Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Teacher Appreciation Scholarship, provided by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, supports seniors pursuing a career in teaching. Established in 1987, this nonprofit organization has a $3.8 million Endowment Fund, awarding over $55,000 annually in scholarships to Beatrice High School graduates. Applicants must apply through the Student Services Office, with the scholarship amount varying each year, reflecting the foundation's commitment to enriching educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District.

The Teammates Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $500 award to graduating students who are mentees in the Teammates program at Beatrice High School. With a mission to support educational growth, the Foundation has awarded over $55,000 annually in scholarships, contributing to the academic success of local youth. This scholarship is applicable to any accredited institution upon proof of registration, fostering opportunities for further education.

The Duluth Builders Exchange Apprenticeship Scholarship, offered by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, aims to equip emerging construction workers with essential tools and gear. Eligible applicants must be registered with a union and enrolled in their first or second year of an apprenticeship program in the construction industry within specified counties. This scholarship provides a financial award of $500 to support their journey into the workforce.

The U.S. Marine Corps League, Homestead Leathernecks Detachment-1430 Vanover, Epp, Melcher, Calhoon, Baehr, Hurd Scholarship offers a $250 award to recognize outstanding character, leadership, academic achievement, and community service among Beatrice High School seniors. Established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this scholarship encourages all students to apply, with preference given to children or grandchildren of U.S. Marine Corps veterans. Annually, over $55,000 is awarded in scholarships to support local students.

The V.F.W. Post #1077 Auxiliary Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers two $350 scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School who plan to continue their education. Established in 1987, the foundation supports educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District and awards over $55,000 in scholarships each year. Preference is given to students entering military service or with family members who have served, though this is not a strict requirement.

The V.F.W. Post #1077 Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers two $500 scholarships annually to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational enrichment through a $3.8 million Endowment Fund. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate academic diligence, with financial need considered. Priority is given to those with military family ties, although this is not a strict requirement. This initiative enhances educational opportunities in the local community.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Andrew Wigton Memorial Scholarship

Andrew Wigton lost his young life in an automobile accident during his senior year at Pleasant High School. His parents and family created this scholarship in 2006 to honor his memory. Special consideration is given to applicants who have been members of the varsity basketball or varsity soccer team, two sports that Andrew loved.

In addition to memorial contributions, this fund is supported by the proceeds of the Dre 5K Run and a golf outing and by Andrew’s parents, friends, and family members.

Seniors of Pleasant High School in the upper 25th percentile of the graduating class are the focus of the Andrew Wigton Memorial Scholarship.

The University of Nebraska-Kearney Cooperating School Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, supports students in the student-teacher program. Established to enhance educational opportunities, this scholarship requires recipients to maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete 24 semester hours annually. Eligible students must rank in the top 30% of their class and achieve a minimum ACT score of 23, ensuring that dedicated learners receive the financial assistance they need to succeed.

The Vette, Fred and Virginia V. Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers five scholarships of $6,000 each, distributed over four years, to Beatrice High School seniors. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate financial need and preference is given to those attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. The foundation has a significant endowment fund and has been supporting local education since 1987, contributing over $55,000 annually in scholarships.

The John H.A. Stubbe Memorial Scholarship aims to support high school seniors from Wausau and D.C. Everest School Districts who have participated in curling, baseball, or softball. This scholarship is intended for students planning to pursue higher education in Wisconsin, with a total funding of over $300,000 available for more than 200 students. It embodies the Community Foundation's mission to enhance community quality of life through educational opportunities.

The Villafane, Brandon, Scholarship offers a $2,000 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School who demonstrates mental toughness, a team-oriented attitude, and strong work ethic. Established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, which has been supporting local education since 1987, this scholarship aims to recognize students who participate in sports such as football, basketball, or track. Financial need, academic achievement, and extracurricular involvement will also be considered.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Aris Kasotis Memorial Scholarship

Aris Kasotis was a young man who liked to see people included. “He made friends easily,” said his mother, Joan Kasotis, Marion County Auditor, “and he liked to make sure that no one was overlooked.”

