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Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Get professional development grants for nonprofit staff training, leadership growth, and skills-based learning.

33,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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Filters

32,595 Results based on applied filters

Friends of IU Scholarship

Community Foundation Alliance, Inc.
Private
Spencer County, Indiana
US $1,740
The Friends of IU Scholarship is an annual award established by Michael and Mary Schriefer and Larry and Charlene Hess, aimed at supporting graduating seniors from Heritage Hills High School who plan to attend Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The scholarship focuses on financial need, leadership skills, and community involvement, with a preference for applicants majoring in education. This initiative is part of a broader Community Scholarship Program managed by the Spencer County Community Foundation.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Friends of Pioneer Scholarship

Community Foundation Alliance, Inc.
Private
Spencer County, Indiana
US $1,990
The Friends of Pioneer Scholarship, established by Pioneer sales representatives, supports high school graduates and seniors in the LPH Territory who have a parent in agriculture. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate community involvement. This initiative, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, aims to empower local students pursuing higher education through financial assistance and recognition of their achievements in academics and community service.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Gene and Christina Schwindel Scholarship

Community Foundation Alliance, Inc.
Private
Spencer County, Indiana
US $3,480
The Gene and Christina Schwindel Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc., supports graduating seniors or graduates of Heritage Hills High School in their pursuit of post-secondary education. This annual scholarship honors the contributions of Gene and Christina Schwindel and is part of a broader Community Scholarship Program that promotes educational opportunities for local students. The foundation's mission is to enhance community welfare through philanthropy and educational support.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Harold and Thelma Hunter Scholarship

Community Foundation Alliance, Inc.
Private
Spencer County, Indiana
US $490
The Harold and Thelma Hunter Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc., supports graduating seniors of Heritage Hills High School who demonstrate financial need and strong moral character. Established in memory of Harold Hunter, this annual scholarship aims to assist students pursuing post-secondary education with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Preference is given to applicants ranked in the 50th to 90th percentile of their class, encouraging community engagement and perseverance.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Leonard Litz Foundation-Silver Connect Initiative

Leonard Litz Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Leonard Litz Foundation-Silver Connect Initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for LGBTQ+ older adults by providing grant funding to nonprofit organizations. This program addresses isolation and barriers faced by seniors, particularly those affected by disability, race, or economic hardship. By supporting community-driven models, Silver Connect promotes dignity, safety, and inclusion, ensuring that LGBTQ+ elders have access to necessary resources and affirming services across the Eastern United States.
Senior Services Aging / Gerontology

Debbie Callahan Arts Scholarship

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Debbie Callahan Arts Scholarship

Must be attending an arts school or pursuing an arts major.

Education - Higher Education Art Education

Fertility Grants (VIVA Program)

Bob Woodruff Foundation
Private
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The Fertility Grants (VIVA Program) by the Bob Woodruff Foundation offer vital financial support to wounded veterans facing infertility challenges due to their service-related conditions. Since its inception, the program has assisted over 100 veteran families in starting their own, highlighting a commitment to ensuring veterans have access to necessary fertility treatments. This initiative addresses the unique needs of veterans, recognizing that they experience infertility at nearly double the rate of the general population.
Military & Veterans Services Reproductive Health

Camp Maintenance Fund Grant Program

Gray Family Foundation
Private
Oregon
Unspecified amount
The Camp Maintenance Fund Grant Program, supported by the Gray Family Foundation, aims to enhance outdoor school camp facilities across Oregon. Since 2014, the foundation has invested over $500,000 annually to improve existing camps, focusing on those hosting outdoor school programs. Priority is given to organizations demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, while ensuring accessibility for all students, teachers, and parents. This initiative encourages collaboration and the sharing of best practices among grantees.
Summer Camps

Samuel K. and Lois T. Wolf Scholarship

Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA)
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Center for Scholarship Administration

The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) provides corporations, foundations, trust funds, and individual philanthropists scholarship selection and administration management that is experienced, professional, and cost efficient while lending the program an integrity not inherent in internal selection committees.

Samuel K. and Lois T. Wolf Scholarship

The Wolf, Samuel K. and Lois T. Scholarship is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

Recipients must attend Thomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania. Recipients must be full-time and working towards a degree in the medical profession.

The institution must be an educational organization that normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly conducted. To the extent the institution is involved in the selection of the recipients (if at all), that involvement must comply with the Scholarship Program`s policy of awarding scholarships on an objective and non-discriminatory basis as well as the Scholarship Program`s Conflict of Interest Policy.

