Upcoming Webinar
Instrumentl Fall Launch: Your Grant Operating System Has Leveled Up.
Wed, Nov 4 @ 2PM ET

Skip to main content
Main content

Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Get professional development grants for nonprofit staff training, leadership growth, and skills-based learning.

33,000+

Available grants

$9.00B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$9.00B total
$6K median

Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.

Skip the search.

Get matched with grants that actually fit.

Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.

Find me grants

Filters

32,618 Results based on applied filters

Mendocino Agricultural Families’ Scholarship Fund (Winegrowers’ Scholarship Fund)

Community Foundation of Mendocino County Inc.
Private
Mendocino County, California
Unspecified amount
The Mendocino Agricultural Families’ Scholarship Fund, established by the Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance and the Savings Bank of Mendocino County, aims to support local students from agricultural families pursuing higher education. This scholarship recognizes the vital contributions of the agricultural workforce in Mendocino County. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be children of agricultural workers in specific industries. The fund fosters educational advancement for deserving students.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

SEED Grants

Robins Foundation
Private
Chesterfield County, Virginia, Henrico County, Virginia +1 more
Up to US $25,000
The SEED Grants, provided by the Robins Foundation, aim to enhance early childhood care and education (ECCE) for children aged prenatal to five. With flexible funding of up to $25,000, these grants support small nonprofit providers in Richmond City and surrounding areas to address urgent needs. Eligible organizations can use the funds for playground equipment, teacher development, and updated teaching materials. This initiative strengthens families and fosters long-term community impact through quality early learning experiences.
Early Childhood Development Teacher Development & Training

Nash Bartolomie Industrial Arts Scholarship

Community Foundation of Mendocino County Inc.
Private
Mendocino County, California
Unspecified amount
The Nash Bartolomie Industrial Arts Scholarship, established by friends and family, supports students pursuing careers in industrial arts. Offered by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, this scholarship aims to assist local students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher who demonstrate passion and creativity in fields like carpentry, electronics, and welding. Financial need is considered, and applicants must submit a picture of their industrial art work. This initiative fosters educational and professional development in the community.
Academic Scholarship Programs Vocational & Trade Education

Penserra/Madrigal Family Scholarship

Community Foundation of Mendocino County Inc.
Private
Mendocino County, California
Unspecified amount
The Penserra/Madrigal Family Scholarship, established by Jorge Madrigal and Penserra Financial Ventures LLC, aims to honor la familia Madrigal by encouraging entrepreneurism. It provides financial support to seniors who are first, second, or third-generation immigrants in Mendocino County. The scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating ambition through sports, community involvement, or employment, with a GPA requirement of 3.0 or higher, ensuring accessibility for those in need as they pursue higher education.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Sandy Westman Mayfield Vocational Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Mendocino County Inc.
Private
Lake County, California, Mendocino County, California
Unspecified amount
The Sandy Westman Mayfield Vocational Scholarship Fund, established by Sandra and John Mayfield, Jr., supports high school and reentry students pursuing vocational careers, particularly in cosmetology. Managed by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, this scholarship provides vital opportunities for local students in Mendocino and Lake Counties, emphasizing the importance of vocational training and career readiness in the community.
Academic Scholarship Programs Vocational & Trade Education

Skye Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Mendocino County Inc.
Private
Mendocino County, California
Unspecified amount
The Skye Scholarship Fund, established by Valerie and Nick Brownrigg, supports Mendocino County high school graduates who have overcome adversity to pursue higher education. This scholarship aims to empower altruistic students with a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5, demonstrating financial need and a commitment to community involvement. Since 2016, it has been instrumental in helping local youth achieve their educational goals and make a positive impact in the world.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Fred and Susan Breidenbach Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Private
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Colleton County, South Carolina +2 more
Unspecified amount
The Fred and Susan Breidenbach Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, offers financial support to graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students who are dependents of Gulfstream Aerospace employees. Established to recognize academic excellence, this scholarship program reflects the Breidenbachs' commitment to education and their appreciation for the dedication of Gulfstream employees during challenging times. Since 1995, it has provided essential assistance to those pursuing higher education, helping to alleviate tuition costs.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Gulfstream Goldie Glenn Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Private
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Colleton County, South Carolina +2 more
Unspecified amount
The Gulfstream Goldie Glenn Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors academic excellence among high school seniors who are dependents of Gulfstream employees. Established to pay tribute to Albert H. "Goldie" Glenn, a leader in the aircraft industry, this scholarship aims to alleviate tuition costs for students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Since its inception, it has supported the educational aspirations of local students, furthering their opportunities in higher education.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Ira P. Berman Gulfstream Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Private
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Colleton County, South Carolina +2 more
Unspecified amount
The Ira P. Berman Gulfstream Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports the educational goals of children and dependents of Gulfstream employees. It honors Ira P. Berman, a distinguished leader in Gulfstream Aerospace. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and full-time college students enrolled in accredited institutions. The scholarship emphasizes academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need, providing crucial assistance to those looking to reduce tuition costs without relying on student loans.
Academic Scholarship Programs Education - Higher Education

