Upcoming Webinar
Instrumentl Fall Launch: Grant Work, Leveled Up.
Thu, Oct 29 or 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

NE Emergency Mini Grant

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
State/Local Government
Nebraska
US $1,000 - US $2,000
The NE Emergency Mini Grant, offered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, provides funding up to $2,000 for licensed child care centers and homes. This grant aims to support necessary items for licensure based on inspections by relevant authorities. Eligible applicants must maintain good standing and ensure compliance with child care subsidy requirements. The initiative focuses on improving child care quality and accessibility for low-income families, enhancing early childhood development programs.
Child Care Services

Quality Improvement Grant

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
State/Local Government
Nebraska
Up to US $500
The Quality Improvement Grant, offered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, provides up to $500 to licensed Child Care Homes and Centers to enhance their programs. Eligible applicants must maintain good standing and have a current Child Care Subsidy enrollment. Funds are intended for items that improve program quality, ensuring equitable care for all children, including those with disabilities. Providers must sustain business and subsidy enrollment for three years after receiving funding.
Child Care Services

Colposcopy Training and Equipment Grant

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
State/Local Government
Nebraska
Up to US $19,000
The Colposcopy Training and Equipment Grant supports public health clinics by funding clinical training for staff and the purchase of colposcopy equipment. This grant ensures that clinics can provide seamless follow-up procedures after abnormal Pap tests. Eligible applicants can request up to $4,000 for training and $15,000 for equipment costs. Funding is available on a reimbursement basis, requiring prior approval of applications and budgets before incurring expenses.
Women's Health

Marketing Matching Grant

Missouri Division of Tourism
State/Local Government
Missouri
Unspecified amount
The Marketing Matching Grant (MMG), offered by the Missouri Division of Tourism, aims to enhance tourism in the state by partnering with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). This grant supports projects that promote Missouri’s attractions and reimburse up to 50% of approved advertising costs. The application period runs from April 1 to April 30, 2025, following a certification process for DMOs. The initiative focuses on increasing visitation and visitor spending to strengthen Missouri's tourism market.
Tourism

Marketing Platform Development Program

Missouri Division of Tourism
State/Local Government
Missouri
Up to US $10,000
The Marketing Platform Development Program by the Missouri Division of Tourism aims to enhance marketing investments for tourism beyond the fiscal year. Grants up to $10,000 are available to certified and non-certified Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), promoting projects that expand tourism marketing and increase economic impact. Eligible platforms include website development, social media strategy, and brand awareness studies, ensuring efficient implementation and collaborative marketing efforts.
Tourism

On Farm Housing Grant Program

Alabama Non-Profit Housing, Inc.
Private
North Carolina
Up to US $7,500
The On Farm Housing Grant Program, managed by Alabama Non-Profit Housing, Inc., offers financial assistance to farmers and growers for upgrading existing labor housing. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program provides matching grants up to $7,500, ensuring safe and sanitary living conditions for farm workers. Eligible participants must own housing in need of repairs that directly impact worker safety and health, with a commitment to match funds dollar-for-dollar.
Farms & Farming

Traditional IDEA Grant

Ausherman Family Foundation Inc
Private
Frederick County, Maryland
Up to US $5,000
The IDEA Grant aims to address funding gaps for Black-led nonprofits in Frederick County, as identified by the Frederick Funders Data Project. The Ausherman Family Foundation is committed to enhancing the sustainability and impact of these organizations through targeted support, including coaching and mentorship. By focusing on inclusion, diversity, and equity, the grant seeks to empower Black-led initiatives, ensuring equitable access to resources and fostering long-term community vitality.
Black American Services

Latino Giving Circle Grant Program

Rochester Area Community Foundation
Private
Genesee County, New York, Livingston County, New York +5 more
US $1,000 - US $5,000
The Latino Giving Circle Grant Program, facilitated by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aims to empower the Latino community in the greater Rochester area. This initiative supports 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to reducing disparities and enhancing quality of life for Latinos. Preference is given to projects in Monroe County that align with the program's mission, fostering collaboration and meaningful impact within the community.
Hispanic and Latino Services Hispanic and Latino Culture & Heritage

Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program

The Oregon Community Foundation
Private
Oregon
Up to US $25,000
The Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program by the Oregon Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that aid entrepreneurs, particularly those who are women, people of color, or from under-resourced communities. With $750,000 in funding available, the program focuses on providing flexible support to enhance business growth and sustainability. Organizations with a proven track record or innovative approaches are encouraged to apply for grants up to $25,000, fostering economic vitality across Oregon.
Entrepreneurship

