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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

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32,565 Results based on applied filters

Community Foundation of Chippewa County: Northwestern Bank Mini Grant

Community Foundation of Chippewa County
Private
Chippewa County, Wisconsin
Up to US $350
The Community Foundation of Chippewa County offers the Northwestern Bank Mini Grant to support innovative educational projects for 3rd to 8th grade teachers in Chippewa County. This initiative aims to foster creativity and motivation among students through diverse learning activities. By pooling resources and encouraging multigenerational giving, the foundation seeks to enhance the educational landscape and provide lasting benefits to the community. The grants reflect a commitment to nurturing the next generation of learners.
Education Recreation Teacher Development & Training

CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program

Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Tr
Private
Connecticut, District of Columbia +2 more
Up to US $25,000
The CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.
Career / College Preparation

McElhattan Foundation: Out-of-School-Time Learning

McElhattan Foundation
Private
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The McElhattan Foundation supports out-of-school-time learning initiatives that prioritize equitable access for children, especially those in poverty. They provide funding for programs that enhance quality learning experiences and ensure operational sustainability. Organizations can apply for general operating support or project funding. The foundation is particularly interested in proposals addressing the needs of children in Allegheny County, emphasizing programs that foster growth and connection to positive adult mentors.
After School / Summer Educational Programs

Harry K. Wrench Jr. Memorial College Scholarship

Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin
Private
Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, Marathon County, Wisconsin
Unspecified amount
The Harry K. Wrench Jr. Memorial College Scholarship provides financial support to graduating high school seniors from the Manitowoc and Wausau areas who are pursuing a bachelor's degree. This scholarship honors the legacy of a prominent leader from the Wisconsin Fuel & Light Company. Over $300,000 is awarded annually to more than 200 students across north central Wisconsin, promoting academic excellence and community involvement.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Bureau County High School Senior Agricultural Scholarship

Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Foundation

The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1991 by members of the Bureau County Farm Bureau. The mission of the Farm Bureau Foundation is “To carry out charitable, scientific, literary and educational work that benefits Bureau County farm families and agriculture.”

The Foundation supports agricultural programs aimed at:

  • Scholarship
  • Education
  • Leadership
  • Research

Bureau County High School Senior Agricultural Scholarship

To provide for persons studying agriculture and agriculture-related fields including but not limited to education, vet medicine, and leadership development.

Agricultural Education

NJ Workforce Development Supportive Services for Adults and Dislocated Workers Program

New Jersey Department of State: Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD)
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Up to US $70,000
The NJ Workforce Development Supportive Services Program aims to enhance employment opportunities for adults and dislocated workers, particularly within the Latino community. This initiative focuses on job readiness, placement, and support services to foster economic self-sufficiency. By partnering with community organizations, the program seeks to equip participants with vital skills and resources, ultimately promoting long-term employment success and community engagement.
Hispanic and Latino Services

WHAS Crusade for Children Grant - Former Grant Recipients

Whas Crusade For Children Inc
Private
Clark County, Indiana, Crawford County, Indiana +25 more
Unspecified amount
The WHAS Crusade for Children Grant supports non-profit agencies, schools, and hospitals in Kentucky and southern Indiana that assist children with special needs. Since 1954, over $217 million has been awarded to improve the lives of these children. The grants focus on direct services and specific programs or equipment, excluding administrative costs and personal items. Eligible organizations must have IRS standing and county financial support before applying.
Children With Disabilities

Cohen Gordon B Great Scholarship Fund

Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $2,000
The Cohen Gordon B Great Scholarship Fund honors Judy Gordon's legacy as a dedicated social worker and educator in Duluth. This fund supports students overcoming adversity, encouraging their pursuit of two-year or four-year degrees. Eligible applicants are graduates from any Duluth high school, with a preference for ESL or non-native English speakers. The scholarship awards $2,000 for one academic year, emphasizing the importance of resilience and belief in every student's potential.
Vocational & Trade Education Academic Scholarship Programs

WHAS Crusade for Children Grant - New Applicants

Whas Crusade For Children Inc
Private
Clark County, Indiana, Crawford County, Indiana +25 more
Unspecified amount
The WHAS Crusade for Children Grant supports organizations, schools, and hospitals that assist children with special needs up to age 18 in Kentucky and southern Indiana. Grants are aimed at direct services, specific programs, and equipment that benefit these children. Applicants must be in good IRS standing, and grants cannot fund administrative costs or be awarded to individuals. Since 1954, the Crusade has distributed over $217 million to further this mission.
Children With Disabilities

