Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Petrillose Family Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., provides financial support to high school seniors and adult learners from Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania. Eligible students must be accepted into Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. The foundation aims to eliminate financial barriers to education, ensuring that deserving individuals can pursue their academic and career goals.

The Patti Perone Volleyball Scholarship, honoring the Southern Tier Volleyball Club, is available to high school seniors and adult learners from Chemung County High School and Corning-Painted Post High School. Eligible applicants must have played varsity or Club USA Volleyball for at least two years, maintain a GPA of 85 or higher, and provide a recommendation from their volleyball coach. The scholarship aims to support students in pursuing higher education and job skills.

The Mikkelsen Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, supports high school seniors and adult learners residing in Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania. The scholarship prioritizes students from Chemung County High School, emphasizing good academic performance and a strong work ethic. Preference is given to children of employees or retirees of Zeiser Wilbert Vault, Inc., along with a consideration for financial need. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers to education.

The Michael James Reid Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., supports high school seniors and adult learners residing in Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 82 or higher and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities. This scholarship aims to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder access to higher education and skill development opportunities.

The McGuire Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, provides $1,000 to eligible high school seniors and adult learners in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. This scholarship emphasizes a strong work ethic and concern for others. Applicants must first complete the General Scholarship Application to be considered. It is aimed at reducing financial barriers to education, ensuring deserving individuals can pursue their academic and vocational goals.

The Marian B. Wood Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., supports high school seniors and adult learners in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. This scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers to education, enabling deserving individuals to pursue college or job skills training. Eligible applicants must attend Chemung County High School and plan to enroll at SUNY Geneseo. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to broadening access to post-secondary education.

The Wally and Libby Walter Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,500 scholarship for graduating African American seniors from Springfield High School. This renewable scholarship is available for up to three years, contingent upon maintaining a 3.0 GPA and enrollment in at least 12 credit hours. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and engage in community service, alongside submitting an essay that outlines their activities.

The Thomas G. Tucker Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $450 scholarship to a graduating high school senior from the local area. Applicants must demonstrate community service involvement and participation in school activities, alongside submitting an essay. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The Springfield Bar Past Presidents Scholarship in Honor of Crista Hogan, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $500 scholarship to a postgraduate law student in Missouri. Applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting the FAFSA-SAI form and provide a letter of good standing. This scholarship aims to support students in achieving their educational goals and fostering future legal professionals in the community.

The Springfield Area Retired Teachers Association Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $2,500 scholarship to undergraduate students entering their third or fourth year at Drury University, Evangel University, or Missouri State University. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI, describe their community service involvement, and submit an essay. This scholarship aims to support future educators committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Ruth Olesen Kelley Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $2,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student from Springfield. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, submit a FAFSA-SAI, and write an essay. Eligible candidates are female students majoring in Women's History with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship aims to support educational aspirations and foster academic excellence in the community.

The FWW Fellowship Award supports emerging physicians and scientists dedicated to advancing women’s health research. Awardees, pursuing MD or PhD programs at U.S. institutions, explore critical health topics such as cardiovascular disease, leading female cancers, and the role of hormones. This initiative encourages diverse applicants and promotes innovative proposals that address health concerns disproportionately affecting women. With a commitment to fostering research excellence, the FWW Fellowship Award empowers the next generation of health leaders.

The Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust, established in 1978, supports public charitable and educational initiatives in the Atchison, Kansas community. Founded by Courtney S. Turner, a prominent local figure, the trust focuses on community improvement, education, health, and human services. It primarily funds 501(c)(3) organizations for specific projects with a one-year grant duration, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on the community.

The Dr. Thomas E. and Mary M. Ashley Medical Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides an $8,000 grant to a postgraduate student in their third or fourth year at the University of Missouri School of Medicine–Springfield. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need, supported by a FAFSA-SAI form, a letter of good standing, and a personal essay, along with a letter of recommendation.

The Dr. William M. Walker Memorial Medical Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $9,000 grant to a postgraduate student entering their final year of medical school in Missouri or Iowa. Preference is given to veteran applicants. Eligible candidates must provide a letter of good standing, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation. This scholarship aims to support future medical professionals in achieving their educational goals.

The Home Visiting Research, Improvement, Sustainability and Evaluation Center (HV-RISE) aims to enhance home visiting services for families. By leveraging research, HV-RISE supports programs in testing and implementing effective practices, thereby improving outcomes. This initiative seeks to identify and expand successful strategies, ensuring that families receive the best support possible through evidence-based home visiting services.

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.

John T. & Lois Schmidt Scholarship

The John T. & Lois Schmidt Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 to support seniors and graduates of Marion County high schools who are also members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, or children or grandchildren of those on active duty or veterans. The Schmidt Fund favors applicants from Elgin High School and those with GPAs of 2.5 or better.

The Schmidt Scholarship honors John and his military service. John served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from January 1943 to January 1946 and was stationed in several overseas and exotic locales, including New Guinea, Netherland East Indies, Morotai, and Mindanao in the Philippine Islands. At the end of his service, he received an honorable discharge as a staff sergeant and had earned the Bronze Star for valor and the Bronze Arrowhead—awarded to those present on D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, France.

Prior to his military career, John graduated from Agosta High School (1941) and shortly after his service, married Lois (Kraner) in 1948. He was employed by Marion Power Shovel, Marion Industries, and retired after 29 years with Whirlpool. He was a member of the Marion County Farm Bureau, Disabled American Veterans, and VFW Post 7201. John passed in 2009 at the age of 86.