OWEB Focused Investment Partnerships Grants

Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB)
State/Local Government
Oregon
Approximately US $2,000,000

Definition

A Focused Investment Partnership is an OWEB investment that:

  • Addresses a board-identified Focused Investment Priority of significance to the state; 
  • Works towards achieving clear and measurable ecological outcomes;
  • Uses integrated, results-oriented approaches as identified through a strategic action plan; and 
  • Is implemented by a high-performing partnership.

Implementation Grants

Implementation funding supports partnerships with up to $12 million over 3 biennia (6 years). Initiatives must demonstrate clear and measurable restoration outputs and ecological outcomes that support limiting factors outlined in a federal recovery and/or state conservation plan(s).

Strategic Action Plan

Partnerships applying for FIP Implementation funding must have a strategic action plan (SAP) that addresses all components detailed in OWEB's Strategic Action Plan Guidance. A SAP defines the geographic extent, timeframe, and range of strategies and actions that will lead to the long-term goals of a partnership. The scope of an Implementation conservation initiative is determined by the partnership and constitutes the portion of the SAP that the partnership believes it can accomplish in the proposed timeframe with the proposed funding.

Environmental Conservation

Muenster, Theodore R. and Marcelene R. Scholarship

Beatrice Educational Foundation
Association/Society
Gage County, Nebraska
Unspecified amount
The Muenster, Theodore R. and Marcelene R. Scholarship is offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, which supports educational opportunities for Beatrice High School graduates. This scholarship is designated for students attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with priority given to those demonstrating financial need and being the first in their family to attend college. Annually, the foundation provides over $55,000 in scholarships, contributing to a $3.8 million endowment fund.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Marion Joy Morse Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Maine
Unspecified amount
The Marion Joy Morse Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to individuals pursuing education in medical fields. Eligible applicants must have been born on Mount Desert Island or attended a school there. This scholarship can be renewed at the discretion of the Advisory Committee. Since 1984, the foundation has awarded over $3 million annually through nearly 700 scholarship funds, supporting Maine residents in their educational endeavors.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

The Robert D. Hevey, Jr. and Constance M. Filling Fellowship in Invertebrate Zoology

Smithsonian Institution (SI)
Federal Government
District of Columbia
More than US $15,000
The Robert D. Hevey, Jr. and Constance M. Filling Fellowship in Invertebrate Zoology offers short-term fellowships for graduate students researching invertebrate zoology at the National Museum of Natural History. This ten-week program, which includes a stipend of $10,000 and a research allowance of $5,000, prioritizes applicants who have not previously conducted research at NMNH. Fluency in English and full-time residency at NMNH are required for eligibility.
Invertebrate Zoology Invertebrate Conservation

Environmental & Engineering Geology Division (EEGD): Roy J. Shlemon Scholarship Award

Geological Society of America (GSA)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Roy J. Shlemon Scholarship Award, offered by the Geological Society of America, supports graduate students pursuing research in environmental and engineering geology. Award amounts vary annually, with at least one scholarship for Master's and one for Doctoral research. The program encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, and requires evaluations from two faculty members. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, emphasizing the competitive nature of the funding.
Engineering Geology

