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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

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Delaware

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Delaware
Up to US $1,000,000
The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Delaware support communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies affecting safe drinking water availability. Eligible events include droughts, floods, and chemical spills. Grants can be used for water transmission line projects or constructing water sources, with funding up to $1,000,000. This initiative aims to restore access to clean water in rural areas, enhancing environmental conditions and encouraging local economic growth.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water

Award for Inclusive Excellence

American Association For Anatomy
Private
Multnomah County, Oregon
US $2,000
The Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award recognizes a member of the American Association for Anatomy who fosters inclusive teams and promotes diversity within the anatomical sciences community. This award highlights initiatives that create equitable environments and showcases the positive impacts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium and an additional $1,000 for travel to the Annual Meeting, where the award is presented.
Anatomy Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

VCF - Basic Needs Fund Grant Program

Valley Community Foundation
Private
New Haven County, Connecticut
Up to US $10,000
The VCF - Basic Needs Fund Grant Program aims to support organizations providing essential material assistance in food security, housing stability, and hygiene needs. With grants up to $10,000, the Valley Community Foundation focuses on uplifting individuals in underserved areas of Greater New Haven. Established in April 2020, this fund addresses immediate needs while ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations, promoting dignity and well-being in the community.
Basic Human Needs Poverty Alleviation & Services

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Connecticut

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Connecticut
Up to US $1,000,000
The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island provides vital funding to help rural communities prepare for or recover from emergencies threatening their access to safe drinking water. Eligible applicants may receive grants for water transmission and source projects, addressing critical needs following disasters like droughts, floods, or contamination. This initiative aims to restore water supply systems and support rural development, ensuring reliable water access for residents.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water

Rural Business Development Grants in Delaware

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Delaware
US $10,000 - US $500,000
The Rural Business Development Grants in Delaware aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training, benefiting areas outside urban centers. With no maximum grant limit, the program prioritizes smaller requests and offers funds for various projects including training, infrastructure development, and community economic improvements. Eligible applicants include rural public entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions, fostering local economic growth and innovation in eligible rural areas.
Rural Development

Rural Business Development Grants in Connecticut

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Connecticut
US $10,000 - US $500,000
The Rural Business Development Grants in Connecticut provide essential funding opportunities for small and emerging businesses in rural areas. With two types of grants available—Opportunity and Enterprise—these funds can be utilized for various projects, including technical assistance, feasibility studies, and community economic development. Eligible applicants include rural public entities, such as towns and nonprofit corporations. The program aims to enhance the economic landscape while prioritizing smaller requests for funding.
Rural Development

William Webermeier Scholarship

Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA)
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The William Webermeier Scholarship, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, offers financial support to full-time students from Milford High School in Nebraska. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic achievement and good behavior, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and show financial need. Additionally, recipients are required to honor the memory of the scholarship's namesake by placing flowers on his grave annually. This scholarship aims to assist students in achieving their educational goals.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Cary R. and Lynn A. Spencer Scholarship

Lincoln Community Foundation Inc
Private
Nebraska
US $3,000
The Cary R. and Lynn A. Spencer Scholarship, established in 2018 by Lincoln Community Foundation, supports students majoring in Physics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, graduates of Nebraska high schools, and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. Preference may be given to those demonstrating financial need. This scholarship can be renewed with satisfactory academic performance and requires a full reapplication, reflecting LCF's commitment to fostering education and philanthropic legacies.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

David and Julie Tobey Fellowship

Villa I Tatti, The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies
Association/Society
Italy
US $22,600 - US $33,000
The David and Julie Tobey Fellowship offers support for research on Italian Renaissance drawings, prints, and illustrated manuscripts. This residential fellowship, lasting 4 to 6 months, provides USD 5,200 monthly plus relocation assistance. Applicants must hold a PhD and be fluent in English with some Italian. Priority is given to early and mid-career scholars, particularly those lacking access to research resources in Italy. Fellows are expected to engage with the I Tatti community and conduct research primarily in Florence.
Historical Records & Archives European History

Dale E. Siefkes Memorial Scholarship

Lincoln Community Foundation Inc
Private
Nebraska
US $400
The Dale E. Siefkes Memorial Scholarship, established in 1996 by the Lincoln Community Foundation, supports Nebraska college students passionate about education. Eligible applicants must be juniors or seniors, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.8, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship honors Dale E. Siefkes, an advocate for education, providing vital support to future educators while fostering a lasting legacy of giving in Nebraska.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Maine Craft Apprenticeship Program (CAP)

