Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) is an independent unit of government that operates in the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) and is chaired by the MDP Secretary. MHAA oversees the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, which is housed administratively within the Maryland Historical Trust.  

Maryland Heritage Areas Program Project Grants

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program awards approximately $3 million towards capital and non-capital project grants within one or more of Maryland’s 13 heritage areas. These projects highlight Maryland's diverse heritage, enhance local communities, and promote tourism, sustainability, and economic development. 

Non Capital Project Grants

Capital projects funds support and create heritage tourism resources and experiences within the 13 heritage areas. Includes: Planning; Interpretation; and Programming (preference is given to new or pilot programs rather than ongoing activities.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands or protect working farms and ranches through conservation easements.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses which negatively affect agricultural uses and conservation values, protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible grazing land, and protecting and restoring and enhancing wetlands on eligible land.

ACEP has two components:

• Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) help private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities such as state and local governments protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches by limiting non-agricultural uses of the land through conservation easements.

• Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) help private and tribal landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses.

Additionally, through ACEP, USDA offers the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), a voluntary program through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out high priority wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement and to improve wildlife habitat.

Every Dream of Parenthood Deserves a Chance

Making dreams of parenthood a reality, one grant and one bundle of joy at a time.

Our Mission

The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund is dedicated to advancing access to IVF care and coverage, increasing awareness and providing support so others don’t have to navigate infertility alone.

Apply for a Grant

Your Journey to Parenthood Begins Here

We distribute grant awards up to three times annually.

Please note that the number of grants and funding amounts fluctuate based on:

1) the unique needs of our applicants, and

2) the success of our fundraising efforts.

Our mission is to help as many people as possible.

The PHSKC Centering Diverse Healers in Youth Well-Being and Mental Health Grant Program aims to enhance youth mental health support by prioritizing BIPOC and LGBTQI+ organizations. This initiative seeks to increase access to resources, improve retention in youth-serving organizations, and support diverse mental health providers. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and community organizations focused on mental health and wellness in King County. The program encourages innovative proposals that address youth mental health needs and promote healing in the community.

The Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund - Track II focuses on enhancing tree canopy to improve public health and environmental resilience in disadvantaged communities. This initiative aims to address air pollution, stormwater management, and ecological challenges through community-driven tree planting and maintenance projects. Supported by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various local organizations, this program emphasizes participatory decision-making and requires community recommendations for project proposals, fostering local engagement and sustainability.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

IDVA Community Challenge Planning Grant

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is seeking applications for the Grants for Veterans’ Services (GVS) Governor’s Challenge Planning Grant. This application is open to non-profit community coalitions or community coalitions with an established fiduciary agent that is a non-profit organization registered with the Indiana Secretary of State.

The maximum amount able to be requested is $25,000.00.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs support a public health approach for preventing suicide among service members, veterans, and their families through its Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenges. These efforts encourage state participation and help develop the capacity to implement interagency military/civilian action plans grounded in evidence-based suicide prevention practices.

IDVA is participating in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Caregivers (SMVF-CG). The Indiana Governor’s Challenge (IGC) is implementing a state-wide suicide prevention program for SMVF-CG based on best practices while using a public health approach.

Applications for planning grants indicate that community coalitions may need financial assistance to help formulate a detailed and measurable plan of action to address veteran suicide in their community.

Planning grant funds can be used to:

• Develop a strategic plan, including goals, measurable outcomes, monitoring guidelines, and timelines.
• Request funding for a strategic planning consultant who ensures the ideas and goals of the coalition are reflected in the strategic plan.

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow the Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs policies. Please see Indiana Code 10-17-13.5 and 914 IAC 1 Grants for Veterans’ Services.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

IDVA Community Challenge Implementation Grant

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is seeking applications for the Grants for Veterans’ Services (GVS) Governor’s Challenge Implementation Grant. This application is open to non-profit community coalitions or community coalitions with an established fiduciary agent that is a non-profit organization registered with the Indiana Secretary of State.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs support a public health approach for preventing suicide among service members, veterans, and their families through its Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenges. These efforts encourage state participation and help develop the capacity to implement interagency military/civilian action plans grounded in evidence-based suicide prevention practices.

IDVA is participating in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Caregivers (SMVF-CG). The Indiana Governor’s Challenge (IGC) is implementing a state-wide suicide prevention program for SMVF-CG based on best practices while using a public health approach.

The IGC program will focus on community integration, with programming support from Indiana non-profit agencies. This GVS Governor’s Challenge Implementation Grant and funds will focus on providing programming, support, and services to the Indiana SMVF-CG community that support the three priority groups of the IGC.

The IGC consists of three priority groups:

• Identifying SMVF and Screening for Suicide Risk
• Promoting Connectedness and Improving Care Transitions
• Increasing Lethal Means Storage, Safety, Planning, and Training

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow the Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and IDVA policies.

Nebraska Medical Center supports non-profit organizations aiming to serve vulnerable populations and address major health issues like cancer, mental health, and prenatal care. They prioritize funding for initiatives aligned with community health improvement, specifically benefiting underserved groups. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations and submit proposals 60 days prior to events. However, they do not fund activities related to debt retirement, scholarships, or religious programming.