TFish Fund Grant

TFish Fund
Private
Eastern Asia, United States
Up to US $10,000
The TFish Fund Grant aims to alleviate poverty in East Asia by empowering small but impactful NGOs to achieve sustainability and transparency. Founded in 2011, the Transparent Fish Fund partners with select organizations that focus on poverty alleviation. By providing financial aid, capacity building, and promoting accountability, the fund bridges the gap between Western donors and local NGOs, fostering a philanthropic spirit while addressing the complex social issues faced in the region.
Asian American Services

Division of Boating and Waterways: Sewage Management Education and Outreach Grant Program

California Department of Parks and Recreation
State/Local Government
Alameda County, California, Contra Costa County, California +17 more
US $276,937
The Division of Boating and Waterways offers the Sewage Management Education and Outreach Grant Program to educate Californians about proper boat sewage disposal. Established under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, this program funds pumpout stations and promotes public awareness in targeted regions including the San Francisco Bay Delta and Southern California Coastal Counties. Grants will support education, outreach, and monitoring efforts to ensure safe and environmentally friendly boating practices.
Recreational Water Use & Boating

Fall Grant Cycle- Hospice Fund

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
Private
Henry County, Virginia, Martinsville City, Virginia +1 more
Unspecified amount
The Fall Grant Cycle for the Hospice Fund aims to provide essential support to organizations and programs that assist residents of Martinsville with end-of-life medical needs. This initiative focuses on aiding those in need within Henry and Patrick counties. Grants are intended for a specific purpose and are not meant for general operating expenses or individual support. Eligible organizations must serve the local community and align with the fund's mission to enhance quality of life at critical times.
Hospice / End of Life Care

Fall Grant Cycle- Cancer Center Fund Grant

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
Private
Henry County, Virginia, Martinsville City, Virginia +1 more
Unspecified amount
The Fall Grant Cycle for the Cancer Center Fund Grant aims to support organizations in Martinsville and surrounding counties that provide essential health services and educational resources for cancer victims. Eligible applicants include local organizations dedicated to promoting health and wellness. The grant focuses on impactful programs that benefit the community, ensuring that those affected by cancer receive the necessary support and resources for treatment and recovery.
Cancer / Oncology

FCH: Cultivating Health Grant Program

Foundation for Community Health Inc.
Private
Columbia County, New York, Dutchess County, New York +1 more
Unspecified amount
The Cultivating Health Grant Program by the Foundation for Community Health aims to enhance health, well-being, and equity through strategic funding. It operates a two-stage application process, initially inviting brief concept submissions and then full proposals for approved ideas. The program supports various initiatives without fixed grant amounts, prioritizing requests that improve community living conditions. It particularly values projects that bolster municipal capacities and foster collaboration among towns to enhance health outcomes.
Wellness & Healthy Living Health Care Access & Delivery

Ralph C. Vonnegut, Jr. Fund

Marshall County Community Foundation Inc
Private
Marshall County, Indiana
Unspecified amount
The Ralph C. Vonnegut, Jr. Fund offers annual grants for projects that enhance environmental, educational, or recreational opportunities related to Lake Maxinkuckee. Proposals are evaluated based on organizational capacity, project goals, and community impact, with a preference for innovative and collaborative approaches. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) organizations, while individuals and sectarian purposes are ineligible. Preference is given to applicants who haven't received funding in the past six months.
Environment Education Recreation

Capital improvements Grant - Projects to Childcare Centers

Franklin Square House Foundation Inc
Private
Barnstable County, Massachusetts, Bristol County, Massachusetts +8 more
Up to US $100,000
The Capital Improvements Grant by the Franklin Square House Foundation offers funding up to $100,000 for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in specific Massachusetts counties. This grant focuses on projects that create new childcare slots, enhance administrative capacity, and ensure financial stability. Applicants must demonstrate readiness to start projects within 90 days and show a commitment to serving underprivileged children. Past grantees must adhere to reporting requirements to maintain eligibility.
Child Care Services

Arizona Iceberg Lettuce Research Council (AILRC) Grant

Arizona Department of Agriculture
State/Local Government
Arizona
Unspecified amount
The Arizona Iceberg Lettuce Research Council (AILRC) Grant supports Arizona iceberg lettuce producers by providing funding for research that identifies solutions to production issues. With approximately $63,000 available for this grant cycle, the AILRC aims to make research findings accessible to producers. Funding primarily comes from assessments on packed iceberg lettuce, ensuring that the grants are sustainable and beneficial for the industry over multiple years.
Agricultural Crops

Bachelor of Science Nursing Scholarship Program

California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
State/Local Government
California
Up to US $10,000
The Bachelor of Science Nursing Scholarship Program, managed by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), aims to enhance California's healthcare workforce. Funded by a surcharge on RN licensure fees, it offers up to $10,000 to eligible nursing students in exchange for a 12-month service obligation in underserved communities. This initiative seeks to ensure a sufficient number of trained Registered Nurses provide essential care where it is most needed.
Nursing

