Upcoming Webinar
Instrumentl Fall Launch: Your Grant Operating System Has Leveled Up.
Wed, Nov 4 @ 2PM ET

Skip to main content
Main content

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

Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.

Skip the search.

Get matched with grants that actually fit.

Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.

Find me grants

Filters

32,545 Results based on applied filters

SVS Student Research Fellowship

Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Foundation
Association/Society
Canada, United States
US $3,000
The SVS Student Research Fellowship, offered by the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation, supports undergraduate and medical students in the U.S. and Canada conducting vascular research. The fellowship emphasizes hypothesis-driven projects, providing a $3,000 award and a complimentary Journal of Vascular Surgery subscription. It aims to enhance students' education while fostering innovative solutions in vascular health, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in applicant eligibility.
Cardiovascular Diseases & Systems

Vascular Research Initiatives Conference Trainee Award

Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Foundation
Association/Society
King County, Washington
US $1,000
The Vascular Research Initiatives Conference Trainee Award, supported by the SVS Foundation, enables trainees to showcase their research at the annual VRIC. This award encourages engagement among emerging vascular surgeons and established researchers, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of peripheral vascular disease. The 2025 conference will occur from April 22-25 in Baltimore, coinciding with the American Heart Association's Vascular Discovery Conference, promoting a rich exchange of ideas.
Cardiovascular Diseases & Systems

AHA Predoctoral Fellowship

American Heart Association
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $69,548
The AHA Predoctoral Fellowship aims to enhance research and clinical training for pre-doctoral students pursuing careers in cardiovascular health. Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant doctoral program and demonstrate collaboration with a mentor. The fellowship provides an annual stipend of $28,224, plus health insurance support and project funding. Eligible candidates are full-time students who have completed initial coursework and can commit to research efforts. This opportunity fosters the development of independent researchers in the field.
Cardiovascular Diseases & Systems

Japanese-Language Learners Event Grant

United States-Japan Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $1,000
The Japanese-Language Learners Event Grant, offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, provides financial support of up to $1,000 for events that promote Japanese language education across various educational levels. This grant aims to motivate learners through contests and presentations, encouraging participation from multiple schools in the region. Eligible expenses include judge fees, venue costs, and production materials, while closed events for single schools are not supported.
Education Cross-Cultural Understanding & Exchanges Linguistics

L.L.Bean - Club Fostered Stewardship Grant

American Canoe Association (ACA)
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $2,000

Since 2002, the ACA has partnered with L.L. Bean to sponsor the Club Fostered Stewardship (CFS) Program. The CFS Program provides funding to local and regional paddling clubs and organizations that undertake stewardship projects on waterways in their area. The purpose of the program is to encourage paddling clubs to take an active role in protecting and improving the nation's waterways. 

Many of the stewardship needs of our nation's waters are best addressed at the local and regional level. Paddling clubs and watershed organizations are in an ideal position to lead these efforts. These paddlers are often willing to volunteer their time and assist with local stewardship projects. However, clubs often lack the funds needed to pay project expenses. As a result, they miss an opportunity to leverage dozens and sometimes hundreds of volunteer hours that could improve conditions on their favorite waterway.

CFS Grant Program

That is why L.L. Bean and the ACA have teamed up to sponsor the CFS Program.

CFS grants are available for projects that utilize volunteers in efforts to protect, maintain or restore recreational waterways, to provide for or improve public access, or to enhance safe navigation. 

Grant amounts range from $100-$1,000.

Past projects receiving CFS grants include:

  • Removing heavy debris and trash from rivers and bays in numerous locations throughout the U.S.
  • Improving access for local paddlers
  • Establishing water trails 
  • Water quality monitoring 
  • Environmentally-sensitive woody debris removal 
  • Riparian buffer restoration and improvement 
  • Environmental education and outreach programs

ACA also offers additional assistance to clubs and organizations for waterway stewardship projects. Clubs and organizations concerned about liability for injuries that occur during stewardship projects may be able to obtain liability insurance coverage through the ACA. Clubs may request additional assistance using the It is not mandatory to be a paddling club to apply. In the past, grants have been awarded to conservation organizations and watershed groups.

Want to learn more about projects that have been funded through the CFS program? Review reports from past years!

