America’s Estuaries, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Partnership. The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities for addressing environmental issues and to improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Technical assistance will be provided through LISCIF and is available to communities/organizations even if one does not submit a proposal for funding.  

This is the third round of LISCIF funding. Up to $1,200,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut. Project proposals must incorporate Actions of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).  

For LISCIF, the geographic region refers to the Long Island Sound watershed area within New York and Connecticut.

Funding Priorities

LISCIF’s funding priorities are aligned with the CCMP themes and Actions. For 2026, LISCIF’s main funding themes are:

• Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds  
• Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife  
• Sustainable and Resilient Communities   
• Informed and Engaged Public  

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund aims to build capacity for organizations located in communities affected by environmental and human health risks. The Fund seeks to provide technical assistance for communities and support proposals which ultimately improve access to the Long Island Sound, while reducing overall environmental health risks. Eligible projects and activities will be community-driven and address one of the funding priorities below:   

Funding is available for:   

• Projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention or reduction.   
• Restoring habitat within the Important Coastal Habitat Types targeted by LIS Partnership.  
• Projects that foster a diverse balance and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife.    
• Public engagement, knowledge, and stewardship.  
• Projects that enhance community resilience and sustainability.   
• Planning and design that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects, eligible habitat restoration projects and resilience projects.   
• Community-based science projects.  
• Data management and integration projects.   
• Other similar activities that the applicant proposes, and EPA approves, that are consistent with Section 119 of the Clean Water Act.

The HDR Foundation: Canada Grant Cycle offers support to qualified organizations in education, health, and environmental stewardship. Founded in 2012, this employee-driven foundation has contributed over $6 million to more than 250 organizations. Grants prioritize projects with direct community impact and employee involvement. Eligible applicants include registered charities and municipalities. However, funding is not available for individual scholarships or operational support. The establishment of the HDR Canada Fund in 2020 enhances philanthropic outreach across Canada.

About Project Canopy

Project Canopy is Maine's urban and community forestry program. Our Mission: Create and maintain healthy urban and community forests for or economic, ecological, and quality of life benefits for Mainers.

Project Canopy works to keep Maine's communities green and liveable by working with municipalities and non-profits to help manage public tree resources. Through our grant program and technical assistance, we promote planting and maintaining of trees in Maine communities. Whether we support planting street trees downtown or a management plan development for town forests, Project Canopy works to help Maine communities stay leafy and green.

Grant Applications

Project Canopy encourages communities to develop project proposals that support sustainable community forestry management, increase awareness of the benefits of trees and forests, and increase the health and livability of communities through sound tree planting and maintenance. Project Canopy announces the availability of grants to local municipal units of government, educational institutions and non-profit organizations that support community efforts to develop and maintain long-term community forestry programs.

Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry

$200,000

Projects support range of activities including urban and community tree canopy establishment and protection, urban wood utilization, urban food forests, local capacity building through workforce development, climate resiliency through tree planting, community tree nursery establishment, and building understanding to care for and manage community trees.

The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester offers grants over $1000 to support nonprofit organizations in the Greater Rochester area. With over 35 years of experience, the Foundation funds various initiatives including social services, health, education, and the arts. It aims to connect donors with meaningful causes and enhance community quality of life. Grant applications are open to tax-exempt organizations, while political campaigns are excluded from funding consideration.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation offers CRCF General Grants aimed at enhancing community welfare through flexible funding for emerging needs and one-time costs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving Southern Chautauqua County, with a focus on mission alignment and broad impact. This bi-monthly grant process facilitates support for program enhancements, capital improvements, and technology upgrades, ensuring that community needs are met effectively.

The Keepers Preservation Education Award Scholarship, offered by the Maine Community Foundation, supports aspiring and established preservation professionals in the U.S. This program provides financial assistance for tuition, travel, and resources related to historic preservation studies. Eligible candidates include students and professionals in fields like architecture, history, and law. Note that applications will not be accepted in 2025, but interested individuals should check back in 2026 for updates.

