Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Jim B. & Lillian F. Cooper Foundation Community Grants support non-profit organizations in Nebraska that focus on health, education, and recreation. Established in 1997 by the Cooper family, the foundation aims to give back to communities served by Midwest Bank. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The foundation has a strong commitment to fostering community well-being and enhancing the quality of life for residents across various Nebraska towns.

The Bristlecone Chapter of the California Native Plant Society invites applications for the Mary DeDecker Botanical Grant, honoring the contributions of a notable botanist. This program aims to support research and projects that enhance the understanding of native plants in the Eastern Sierra Nevada and northern Mojave Desert. Eligible projects should focus on regional flora and promote public awareness. We encourage student proposals, especially those that engage local communities and educational institutions.

The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) is a pioneering space mission concept aimed at discovering life beyond our solar system, as highlighted in the Astro2020 survey. The HWO-PSI program seeks to reduce risks for future missions by advancing scientific investigations that inform mission design. As HWO enters its pre-formulation phase, it addresses significant astrophysical questions and technical challenges, ultimately striving for groundbreaking discoveries in our understanding of the universe.

The A. Lindsay and Olive B. O'Connor Foundation offers grants under $5,000 to improve quality of life in rural Delaware County, NY. Eligible applicants include municipalities and 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on projects that directly benefit the community. The foundation supports a variety of initiatives, including health, education, arts, and environmental preservation. Notably, it requires a $1 match for each dollar requested and imposes a three-year waiting period for reapplicants.

The Limited Competition: Institutional Mentored Research Career Development Program aims to enhance the CTSA Program by fostering the development of postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty. This initiative focuses on training individuals for independent clinical and translational science careers, ensuring they are well-prepared for research engagement. Funded by the NIH, the program supports a national network of academic centers to facilitate the transition of scientific discoveries into practical health solutions.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Gaetano “Mickey” Giangrieco Memorial Teaching Scholarship

Established by Maureen Giangrieco, daughter of Gaetano “Mickey” Giangrieco, who passed away in 1994. Mickey dedicated 40 years to teaching Biology at Blue Ridge High School, where he also served as the junior varsity basketball and golf coach. This scholarship provides tuition assistance to a graduate of Blue Ridge High School, Montrose High School or Susquehanna Community High School who plans to attend college or a post-secondary degree program to major in education. 

The ACSCC: Develop Grants program offers funding up to $1,500 for professional development activities that enhance artistic skills or expand business capacities for artists and arts organizations in Santa Cruz County. The grants are designed to support the creation of artistically excellent work, increase accessibility to the arts, and engage new audiences without requiring a public exhibition. Eligibility is limited to local residents and organizations, with specific restrictions on previous grant recipients.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Robert W. Klenk Scholarship

Established by the Mountain View School District Alumni Association in honor of Mr. Klenk, a long-time teacher and principal of the District. Provides a scholarship to a graduate who will attend college to pursue a degree in education.  

The DCNR Park Rehabilitation and Development Grants support projects aimed at enhancing public parks and recreation facilities. Eligible applicants include local governments and educational institutions, with grants ranging from $60,000 to $100,000. Projects must comply with federal and state regulations, and focus on rehabilitation, new development, or river conservation initiatives. A 50% match is typically required, encouraging community involvement in maintaining and improving local green spaces.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development's Community Development Grant Program provides funding between $25,000 and $75,000 to support community-led initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty. Established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the program emphasizes the dignity of human life and encourages low-income individuals to take an active role in addressing systemic issues. Grants are awarded to organizations that align with Catholic values and demonstrate effective participation of impoverished communities in decision-making processes.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Michelle Hawley TEACH THE CHILDREN Scholarship

Established by the family and friends of Michelle Hawley to provide college tuition assistance to a Blue Ridge, Elk Lake, Forest City, Montrose, Mountain View or Susquehanna Community High School graduate who will major in Elementary Education.

MN Commercial Redevelopment Grants 

Commercial Redevelopment grants assist with the full and selective demolition of commercial and industrial buildings and the clean-up of brownfields to pave the way for new development. 

Full and selective demolition of commercial or industrial buildings and clean-up of brownfields. Abatement expenses are eligible and considered a component of the demolition project.

Funding Availability

• Funded at $1,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amount awarded to successful applicants.
• A 1:1 match per project is required.
• In-kind materials and/or labor are not eligible toward the project match.
• Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project construction start date.
• Multi-organization collaboration is welcomed.

The Limited Competition Research Education Program for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program aims to enhance the training of a workforce to meet the nation's biomedical and clinical research needs. It supports educational activities that facilitate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical health interventions. Funded by the NIH, this program invites applications from eligible organizations, and only those with meritorious proposals will be considered for funding.

The Avista Foundation supports non-profit organizations in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, southern Oregon, and Montana, focusing on education, vulnerable populations, and community vitality. Grants are available for 501(c)(3) organizations, civic groups, and schools addressing local needs. Ineligible requests include those for religious or political activities and funding for individuals. This funding cycle emphasizes projects that foster economic and cultural growth in the communities served by Avista Utilities and Alaska Electric Light and Power Co.

The Celebrating Ohio Book Awards and Authors Grant provides Ohio libraries with up to $2,000 to enhance collections featuring Ohio authors and award-winning titles. This LSTA grant aims to support community literacy by connecting readers with local literary talent. Libraries can apply for funds to purchase books recognized by Ohio-based award programs. No matching funds are required, making this a valuable opportunity for libraries to enrich their offerings and promote Ohio's literary heritage.

The Limited Competition for High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs aims to enhance clinical and translational science by funding unique capabilities and addressing critical gaps through the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program. This initiative fosters collaboration across a national network of academic medical centers, facilitating the transition of scientific discoveries into impactful health interventions. Applications are peer-reviewed, ensuring funding is directed towards the most promising proposals.