Maine Arts Commission
State/Local Government
Maine, New Hampshire
Up to US $8,000
The Maine Craft Apprenticeship Program (CAP) connects aspiring artisans with experienced mentors for 100 hours of hands-on training over seven months. This initiative fosters skill development, encourages creative entrepreneurship, and promotes sustainable craft practices in Maine and New Hampshire. By facilitating strong mentor-apprentice relationships, CAP aims to enhance the craft sector's resilience, support professional growth, and provide alternative funding avenues, ultimately enriching the local craft community.
Apprenticeship & Internship Programs Artist Training & Development

Sally Stetson Tongren Scholarship Fund for Washington County

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Washington County, Maine
Unspecified amount
The Sally Stetson Tongren Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports Washington County residents pursuing higher education. This scholarship is available to high school seniors, current college students, and graduate students from the area. It aims to provide financial assistance for a variety of post-secondary education paths including undergraduate, graduate, and technical training. With a commitment to educational accessibility, the fund reflects MaineCF's dedication to community development through strategic giving.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Circuit Trails

William Penn Foundation
Private
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Burlington County, New Jersey +7 more
Unspecified amount
The Circuit Trails initiative aims to enhance the Greater Philadelphia area by adding 75 miles to the existing network by 2035. This expansion will promote outdoor access, improve health and well-being, and foster economic development through non-motorized transportation. With over 411 miles currently in place, the goal is to develop a comprehensive 850-mile network across communities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey by 2040, supported by a diverse coalition of organizations.
Trail Creation & Maintenance

Elizabeth Lord Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
Private
Massachusetts
Unspecified amount
The Elizabeth Lord Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, supports residents of Templeton pursuing postsecondary education. This fund is part of over 40 scholarship opportunities aimed at fostering education in the region, emphasizing community commitment to educational advancement. Applicants can benefit from specific selection criteria tailored to various educational needs, helping to empower students in their academic journeys.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Myocarditis, Heart Failure and Sudden Death Research Grant Program

Myocarditis Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
US $50,000
The Myocarditis Foundation offers research grants aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of myocarditis, a rare but serious disease. These grants provide $40,000 in seed funding for promising physician-scientists within ten years of their MD or PhD. Recipients are expected to conduct research in the U.S. or Canada, culminating in a final report. The goal is to support innovative research that can lead to significant breakthroughs and ultimately, a cure for myocarditis.
Cardiovascular Diseases & Systems

Skin Cancer Pilot Research Grants

Skin Cancer Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
US $25,000 - US $50,000
The Skin Cancer Pilot Research Grants, funded by the Skin Cancer Foundation, support innovative studies in skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. With over $2 million awarded since 1981, these grants are aimed at early career dermatology investigators. Each year, researchers can apply for one-year projects, with a total of $125,000 available through two $50,000 grants and one $25,000 grant. This initiative is vital for advancing research and improving patient outcomes.
Skin Diseases & Dermatology Skin Cancers

Captain Christopher Sullivan Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
Private
Massachusetts
Unspecified amount
The Captain Christopher Sullivan Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, supports students from Princeton, MA who have completed their first year of college. This fund is part of over 40 scholarship opportunities aimed at fostering education in the region. With specific selection criteria established by donors, the scholarships address various educational needs, promoting growth and development for local students.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

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

Ruth & Lyle Taylor Endowment Fund Grant

Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville
Private
Madison County, Alabama
US $2,500 - US $9,000
The Ruth & Lyle Taylor Endowment Fund Grant supports initiatives in historic preservation, environmental conservation, and civic engagement. Established by Lyle and Ruth Taylor, it funds organizations that educate about civic responsibilities and public participation. The grant cycles will alternate annually, focusing on environmental conservation in 2025, civic engagement in 2026, and historic preservation in 2027. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities, while programs such as debt reduction or political activities are excluded.
Environmental Conservation

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

Dobles Foundation Grant

Arthur J R Dobles And Olive G Dobles Charitable Remainder
Private
New Hampshire
Up to US $25,000
The Dobles Foundation Grant aims to support childcare initiatives and enhance the needs of children in New Hampshire from 2025 to 2027. With a focus on promoting childcare options for working parents, the foundation encourages proposals that foster educational support for childcare providers, and innovative before and after school programs. Grants may reach up to $25,000, with consideration for multi-year requests in exceptional cases, making this an essential funding opportunity for local charitable organizations.
Child Care Services

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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