Aris’ enjoyment of life and his desire to share with others prompted his parents, Joan and long-time local restaurateur and caterer, George Kasotis, to establish a memorial scholarship in Aris’ name following his untimely death in an automobile accident. More than 100 memorial contributions from friends and family helped to establish this scholarship fund in 2007.

The Kasotis Fund provides an annual scholarship for a senior from Marion Harding High School who ranks in the upper 50 percent of his or her senior class, but not the top 10 percent. Special consideration is given to applicants who have participated in Harding Singers, interscholastic wrestling, and/or interscholastic football—school activities that Aris enjoyed.

The Zimmerman, Ken, Health Care Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $500 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a career in health care. With a focus on academic excellence and community involvement, this scholarship supports students entering fields such as nursing, rehabilitation, or hospital administration. Funds are distributed in two installments of $250 each semester, encouraging commitment to education in health services.

Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Division of Rural Services and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), Division of Rural Services (DRS), is charged with assisting rural communities with a population of 20,000 and under. Established under Act 302 of 1991, and merged with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission under Act 8 of the 2015 First Extraordinary Session, DRS assists local agencies in rural areas with information and technical assistance. Currently, more than 80% of Arkansans live in rural areas.

The Arkansas Rural Development Commission (ARDC) is a group of citizens from rural Arkansas responsible for overseeing the programs of DRS. Seven of its members are appointed by the Governor, two are appointed by the Senate President Pro-Tem, and two are appointed by the Speaker of the House. Commissioners serve multiple-year terms and meet throughout the year to discuss rural issues that affect Arkansans.

The mission of these two groups is to "Enhance the quality of life in rural Arkansas."

One focus of the Division of Rural Services is to be a source of information for rural citizens and provide support services to rural communities. DRS publishes a quarterly newsletter that covers rural policies and topics. The Division also hosts an annual conference and local forums around the state throughout the course of the year.

DRS provides funding for worthwhile projects in rural communities through a variety of grant programs. One such program is the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program (RCGP). Since this grant's inception, more than $12 million has been awarded to communities in all 75 counties.

Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program

General Information and Eligibility

Through the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program (RCGP), the Arkansas Rural Development Commission and the Division of Rural Services strive to enhance quality of life in the state by providing incentive grants on a matching basis. The Rural Community Grant Program can assist with the improvement of local fire protection, including related emergency services and construction, along with the development and improvement of community facilities.

What Type of Projects are Eligible

Projects eligible for funding consideration under the Rural Community Grant Program include, but are not limited to:

• Renovations, new construction or additions to publicly owned buildings such as civic or community centers, senior or youth centers, libraries, museums, and etc.
• Renovations, new construction, new equipment, or additions to parks and other publicly owned recreational facilities such as baseball or softball fields, landscape or beautification projects, park and picnic areas, jogging/walking trails, and etc.
• Purchase of storm sirens or construction of publicly owned storm shelters accessible to the citizens of the entire community.
• Renovations, new construction, or additions to fire facilities.
• The purchase of fire protection equipment and vehicles.
• The rehabilitation and/or retrofitting of newly acquired equipment and vehicles.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Beatrice Prior Memorial Scholarship

The Beatrice Prior Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to the academically highest ranking graduating female students of Marion Harding High School.

This fund was created from the Mary Evelyn Prior Trust. Mary Evelyn (1924-2008) was a Marion resident. The fund honors her aunt, Beatrice, who was a 1905 graduate of Marion High School (which pre-dates Harding High School) and taught in Lakewood, Ohio, as well as the Marion City Schools’ elementary grades for many years.