The Trull Foundation offers local sponsorship grants to organizations seeking funding for events under $1,500, prioritizing children in rural areas, those affected by substance abuse, and projects in the coastal Texas environment. Interested applicants should submit requests at least one month prior to their events. The foundation values cooperation with other organizations and may provide guidance on project assistance, ensuring resources are effectively utilized for community benefit.

ServeNebraska 

ServeNebraska is the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission. We coordinate community involvement by fellow Nebraskans to address the needs of our communities, and support community members in their volunteer efforts. ServeNebraska coordinates AmeriCorps programming, celebrates volunteer achievements through annual awards, and provides training and technical assistance for AmeriCorps programming.

Mission

Mobilizing Nebraskans to strengthen their communities through volunteering, collaboration, and national service programs.

Our Values

Underlying organizational values define the attitude of ServeNebraska in implementing its mission and serving our state.  Our core values in guiding us include:

• Communication - Build and maintain relationships.
• Integrity - Do the right thing, practice good stewardship and model and require compliance.
• Inclusion - Reach out, invite and collaborate across the state.
• Excellence - Embrace high standards, appropriate action and results.

AmeriCorps Competitive Grant

The AmeriCorps Notice of Funding seeks to award AmeriCorps grants to eligible community organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities (e.g., based on the proposed program’s performance and evaluation data or research demonstrating the effectiveness of similar intervention) to address state and local community problems.

Impact100 Philadelphia provides impactful grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area. With a focus on addressing unmet needs, the program encourages applications from diverse organizations that demonstrate financial stability and community impact. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities serving specific Pennsylvania counties, with at least three years of financial statements. The program prioritizes initiatives in arts, education, environment, family, and health sectors, enabling organizations to strengthen their core missions.

The Land, Health, Community Grant Program, formerly known as Aspiramos Juntos, focuses on fostering holistically healthy communities in the Chicago region. Funded by the Lumpkin Family Foundation, this grant supports projects that promote physical activity, access to healthy food, and mental wellness for youth. Priority is given to grassroots organizations with budgets under $500,000 that are deeply connected to their communities. Special funding opportunities include grants for community gardens and inspiring collaborative projects up to $10,000.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless offers the Community Impact Grant aimed at supporting organizations that assist individuals and families facing food and housing insecurity in Minnesota. The grant focuses on providing necessary tools and infrastructure to crisis service providers, particularly those helping the homeless. Agencies with 501(c)3 status located in Minnesota are eligible to apply, ensuring that resources are effectively directed to those in immediate need.

SSUS State Opioid Grant shall be used to fund direct services for Core Harm Reduction, Harm Reduction Health, Overdose Prevention & Response Innovation, and planning activities for Capital Improvements to clients with behaviors that make them vulnerable to HIV/STD transmission as a result of injection drug use and support harm reduction and overdose prevention services at syringe access locations, harm reduction centers and county health departments.  This opportunity is limited to entities who were funded under DHSTS Opioid 2026 & DHSTS Opioid Expansion 2026. 

The New Hampshire Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant provides federal funding for academic enrichment and support services for students in high poverty schools. It aims to enhance student learning through tutoring, mentoring, and a range of extracurricular activities. Families also benefit from educational development opportunities. This initiative is part of the broader effort to meet educational standards and improve outcomes for youth in the state.

The IA AmeriCorps Formula Grant, offered by Volunteer Iowa, aims to enhance community service and volunteering in underserved areas. This grant prioritizes projects that serve communities facing poverty, improve youth mental health access, support veterans, and promote environmental stewardship. Organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in these critical areas can receive funding to foster civic engagement and build resilient communities, ultimately contributing to national service efforts across the state.

The IDEA+ Research Scholarship, offered by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, supports master's and Ph.D. students conducting research that enhances diversity in large lake science and management. Each year, up to two scholarships of $3,000 are awarded, alongside free conference registration and IAGLR membership. Eligibility includes not having received the award previously and not being a current board member or family of a board member. Preference is given to applicants from historically marginalized communities.