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Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Get professional development grants for nonprofit staff training, leadership growth, and skills-based learning.

32,000+

Available grants

$9.00B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$9.00B total
$6K median

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32,423 Results based on applied filters

Geiger/Montello Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Androscoggin County, Maine
Unspecified amount
The Geiger/Montello Scholarship Fund, established in 2008 by the Maine Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Montello Elementary School in Lewiston, Maine, aspiring to pursue higher education. This renewable scholarship encourages recipients to demonstrate financial need and a commitment to academic success, enabling them to attend two- or four-year colleges. The program emphasizes well-rounded participation in school and community activities, seeking dedicated students who exemplify hard work and multifaceted interests.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Higgins Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Cumberland County, Maine
Unspecified amount
The Higgins Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 1983, supports deserving seniors from Portland and surrounding areas in Maine. It provides financial assistance for post-secondary education based on need and academic success. Applicants are evaluated through transcripts and recommendations, with interviews for those who pass initial screenings. This fund reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for local students.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Joseph W. Mayo ALS Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Maine
Unspecified amount
The Joseph W. Mayo ALS Scholarship Fund, established by friends of Mr. Mayo, supports students who are children or caregivers of ALS patients. Funded by the Maine Community Foundation, it aims to assist Maine residents pursuing higher education, including colleges and technical schools. With a commitment to education, this scholarship honors Mr. Mayo's legacy as a public servant and aims to empower future generations through financial assistance.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Marion Joy Morse Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Maine
Unspecified amount
The Marion Joy Morse Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to individuals pursuing education in medical fields. Eligible applicants must have been born on Mount Desert Island or attended a school there. This scholarship can be renewed at the discretion of the Advisory Committee. Since 1984, the foundation has awarded over $3 million annually through nearly 700 scholarship funds, supporting Maine residents in their educational endeavors.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Rice Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Maine
Unspecified amount
The Rice Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 1996, offers scholarships to students who have spent significant time on Maine's offshore islands and are pursuing higher education. This fund supports residents from both offshore and bridged islands, encouraging them to further their education at accredited institutions. Selection is based on financial need and commitment to community service, ensuring support for deserving students in Maine.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

bp Foundation Community Fund Grant

John S And James L Knight Foundation Inc
Private
Lake County, Indiana, Piatt County, Illinois
Up to US $5,000
The bp Foundation Community Fund Grant, in partnership with Legacy Foundation, aims to support organizations in Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting impacted by the August 2025 storms. This grant offers up to $5,000 to assist with recovery efforts and enhance future preparedness. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofits, churches, schools, local governments, and first responder agencies that have faced damage or service interruptions due to the storms.
Disaster Preparedness First Responders

Stephen L. Ross Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Cumberland County, Maine
Unspecified amount
The Stephen L. Ross Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, honors the memory of Stephen L. Ross, a Chebeague Island resident. This fund provides financial support to graduating high school seniors and first-year post-secondary students pursuing higher education or vocational training. Additionally, it recognizes students entering the education field with the Kenneth Hamilton Education Award. MaineCF awards over $3 million annually through nearly 700 scholarship funds, supporting local educational aspirations.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Virginia M Ballard Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Cumberland County, Maine
Unspecified amount
The Virginia M Ballard Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports residents of Chebeague Island facing financial need. Founded in 1983, the Maine Community Foundation helps Maine residents access education by awarding over $3 million annually through numerous scholarship funds. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities for students in various accredited institutions and programs.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Wendell S. Doody Memorial Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Maine
Unspecified amount
The Wendell S. Doody Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Washburn District High School or Presque Isle High School. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing technical education in trades such as plumbing, welding, and carpentry at community colleges in Maine. With a focus on students demonstrating academic promise, this fund is a tribute to Wendell S. Doody's legacy of hard work and community service.
Academic Scholarship Programs Vocational & Trade Education

Sprague Charitable Contribution Program

Sprague
Corporate
Connecticut, District of Columbia +11 more
US $250 - US $10,000
The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.
Environment Youth Services

Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Community-Partnered Nursing Research Centers (P20 Clinical Trial Optional)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $500,000
The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) plans to publish a funding opportunity announcement for Community-Partnered Nursing Research Centers (P20 Clinical Trial Optional). This initiative aims to strengthen nursing-led programs that foster community-partnered research addressing significant health issues. By enhancing interdisciplinary research capacities, the program will establish centralized resources in nursing schools, build expertise in community partnerships, and support nurse-led teams in developing, implementing, and evaluating impactful research projects.
Nursing

Grace Helen Spearman Foundation Grants

Grace Helen Spearman Foundation
Private
Riverside County, California
Unspecified amount
The Grace Helen Spearman Foundation Grants aim to honor Ms. Spearman's legacy by supporting organizations and individuals that enhance the lives of the needy in California. With a focus on education, medical research, cultural arts, and assistance for the impoverished and disabled, these grants reflect her commitment to kindness and community welfare. Eligible applicants must be California-based, ensuring that the funds directly benefit local initiatives and uphold Ms. Spearman's vision.
Art & Culture Education Disability Care & Services

Howard Vincent Kurtz Student Engagement Grant

United Institute for Theatre Technology Inc.
Private
United States
Up to US $1,200
The Howard Vincent Kurtz Student Engagement Grant, funded by USITT, supports emerging theater artists with financial assistance up to $1,200 for academic costs. Grants cover research, travel, and project completion, along with a complimentary conference registration. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students in theatrical design and technology, nominated by a USITT member. Winners receive mentorship for six months, fostering professional growth and development in the entertainment industry.
Theater