SDAC Excursion Grant

South Dakota Arts Council
State/Local Government
South Dakota
Up to US $500
The SDAC Excursion Grant offers matching funds to South Dakota organizations for transportation costs related to taking K-12 students and individuals with disabilities to arts programs in other towns. Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities and educational institutions. Grants cover up to 50% of transportation costs, whether using private vehicles or alternative transport. Each excursion must involve at least eight participants and may qualify for funding even if the event is local in special circumstances.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation Art Education

NJ Youth Workforce Investment In-School and Out-of-School Grant Program

New Jersey Department of State: Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD)
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Up to US $50,000
The NJ Youth Workforce Investment Grant Program aims to provide essential workforce experience services to at-risk youth, including those in foster care, homeless youth, and English Language Learners. The program focuses on improving workplace behavior, developing personal attributes, and equipping participants with the skills necessary for employment and career advancement. By fostering public/private partnerships, the initiative seeks to enhance training and employment opportunities for the Hispanic community in New Jersey.
Hispanic and Latino Services

NJ Community Service Grant Programs

New Jersey Department of State: Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD)
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Up to US $60,000
The NJ Community Service Grant Programs, managed by the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development, aim to enhance the quality of life for New Jersey's Hispanic community. The program focuses on empowering organizations through funding in areas like community service, health, and workforce development. New applicants are advised to register early and can apply for multiple funding categories, promoting initiatives that address educational enrichment, health risks, and senior assistance.
Hispanic and Latino Services Hispanic and Latino Culture & Heritage

NJ Health and Wellness Programs

New Jersey Department of State: Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD)
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Up to US $75,000
The NJ Health and Wellness Programs aim to enhance the well-being of families in crisis through mental health services and family violence prevention. Managed by the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development, these programs focus on strengthening resilience, providing essential support, and connecting families with community resources. Applicants can seek funding from multiple categories including health and wellness initiatives, aiming to address domestic violence and mental health challenges effectively.
Hispanic and Latino Services

CHRF: Seed Grants

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
Private
Canada
Up to US $10,000
The CHRF: Seed Grants program supports organizations in British Columbia focused on caribou habitat restoration. With funding of up to $10,000, applicants can develop comprehensive proposals to address anthropogenic disturbances affecting high-value caribou habitats. This initiative aims to enhance ecological restoration efforts, ensuring the long-term sustainability of priority herds identified by the Province of BC. The CHRF emphasizes functional restoration methods to improve caribou habitats effectively.
Land / Habitat Conservation

Forensic Pathology Advanced Training Grant

College Of American Pathologists Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $5,000
The Forensic Pathology Advanced Training Grant, supported by the College of American Pathologists Foundation, aims to address the physician shortage in pathology by providing CAP Junior Members with a four-week rotation at an ACGME Accredited Forensic Fellowship Training Program. This initiative offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and training in forensic pathology, while funding up to $5,000 for eligible expenses. The program is open to all CAP Junior Members in accredited US residency programs who have completed their first year.
Medical Education & Professional Training Diseases & Conditions Forensics

Teacher Assistance Program (TAP) Grants

Richland County Foundation
Private
Richland County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Teacher Assistance Program (TAP) Grants, offered by the Richland County Foundation, support K-12 teachers in public or private schools within Richland County. These grants, up to $1,500 each, are designed to fund creative and innovative programs that are not covered by school funding. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of education by encouraging teachers to develop new classroom projects that promote attendance, literacy, mathematics, and career advising.
Education - K through 12 Academic Success & Enrichment

DTRF + Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship

Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $10,000
The DTRF + Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship, offered by the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation, provides annual need-based scholarships of up to $10,000 for Certified Descendants of Jesuit slaveholding. This initiative aims to support educational advancement at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other post-secondary institutions, while promoting racial healing and minimizing the wealth gap within the Descendant community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

North Adams School District Music Fund

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Private
Berkshire County, Massachusetts
US $200 - US $2,000
The North Adams School District Music Fund, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enrich music education for students in the North Adams Public Schools. The fund invites grant proposals from the community to support various music-related projects, enhancing student engagement and appreciation for music. Grants typically range from $200 to $2,000, fostering opportunities for instrument purchases, music lessons, and performance experiences, while ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination across all initiatives.
Music Education

