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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

Muenster, Theodore R. and Marcelene R. Scholarship

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

AO North America: VET Preceptorships Program

Ao North America Inc
Private
United States
US $2,750
The AO North America VET Preceptorships Program offers surgical residents from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons the chance to enhance their skills in Veterinary Trauma and Orthopedics through a structured training experience. Participants can receive up to four weeks of advanced training in AO techniques at designated surgical centers, with funding available for housing and travel expenses, totaling up to $2,750. This initiative aims to foster professional development and improve patient care outcomes.
Veterinary Science & Services Orthopedics

Snapdragon Fund

Visual Arts Exchange
Private
Cumberland County, North Carolina, Durham County, North Carolina +10 more
US $500 - US $5,000

About

The mission of the Snapdragon Fund is to support community-centered, artist organized projects of high artist merit. The fund seeks proposals with visual arts at the root which engage and explore a wide variety of media, including but not limited to: performance, new + digital media (photo, film, sound, games), publishing, craft work, archives, and installation.

Snapdragon projects are ideally critical of art, its relationship to gentrification, displacement, and the state, and thoughtfully approach racial, disability, and queer justice. Additionally, the Snapdragon Team will be pushing for an increase in proposals from collaborative teams.

The Snapdragon Fund believes in North Carolinian artists’ abilities to cultivate collective, forward moving, radical creative practices. We believe the South has always been a site of transformative artistic development and leadership and the Snapdragon Fund seeks to support work that demonstrates this historic capacity. 

Visual Arts Media Arts

Spokane Parks Foundation Community Grants

Spokane Parks Foundation
Private
Spokane County, Washington
Up to US $6,000
The Spokane Parks Foundation has been enhancing community well-being for over 72 years by supporting parks and recreational programs. This grant focuses on projects that improve services in underserved areas, promote inclusivity, and deliver long-term community benefits. The foundation prioritizes proposals from non-profit organizations and groups demonstrating community involvement and collaboration. By filling funding gaps, the foundation ensures that Spokane's parks remain beautiful, safe, and accessible for everyone.
Parks & Public Spaces Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Equity

WAEF Scholarships - CCM

Washington Apple Education Foundation
Private
Washington
US $10,400
The WAEF Scholarships support over 300 students this year with more than $1 million in educational awards, funded by contributions from the tree fruit industry. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students with family ties to the industry. Scholarships can be used at accredited colleges and universities, benefiting those whose parents are employed in related businesses, such as orchards and warehouses.
Agricultural Crops All fields of work

Carley Ingram Memorial Scholarship

Ashland County Community Foundation
Private
Ashland County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Carley Ingram Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, is dedicated to assisting residents pursuing education at accredited institutions. Established in honor of Carley Ingram, a passionate advocate for social justice and women's rights, this scholarship aims to support individuals who embody her values of fairness and equity. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and non-traditional students committed to furthering their education in a college or university setting.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

James Madison Graduate Fellowship

James Madison Memorial Fellowship Program
Federal Government
United States
Up to US $24,000
The James Madison Graduate Fellowship supports U.S. citizens pursuing master's degrees focused on the Constitution, enhancing their constitutional knowledge for teaching. Fellows are required to teach American history, government, or civics at the secondary level for one year per funding year. Financially, the fellowship awards up to $24,000, covering tuition and fees, and must be repaid if fellowship conditions are unmet. This program ensures future educators embody constitutional principles in their teaching.
Education American History Civic Affairs

Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grants: Boat Sewage Pump-out Grants

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Private
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grants provide federal funding to support the installation of boat sewage pump-out stations in Texas. Administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, these grants can cover up to 75% of the project costs, aiding private marinas and local governments in constructing, renovating, and maintaining essential sanitation facilities for boaters. This initiative promotes environmental protection and enhances water quality in Texas's waterways.
Recreational Water Use & Boating

Captain Fred Schwan Firefighter/Paramedic Memorial Scholarship

Ashland County Community Foundation
Private
Ashland County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Captain Fred Schwan Firefighter/Paramedic Memorial Scholarship, established by the family and friends of Fred Schwan, aims to support the training of aspiring firefighters and paramedics in Ashland County. Fred Schwan dedicated over 30 years to public service as a firefighter and paramedic in Ashland, embodying a commitment to community and service. This scholarship continues his legacy by providing financial assistance to those pursuing certifications in firefighting and paramedicine, fostering a new generation of dedicated professionals.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Interlace Grant Writing Mentorship Program

Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
Private
Providence County, Rhode Island
Unspecified amount
The Interlace Grant Writing Mentorship Program connects emerging visual artists with experienced mentors who have successfully navigated grant writing. This initiative supports newer artists in crafting proposals and developing project management skills essential for their creative pursuits. Eligible participants must reside within 10 miles of Providence, Rhode Island, be at least 18 years old, and have not received an Interlace Project Grant as a lead applicant in the past two years. This program fosters growth and opportunity in the art community.
Visual Arts Artist Training & Development

Kahler Foundation Grant

Kahler Foundation
Private
Michigan
US $1,000
The Kahler Foundation Grant supports innovative educational programs for K-12 students in Michigan. Aimed at enhancing the student experience, this grant focuses on unconventional learning opportunities that promote lifelong success. Eligible programs should demonstrate educational impact in areas like STEAM, Literacy, and Mental Health, and must be active in specific counties. Preference is given to middle school initiatives, fostering a broad range of enriching experiences for students.
Education - K through 12 Academic Success & Enrichment

Ashland County Community Foundation: Teacher Mini-Grants

Ashland County Community Foundation
Private
Ashland County, Ohio
Up to US $1,500
The Ashland County Community Foundation offers Teacher Mini-Grants to K-12 educators in accredited public and private schools within Ashland County. These grants empower teachers to implement innovative projects that are typically outside the constraints of school budgets, fostering creativity and enhancing educational experiences. Established in 1995, the foundation has successfully supported numerous initiatives, contributing over $35 million back to the local community through various funding efforts.
Academic Success & Enrichment Education - K through 12

Patience W. Norman Prize for Teacher Excellence

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Androscoggin County, Maine, Kennebec County, Maine +1 more
US $5,000
The Patience W. Norman Prize for Teacher Excellence, established by the Maine Community Foundation, honors full-time teachers in MSAD 52 who inspire academic excellence and emulate the educational philosophy of Patience Norman. Eligible nominees must have a minimum of five years of service and demonstrate creativity, leadership, and a commitment to student success. This award aims to promote teacher retention by recognizing exemplary educators and their impactful contributions to the community.
Teacher Development & Training Academic Success & Enrichment

Marilla W. and Harold A. Lund Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Washington County, Maine
Unspecified amount
The Marilla W. and Harold A. Lund Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 1983, offers renewable financial support to graduating seniors from Washington County high schools. This scholarship aims to assist students in pursuing post-secondary education at four-year colleges or universities. Priority is given to first-generation college students, ensuring accessibility and encouragement for those demonstrating academic achievement and financial need.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Wellman and Adeline Kerr Scholarship Fund

Southern Illinois Community Foundation (SICF)
Association/Society
Illinois
Unspecified amount
The Wellman and Adeline Kerr Scholarship Fund, established by the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, aims to honor the legacy of Wellman and Adeline Kerr, former residents of Massac County. This scholarship supports local graduates pursuing further education in colleges, universities, or technical institutes, emphasizing financial need and a minimum academic performance of a 'C' average. It embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community development in southern Illinois.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Citizens' Institute on Rural Design

The Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design
State/Local Government
United States
Up to US $6,000
The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council, invites rural communities to apply for design support. CIRD aims to enhance rural life and economic viability through planning and creative placemaking, empowering local citizens to address unique community challenges. Opportunities include Local Design Workshops and a Design Learning Cohort, providing resources, training, and support to foster community-driven solutions.
Rural Development

Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs: Pennsylvania Sojourn Mini Grants

Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Private
Pennsylvania
US $1,000
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs offer funding for educational paddling events through the Pennsylvania Sojourn Mini Grants. These grants, funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, support public engagement in outdoor recreation and resource conservation. Eligible applicants include non-profits, municipalities, and educational institutions. Grants provide $1,000 per on-water day, requiring a 1:1 match. This initiative promotes community involvement and environmental stewardship.
Recreational Water Use & Boating

Strater Downeast Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Hancock County, Maine, Washington County, Maine
Unspecified amount
The Strater Downeast Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Washington County and Sumner Memorial High School in Sullivan. This fund aids students pursuing post-secondary education at select colleges, including the University of Maine and Maine Maritime Academy. Recipients must be enrolled full-time and can apply for renewal upon completing a two-year degree at Washington County Community College. The Maine Community Foundation has been enhancing education access since 1984.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

