Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The ID AmeriCorps Formula Grant, funded by Serve Idaho, aims to support organizations targeting communities facing concentrated poverty, rural and tribal areas, and historically underserved individuals. This grant prioritizes initiatives focused on youth mental health, veteran support, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. It encourages programs that enhance the quality of life for veterans and military families, while promoting resilience in underserved communities through sustainable practices.

The Career Development Bridge Funding Award: K Supplement, offered by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, supports junior investigators transitioning to independent research. Awarded up to $50,000 annually for a maximum of two years, it supplements NIH K series or VA CDA awards. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and be in the second, third, or fourth year of their existing award. This funding is crucial for developing new projects that contribute to the field of rheumatology.

The California Sea Grant State Fellowship Program offers graduate students a unique chance to engage in coastal and marine resource management in California. Modeled after the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, it provides hands-on experience by matching fellows with agencies and organizations focused on marine policy. Since 1987, this program has successfully placed 350 graduates, enhancing their career prospects in marine and coastal management. Hosts benefit from the skills of motivated fellows while contributing to their professional development.

The Unifour Foundation Endowment Fund, established in 1998, supports qualified charitable organizations in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. With over $3 million awarded since 1991, grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The fund prioritizes projects addressing early childhood education, mental health, and community needs like housing and food insecurity. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and local government units, with applications open to those serving the designated areas.

The Libra Foundation Grant, established by Elizabeth Noyce in 1989, focuses on supporting charitable organizations in Maine. As of June 20, 2025, the foundation will pause new applications for one year while reassessing its funding priorities. It aims to provide small grants to diverse causes in areas such as arts, education, health, and more, thus empowering communities and enhancing the quality of life for all Maine citizens.

Housing Opportunities for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Funding Opportunity Description:

This funding opportunity is to support rental assistance and housing-related supportive services for eligible District and Maryland residents living with HIV through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program.

Overview

The mission of DC Health is to promote and protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents, visitors, and those doing business in the District of Columbia. The agency is responsible for identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases, injuries, and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations; and optimizing equitable access to community resources.

The mission of HAHSTA is to protect and improve the health of District residents by preventing, diagnosing, treating, and reducing the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis, while ensuring access to high-quality, coordinated, and culturally responsive care and support services for individuals and communities most impacted by these conditions.

The mission of the Capacity Building, Housing and Community Partnership Division (CBHCP) is to strengthen the HIV service delivery system by expanding access to stable housing, enhancing organizational and workforce capacity, and fostering strategic community partnerships that improve health outcomes, promote service coordination, and address structural barriers impacting people living with HIV in the District of Columbia.

The mission of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program is to provide stable, affordable housing and housing-related supportive services for low-income individuals living with HIV and their households, recognizing housing stability as essential to improved health outcomes, sustained engagement in care, and overall well-being.

Purpose

The purpose of this funding is to support the delivery of HOPWA-funded housing assistance and housing-related supportive services for eligible District and Maryland residents living with HIV and their households. Funding is intended to prevent homelessness, reduce housing instability, and promote long-term housing stability through time-limited and facility-based housing interventions, coordinated supportive services, and intensive case management.

Funds awarded under this opportunity will be used to implement HOPWA-allowable activities that support housing stability, improve continuity of care, and advance health outcomes, in alignment with federal HOPWA requirements and DC Health program priorities.

DSHA administers the funds to these governmental entities, which in turn use the money to help repair substandard housing and make infrastructure improvements in needy areas of each county. Municipalities can request sewer and water system improvements, street repairs, street lights and other infrastructure improvements that support low- and moderate-income housing development.

Texas Department of Agriculture

The Texas Legislature established the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) in 1907. The agency's key objectives are to promote production agriculture, consumer protection, economic development and healthy living. The agriculture commissioner oversees the agency and is elected every four years. The current commissioner, Sid Miller, was first elected in 2014 and began his third term serving Texas agriculture in January 2023.

TDA is a diversified state agency that provides value-added services through our regulatory and marketing and initiatives.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Rural Texas

The primary objective of the Community Development Block Grant program is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments, and to expand economic opportunities principally for persons of low- to moderate-income.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Rural Texas includes: Community Development Fund; Downtown Revitalization Program; Colonia Fund - Construction; Colonia Economically Distressed Areas Program; State Urgent Need (SUN) Fund.

Community Development Fund

The Community Development Fund is the largest fund category in the TxCDBG Program. This fund is available through a competition in each of the 24 state planning regions. Although most funds are used for Public Facilities (water/wastewater infrastructure, street and drainage improvements and housing activities), there are numerous other activities for which these funds may be used.

Funds are allocated to each state planning region to ensure a broad geographic distribution of funds as described in the one-year action plan. Additional funds deobligated from previous awards may be made available using the same formula. Funds allocated to a region that does not have an eligible application to fund will be reallocated to other regions to maximize the number of awards granted.

About Us

The Clive Community Foundation (CCF) is a conduit for residents, businesses and other stakeholders to donate funds for the betterment of our community.

Along with providing the depth of expertise and guidance for establishing the CCF, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines provides cost-efficient access to world-class investment managers and alternative investment strategies only available to large institutional investors.

As a Foundation, we raise funds for distribution to local nonprofit organizations and special projects that enhance opportunities and community appeal for current and future residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Grant Guidelines

The Clive Community Foundation was established in 2007 by a group of citizens to improve the quality of life for Clive residents and businesses by promoting charitable giving and connecting donors with causes they value and desire to support.

Mission:

Strengthening our community through philanthropy and partnerships.

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to qualifying organizations. 

The Bernie Bahr Forestry and Natural Resources Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,000 grant to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related fields. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to graduates from specific high schools in Missouri. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to environmental and natural resource management.