Wayne Shirley Research Fellowship

Society For American Music
Private
District of Columbia
Up to US $1,000
The Wayne Shirley Fellowship, awarded by the Society for American Music, supports short-term research residencies at the Library of Congress, focusing on the diverse musics of the Americas. This annual fellowship honors Wayne Shirley's legacy as a dedicated librarian and music specialist. With a maximum award of $1,000, it encourages scholars at all career stages to explore American music and its cultural significance.
Music

Michael Pisani Student Conference Travel Subvention

Society For American Music
Private
Pierce County, Washington
Unspecified amount
The Michael Pisani Student Travel Subvention, funded by the Society for American Music, offers financial assistance to students attending the Society's national conference. This initiative aims to support diverse students, particularly those presenting papers or attending for the first time. By alleviating travel costs, the subvention promotes greater participation in academic discourse and encourages the next generation of music scholars to engage with American musical traditions.
Music

Social Impact Theatre Grant Program

Sheri And Les Biller Family Foundation
Private
Alaska, Arizona +4 more
US $10,000 - US $25,000
The Social Impact Theatre Grant Program supports innovative theatrical productions that address pressing social issues, fostering dialogue and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers production-specific and change capital grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in select states. Grantees are encouraged to explore new models, deepen community connections, and support emerging leaders in theatre. Applications for the next cycle will open in Spring 2025, following the completion of the current funding round.
Theater

Harry E. and Eda L. Montandon Charitable Trust Grant

Harry E And Eda L Montandon Charitable Tr
Private
Texas
US $10,000 - US $125,000
The Harry E. and Eda L. Montandon Charitable Trust Grant provides financial support to Texas-based organizations serving handicapped, disabled, or disadvantaged individuals, including children. Grants range from $10,000 to $125,000, averaging $25,000. Priority is given to requests for capital needs and program support, with a duration of one year. Organizations may submit only one application per calendar year, while requests for endowment funds are not accepted.
Disability Care & Services Child Welfare Services

Weldon and Ruth Gibbs Scholarship

Community Foundation of West Texas
Private
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Weldon and Ruth Gibbs Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, supports students from Texas Tech University's College of Arts & Sciences. It emphasizes financial need and community involvement rather than academic excellence. The scholarship honors the Gibbs family's values of service and perseverance, fostering qualities that help students overcome challenges. Each year, over 100 scholarships are awarded, creating a lasting impact on recipients and strengthening the future of the South Plains community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Theodore R. Phea Sr. Tuition Scholarship

Community Foundation of West Texas
Private
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Theodore R. Phea Sr. Tuition Scholarship, established by Mr. and Mrs. Ray Diekemper, honors the legacy of Theodore R. Phea Sr., a respected civic and religious leader in Lubbock. Managed by the Community Foundation of West Texas, this scholarship aims to support students at Texas College in Tyler, emphasizing financial need, personal integrity, and scholastic potential. It reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering local youth through educational opportunities.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Texas Boys Ranch Scholarship

Community Foundation of West Texas
Private
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Texas Boys Ranch Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of West Texas, is designed to support young men who have attended the Texas Boys’ Ranch or the Children's Home of Lubbock and aspire to pursue higher education. Established in 1981, this scholarship aims to empower students by providing them with essential financial assistance, fostering a brighter future for individuals in the South Plains area.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Sarah Eiland Noret Scholarship

Community Foundation of West Texas
Private
Dawson County, Texas, Lubbock County, Texas
Unspecified amount
The Sarah Eiland Noret Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, honors the legacy of Sarah Eiland Noret, a Texas Tech University alumna and marching band member. This scholarship is aimed at graduating high school seniors from Dawson or Lubbock County who will attend Texas Tech University and participate in the marching band. It aims to create a lasting impact on students' lives, fostering a stronger future for the South Plains community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

ROTC Scholarship

Community Foundation of West Texas
Private
Lubbock County, Texas
Unspecified amount
The ROTC Scholarship, established by an anonymous donor, supports graduating seniors from Lubbock County High Schools who are involved in their school's ROTC program. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of West Texas, aims to foster leadership and academic success among local students. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship helps shape the future of these promising individuals, ensuring they have the resources needed to pursue their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