JCFKC: White Theatre Grantor Fund

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
Private
Johnson County, Kansas
Unspecified amount
The JCFKC: White Theatre Grantor Fund, managed by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, supports Jewish non-profit agencies and synagogues by covering technical and rental fees for events at the Lewis and Shirley White Theatre. Applications are due by the specified deadlines, with rolling acceptance based on fund availability. No agency may receive more than 50% of the annual funds, ensuring equitable distribution across the Jewish community.
Theater

Mental Health Support Fund Grants

Door County Community Foundation
Private
Door County, Wisconsin
More than US $5,000
The Mental Health Support Fund Grants, provided by the Door County Community Foundation, aim to enhance mental health awareness and education in Door County, WI. Grants, averaging around $5,000, support programs that directly contribute to mental healthcare initiatives. Charities can apply for multiple projects if they are closely related, but only one application is allowed per grant cycle. Ineligible projects include debt repayment and fundraising expenses.
Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases

Mattina R. Proctor Foundation Grant: Environmental Stewardship

Mattina R. Proctor Foundation
Private
Cumberland County, Maine, Knox County, Maine +3 more
US $2,500 - US $50,000
The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation Grant focuses on environmental stewardship by supporting charitable organizations that enhance community well-being in Maine and Massachusetts. With grant amounts ranging from $2,500 to $50,000, the foundation prioritizes projects that protect land and promote sustainable practices. Successful applicants must demonstrate a specific need and align their initiatives with the foundation's focus on education, healthcare, arts, and environmental conservation, ensuring a lasting positive impact on local economies.
Environmental Stewardship

Emergency Response Grant

Minnesota Humanities Center
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Up to US $75,000
The Minnesota Humanities Center is offering the Emergency Response Grant to support organizations promoting the art, culture, and heritage of diverse communities in Minnesota. With $600,000 available, each applicant can request up to $50,000. This funding aims to assist Indigenous groups, historically underrepresented communities, recent immigrants, and veterans in celebrating their unique cultural narratives and fostering community engagement. The application deadline is October 15, 2026, or until funds are expended.
Community Culture & Heritage Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Elliott Antokoletz Fund

American Musicological Society Inc
Private
North America
US $500 - US $5,000
The Elliott Antokoletz Fund supports doctoral and post-doctoral research in twentieth-century music, honoring the legacy of esteemed scholar Elliott Antokoletz. It is open to Ph.D. students and recent graduates from North American universities, with an award range of $500 to $5000. Preference is given to applicants from institutions lacking financial support for musicological research. This initiative promotes creativity through music-centered research, ensuring equity and inclusion in the academic study of music.
Music

M. Elizabeth C. Bartlet Fund

American Musicological Society Inc
Private
France
US $500 - US $5,000
The M. Elizabeth C. Bartlet Fund supports doctoral and post-doctoral musicological research in France, honoring the legacy of M. Elizabeth C. Bartlet, a distinguished scholar of French music. The fund primarily benefits students from North American universities, providing awards typically ranging from $500 to $5000. Preference is given to applicants whose institutions lack financial support for musicological research, promoting equity and access in academia.
Music

Virginia and George Bozarth Fund

American Musicological Society Inc
Private
Austria
US $500 - US $5,000
The Virginia and George Bozarth Fund, established by the American Musicological Society, supports doctoral students and recent Ph.D. graduates from North American universities conducting research in Austria. The fund typically awards between $500 and $5000 annually. Preference is given to applicants whose institutions do not provide financial support for musicological research. This initiative aims to foster academic inquiry and promote equitable access to resources in the field of musicology.
Music

Alvin A. and Hattie Mae Bush Accounting Scholarship

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
More than US $2,000
The Alvin A. and Hattie Mae Bush Accounting Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and current college students from the Texas Panhandle. Applicants must be majoring in Accounting and plan to attend Amarillo College, Texas Tech University, or West Texas A&M University. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students, fostering a brighter future for the community.
Academic Scholarship Programs Business Education

Connecting Art Histories

Getty Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Getty Foundation's Connecting Art Histories initiative enhances global art historical scholarship by fostering intellectual exchange among scholars, particularly in underrepresented regions. This ongoing grant program supports seminars and workshops that connect over 1,000 early to mid-career researchers from diverse areas, including Africa and Latin America, to promote collaborative research and career development. The initiative not only builds professional networks but also aims to strengthen the discipline of art history by addressing geographic and political barriers.
Art History Visual Arts

The Robert L. Priddy Hall of Fame Scholarship

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Robert L. Priddy Hall of Fame Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports current flight nurses from the Texas Panhandle aiming to further their education. Eligible applicants must possess flight certifications such as CEN, CCRN, or CFRN, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and achieve a 3.5 GPA while enrolled. This scholarship empowers dedicated healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and impact the community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

The Howard D. Graves Scholarship

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Howard D. Graves Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from the Texas Panhandle's top 26 counties. This scholarship is aimed at students planning to attend a Texas A&M System school, with a focus on any field of study. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 both to qualify and while enrolled in college, ensuring they are committed to their academic success.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Teresa Engler Raizen Scholarship Fund

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Teresa Engler Raizen Scholarship Fund, managed by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports Cactus Feeders and Spike Box Ranch employees, their spouses, or children who are pursuing higher education as upper-level undergraduates or graduate students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and enroll in at least 6 credit hours for graduate studies or 12 for undergraduate studies each semester. This fund aims to empower individuals in the Texas Panhandle community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Senator Grady and Andrine Hazlewood Scholarship

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Senator Grady and Andrine Hazlewood Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, aims to support students from the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. Eligible applicants must maintain a 3.2 GPA in high school and a 2.8 GPA in college for renewal. This scholarship seeks to empower local students attending Amarillo College, WTAMU, or Texas Tech, fostering educational opportunities and community growth.
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.