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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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Filters

32,565 Results based on applied filters

Rural Business Development Grants in Indiana

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Indiana
US $10,000 - US $500,000
The Rural Business Development Grants in Indiana aim to enhance small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas and can include various uses such as business counseling, land acquisition, and pollution control. The program prioritizes smaller grant requests and offers no maximum funding limit. Funded by USDA Rural Development, it supports local entities like towns, nonprofit corporations, and educational institutions, fostering economic development and sustainability in rural regions.
Rural Development

R Accelerated Award Grants

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer
Private
Canada, United States
Up to US $800,000
The R Accelerated Award Grants by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation aim to support innovative pediatric oncology research. These grants are designed for early-career scientists focused on developing less toxic therapies for childhood cancers. Eligible applicants must be first-time principal investigators with a strong institutional backing and a commitment to pediatric cancer research. The program emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor and aims to accelerate the discovery of effective treatments, thereby improving outcomes for children with cancer.
Cancer / Oncology

Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) - Harvard University
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship, offered by the Harvard Kennedy School, supports students committed to issues affecting the LGBT+ community. This fellowship emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in public policy and leadership, aligning with Harvard's mission to foster a just and prosperous society. It is accessible to both U.S. and international students, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and merit-based funding.
Public Policy Education - Higher Education

Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) - Harvard University
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships at Harvard Kennedy School provide opportunities for both U.S. and international students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need, ensuring support for diverse applicants. The school is committed to improving public policy and leadership, making a significant impact on societal challenges. Apply for these prestigious awards after completing your admission application.
Education - Higher Education Public Policy

Robert E. Newsted Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Private
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Robert E. Newsted Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Detroit Public Schools. This initiative is part of AAACF's broader mission to enrich the quality of life in Washtenaw County, through generous donations that have funded over $650,000 in scholarships in 2025 alone. This fund aims to assist students in their pursuit of higher education across the nation.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Accelerator Programs: Reach Grant

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer
Private
Canada, United States
Up to US $250,000
The Accelerator Programs: Reach Grant, offered by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, aims to bridge gaps in pediatric cancer research by funding pre-clinical studies necessary for clinical trial readiness. With a mission rooted in Alex Scott’s legacy, the program supports innovative research that can lead to effective treatments for children with cancer. By facilitating the transition from laboratory to clinical settings, the Reach Grant plays a crucial role in advancing pediatric oncology and improving outcomes for young patients.
Cancer / Oncology

Dermatologist Investigator Research Fellowship

Dermatology Foundation
Private
United States
US $35,000
The Dermatology Foundation's Dermatologist Investigator Research Fellowship offers $30,000 to advance early-career researchers in dermatology. This fellowship is designed for dermatologists committed to an academic career in medical and surgical dermatology. It supports research training for those with substantial experience in other fields transitioning to skin research. Eligible candidates must meet specific educational and training criteria, ensuring focused dedication to cutaneous research while adhering to funding guidelines.
Skin Diseases & Dermatology

Lynda Andrus Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Private
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Lynda Andrus Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports nursing students at Eastern Michigan University. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of life in Washtenaw County by providing financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. In 2025 alone, over $650,000 was awarded across 26 scholarship funds, reflecting the commitment of local donors to empower the youth of the community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

CREW in the Community Education Scholarship

Communities Foundation of Texas
Private
Collin County, Texas, Dallas County, Texas +5 more
Up to US $5,000
The CREW in the Community Education Scholarship, offered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, empowers female students pursuing degrees in Qualified Fields of Commercial Real Estate. Since 1953, this initiative has fostered educational and professional advancement for women in the Dallas area, providing scholarships up to $5,000 annually. Eligible applicants include high school graduates and current students from designated North Texas counties, promoting economic independence and community growth.
Academic Scholarship Programs Vocational & Trade Education