New Directions Scholarship

Community Foundation of West Texas
Private
Lubbock County, Texas
Unspecified amount
The New Directions Scholarship, established by Mrs. Lou Diekemper, aims to support graduating seniors from Lubbock County high schools pursuing higher education. Managed by the Community Foundation of West Texas, this scholarship prioritizes students with financial needs and those who are academically motivated. Special consideration is given to young ladies who have experienced pregnancy during school. By investing in these students, the scholarship fosters a brighter future for the South Plains community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Mary E. Massingill Honey Bear Scholarship

Community Foundation of West Texas
Private
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Mary E. Massingill Honey Bear Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, honors a dedicated educator and supports graduating high school seniors from Honey Elementary with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship aims to foster a love of learning and prepare students for higher education, emphasizing the importance of skilled educators in the classroom. Annually, one deserving student will receive this award, ensuring a lasting impact on their educational journey.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Lubbock Manufacturers Scholarship

Community Foundation of West Texas
Private
Lubbock County, Texas
Unspecified amount
The Lubbock Manufacturers Scholarship, established by local manufacturers, aims to support Lubbock County seniors pursuing education in industrial technology. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also fosters the development of a skilled workforce in the region. With a minimum GPA requirement and a focus on exceptional aptitude in industrial technology, this scholarship seeks to empower students to excel in their careers and contribute positively to the community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Love Remains Scholarship

Community Foundation of West Texas
Private
Bailey County, Texas, Cochran County, Texas +13 more
Unspecified amount
The Love Remains Scholarship, founded by Shelie Bravo-Williams through the Community Foundation of West Texas, provides financial support to Texas students who have lost a parent or spouse. Established to honor family legacies, this scholarship aims to empower widowed families by enabling their children to pursue higher education. Each year, over 100 scholarships are awarded, fostering a brighter future for students in the Texas South Plains area.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Professional development grants for nonprofits provide funding to enhance staff skills, leadership training, and organizational growth. The following grants help nonprofits improve efficiency, adapt to challenges, and achieve long-term sustainability in their mission-driven work.


Search Instrumentl's Professional Development Grants Database


Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for professional development, with $3.34B in resources. Instrumentl helps organizations grow by providing grant-matching tools, deadline tracking, and funder insights to support career advancement and success.

Last updated: November 2, 2026. Next update: December 6, 2026.

Grant Insights : Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Economic Services & Development

300+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Domestic Violence

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Professional Development grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.7%
Q2
24.7%
Q3
23.5%
Q4
22.1%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $32,500.

$0 $0 Min.
$32,500 $32.5 K Median
$633,837 $633.8 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Professional development grants are available for nonprofits focused on workforce training, leadership development, skill-building, and support for their staff and volunteers. These grants are ideal for organizations looking to boost their team’s skills and impact. Funders often prioritize nonprofits that serve underrepresented communities, focus on equity in leadership, or have a clear plan for using professional development to improve their mission-driven work.

Grants in professional development typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 29.7% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.

The main goal of professional development grants is to help nonprofit teams grow, improve, and become more effective. Funders see professional development grants as an investment for nonprofit professionals to improve their skills, ultimately leading to better leadership, stronger services, and more sustainable organizations. These grants often support leadership training, technical skill development, and mentorship programs that help teams with ongoing learning opportunities.

On average, grants in professional development provide funding between $0 and $188,250,000, with typical awards falling around $32,500 (median) and $633,837 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.

Professional development grants are typically funded by private foundations, corporate sponsors, and government agencies. Organizations like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Kresge Foundation are known for funding initiatives to build organizational capacity. Some corporations also provide grants to nonprofits that align with their workforce development goals, helping to create stronger communities and more skilled nonprofit professionals.

To improve the chances of receiving private grants, nonprofits should:

  • Research funders carefully – Get to know private funders by learning about their mission, past grant recipients, and funding priorities.
  • Be clear about your goals and expected results – Outline measurable outcomes, how the funds will be used, and what you hope to achieve. Having a history of success can also make your application more convincing.
  • Show financial responsibility – Prove you have good money management and a plan for long-term financial sustainability beyond the grant.
  • Build connections – Meet with grantmakers through networking events, email introductions, or funder Q&As.

Struggling to manage multiple grants? Learn how to stay organized with our comprehensive grant tracking spreadsheet guide.

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for professional development grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

See how Instrumentl helps you discover grants, cultivate relationships, and apply for funding.