Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Fern Cousineau Duncan Art Scholarship

Mrs. Duncan was an art teacher at Wenatchee High School from 1929 to 1959. She also taught at Wenatchee Valley College until she retired. This scholarship, established by Ms. Duncan’s will, supports graduating seniors from North Central Washington, with special emphasis on students who are pursuing a career in the field of art. As part of the application process, students must submit a portfolio of their work, which is reviewed by a panel of local artists.

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.

The Crane Family Fund Grant supports innovative projects at the intersection of environmental quality and community health. Established in 2008, it aims to fund nonprofit organizations focusing on water quality and educational initiatives in Berkshire County. Beginning in 2024, applicants can apply for funding up to $4,000, with special consideration given to grassroots organizations and programs that engage at-risk youth. The fund promotes sustainable community health and environmental awareness.

The Johns Hopkins Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center offers Micro Grants to support innovative research in peripheral neuropathy and nerve regeneration. These grants are available to qualified researchers at Johns Hopkins University, aimed at generating preliminary data or completing ongoing projects. Funding of up to $20K is provided for a duration of 6 months, with decisions made within 4 weeks. This initiative fosters scientific advancements in understanding and treating nerve-related conditions.

The Public Water Access Sites Partnership Funding program offers essential financial and technical support for public water access and state water trail projects. This initiative prioritizes repairs, rehabilitation, and the development of new facilities, including access sites and state water trail campsites. Eligible applicants include local government units such as counties and townships, enhancing public access to water resources across Minnesota.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

W.P. & T.M. Phillips Memorial Scholarship

The W.P. and T.M. Phillips Memorial Scholarship was established by Mrs. Thelma M. Phillips in memory of her late husband, William “Bill” Phillips, to honor his love of farming. Thelma and Bill spent a lifetime together enjoying farm life and working in agribusiness.

The purpose of this scholarship is to support students who are pursuing a college degree in the field of agriculture. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to students who graduate from any public high school in Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, or Harrisonburg City.

Consideration will be given to the student’s academic record, chosen college major, leadership qualities, and involvement in activities related to agriculture.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Johns Hopkins Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center offers Seed Grants for innovative research on peripheral neuropathy and nerve regeneration. These grants support high-risk, high-reward pilot projects addressing axon degeneration and Schwann cell dysfunction. Researchers may apply for funding of up to $75,000 per year for one or two years. The initiative aims to foster novel ideas and successful transitions to external funding, enhancing scientific understanding and therapeutic development.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Tucker Lee Everyone Plays Fund

Tucker Lee was a 2015 graduate of Emporia High School and continued his education at Emporia State University where he was a member of the Sig Tau Gamma fraternity. He majored in Accounting and Health Promotions. He was employed at Wright CPA until his death, June 9, 2021 from NUT Carcinoma, a rare, fast-growing cancer. Growing up Tucker played on many REC and traveling teams. In high school, he played football and wrestled all 4 years. He enjoyed playing and building lifelong friendships.

In memory of Tucker’s caring nature and wanting everyone to be able to participate in athletics, The Tucker Lee Everyone Plays Fund was created in his honor with the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF). This fund is intended to help alleviate some of the financial burden on Lyon County area families, by offering financial aid to help with the cost of equipment, fees, and gear. Students in the following school districts are able to apply: USD 243 Lebo-Waverly, USD 251 North Lyon County, USD 252 Southern Lyon County, USD 253 Emporia, and USD 284 Chase County.

Scholarships will be available as long as funds are available.

The Bruce and Cecilia Petersen Foundation Trust, established in 2015, aims to alleviate poverty in Utah, reflecting the philanthropic spirit of its founders, Jerry Bruce Petersen and Cecilia. The Trust, managed by Wells Fargo Bank, awards annual grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, with a focus on impactful community support. However, it does not fund requests from certain groups, including The Salvation Army and any church-affiliated charities, ensuring its resources directly assist those in need.

The USTA Facility Services Grant Program offers comprehensive support for developing and maintaining tennis facilities. Whether you're planning a new construction or need repairs, this program provides essential business and technical services, such as financial forecasting and facility assessments. Additionally, you can access advocacy resources and digital tools to enhance operations. By utilizing these complimentary services, projects can save costs while benefiting from expert guidance in creating high-quality tennis environments.

The Central Chapter of the Indiana Native Plant Society is offering small grants up to $300 for projects that promote the conservation and study of Indiana's native plants. Applicants must be affiliated with not-for-profit organizations, such as community gardens or schools, and the initiative aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in Central Indiana. This effort reflects a commitment to ecological stewardship and connecting youth with nature through native plant education.

The AISES A.T. Anderson Scholarship honors the legacy of A.T. Anderson, a founder of AISES. This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at accredited institutions who are members of AISES and demonstrate tribal affiliation. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and pursue any STEM degree. Enrollment documents are required to confirm eligibility, promoting educational opportunities for Native American students.

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.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Wisconsin aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue. Funding is flexible, prioritizing smaller requests, and can be used for various purposes, including business training, infrastructure development, and community economic growth. The program targets projects in rural areas, enhancing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and fostering economic development.

The EMS Stakeholder Conference, funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to deliver a comprehensive educational experience for Emergency Medical Services professionals. This inclusive conference will enhance patient care and operational efficiency through targeted sessions addressing the needs of various EMS personnel. By aligning with current medical knowledge and national standards, the conference seeks to improve clinical practices and support system integration, ultimately benefiting public health in New Jersey.