William C. and Margaret L. Parmer Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
Private
Wisconsin
Unspecified amount
The William C. and Margaret L. Parmer Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from Green County, WI pursuing medical degrees at accredited institutions. With over 900 charitable funds, the Community Foundation enhances the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin through strategic philanthropy and grant management. This scholarship aims to empower future healthcare professionals, ensuring a positive impact on local communities.
Medical Education & Professional Training Academic Scholarship Programs

Welcome Home Scholarship

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Private
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Welcome Home Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports honorably discharged veterans returning from active duty in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative that awarded over $650,000 in 2025 to help local youth pursue post-secondary education. It aims to ease the transition back to civilian life for veterans, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed in their educational endeavors.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Public Water Access Sites - Partnership Funding

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Unspecified amount
The Public Water Access Sites Partnership Funding program offers essential financial and technical support for public water access and state water trail projects. This initiative prioritizes repairs, rehabilitation, and the development of new facilities, including access sites and state water trail campsites. Eligible applicants include local government units such as counties and townships, enhancing public access to water resources across Minnesota.
Recreational Water Use & Boating

Walter & Florence E. Aupperle Scholarship

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Private
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Walter & Florence E. Aupperle Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students pursuing a major or minor in German Studies at Eastern Michigan University or the University of Michigan. Applicants must be enrolled full-time, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative that awarded over $650,000 to local students in 2025.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Rural Business Development Grants in Iowa

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Iowa
US $10,000 - US $500,000
The Rural Business Development Grants in Iowa support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas or towns outside urbanized regions. Funding is available through Opportunity and Enterprise grants, prioritizing smaller requests. Enterprise grants focus on emerging businesses, allowing funding for training, land development, and community improvements. Opportunity grants promote economic development, feasibility studies, and long-term planning. This program is critical for fostering rural economic growth and sustainability.
Rural Development

Richard D. & Grace P. Leslise Memorial Scholarship

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Private
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Richard D. & Grace P. Leslise Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing Retail, Business, or Marketing at Washtenaw Community College. This scholarship prioritizes residents of Washtenaw County who demonstrate financial need and a desire to advance their education. With over $650,000 awarded in 2025 across multiple scholarship funds, this initiative aims to enrich the educational opportunities for local youth and foster community growth.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Rachael Townsend Memorial Scholarship

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Private
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Rachael Townsend Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports female students majoring in Kinesiology at the University of Michigan. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and demonstrate a commitment to physical education and leadership within the community. This scholarship aims to empower young women to excel in their academic pursuits while fostering diversity and social responsibility, ultimately contributing to the enrichment of Washtenaw County's youth.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Pipe Dream Scholarship

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Private
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Pipe Dream Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Michigan or Eastern Michigan University. Eligible applicants must be Polish nationals living in the U.S. on a valid visa or have Polish parents, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2025, over $650,000 was awarded across 26 scholarship funds to enhance educational opportunities for Washtenaw County youth.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Nathan Lyndell Hall Memorial Scholarship - CHS

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Private
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Nathan Lyndell Hall Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Community High School. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and demonstrate two years of community service. This scholarship aims to assist students in pursuing their education at two-year or four-year colleges or universities, contributing to the future of Washtenaw County youth.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Emerging Philanthropist Program Endowment Fund

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Private
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Up to US $2,000
The Emerging Philanthropist Program Endowment Fund empowers Harrisburg's future leaders through philanthropic education and engagement. Celebrating its 10th year, the program offers monthly sessions from February to November, culminating in a $5,000 grant awarded to a selected nonprofit. Established by EPP alumni in 2014, the Endowment Fund enhances community impact with competitive grants, emphasizing mental health support. To date, over $40,000 has been awarded, fostering local nonprofit capacity and community service.
Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases Nonprofit Growth & Development