Global Pathology Education Award

College Of American Pathologists Foundation
Private
Afghanistan, Albania +122 more
Unspecified amount
The Global Pathology Education Award, offered by the College Of American Pathologists Foundation, enhances global health by supporting pathologists in under-resourced areas. Awardees gain access to recorded education sessions from the CAP25 annual meeting, fostering knowledge exchange. Key eligibility criteria include residing in a WHO-designated medically underserved country and demonstrating financial need. This initiative not only provides valuable educational resources but also promotes professional development among international pathologists.
Medical Education & Professional Training Diseases & Conditions

Cuesta Foundation Grant

Foundation Management
Corporate
Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Unspecified amount
The Cuesta Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on funding organizations that create a lasting impact in the Tulsa, Oklahoma community. Their mission emphasizes support for Arts and Humanities, Education, Social Services, and Community Needs. Preference is given to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to helping those in need and fostering self-improvement. This grants program seeks to uplift communities through charitable contributions that align with its philanthropic vision.
Art & Culture Humanities & Social Science Education +2 more

Rural Business Development Grants in Wisconsin

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Wisconsin
US $100,000 - US $500,000
The Rural Business Development Grants in Wisconsin aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue. Funding is flexible, prioritizing smaller requests, and can be used for various purposes, including business training, infrastructure development, and community economic growth. The program targets projects in rural areas, enhancing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and fostering economic development.
Rural Development

Medical Student Travel Award

College Of American Pathologists Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $1,200
The Medical Student Travel Award aims to support medical students interested in pathology by providing up to $1,200 for travel expenses to the CAP Annual Meeting in Las Vegas (October 3-6, 2026). This award facilitates valuable learning experiences through networking opportunities and insights into the pathology field, enhancing the awardees' understanding of residency training and the role of pathologists in healthcare.
Medical Education & Professional Training Diseases & Conditions

Leadership Development Award- Pathology Residents

College Of American Pathologists Foundation
Private
Cook County, Illinois
Up to US $1,600
The Leadership Development Award from the College of American Pathologists Foundation is designed for pathology residents, providing them with $1,200 to attend either the Spring or Fall Residents Forum Meeting or the Pathologists Leadership Summit. This initiative aims to enhance their education and experience on critical issues facing the pathology specialty, while also introducing them to leadership opportunities at various levels.
Diseases & Conditions Medical Education & Professional Training

BISCUITS Grant

Southern Vision Alliance
Private
United States
Up to US $5,000
The BISCUITS Grant, offered by Southern Vision Alliance, provides up to $5,000 to organizations with budgets under $300,000 that focus on building power through organizing and collective action. Recipients gain access to a supportive cohort and networking opportunities. Participation in two virtual gatherings and a $500 wellness stipend is included. This grant is aimed at new applicants or those who have submitted their final QMF reports, ensuring support for emerging grassroots organizations.
Business Development Nonprofit Growth & Development

Pathways to Recovery - Round 2 NGO

New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
State/Local Government
Atlantic County, New Jersey, Bergen County, New Jersey +19 more
Up to US $1,000,000
The Pathways to Recovery - Round 2 NGO grant aims to support individuals impacted by the opioid epidemic through training, career services, and employment opportunities. It will award funds to five organizations across New Jersey's North, Central, and South regions. The initiative focuses on enhancing workforce readiness and providing essential supportive services, fostering effective transitions to employment over a 24-month period starting June 1, 2025.
Life Skills Training & Rehabilitation Addiction & Substance Use Disorders

Anchorage Trail Care Grants

The Alaska Community Foundation
Private
Anchorage Municipality, Alaska
Up to US $3,000
The Anchorage Trail Care Fund Grant provides up to $2,500 for summer trail maintenance or construction projects in Anchorage. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities, Tribes, and city governments. Ineligible applicants include individuals, for-profits, and private nonprofits. The fund supports the maintenance of non-paved public trails, ensuring accessibility and sustainability in outdoor recreational spaces, while also fostering community engagement and stewardship.
Trail Creation & Maintenance

The DustinLenker Memorial Scholarship

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Private
United States
More than US $2,000
The DustinLenker Memorial Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, offers $2000 scholarships to graduates from Dauphin County Technical School or The Millersburg School District. This scholarship prioritizes students entering Visual Arts or Construction fields, particularly those with ties to Lenkerville Elementary. The program recognizes academic excellence and career aspirations, supporting youth in the Building Industry as they prepare for future workforce opportunities.
Education - Higher Education Visual Arts

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.

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.

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