The Harold H. Lurie MD Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $450 grant to postgraduate medical students entering their second, third, or fourth year at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI, maintain good academic standing, and submit a personal essay. This scholarship supports students dedicated to advancing their medical education and career in healthcare.

The Northern Wisconsin Outdoor Experiential Education Scholarship Fund supports residents of Chequamegon Bay communities in accessing quality outdoor education programs. Created by anonymous donors passionate about outdoor experiences, the fund targets applicants demonstrating financial need and belonging to underrepresented groups in outdoor education. Awards of $1,000 are available for one year, enabling youth to engage in environmentally sustainable outdoor activities and develop social responsibility.

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.

John D. O’Shea & Kathleen E. O’Shea Scholarship

The John D. O’Shea and Kathleen E. O’Shea Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 through a gift from the couple’s estate.

Devout Catholics, the O’Sheas wish this scholarship to support Catholic education, specifically for students attending Xavier University or Ohio Dominican University, John and Kathy’s alma maters, respectively. The O’Shea’s other funds support St. Mary’s Elementary School in Marion and St. Francis in Toledo, as well as other causes important to the O’Shea family.

The City of Phoenix offers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to enhance and support infrastructure projects in eligible neighborhoods. This initiative aims to engage residents and collaborate with local groups, addressing the needs of low- and moderate-income areas. The Neighborhood Services Department oversees these grants, ensuring that community development efforts align with the city's vision of creating vibrant neighborhoods. Interested parties should reach out for project proposals to make a positive impact.

The BioLEAP Classroom Grants, funded by the National Anti Vivisection Society, support U.S. educators in purchasing humane alternatives to animal dissection. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for innovative learning tools like 3D models and synthetic specimens. This initiative promotes ethical education in anatomy labs, ensuring teachers have access to effective resources while fostering a compassionate approach to learning.

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.

Charles E. Orcena Scholarship

The late Charles Orcena was a longtime teacher in the mathematics department of Marion Technical College. This scholarship honors his memory and provides scholarships to seniors or graduates from any Marion County high school to attend Marion Technical College, with special consideration for students who have a learning or physical disability.

The fund was created in 2014 by Charles’ nephew and wife, Jason and Alycia Orcena, and supported by gifts from his family, as well as colleagues at Marion Technical College.

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

Who is Stand Together?

Stand Together is a philanthropic community that helps America’s boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country’s biggest problems, from education to the economy, broken communities, and toxic division, among dozens of other pressing issues. We provide our partners with access to resources including funding, a unique network of peers, and a playbook for applying proven principles to transform lives and society.

Foreign Policy Grants

A government’s most important task is to secure the rights and liberties of its citizens—in part, by providing for the common defense. For this reason, the United States should maintain a strong military to keep America safe, prosperous, and free.

In recent decades, the United States has pursued an approach to foreign policy known as primacy or liberal hegemony. This foreign policy has required active and aggressive U.S. military engagement around the globe that has undermined our safety and imperiled our prosperity and liberties.

The Trust supports scholars and institutions interested in challenging the current approach, providing alternative visions for U.S. foreign policy, and engaging in research that can bridge the gap between ideas and policy. The Trust is especially interested in foreign policy research projects from political science, international relations, history, or economics. However, proposals from all fields will be considered on their merits.

Grant Info

We are especially interested in research that:

• Explores topics and issues related to a grand strategy of restraint.
• Examines the role of values and ethics in the formulation of U.S. foreign policy.
• Addresses the unintended consequences of U.S. military actions abroad and explores the costs and impact of engagements in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other places where significant counterterrorism efforts have been conducted.
• Considers the impact of U.S. military engagement abroad on American society—for instance, the effect of our foreign policy decisions on civil liberties or the health and welfare of veterans.
• Explores the concept of threat inflation and problematizes theories of credibility and reputation in relation to U.S. foreign policy.
• Analyzes executive–legislative relations in foreign policy, including the constitutional division of war powers.
• Examines the impact of domestic interest groups, businesses, think tanks, and the permanent national security bureaucracy on U.S. foreign policy.
• Explores the growth of the intelligence and national security establishments since 9/11.
• Surveys the costs, risks, and impacts of foreign aid and alliance commitments.
• Studies the costs and benefits of burden-sharing and burden-shifting with current allies.
• Scrutinizes Pentagon spending, force structure, and the strategic demands of U.S. defense policy—including structural incentives for military expenditures.
• Considers the consequences of an increasingly multipolar world, especially as concerns principal geostrategic regions (e.g., Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Western Pacific).
• Explores how changes in technology (such as A2/AD) that impact the offense-defense balance can be leveraged to support a sound approach to grand strategy.

Grant Criteria

Please submit a brief of no more than 3 pages that details the scope of the project. We are open to any type of project: papers, communications campaigns, conferences and convenings, school tours, and much more (we welcome creative ideas).

Funding

Funding levels are commensurate with the requirements of the research and the potential for the research to advance an understanding of critical issues. Accepted proposals may also receive support to disseminate the research findings.

The Wausau Area H.O.P.E. Hmong Women Scholarship, established by the H.O.P.E. Women, aims to support deserving Hmong women from the greater Wausau area. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence, personal integrity, and community involvement. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and college students who maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to bettering their community. The scholarship is part of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin's broader mission to enhance local quality of life.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Puerto Rico provides essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas. Eligible projects include healthcare, public safety, and educational services. Grants support up to 75% of project costs for communities with a population under 5,000 and low median household incomes. This program aims to enhance the quality of life in rural areas by funding vital services that foster community growth and support local needs.