Recreational Water Use & Boating

Global Learning Fellowship

The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education
Private
Costa Rica
Unspecified amount
The NEA Foundation's Global Learning Fellowship empowers K-12 public school educators to integrate global competency into their teaching. Through a year-long program featuring online coursework, professional workshops, and an international field study in Costa Rica, educators enhance their skills to provide students with a global perspective. This initiative fosters collaboration among educators, policymakers, and community leaders to improve educational outcomes while promoting equity and antiracism in education.
Teacher Development & Training Cross-Cultural Understanding & Exchanges

Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award

Northern Clay Center
Private
United States
Up to US $2,000
The Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award supports students and emerging ceramic artists in the U.S. to enhance their skills and knowledge through research and education for up to twelve months. Eligible applicants include current students and recent graduates in ceramics. The award offers a maximum of $2,000 for travel, education, or research, enabling recipients to explore new techniques, collaborate with mentors, and attend workshops, thereby fostering professional growth in the field of ceramics.
Fine Art

SODEXO- Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge

Youth Service America
Corporate
United States
US $250 - US $2,500
The SODEXO Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge invites K-12 classrooms in the U.S. to enhance existing hunger relief initiatives, such as food drives and backpack programs, by making them more impactful and student-driven. This initiative not only addresses the critical issue of child hunger but also empowers students to take action and lead projects that foster community engagement and social responsibility.
Food Access & Hunger

John William Whitman Research Grant

Army Heritage Center Foundation
Private
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Up to US $1,750
The John William Whitman Research Grant, supported by the Army Heritage Center Foundation, offers up to $1,750 to independent researchers exploring military history at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC). This prestigious grant aims to facilitate access to a vast collection of over 14 million pages of manuscripts and 3 million photographs, allowing scholars to delve into under-explored topics. Funds cover lodging, meals, and travel expenses, ensuring researchers can focus on their important work.
Military & Veterans Services Historic Preservation

Grants to Help Build & Finance Churches: Major & Minor Funding Requests

Catholic Extension
Association/Society
Acadia Parish, Louisiana, Accomack County, Virginia +994 more
Up to US $100,000
Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.
Catholicism

Building Foundation Grants

Catholic Extension
Association/Society
Acadia Parish, Louisiana, Accomack County, Virginia +994 more
Unspecified amount
The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.
Catholicism

Building Leaders Grants

Catholic Extension
Association/Society
Acadia Parish, Louisiana, Accomack County, Virginia +994 more
Unspecified amount
The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.
Catholicism

Engaging Young Catholics Grants

Catholic Extension
Association/Society
Acadia Parish, Louisiana, Accomack County, Virginia +994 more
Unspecified amount
The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.
Catholicism

Building Capacity Grants

Catholic Extension
Association/Society
Acadia Parish, Louisiana, Accomack County, Virginia +994 more
Unspecified amount
The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.
Catholicism

Francis Grants

Catholic Extension
Association/Society
Acadia Parish, Louisiana, Accomack County, Virginia +994 more
Unspecified amount
The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.
Catholicism

Foundation Research Grant

Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
Private
United States
Up to US $40,000
The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research aims to enhance public health through funding innovative research in physical therapy. With a mission to optimize movement and improve societal health, it supports both emerging and established researchers. By offering grants, scholarships, and fellowships, the Foundation has created a robust pipeline of skilled researchers. Their efforts also focus on addressing health disparities and advancing evidence-based practices, ensuring a brighter future for the profession and its impact on patient care.
Physical Therapy

Magistro Family Foundation Research Grant

Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
Private
United States
Up to US $250,000
The Magistro Family Foundation Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance health through physical therapy research. With a commitment to funding innovative projects, this grant provides $200,000 for one or two years to support emerging and established researchers. The foundation focuses on addressing health disparities and advancing evidence-based practices in physical therapy, ultimately improving the quality of life for diverse communities.
Physical Therapy

Excellence in Education Mini-Grant

Moorestown Education Foundation
Private
Burlington County, New Jersey
Up to US $5,000
The Excellence in Education Mini-Grant program aims to enhance educational opportunities within the Moorestown Township Public Schools by funding innovative projects that positively impact students. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to district staff who collaborate with their principals to develop compelling proposals. This initiative supports creative educational initiatives that foster significant and lasting improvements in the learning environment for children in the district.
Education - K through 12 Academic Success & Enrichment

White Family Foundation Funding

White Family Foundation
Private
Citrus County, Florida, Hernando County, Florida +6 more
Up to US $25,000
The White Family Foundation provides grants to enhance education, healthcare, and religious initiatives in Florida. With a focus on the Tampa Bay area, the Foundation supports organizations that foster self-reliance and personal responsibility, offering funding up to $25,000 per year. Priority is given to those with operating budgets under $5 million. By partnering with local entities, they aim to make a lasting positive impact on individuals and families in the community.
Education Religion & Spirituality Health Care Access & Delivery

Cathleen W. Grant Field of Interest Fund for Environmental Protection Grant

Pinellas Community Foundation
Private
Pinellas County, Florida
US $3,500
The Cathleen W. Grant Field of Interest Fund for Environmental Protection Grant, established by Cathleen Wells, focuses on enhancing Pinellas County's natural resources. Managed by the Pinellas Community Foundation, this fund supports 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to environmental improvement within the county. Only projects directly benefiting the local community are considered, ensuring that all funds are utilized effectively for the betterment of Pinellas County's ecosystem.
Environmental Stewardship

