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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

Environmental Health Sciences Core Centers Program (P30 Clinical Trials Optional)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $5,000,000
The Environmental Health Sciences Core Centers Program (P30) invites grant applications to support innovative research in environmental health. These centers serve as critical hubs for advancing the goals of the 2025-2029 NIEHS Strategic Plan, providing essential infrastructure and resources for collaborative research. By fostering community engagement and translational research, the program aims to enhance understanding of the connections between environmental factors, human biology, and disease, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
Environmental Health

Free Tax Prep Coalition Grants

United Way Of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Private
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania +3 more
Unspecified amount
The Free Tax Prep Coalition (FTPC), funded by United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, aims to provide high-quality tax preparation assistance to families and individuals through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This initiative supports income-eligible individuals, including those with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and military families. FTPC seeks partners to enhance its outreach and effectiveness in delivering these essential services within the community.
Financial Literacy

Innovative Project Award

American Heart Association
Association/Society
United States
US $200,000
The Innovative Project Award by the American Heart Association supports groundbreaking research in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular fields, with a focus on innovative ideas that do not require preliminary data. Awarding up to $200,000 over two years, it encourages proposals that challenge existing paradigms and explore new avenues of investigation. Eligibility is open to qualified researchers holding advanced degrees, emphasizing the importance of a well-justified budget and innovative project design without overlaps with existing funding.
Cardiovascular Diseases & Systems

Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program

City of Aurora, Colorado
State/Local Government
Adams County, Colorado, Arapahoe County, Colorado +1 more
Up to US $5,000
The Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program by the City of Aurora aims to enhance neighborhood aesthetics and strengthen community bonds. With $60K available and grants up to $5,000, the program supports projects like clean-up events, message boards, benches, and gardens. Eligible applicants include neighborhood organizations and residents, with a requirement of at least three households participating. The initiative focuses on projects that benefit the community and foster positive interactions, promoting pride and identity within neighborhoods.
Parks & Public Spaces Greening & Beautification

Northwest Arkansas Giving: Increasing Access to Healthier Food for All

Wal-Mart Foundation
Corporate
Benton County, Arkansas, Washington County, Arkansas
US $20,000 - US $100,000
The Northwest Arkansas Giving Program, supported by the Wal-Mart Foundation, focuses on enhancing access to healthier food for underserved communities. Eligible nonprofit organizations operating within Northwest Arkansas can apply for funding aimed at improving food availability and supporting local collaborations. Emphasizing measurable outcomes, the program seeks initiatives that address significant community needs while ensuring compliance with specific eligibility criteria.
Nutrition & Healthy Eating

International Visiting Professorship Award

American Heart Association
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $10,000
The American Heart Association's International Visiting Professorship Award aims to enhance global research experiences by bringing international scientists to the U.S. for one week. This initiative promotes scientific exchange and collaboration, aligning with the AHA's mission. With a budget of up to $10,000, the program supports various travel-related expenses, fostering valuable connections and advancing research in critical medical fields.
Cardiovascular Diseases & Systems

AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF): Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program

American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $300,000
The AKC Canine Health Foundation's Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program aims to train veterinary specialists focused on canine athletes and working dogs. This program supports applicants from U.S. training programs accredited by the ACVSMR, promoting initiatives in canine health, fitness, and recovery. The funding of up to $300,000, including indirect costs, encourages innovative research and mentorship to enhance the quality of life for dogs. Applications are invited for three-year resident training programs.
Veterinary Science & Services Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

Phoebus Criminal Justice Initiative Grant

Bread & Roses Community Fund
Private
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Camden County, New Jersey +4 more
US $4,000 - US $8,000
The Phoebus Criminal Justice Initiative Grant, provided by the Bread & Roses Community Fund, supports organizations engaged in community organizing for criminal justice reform. It aims to address pressing issues such as police accountability and racially biased sentencing. By fostering collective action among marginalized communities, the initiative empowers groups to create sustainable change within the criminal legal system. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to justice and community leadership, ensuring long-term impact and engagement.
Criminal Justice System Reform

Foundation for Financial Planning Grants

Foundation for Financial Planning
Private
United States
US $5,000 - US $40,000
The Foundation for Financial Planning provides grants to nonprofit organizations that connect volunteer financial planners with underserved individuals in need of financial guidance. Focused on scalable and sustainable programs, the grants support both established and new initiatives that foster one-on-one relationships between planners and clients. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and engage Certified Financial Planner professionals to ensure quality advice is accessible to those facing financial crises.
Financial Literacy