This scholarship is for one year only; however, current recipients may reapply and be considered for additional funding along with other new applicants. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time. Scholarship recipients are limited to four total years of scholarship award and are expected to have been enrolled consecutive years during that time.

Education - Higher Education Medical Education & Professional Training

Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art Grants

Franklin Furnace Fund
Private
Bronx County, New York, Kings County, New York +3 more
Up to US $10,000
The Franklin Furnace Fund Grants support early career artists in producing significant performance art works in New York City. Established in 1985 with backing from the Jerome Foundation, these grants, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, are awarded through a peer panel review process, promoting diverse artistic expressions. Artists globally are encouraged to apply, with an emphasis on presenting their work in NYC. The program has fostered the careers of numerous notable artists, showcasing its commitment to the arts.
Conceptual Art / Performance Art

Bacigalupo Business Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Gallatin County, Montana
Unspecified amount
The Bacigalupo Business Scholarship at Montana State University offers financial support to Minnesota high school graduates pursuing a degree in business. This scholarship aims to reward students with exceptional academic records and potential for success. With varying award amounts, it is designed to make higher education accessible for talented individuals who are not residents of Montana. This initiative reflects the university's commitment to fostering educational opportunities for all eligible students.
Academic Scholarship Programs Business Education

August and Mary Sobotka Memorial Agriculture Award

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Gallatin County, Montana
Unspecified amount
The August and Mary Sobotka Memorial Agriculture Award, offered by Montana State University, supports undergraduate students pursuing a degree in agriculture. This merit-based award considers various factors, including residency preferences for students from specific counties in Montana. The goal is to foster educational opportunities in agriculture, ensuring that talented individuals have access to financial support for their academic endeavors.
Agriculture Academic Scholarship Programs

Federal Pell Grant

President And Fellows Of Harvard College
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Federal Pell Grant provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, eligibility is determined through the FAFSA application. Award amounts vary based on the student's financial situation and enrollment status, with a maximum duration of six years of full-time enrollment. This grant aims to make higher education accessible to all qualified individuals, facilitating lifelong learning opportunities.
Education - Higher Education Adult Education

Harvard Extension School Grant

President And Fellows Of Harvard College
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Harvard Extension School Grant provides financial assistance to admitted degree candidates who demonstrate financial need and maintain satisfactory academic progress. To be eligible, applicants must submit all required financial aid materials by the priority deadline. The grant covers a portion of tuition charges based on the student's aid index and credit enrollment per term, ensuring that a world-class education remains accessible and flexible for adult learners.
Education - Higher Education Adult Education

Harvard Extension School Grant for the Premedical Program

President And Fellows Of Harvard College
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Harvard Extension School Grant for the Premedical Program offers financial support to admitted premedical candidates who have completed at least two premedical courses with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. To be eligible, applicants must meet the priority deadline and demonstrate financial need. This grant typically covers up to two courses per year for a limited number of candidates, providing essential assistance for those pursuing a career in medicine.
Education - Higher Education Adult Education

Kwan Fong Scholarship

President And Fellows Of Harvard College
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Kwan Fong Scholarship, offered by Harvard University, provides financial support for one course each fall and spring term to candidates enrolled in the ALM in management or finance program. To be considered, applicants must complete all required financial aid application materials by the priority deadline. This scholarship aims to promote accessibility to Harvard's educational offerings, helping students achieve their academic goals in a flexible and affordable manner.
Education - Higher Education Adult Education

Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program

Educational Foundation of America
Private
Adair County, Kentucky, Adams County, Ohio +372 more
Unspecified amount
The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.
Reproductive Health Reproductive Rights

Readings & Workshops Mini-Grants

Poets & Writers
Private
California, New York
Up to US $3,000
The Readings & Workshops Mini-Grants provide funding for individual readings and workshops, ranging from $150 to $450 per session. Open to New York State and California organizations, these grants support writers' participation in events. Eligible organizations include colleges, cultural centers, and libraries. Priority is given to those serving diverse audiences and presenting in underserved areas. The application process requires details about the writer and event dates. Grant amounts are capped annually, and matching funds are encouraged.
Writing & Literature Poetry

Aurand Harris Grants & Fellowships

Children's Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA)
Private
United States
US $2,000 - US $3,000
The Aurand Harris Grants & Fellowships support children’s theatre by funding projects that foster artistic growth and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofit theatres and individual artists. The grants cover various expenses, such as fees for artists and equipment costs, while prioritizing projects that align with the values of the Children's Theatre Foundation of America. Notably, funding will not cover general operating support or projects already in progress.
Theater

Washington Recreational Trails Grant Program

Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
State/Local Government
Washington
Up to US $150,000
The Washington Recreational Trails Grant Program funds the rehabilitation and maintenance of trails, ensuring a backcountry experience free from human development. It supports diverse trail activities including hiking, biking, and motorized recreation. Typical projects involve clearing trails, repairing damage from natural events, and enhancing trail facilities. Grants are available up to $150,000, with a commitment to maintain facilities for 25 years. This initiative promotes environmental compliance and is open to various agencies and organizations.
Trail Creation & Maintenance

Virginia Whitsitt Memorial Scholarship

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Private
Missouri
US $2,000

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.