The Medical Genetics Research Training Grant at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia aims to train future leaders in medical genetics. This program focuses on clinicians with a strong research interest in human genetics, enhancing their ability to apply modern research techniques to understand genetic conditions. With five trainee slots available annually, the grant supports candidates holding an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD, fostering academic careers in medical innovation for children's health.

The Healthcare Preparedness Program, led by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to enhance the state's ability to respond to public health emergencies. By fostering collaboration among healthcare coalitions, the program ensures a coordinated approach to improving health outcomes. This initiative focuses on building medical surge capacity and prioritizing flexible response strategies, ultimately strengthening New Jersey's healthcare system in the face of future challenges.

The Family Medicine Cares USA Free Health Clinic Grants support existing clinics in providing care to the uninsured. Grants of up to $10,000 are available if funds permit, prioritizing clinics with AAFP members in leadership roles. The program emphasizes the involvement of Family Medicine residents or medical students as volunteers, aiming to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities.

The Pediatric Hospital Epidemiology and Outcomes Research Training (PHEOT) Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia provides a two-year research fellowship for physicians. It equips them with essential skills in hospital epidemiology and outcomes research through a combination of formal coursework and mentored projects. Trainees engage in comparative effectiveness research and quality measurement, benefitting from the hospital's extensive resources and mentorship. This program aims to enhance the healthcare outcomes for hospitalized children while ensuring patient safety and cost management.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Joshua A. Sterling Scholarship

The Joshua A. Sterling Scholarship was designed to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray expenses of any two-year or four-year college or university located in Kentucky, or any trade or vocational school located in Kentucky, of graduating seniors from Nelson County, Kentucky.

Scholarship awards are not automatically renewable. Students must reapply each year to be considered for renewal, although preference will be given to students who have received a grant in previous years. Students applying for renewal must show proof of part time work, including work study or unpaid internships, to qualify for renewal of a scholarship award.

Lynne and Bob Wells Fund for Performing Artists '26-27

The Lynne & Bob Wells Fund for Performing Artists has been established to provide encouragement and support to adult actors, singers, dancers, comedians and other performing artists in Humboldt County.  

This grant round is for individuals seeking support in developing artistic work in the performing arts.

The selection committee is looking for the following qualities: originality, honesty, talent, passion and inspiration. 

Grants up to $1,000 available.

Grant Criteria:

• Grants will be made to individual performing artists in Humboldt County. 
• Grants will not be made for religious activities or projects that exclusively benefit the members of sectarian or religious organizations. 
• Grants cannot pay for expenses that have already been incurred before the grant date.

The AMVETS Children/Grandchildren Scholarship supports the educational aspirations of children and grandchildren of honorably discharged U.S. veterans and active military. This scholarship aims to bridge financial gaps after all federal and state assistance has been utilized. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, high school seniors, and demonstrate financial need while enrolled in accredited four-year universities. Incomplete applications will be disqualified, ensuring that the award goes to deserving candidates committed to their education.

About Us

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact.

Scholarship

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Swinton Scholars Fund

This scholarship is open to applicants who are 1st or 2nd generation immigrants to the United States and are graduating seniors from John R. Rogers High School or Ferris High School in Spokane, WA. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled at a public 2- or 4-year college or vocational school, or a private 4-year college in Washington State. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

About Us

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact.

Scholarship

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Stoll Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all graduating seniors and graduates in Innovia’s 20-county service region who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled at a public 2-year or 4-year college or university, or any vocational or technical school.

Preference will be given to students who plan to attend community college prior to transferring to a public four-year college/university, as well as students who intend to re-apply for additional aid throughout college. Involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience are also considered. Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

The Goldberg-Reeder Resident Travel Grant, awarded by the American College of Radiology, supports radiology and radiation oncology residents and fellows in their international volunteer efforts. Each year, qualified applicants can receive funding to spend a minimum of one month providing healthcare services in developing countries. This initiative encourages trainees to gain valuable experience while addressing healthcare needs in underserved areas, thereby enhancing their professional growth and contributing positively to global health.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Helen Anita and William E. Evans, Jr., M.D. Scholarship Fundicate

Dr. Bill, as he was affectionately known, practiced family medicine in the Greater Kansas City area all of his working life. He was ably assisted by his devoted wife (Helen) Anita for most of that time. Since Dr. Bill was a disabled veteran, he had occasion to frequent the VA hospital and held a special place in his heart for numerous employees of the hospital. His burning desire was to reward those special people who had administered to him by setting up this program to offer monetary assistance to their children. The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide scholarships to the children of employees at the Kansas City VA Medical Center who plan to attend summer camp.

Consideration will be given to an applicant’s financial need, extracurricular involvement and past academic performance. Scholarship assistance shall be awarded primarily to applicants who wish to use the assistance to attend a summer camp in the Greater Kansas City area, although camps outside the Kansas City area may also be considered.

Scholarship recipients are required to submit a written reflection following the completion of the camp, which describes his/her experiences and specifically details what the recipient learned from this opportunity.

The scholarship is non-renewable. Previous applicants and past recipients of the scholarship may reapply each year.

The AMVETS Spouse Scholarship offers financial support to the spouses of honorably discharged veterans and active military personnel, including National Guard and Reserves. This scholarship aims to bridge financial gaps after other federal and state resources have been exhausted. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programs, demonstrate financial need, and not be in default on federal student loans. AMVETS stands committed to empowering military families through education.