Community Investment Fund

Community Investment Funds (CIFs) have been established in communities near our operations in Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. The CIFs engage community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities (developed at Community Partnership Panels), and allow them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.

Focus Areas

Education and Workforce Development:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Education & Workforce Development priority and goals.

• PK-12:
  • Professional development programs for teachers and/or school administrators
  • Student preparation, incentive or other programs that drive achievement /performance and matriculation (including early childhood)
  • Classroom equipment or supplies that are proven to drive achievement /performance and are tied to a program or training/professional development
  • Programs that remove barriers or address problems related to lack of performance
  • Programs that engage parents in supporting their student’s achievement in reading, math or the pursuit of graduation and/or enrollment in higher education
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs
• Higher Education:
  • Student counseling or advising services that help students navigate the process of enrollment in a higher ed program
  • Programs that increase access / remove barriers to enrollment or the pursuit of higher ed
  • Teacher/school administrator or counselor training needed to fully understand the higher education landscape, what is available to students and how to access it
  • Student preparation, awareness, incentive or other campaigns or efforts that drive enrollment and attainment
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs

Economic Opportunity:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Economic Opportunity priority and goals.

• Small Business Development:
  • Programs that provide training or skill-building to entrepreneurs on start-up or growth
  • Access to capital programs
  • Other support services that drive start-up, expansion or retention
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs among small business owners
• Affordable Housing:
  • Loan funds or other resource programs that help families access housing options or make housing more affordable for them
  • Housing improvement programs that allow families to stay in safe, quality housing
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps, needs or viable models
• Other Economic Opportunity:
  • Programs that provide transportation to health, education, recreation or other critical activities
  • Programs that increase the availability of and access to quality healthcare facilities and services
  • Projects that create or improve parks or other recreational activities
  • Projects that improve or eliminate blight or beautify high traffic areas in the community
  • Restoration of lands for habitat or public use
  • Projects that improve river or waterway health
• Capacity and Leadership:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Resiliency, Capacity and Leadership priority and goals.

• Programs that provide leadership or other skills for staff, board, volunteers or other community constituents to improve organizational or community performance.
• Organizational self-assessment or diagnoses activities to determine gaps and needs.
• Efforts to develop leadership succession plans that protect and prolong organizational effectiveness.
• Planning initiatives to evaluate, identify and/or consider supports needed to weather future economic disruptions (commodities market or global economy downturns, health pandemics, technological disruptors to the future of jobs/economies, etc.)
• Programs, training or other efforts that aid organizations in understanding the broader social context of which they are part and how they can collectively mobilize to address community needs and create resiliency.
• The development of leadership networks as a tool for transformative social change and amplifying impact across social systems or issues.
• Projects to increase citizen engagement in solving or addressing community challenges or opportunities.

This philosophy includes securing and maintaining our social license to operate and delivering transformation through robust stakeholder engagement and consultation, social investment, and impact evaluation. 

Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

Introduction

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (P.L. 85-578) created a matching grant program to stimulate, encourage, and assist states with the acquisition, development, and expansion of quality outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF) is a reimbursement grant program funded by revenues generated from outer continental shelf oil and gas drilling. New Mexico is eligible to receive funding allocations from the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) whenever Congress appropriates LWCF funds for this purpose. The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), State Parks Division (Division) serves as the agency responsible for the LWCF and the Division is assigned administrative responsibility. The DOI manages the LWCF program through the National Park Service (NPS).

In 2024, New Mexico was allocated approximately $3.51 million by the NPS for local assistance grants to support outdoor recreation and education, education, resource protection, and wetland acquisition across the state.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers grants to combat aquatic invasive species, which threaten local ecosystems and economies. Funded by the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers, and Ponds Preservation Account, eligible applicants include state agencies, municipalities, and non-profits. Projects can focus on restoration, research, and public education regarding invasive species management. This initiative promotes the protection of Connecticut's natural water resources and biodiversity, ensuring sustainable environmental practices.

The Rheum for Kids: Pediatric Skin and Joint Grant, offered by the Arthritis National Research Foundation, is aimed at early-career researchers focused on pediatric joint and skin diseases. This grant provides funding of up to $50,000 for one year to support innovative research projects. It encourages applications from diverse fields to advance the understanding and treatment of rheumatic diseases in children, fostering new insights and potential breakthroughs in pediatric healthcare.

The General Operating Support Grant Program offers essential funding to non-profit organizations focused on arts and humanities. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to diverse artistic expressions and community engagement, aligning with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities' goals. The program reviews applications based on three categories: Generalists, Service Organizations, and Capacity Building, ensuring that a significant portion of resources is dedicated to arts and humanities initiatives.

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship supports graduate students in North America conducting research on waterfowl or wetland biology. The fellowship, offering up to $9,500 annually, emphasizes applicant qualifications, research proposal soundness, originality, and potential contributions to conservation efforts. This competitive opportunity is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students and once for Masters students, pending satisfactory progress reports.