The JoAnn & William (Bill) Hintz Memorial Scholarship offers financial support to residents of Marathon County pursuing education in printing, graphic arts, or related fields. Over 200 scholarships totaling over $300,000 are awarded annually, emphasizing community involvement. The selection process prioritizes qualified candidates from Marathon County, while also considering Wausau West High School seniors with varsity athletics experience. This initiative, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, aims to enhance educational opportunities and community engagement.

The Ronda Seaton, DVM Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $400 scholarship to a postgraduate student entering their second year at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia. Applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting a FAFSA-SAI and provide a letter of good standing. An essay is also required. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing veterinary education and enhance their academic journey.

The Romines Family Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards five $5,000 scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors from specific schools or homeschooled graduates. It emphasizes financial need and requires applicants to be enrolled in a two-year or vocational program. Preference is given to students from Mountain Grove, supporting local educational aspirations and fostering community growth.

The Robert C. Boehner Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards one $1,000 scholarship to undergraduate students entering their final year at accredited institutions. Eligible candidates must major in areas like Construction Architecture or Engineering, reside in specific counties within SWMO, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applicants must submit an essay, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation to demonstrate their community service involvement.

The Richard E. Dorr Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $4,000 award to postgraduate law students who graduated from a Missouri High School. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, submit a FAFSA-SAI, and provide a letter of good standing. Applicants are required to describe their community service involvement and work experience, along with submitting an essay and a letter of recommendation. This scholarship aims to support deserving students in their educational pursuits.

The Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation offers the Campership Grant Program, providing scholarships for summer camps to organizations registered as 501(c)(3). With a focus on Los Angeles and its surroundings, the Foundation seeks to support established programs that nurture individual dignity and community leadership. Organizations can apply annually, with a holistic evaluation process that includes site visits to ensure alignment with the Foundation's mission of empowering vulnerable populations.

The Hiliary Echo Douglas Scholarship, offered by the Fund For Education Abroad, supports one undergraduate student each year who wishes to study abroad in Vietnam or Southeast Asia. This scholarship honors Hiliary Echo Douglas, a passionate advocate for education abroad. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, demonstrate financial need, and have never studied abroad before. The scholarship amount can reach up to $5,000, aiding students in overcoming financial barriers to international education.

The Norma and Stanley DeBoer Quiet Trails Fund supports the creation and maintenance of quiet trails in Wisconsin, including walking, hiking, and skiing paths. Grants range from $500 to $1,000, prioritizing public access and inclusivity. Eligible applicants include public charities, government units, and accredited educational institutions. Projects must enhance trail accessibility and promote quiet outdoor experiences, while ineligible organizations include individuals and private foundations.

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) offers Community Engagement Grants (CEG) to support high-quality arts projects that enrich the cultural landscape of The Bronx. Open to individual artists and nonprofit organizations, these grants foster cultural equity and community connection. Applications are encouraged from diverse artists, including those historically excluded. Since 1982, BCA has been dedicated to nurturing artists and building strong cultural ties within the borough.

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) provides Community Engagement Grants (CEG) to enhance cultural life by funding community-based arts projects across various disciplines. Since 1982, these grants have supported individual artists, artist collectives, and nonprofit organizations, promoting cultural equity and nurturing diverse artistic expressions. Applicants from historically excluded communities are especially encouraged to apply, fostering a rich cultural ecosystem in The Bronx while recognizing outstanding local talent.

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) offers Community Engagement Grants (CEG) to support innovative community-centered arts projects. Since 1982, these grants have empowered individual artists, collectives, and nonprofit organizations in The Bronx to enhance cultural connections. The program encourages applications from diverse artists, including those historically excluded, fostering a rich cultural ecosystem. Applicants can apply for three funds simultaneously, promoting a variety of artistic disciplines and community engagement.

The Gage County Agricultural Society Evie Crawford Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing higher education at a two- or four-year college. Applications are available at local offices or online. The scholarship emphasizes integrity, requiring that applicants complete their applications personally and without using handwritten methods. This initiative supports academic excellence and civic involvement among students, contributing to the Foundation's mission of enriching educational opportunities.