Dick and Chris Draper Scholarship

Lincoln Community Foundation Inc
Private
Nebraska
US $2,400
The Dick and Chris Draper Scholarship, established by the Draper family, supports young individuals from Elgin, Nebraska. This scholarship honors the legacy of Dick and Chris Draper, emphasizing the family’s commitment to education. Applicants must be graduating seniors from Elgin Public High School or Elgin Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School. This initiative exemplifies the foundation’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities and building strong community ties.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

JCFS Chicago Scholarships

Jewish Child and Family Services
Private
Cook County, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois +4 more
Up to US $4,000
The JCFS Chicago Scholarships provide financial assistance to Jewish college and graduate students from the Chicago metropolitan area pursuing careers in helping professions. With scholarships up to $4,000, this program aims to alleviate financial burdens for those demonstrating career promise and financial need. Applicants must be entering accredited programs full-time and intend to remain in the area post-graduation. This initiative highlights the commitment of Jewish Child and Family Services to empower the community through education and professional growth.
Jewish Culture

UPMC Hand Surgery Fellowship Program

Upmc
Private
Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The UPMC Hand Surgery Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive one-year training experience in hand surgery, combining academic and private practice settings. This ACGME-accredited fellowship allows residents from Plastic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, and General Surgery backgrounds to collaborate and gain diverse clinical experience. Trainees will engage in joint conferences and surgical procedures, progressively increasing their responsibility. By the end of the fellowship, participants will be proficient in microsurgical techniques and upper extremity reconstruction, guided by experienced faculty.
Surgery Orthopedics

Jerry Herron Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation Alliance, Inc.
Private
Posey County, Indiana
Unspecified amount
The Jerry Herron Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, supports graduating seniors from Mt. Vernon High School who excel in economics or plan to pursue further education in this field. Applicants must be recommended by the Economics teacher. This scholarship honors the legacy of Jerry Herron while empowering students to achieve their academic goals in economics, fostering their potential to contribute positively to society.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

New Harmony Alumni Scholarship

Community Foundation Alliance, Inc.
Private
Posey County, Indiana
US $2,000
The New Harmony Alumni Scholarship, established by the New Harmony Alumni Association, supports graduating high school seniors or graduates from Harmony Township. Eligible applicants must be alumni of New Harmony School or direct descendants of alumni, and they should be pursuing post-secondary education at any accredited institution. This scholarship is part of the Community Scholarship Program, managed by the Posey County Community Foundation, which connects local donors with students to promote educational advancement.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Riedford Health Professions Scholarship

Community Foundation Alliance, Inc.
Private
Posey County, Indiana
US $500
The Riedford Health Professions Scholarship, established by anonymous donors, honors Bernard Riedford, a dedicated teacher who introduced Mount Vernon High School students to health care professions. This renewable scholarship supports graduating seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.2 pursuing healthcare-related degrees at accredited institutions in Indiana and Western Kentucky. Recipients must maintain full-time status and a 3.0 GPA, demonstrating commitment to their healthcare studies for continued eligibility.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Academic Transition Grant

The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation
Association/Society
Canada, United States
Up to US $35,000
The Academic Transition Grant supports interventional radiologists over 40 who are beginning academic careers after years in non-academic practice. This grant aims to help establish independent research records to facilitate successful academic careers. Eligible applicants include full-time faculty in accredited institutions in the US or Canada, holding relevant degrees and demonstrating a commitment to research. The funding is designated for pilot projects that advance interventional radiology.
Biomedical Imaging

Travel and Dependent Care Grants

Shakespeare Association Of America
Private
Denver County, Colorado
US $500 - US $1,000
The Travel and Dependent Care Grants, offered by the Shakespeare Association of America (SAA), provide financial support for conference travel and caregiving expenses. Awardees can receive up to $500 to cover travel costs and registration fees, along with additional funds for dependent care. These grants aim to assist contingent faculty, independent scholars, retirees, and graduate students facing financial hardship due to the pandemic or other funding challenges. The program encourages full participation in SAA conferences.
Writing & Literature European History

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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