University Technology Development Funding: Flash Grant

North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Private
North Carolina
Up to US $37,500
The University Technology Development Funding: Flash Grant supports innovative life sciences research with exceptional commercial potential. It provides rapid funding to help develop ideas related to sleep, hibernation, and the effects of space travel. Grants are offered in three cycles throughout 2024-2025, focusing on topics such as sleep health, disorders, and space biology, ensuring targeted support for transformative research that can lead to significant advancements in these fields.
Neuroscience

NIDCD Cooperative Agreement for Clinical Trials in Communication Disorders (U01 - Clinical Trial Required) (350657)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The NIDCD Cooperative Agreement for Clinical Trials in Communication Disorders (U01) aims to support clinical trials focused on effective interventions for communication disorders. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration between researchers and NIDCD Project Scientists to evaluate treatments that may require FDA oversight or are designed to establish efficacy, ensuring safety for participants. Letters of Intent are recommended 30 days before the proposal deadline, with applications due by 5:00 PM local time.
Communication Disorders

AGA: Research Scholar Award

American Gastroenterological Association
Association/Society
Canada, Mexico +1 more
US $300,000
The AGA Research Scholar Award offers $100,000 per year for three years to early-career faculty in digestive disease research. Applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be in a full-time faculty position in North America. The award fosters scientific independence by requiring a minimum of 50% research effort. AGA membership is mandatory, and applicants are encouraged to self-assign their proposals to specific research categories. This award aims to support promising junior researchers in their pursuit of independent research careers.
Digestive System Health & Diseases

AGA: Fellow Abstract Award

American Gastroenterological Association
Association/Society
Canada, Mexico +1 more
US $500 - US $1,000
The AGA Fellow Abstract Award, offered by the American Gastroenterological Association, provides a $500 travel award to MD, PhD, or equivalent fellows who present their abstracts at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW). The award encourages the participation of active trainee members and emphasizes diversity by inviting applications from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. The top abstract will earn an additional $1,000 award, highlighting excellence in gastroenterology research.
Digestive System Health & Diseases

AGA Pilot Research Award

American Gastroenterological Association
Association/Society
Canada, Mexico +1 more
US $40,000
The AGA Pilot Research Award offers $40,000 for one year to independent investigators at any career stage, focusing on innovative research in gastroenterology or hepatology. Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree, and AGA membership is required at the time of application. This award encourages early career researchers and supports projects with new directions, emphasizing mentorship for those in the early stages of their careers.
Digestive System Health & Diseases

AGA Fellowship-to-Faculty Transition Award

American Gastroenterological Association
Association/Society
Canada, Mexico +1 more
US $130,000
The AGA Fellowship-to-Faculty Transition Award offers $65,000 per year for two years, totaling $130,000, to clinical and postdoctoral fellows. This funding is intended to support their transition to independent research careers focused on inflammatory bowel disease in gastroenterology. Applicants must hold an MD or equivalent, be in a fellowship position in North America, and demonstrate a commitment to clinical or translational research. AGA membership is required, and applicants should have a mentor who is also an AGA member.
Digestive System Health & Diseases

AANA: Research Grants

Arthroscopy Association Of North America Inc
Private
United States
US $25,000 - US $50,000
The AANA Research Grants support clinical and basic science research in arthroscopic surgery, with a funding pool for 2024 reaching $350,000. One project may receive $50,000, while six others can be awarded $25,000 each. Applications are evaluated based on scientific validity, feasibility, clinical relevance, and completion ability. Special consideration is given to innovative surgical techniques and patient-reported outcomes. Travel expenses for study participants may also be considered during grant reviews.
Musculoskeletal Diseases

Trauma-Informed Practice Fund Grant

The Fund For Greater Hartford Inc
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut, Middlesex County, Connecticut +1 more
Up to US $5,000
The Trauma-Informed Practice Fund Grant supports organizations working directly with children to adopt trauma-informed practices. Grants of up to $5,000 can be requested for various training-related expenses, including travel and trainer fees. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and demonstrate commitment to serving diverse youth populations. Priority is given to communities like Hartford, New Britain, and Middletown. Collaborative applications are encouraged to enhance training effectiveness and sustainability.
Child Abuse & Neglect

Lottery for Education: Afterschool Programs Grant Opportunity

Tennessee Department of Education
State/Local Government
Tennessee
More than US $50,000
The Lottery for Education: Afterschool Programs Grant Opportunity aims to enhance academic enrichment for Tennessee students. This initiative supports public and not-for-profit organizations that provide afterschool educational programs. Eligible applicants must offer services that complement regular academic curricula and address the needs of at-risk youth. With a focus on educational development, the program prioritizes those serving students aged 5-18 who qualify for free or reduced lunch or face educational disadvantages. Grant funds are intended to supplement, not replace, existing educational resources.
After School / Summer Educational 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.