The Joan Rajkovich McGarry Family Education Endowment Grant focuses on enhancing family and consumer sciences in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Dedicated to improving nutrition and physical activity, it supports innovative, evidence-based programs for children and families, particularly addressing obesity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities. Applications are accepted annually in the fall, prioritizing creative proposals that align with Michigan State University Extension resources.

The Alaska Watchable Wildlife Conservation Trust Grant Program, managed by the Alaska Conservation Foundation, offers grants up to $5,000 every two years to support projects enhancing sustainable wildlife viewing and education. This initiative aims to conserve Alaska's unique biological diversity. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations based in Alaska or with Alaska-based programs. The next application deadline is August 2025, encouraging innovative solutions to protect Alaska's vulnerable ecosystems and promote wildlife appreciation.

The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) offers the Responsive Grant to enhance health in Greater Williamsburg. This private foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies focused on improving opportunities for uninsured and underinsured populations. Priority is given to proposals that align with WHF's mission, demonstrate collaboration, and create stronger health systems. For more details, visit their Strategic Plan online.

The Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation grants are aimed at supporting wildlife conservation and animal science initiatives primarily in South Texas. The Foundation prioritizes projects that fill critical knowledge gaps through research or habitat restoration. Eligible organizations include IRS-registered, tax-exempt entities. The Foundation has awarded over $391 million since its inception, with a focus on impactful projects. Notably, capital projects require prior discussions with Foundation staff and at least 50% funding from other sources.

The Opportunity on the Plains Grant, provided by the United Way of the Plains, is a competitive funding initiative aimed at supporting health and human service programs in areas such as health, education, financial stability, and basic needs. By aligning with the social determinants of a strong community, this grant seeks to address pressing local needs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating within specific counties and adhere to non-discrimination policies.

2026 CityArts Program Overview

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. The CityArts Program aims to support a diverse group of arts and culture nonprofits reflective of the city of Chicago and its cultural landscape through flexible and strategic grant funding. Chicago arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes and artistic disciplines can apply for CityArts grants.

In 2026, the CityArts Program will offer two types of grants:

• General Operating Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations
• Project Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations

There will be separate applications and review processes for each type.

Eligible organizations may apply for both a general operating grant AND a project grant in 2026. Some past grantees that cannot apply for general operating support in 2026 may be eligible to apply for project funding if otherwise eligible. Refer to Eligibility Criteria below and in CityArts guidelines for more details.

General Operating:

Flexible support for Chicago-based arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes. General operating support funds may be used for artistic, administrative and/or program activities including expenses such as salaries, marketing, insurance, supplies, professional services, fees and training.

Request for Applications

Modification of Existing Clinical Facilities for Mental Health Crisis

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) for the purposes of entering into a grant agreement and awarding federal funds through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) 5.3, to provide funding for equipment and enhancements to hospitals and behavioral health providers to expand crisis response, stabilization, and substance use withdrawal services in rural areas. Through this RFA, eligible and qualified rural entities will receive funding for equipment and minor building alterations and renovation projects in an existing building or facility.

Objective

DHHS is seeking interested providers who can support the RHTP Nebraska Behavioral Health initiative through creating a sustainable, community-based emergency behavioral health system that improves outcomes, reduces costs, and strengthens the State’s behavioral health continuum of care. Potential grantees would look to increase crisis stabilization, crisis response and substance use withdrawal management capacity by retrofitting existing areas or purchasing needed equipment in rural hospitals, community health centers, rural emergency hospitals (REHs), and tribal health facilities.

Through minor facility modifications and equipment enhancements, existing clinical spaces will be adapted to serve individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use crises.

DHHS is making the full amount of $5,500,000 available for grants under this RFA. A total award of funds requested by the applicant is not guaranteed but is subject to the number of applications received, the actual money appropriated to DHHS, and at DHHS’ discretion.

The Carleen and Eugene Grandon Charitable Foundation, established in 2004, focuses on funding programs that enhance cultural arts, education, and health services within the Greater Cedar Rapids area. Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with the Foundation's commitment to community improvement, promoting direct benefits to individuals in need. The Foundation prioritizes organizations based in Linn County, ensuring that funding goes to initiatives that foster a vibrant, educated, and healthy community.

The F26AS00085 Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support interjurisdictional projects addressing aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and tribes, focusing on action-oriented projects that enhance regional priorities. The initiative will fund both sustaining projects, which build on previous efforts, and new projects that present innovative solutions for effective management and prevention of aquatic invasive species.

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, established in 2015 in Rye Brook, New York, is committed to enhancing the human condition through grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. Focusing primarily on the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area, it supports initiatives in education, healthcare, food security, and housing. The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating fiscal responsibility and innovative programs with significant impact potential, ensuring sustainable support for vulnerable populations, especially children and families in need.

The PCCF: Women’s Giving Fund Grant supports transformative philanthropy for women and children in Summit County, Utah. Funded by the Park City Community Foundation, this grant seeks high impact projects that yield measurable outcomes and foster community collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, while presenting attainable goals and measurable objectives. This initiative aims to create lasting positive change within the community.