The NH Clean Water State Revolving Fund offers low-cost financial assistance for projects aimed at enhancing public health and water quality. It supports local communities with funding for wastewater infrastructure and pollution control initiatives. Benefits include below-market loan rates, potential loan forgiveness, and project support throughout planning and construction phases. Annual loan pre-applications are encouraged for various water management projects, ensuring a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship in New Hampshire.

The American Cetacean Society's Puget Sound Chapter offers student travel grants for the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 25th Biennial Conference. Two grants of $750 each will be awarded to eligible students conducting research on cetaceans in Washington State. Applicants must be current ACS members, enrolled at recognized institutions, and first authors on accepted presentations. This initiative supports the conservation and study of marine mammals, fostering new research and collaboration.

The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation's LIFT program offers critical support to early career Native artists through one-year grants of $10,000. This initiative aims to nurture emerging voices and foster community engagement while promoting environmental sustainability. Selected artists will benefit from professional development training and culturally appropriate evaluations to enhance their artistic practices. By providing vital resources, LIFT empowers artists to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant Program, administered by the PG&E Corporation Foundation, offers $100,000 grants for projects in five regions focused on environmental stewardship. Applications open on May 21, 2025, targeting land, air, and water quality initiatives. Priority is given to projects benefiting disadvantaged communities. In 2024, PG&E supported nearly 1,000 grants totaling over $36 million, demonstrating a commitment to community resilience and environmental sustainability.

The Specialty Care Access Grant Program, managed by the Patterson Family Foundation, aims to enhance access to specialty medical services in rural communities of Kansas and western Missouri. Organizations eligible for funding include nonprofits, school districts, and government entities serving these areas. The program emphasizes collaboration with local leaders to ensure quality healthcare access for communities, particularly in maternal care, oncology, and mental health, while encouraging early submission of proposals for timely review.

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

The Lincoln and Therese Filene Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations in the Greater Boston area, focusing on civic education, human development, music education, and public broadcasting. Their mission aims to empower disadvantaged individuals, promote civic engagement, and enhance access to the performing arts. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 and are awarded to organizations with specific, achievable proposals. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster community growth and self-sufficiency.

The Alphawood Foundation, a private grant-making organization based in Chicago, focuses on supporting initiatives that promote equity, justice, and human rights. They award grants to non-profits in areas such as arts education, LGBTQ+ health and rights, and community empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups. Their funding emphasizes unrestricted operational support, prioritizing organizations aligned with their mission and that primarily serve the Chicago metropolitan area and Northwest Indiana.

The Skokie Community Foundation Grants promote collaboration among organizations to enhance community welfare in Skokie. Applications must involve at least two partners, including a qualified nonprofit or governmental entity. The foundation funds diverse projects addressing arts, education, health, and more. The aim is to create lasting benefits for the Skokie community, ensuring that funded initiatives support both immediate needs and long-term development.

The OUT Georgia Impact Fund, launched in 2021 by United Way of Greater Atlanta, focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that significantly impact Georgia's LGBTQIA+ community. With priorities in economic stability and small business support, the fund aims to uplift vulnerable individuals and families facing systemic barriers. By granting funds to eligible nonprofits, it fosters equity and enhances the well-being of diverse communities throughout Georgia, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The Point Source Implementation Grants support local governments in funding essential water infrastructure projects. These grants aim to comply with TMDL plans under the Clean Water Act, reduce phosphorus discharge, and meet specific nitrogen limits. Eligible applicants include cities with projects ready for construction by spring/summer 2025. Those who previously applied but did not obtain MPCA certification are encouraged to reapply. This initiative aims to enhance water quality and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

The NJ eMobility Rolling Grant Program aims to reduce transportation emissions in New Jersey, particularly benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. By promoting electric mobility solutions like rideshare and electric vehicle infrastructure, the program addresses health disparities linked to pollution. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and scalability, ensuring access to clean transportation options while improving air quality and public health. The funding prioritizes shovel-ready projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of community needs.

The CCCF Standard Grant, administered by the Clay County Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Clay County by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and local governments. With over $85,000 available, grants will focus on community betterment projects in education, health, arts, and economic development. Applications are welcomed for initiatives that foster collaboration and address pressing community needs, with funding ranging from $500 to $10,000 for new or expanding projects.

The Puffin Foundation's Environmental Artistic Activism Grant Program supports artists addressing environmental issues through diverse artistic genres such as film, music, and theater. Grants, typically around $1,750, fund projects that prioritize sustainability and innovative solutions to the climate crisis. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and current DACA recipients. The foundation emphasizes projects that avoid contributing to environmental harm while fostering artistic expression and community engagement.

The Stenzel Scholarship, established in 2023, awards $2,500 annually to individuals with cystic fibrosis enrolled in higher education programs in health or environmental sciences. This scholarship honors Isa and Ana Stenzel, who dedicated their lives to supporting others with CF. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment and can receive funding based on their enrollment status. This initiative aims to empower those affected by cystic fibrosis to pursue meaningful educational opportunities.

The Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program by the California Natural Resources Agency allocates $100 million for ancestral land return projects. This initiative aims to empower California Native American tribes by facilitating property rights acquisition and supporting multi-benefit nature-based solutions. With a focus on collaboration, the program seeks to enhance environmental stewardship, cultural restoration, and habitat connectivity while prioritizing projects that address landlessness and promote conservation efforts. The program reflects a commitment to respecting tribal sovereignty and ecological restoration.

The Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships in China Studies – Flexible support innovative research and writing for early career scholars. Designed for those with heavy teaching loads, these fellowships enable recent PhDs to produce significant scholarly work in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. Applicants can use funds for travel, childcare, and research expenses, with a focus on projects that engage both academic and public audiences, enhancing connections between scholarship and community.