National Theatre Company Grants

American Theatre Wing Inc
Private
New York County, New York
Up to US $100,000
The National Theatre Company Grants, provided by the American Theatre Wing, aim to enhance regional theatre's role within the American theatre landscape. This initiative will award five grants of $100,000 each year to support innovative projects focused on presenting work by living playwrights. The program encourages diverse approaches to audience engagement and aims to uplift under-represented voices in theatre, fostering a vibrant, inclusive community that champions new artistic works.
Theater

Greater Rochester Health Foundation: Community Event Fund

Greater Rochester Health Foundation
Private
Genesee County, New York, Livingston County, New York +7 more
Up to US $5,000
The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Community Event Fund supports health equity initiatives in a nine-county region. Events eligible for funding include health fairs, athletic fundraisers, and educational community gatherings. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants up to $5,000. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and funding is limited for events occurring in Q3. Early applications are encouraged to enhance chances of receiving support.
Health Care Access & Delivery Community Health Education Nonprofit Growth & Development

Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center: Seed Grants

Johns Hopkins
Private
United States
Up to US $150,000
The Johns Hopkins Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center offers Seed Grants for innovative research on peripheral neuropathy and nerve regeneration. These grants support high-risk, high-reward pilot projects addressing axon degeneration and Schwann cell dysfunction. Researchers may apply for funding of up to $75,000 per year for one or two years. The initiative aims to foster novel ideas and successful transitions to external funding, enhancing scientific understanding and therapeutic development.
Neurological Diseases & Disorders

Programmatic Funding- Mobility Pillar Award

American Honda Foundation (AHF)
Corporate
Alabama, California +15 more
US $25,000 - US $100,000
The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.
Disability Care & Services Medical Technology, Devices, and Equipment

OTF Rapid Response Fund Grant

Open Technology Fund (OTF)
Private
Algeria, Andorra +155 more
Up to US $50,000
The OTF Rapid Response Fund Grant provides urgent support for individuals and organizations facing digital emergencies that threaten their free expression. Through direct financial assistance and technical services from trusted partners, it aims to help high-risk individuals like journalists and activists mitigate digital threats. Eligible applicants can receive up to $50,000 to address specific needs, such as digital protection and tools development, ensuring swift and effective responses to oppressive situations.
Cyberinfrastructure Internet / Media Freedom

David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds

BirdsCaribbean
Association/Society
Caribbean
Up to US $1,000
The David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds provides annual grants to innovative conservation projects aimed at protecting Caribbean birds and their habitats. Established by donations from family members of the late naturalist David S. Lee, this fund encourages participation from local conservation groups and communities. Eligible applicants include students and early-career professionals who are members of BirdsCaribbean, focusing on projects that directly benefit local bird species and promote sustainable practices.
Ornithological Conservation

Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Research Advancing Health Equity Grant

Thomas F. & Kate Miller Jeffress Memorial Trust
Private
Virginia
Up to US $600,000
The Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Research Advancing Health Equity aims to enhance health equity in Virginia by funding collaborative research initiatives. With a focus on addressing systemic barriers and root causes of health disparities, the program supports two types of awards: Partnership/Collaborative Establishment Awards for developing projects and Research Awards for established consortia. This funding initiative seeks to leverage community strengths to promote optimal health outcomes for all Virginians.
Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health

Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center: Micro Grants

Johns Hopkins
Private
Maryland
Up to US $20,000
The Johns Hopkins Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center offers Micro Grants to support innovative research in peripheral neuropathy and nerve regeneration. These grants are available to qualified researchers at Johns Hopkins University, aimed at generating preliminary data or completing ongoing projects. Funding of up to $20K is provided for a duration of 6 months, with decisions made within 4 weeks. This initiative fosters scientific advancements in understanding and treating nerve-related conditions.
Neurological Diseases & Disorders

Hammond Trust Emergency Services Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Mendocino County Inc.
Private
Mendocino County, California
Unspecified amount
The Hammond Trust Emergency Services Scholarship Fund, established by the Ukiah Fire Fighters Association, supports Mendocino County high school students pursuing careers in emergency services. This includes funding for programs such as EMT training and Fire Academy, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and community service commitment, making this a valuable opportunity for future emergency responders in the region.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

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


Search Instrumentl's Professional Development Grants Database


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

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.