Winston-Salem Foundation Scholars

Winston-Salem Foundation
Private
Davidson County, North Carolina, Davie County, North Carolina +5 more
Unspecified amount
The Winston-Salem Foundation Scholars program has been empowering local students since 1923 by providing access to over 150 scholarship funds, totaling $1.67 million this academic year. Scholarships are available for a variety of criteria, ensuring that students from Forsyth and surrounding counties can pursue their educational dreams regardless of GPA or school attended. The One-Stop Scholarship Application opens on January 1 and closes on March 15, with funding decisions announced by late May.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program Grant

American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $150,000
The Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program Grant, supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC), AKC Canine Health Foundation, and Theriogenology Foundation, invites proposals from accredited veterinary schools in the U.S. to fund residency positions in canine reproductive health. With funding up to $150,000, the program aims to advance training in clinical genetics and prepare candidates for board certification, ultimately enhancing the health of purebred and purpose-bred dogs.
Veterinary Science & Services Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

Messerli And Kramer Foundation Grant

Messerli And Kramer Foundation
Private
Minnesota
Unspecified amount
The Messerli And Kramer Foundation Grant aims to support Minnesota communities in addressing educational disparities faced by low-income and disadvantaged children and youth. Established in 2005, the foundation is guided by a diverse board involved in charitable initiatives. It seeks to fund organizations that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profits committed to making a meaningful impact in education for underserved populations.
Educational Access & Equity

NOMIS–STRI Fellowships 3 Year Postdoctoral Fellowships in Animal Behavior

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Federal Government
Panama
Up to US $75,000
The NOMIS–STRI Fellowships offer exceptional biologists the opportunity to conduct three years of postdoctoral research in animal behavior in Panama. Candidates will explore social behavior's causes and evolution, with a focus on sensory biology, cognitive ecology, and neurogenetics. The fellowship includes a stipend of $62,000 per year and a research budget of $13,000. Selected fellows will join a collaborative community at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, fostering interdisciplinary projects in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
Animal Behavior (Ethology)

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Illinois

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Illinois
Up to US $1,000,000
The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Illinois support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program, administered by USDA Rural Development, funds projects such as waterline extensions and new water sources, with grants up to $1 million. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes, particularly in rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water

Edward W. and Stella C. Van Houten Memorial Fund Grant

E And S Van Houten Memorial Fund
Private
New Jersey
US $5,000 - US $15,000
The Edward W. and Stella C. Van Houten Memorial Fund Grant, established in 1978 in New Jersey, supports health, education, and human services. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to apply, with a deadline of August 1 for September meetings. The foundation prioritizes agencies serving sick or disabled individuals, orphaned children, and those in the nursing profession. Scholarships and educational initiatives are also funded, benefiting Bergen and Passaic Counties.
Education Health Care Access & Delivery Human & Social Services

Progress 64 Entrepreneurial Scholarship

Youthbridge Community Foundation
Private
St. Charles County, Missouri, St. Louis City, Missouri +1 more
US $5,000
The Progress 64 Entrepreneurial Scholarship, established by Progress 64 West, supports young entrepreneurs residing in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or St. Charles County. This scholarship awards $5,000 to high school seniors for use at vocational schools, two-year, or four-year colleges. YouthBridge Community Foundation, dedicated to philanthropy and community support, facilitates this initiative, fostering a vibrant future for St. Louis youth.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Elizabeth L Mahaffey Fellowship Grant (CT)

Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
State/Local Government
Connecticut
Up to US $2,500
The Elizabeth L Mahaffey Fellowship Grant supports Connecticut residents pursuing professional development in arts administration. Named after a dedicated mentor, this grant provides up to $2,500 for activities such as workshops, training, and consultancy. Applicants should have 2-10 years of experience in the arts and can expect 2-3 fellowships awarded annually by the Connecticut Office of the Arts. This initiative nurtures future leaders in the arts sector.
Art Education Business Education

Asbjornson University Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Gallatin County, Montana
Unspecified amount
The Asbjornson University Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree at the university. Eligible applicants must be graduates of a Montana high school with fewer than 100 students and maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA. This scholarship may be renewable based on continued eligibility. With millions in merit-based awards available, Montana State University aims to recognize outstanding academic achievements and promote student success.
Academic Success & Enrichment Academic Scholarship Programs