ILA Exemplary Reading Program Award

International Literacy Association
Association/Society
Canada, United States
Unspecified amount
The ILA Exemplary Reading Program Award, presented by the International Literacy Association, recognizes exceptional reading and language arts programs across all grade levels in Canada and the United States. This award aims to highlight outstanding educational efforts that promote literacy improvement and excellence among school staff. Eligible programs must submit comprehensive applications showcasing their entire reading initiatives, serving as models for others. Winning schools gain recognition while contributing to the advancement of literacy education.
Literacy Education - K through 12

PVA Education Foundation Grant Program

Paralyzed Veterans of America
Private
Canada, United States
Up to US $75,000
The PVA Education Foundation Grant Program, offered by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, supports innovative projects aimed at improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D). Grants of up to $75,000 are available for initiatives in consumer education, professional development for healthcare providers, and research translation. This funding enables the development of essential educational tools and resources to enhance health, independence, and quality of life for the SCI/D community.
Spinal Cord Injuries

Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program

Leary Firefighters Foundation
Private
Massachusetts, New York +2 more
US $5,000 - US $25,000
The Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program, managed by the Leary Firefighters Foundation, supports paid and volunteer fire departments across the US, focusing on training, equipment, and technology enhancements. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts occasionally available. Departments must demonstrate proactive problem-solving efforts. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships aimed at achieving impactful results, particularly in response to emergencies caused by natural or man-made disasters.
Firefighting & Fire Prevention

Folk Art Apprenticeship Grant

Utah Division of Art & Museums
State/Local Government
Utah
Up to US $5,000

Folk Art Apprenticeship Grant

Folk Arts Apprenticeships enable qualified individuals to study with traditional mentors of Utah’s ethnic, Native, rural, and occupational communities who demonstrate a commitment to passing on cultural knowledge.

Funding assists accomplished mentors in sharing their skills with one or two apprentices of the same cultural community. Apprentice(s) and Mentor should complete their application together. There may be extenuating circumstances where three or more apprentices could be part of the same program.

Folk Art / Traditional Art Artist Training & Development

USA Football- Youth Program Grants- Spring Cycle

USA Football
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The USA Football Grant Program offers funding for youth organizations, middle schools, and girls flag football programs to improve operational standards and enhance athlete experiences. Spring Grants are available to help teams acquire necessary equipment and reduce barriers to play, while Fall Grants assist in future planning and increasing participation. Applications for Spring Grants are accepted until March 17, 2025, supporting the mission of #FootballForAll.
Football

William and Lottie Daniel Fund Child Care Scholarship

Santa Barbara Foundation
Private
Santa Barbara County, California
Up to US $50,000
The William and Lottie Daniel Fund Child Care Scholarship supports licensed nonprofit child care facilities in Santa Barbara County, addressing the critical need for affordable child care. With rising costs, many working families struggle to access quality care. This scholarship prioritizes organizations serving children aged 0-5, aiming to enhance program quality and accessibility. The Santa Barbara Foundation is committed to ensuring that all families can thrive by providing necessary resources for child development and education, especially in light of recent challenges.
Child Care Services

Barbara Barnard Smith Fund for World Musics

Ventura County Community Foundation
Private
Ventura County, California
Unspecified amount
The Barbara Barnard Smith Fund for World Musics, established in 1992, aims to deepen understanding of global and local multicultural environments through artistic heritages beyond Euro-American concert traditions. This donor-advised fund invites applications from schools and organizations to support performances of non-Western classical and folk musics, as well as contemporary compositions that incorporate these traditions, fostering appreciation for diverse musical expressions.
Music

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.

Filter Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Browse Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits by Location

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming American Samoa District of Columbia Guam Northern Mariana Islands Puerto Rico Virgin Islands Africa Haiti

Related Grant Funding Focus Areas

Browse Other Nonprofit Operations & Capacity Grants

Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits Corporate Grants for Nonprofits Foundation Grants for Nonprofits Grants for 501(c)(3) Grants for Capital Funding Grants for Computers for Nonprofits Grants for Grassroots Organizations Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations Marketing Grants for Nonprofits Operating Grants for Nonprofits Private Grants for Nonprofits Seed Grants for Nonprofits Small Grants for Nonprofits Technology Grants Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Browse More Local Grants

Local Grants by City

Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Boise, ID Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Springfield, IL Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Hagerstown, MD Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Denver, CO Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Baltimore, MD Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Fort Wayne, IN Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in Brockton, MA Small Grants for Nonprofits in Huntington Beach, CA Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in West Palm Beach, FL Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Colorado Springs, CO Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Bridgeport, CT Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado Springs, CO