Virginia Whitsitt Memorial Scholarship

The Virginia Whitsitt Memorial Scholarship Fund program provides annual scholarships to graduating seniors in honor of Helen Virginia Whitsitt. Scholarship awards are focused on students interested in pursuing a career in teaching and that demonstrate financial need. If qualified applicants are not available, the scholarship may be awarded to teachers who have returned to school for their master’s degree in education.

One scholarship will be awarded annually and disbursed in equal payments in July and January. Recipients must continue to be enrolled full-time and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above the previous semester to be eligible for the second payment. Scholarship awards are non-renewable.

Education - Higher Education Teacher Development & Training

Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program

Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
State/Local Government
Washington
US $5,000 - US $1,440,645
The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program is a federal initiative aimed at enhancing and upgrading boating facilities for recreational boats of 26 feet or larger. It provides funding for projects such as renovating guest docks, installing utilities, and constructing moorage docks and floats. Additionally, grants may support boater education initiatives, promoting safe and enjoyable boating experiences.
Recreational Water Use & Boating

Soroptimist International of Kansas City Northland Healthcare Scholarship

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Private
Missouri
Up to US $4,000

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.

Soroptimist International of Kansas City Northland Healthcare Scholarship

The Soroptimist International of Kansas City Northland Healthcare Scholarship provides an annual scholarship for a young woman going into her first year in a healthcare field.

The scholarship will be paid directly to the college or university that the scholarship recipient attends in installments of $500.00 for each semester upon meeting renewal criteria.

The scholarship is renewable for up to a total of four (4) years if the student remains enrolled in an accredited college or university and in a designated healthcare program, upon meeting renewal criteria and continuation in the healthcare field.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Rosedale Congregational Church Scholarship Fund

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Private
Kansas
US $2,500

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.

Rosedale Congregational Church Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was created to assist students who live in the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoods who are pursuing higher education at a community college, university or vocational/technical school.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Prosperity Planning Scholarship

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Private
Missouri
Up to US $4,000

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.

Prosperity Planning Scholarship

The Prosperity Planning Scholarship fund was established to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors attending a Northland School District who have demonstrated a strong work ethic both inside and outside the classroom.

Scholarship is renewable for a total of 4 years providing that student maintains a cumulative GPA of 2.5 while in college and continues to demonstrate strong work ethic and have no disciplinary actions.

Scholarship will be used for tuition, books, course related fees, as well as on-campus housing expense.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Opal M. Huffman Charitable Trust

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Private
Missouri
Up to US $2,500

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.

Opal M. Huffman Charitable Trust

Opal M. Huffman, a long time resident of Bates County, Missouri, established the Opal M. Huffman Charitable Trust for the purpose of providing scholarships to residents of Adrian and Butler, Missouri communities.

$2,500 for the fall semester; may be renewed for $1,000 for the spring semester if all criteria are met.

To be eligible for renewal, the recipient must:

  • Maintain a GPA of at least 2.5
  • Be enrolled as a full time student by the standards of the institution in which you are enrolled
  • Provide your past semester transcript and a copy of your upcoming class schedule.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Mel Brown Memorial Golf Scholarship Fund

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Private
Kansas, Missouri
US $1,000

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.

Mel Brown Memorial Golf Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide post-secondary scholarships to graduating seniors from Chillicothe High School, in Chillicothe, Missouri, or Gardner Edgerton High School, in Gardner Kansas, who were members of the golf team and who plan to continue their education at a two-year or four-year college or university or at a technical school.

The type and amount of aid may include, but is not necessarily limited to a non-renewable $1,000 scholarship for a female student and a non-renewable $1,000 scholarship for a male student meeting the criteria above to be used for tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks and/or required course-related materials. Scholarship assistance will generally be disbursed in equal payments (e.g., one-half in the fall semester and one-half in the spring semester), as long as the recipient provides proof of full-time enrollment.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

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 $3.43B 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

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 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 29.8% 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 $34,887 (median) and $655,609 (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.