Anna, Pierre, and Ephraim Block Scholarship Fund

San Antonio Area Foundation
Private
Texas
More than US $2,500
The Anna, Pierre, and Ephraim Block Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports Texas residents who are current high school seniors. This renewable scholarship covers tuition, fees, and educational expenses for students pursuing an Associate, Bachelor's, or Graduate degree. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Special consideration is given to those attending Texas colleges.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Rural Business Development Grants in Michigan

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Michigan
US $10,000 - US $500,000
The Rural Business Development Grants program in Michigan aims to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas, focusing on entities with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in revenue. Grants can be used for various purposes, including business development and feasibility studies, without a maximum amount, although smaller requests are prioritized. This initiative fosters local economic growth and enhances community sustainability.
Rural Development

Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant

National Trust for Historic Preservation
Private
Adams County, Pennsylvania, Alabama +48 more
US $2,500 - US $10,000
The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.
Battlefield Preservation

West Hawai‘i Fund

Hawai'i Community Foundation
Private
Hawaii
Unspecified amount
The West Hawai‘i Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in West Hawai‘i, from North Kohala to Ocean View Estates. It aims to enhance community resilience, promote equitable access to services, and strengthen organizational capacity. The fund prioritizes projects that foster connections within the community, ensuring long-term sustainability and vibrant support for local residents. With multiple grant rounds each year, it provides essential resources for impactful community initiatives.
Youth Services Nonprofit Growth & Development Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Public Waterfront Access Improvement Projects RFA

Lake Champlain Basin Program
State/Local Government
Addison County, Vermont, Chittenden County, Vermont +12 more
Approximately US $420,000
The Lake Champlain Basin Program invites proposals to enhance public access to waterbodies in the Lake Champlain Basin, in line with the Thriving Communities goals outlined in Opportunities for Action. With approximately $300,000 available, projects should aim to improve recreational access and foster appreciation of the region's natural and cultural resources. This funding opportunity supports initiatives that contribute to sustainable community development and environmental stewardship.
Recreational Water Use & Boating

Rural Business Development Grants in Massachusetts

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Massachusetts
US $10,000 - US $500,000
The Rural Business Development Grants in Massachusetts aim to support small rural businesses by providing essential technical assistance and training. These grants prioritize projects that benefit rural areas and offer funding without a maximum limit, although smaller requests are favored. Eligible applicants include rural public entities and nonprofit organizations. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as business planning, training, and community development, fostering economic growth in underserved regions.
Rural Development

Art Bank Program (ABP)

DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities
State/Local Government
Alexandria City, Virginia, Anne Arundel County, Maryland +18 more
Up to US $25,000
The Art Bank Program (ABP) supports local visual artists and nonprofit organizations in DC by acquiring original artwork for its permanent collection. This program aims to enhance public spaces and provide exposure for artists. Eligible applicants include legal residents of DC or those within a 50-mile radius, with requirements for artists and nonprofit galleries to ensure community representation and artistic diversity. The program fosters a vibrant cultural environment and enriches the aesthetic experience in government buildings.
Visual Arts Public / Community Art

Bisbee Foundation Project Grants

Arizona Community Foundation
Private
Cochise County, Arizona
Unspecified amount
The Bisbee Foundation Project Grants support non-profit organizations in Arizona, focusing on arts, humanities, education, and historic preservation. Grants are available on a matching basis for projects that enhance Bisbee's cultural heritage. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and have a two-year programming history. Funding cannot exceed 20% of the organization's budget, and recipients must submit completion reports to qualify for future grants. The program emphasizes collaboration and community engagement.
Community Culture & Heritage Historic Preservation

Bisbee Foundation Mini Grants for Individuals

Arizona Community Foundation
Private
Cochise County, Arizona
Up to US $500
The Bisbee Foundation Mini Grants for Individuals provide funding up to $500 to support community-benefiting programs in arts, humanities, education, and historic preservation. These grants aim to enhance Bisbee's cultural character and preserve its unique history and environment. Eligible applicants must demonstrate how their initiatives positively impact the community. However, grants will not be awarded to individuals or organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or other characteristics.
Community Culture & Heritage Historic Preservation

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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