About the Foundation

Mission

The Hoover Presidential Foundation strengthens the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site by inspiring leadership, service, and civic responsibility grounded in the Hoovers’ life and values.

Vision

A future where Herbert Hoover’s uncommon legacy inspires generations to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and create lasting civic impact.

Herbert Hoover Research Travel Grant Award

Get Your Travel and Research Funded

The Herbert Hoover Research Travel Grant Award provides funding for researchers traveling to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library in West Branch, Iowa. Sponsored by the Hoover Presidential Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Hoover Presidential Library-Museum and Hoover National Historic Site, this grant program has awarded over $744,000 in funding over the past 46 years.

Entirely supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations, the program is designed to encourage the use of the Herbert Hoover Library’s collections.

Award Information

All funds awarded shall be expended for travel and research expenses related to the use of the holdings of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. In recent years, awards have ranged from $500 to $2,500 per applicant. The Foundation will consider requests for extended research at the library. An independent committee of distinguished scholars from Iowa colleges and universities evaluates the research proposals.

About the Foundation

Mission

The Hoover Presidential Foundation strengthens the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site by inspiring leadership, service, and civic responsibility grounded in the Hoovers’ life and values.

Vision

A future where Herbert Hoover’s uncommon legacy inspires generations to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and create lasting civic impact.

Herbert Hoover Presentation Travel Grant

The Herbert Hoover Presentation Travel Grant Program helps scholars share new research and insights about Herbert Hoover and his enduring impact on American public life, humanitarian service, and global affairs. By supporting presentations at scholarly conferences and professional gatherings, the program encourages broader understanding and appreciation of the ideas, values, and legacy of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.

Regenerative Medicine Minnesota

The mission of Regenerative Medicine Minnesota (RMM) is to bring breakthrough regenerative medicine therapies to Minnesotans and patients worldwide. Achieving this vision requires not only advancing novel therapies, but also the innovations, capabilities, collaborations and pathways that enable them to ultimately reach patients. Recognizing the need for a multi-pronged innovation strategy, RMM is calling for proposals that align with this vision through the 2027 Request for Proposals (RFP). By strategically investing across these areas, RMM aims to accelerate transformative regenerative medicine therapies, strengthen Minnesota's leadership in regenerative medicine and generate lasting health and economic benefits for Minnesotans.   

Regenerative Medicine Minnesota (RMM) RFP

This RFP is designed to solicit projects that are aligned with one or more of the following objectives:

• Advance novel regenerative medicine therapies and products towards clinical application. Proposed therapies or products should have a clearly defined target use, indication or disease area.
• Develop enabling innovations and platforms that improve the ability to discover, develop, manufacture, or deliver regenerative medicine therapies across multiple applications.
• Build sustainable capabilities and infrastructure that accelerate clinical translation and commercialization in Minnesota.
• Foster collaborations across institutions and sectors that strengthen Minnesota’s regenerative medicine ecosystem.
• Expand patient access to regenerative medicine therapies to benefit patients across Minnesota, including greater Minnesota.

Particular areas of interest for funding under this RFP include, but are not limited to:

• Platform-based approaches that can be applied to many diseases, particularly rare diseases, such as gene editing/replacement strategies, therapeutic approaches, delivery methods, manufacturing models, regulatory strategies, clinical trial designs, etc.
• Device-enabled regenerative medicine innovations such as biologic/cell-device combination therapeutics, biomanufacturing devices or tools, therapeutic delivery, etc.
• Strategies to improve immune compatibility and therapeutic durability, including promoting immune tolerance or reducing immune rejection.

The Black Hills Energy Power of Trees Grant Program, offered in partnership with Trees Forever, supports Iowa communities in tree planting initiatives that promote energy efficiency and environmental beautification. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects on public and private properties. This program aims to foster community engagement while enhancing local landscapes and energy conservation efforts.

The Miami East Education Foundation Fund, established in 2003, aims to enhance educational excellence within the Miami East Schools. By providing grants, scholarships, and enrichment programs, it supports students and the community. Administered by dedicated volunteer trustees, the foundation reviews grant applications annually, offering funding for projects that improve student learning. Eligibility extends to all school personnel who contribute to the education and development of Miami East students, with funding levels varying based on collected donations.

The Avista Foundation supports non-profit organizations that address community needs in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, southern Oregon, and parts of Montana. Focused on education and cultural vitality, this funding opportunity targets 501(c)(3) organizations and civic groups serving local populations. Note that requests for religious or political activities, as well as support for individuals or private foundations, are not eligible. The Foundation also includes a matching gifts program for Avista employees.

The Service Club of Manatee County Grant Program is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children in Manatee County, Florida. This organization raises funds through donations and their annual 'Boots & Bling' Gala. In 2024, they distributed $165,000 to 35 agencies focused on providing essential services such as food, shelter, and education to local children. Only programs specifically benefiting children aged 0-17 are eligible for funding, excluding administrative costs.

The Arthur S. Tuttle Fellowship, established in 1983 through the generosity of ASCE President Arthur S. Tuttle, supports graduate students in civil engineering. Up to four students may receive this annual fellowship, which is intended for their first year of graduate studies. Candidates must be members of the American Society of Civil Engineers and demonstrate financial need and educational merit. This fellowship promotes the development of future civil engineering professionals.

The Raley’s, Bashas’, and Food City Project Learning Garden Grant Program, supported by the Captain Planet Foundation, offers schools valuable resources for STEAM education through garden-based learning. Schools will receive raised garden beds, a mobile cooking cart, access to online lessons, and professional development for teachers. This initiative promotes hands-on learning and healthy eating, enriching students' educational experiences while fostering a connection to nature. A total package valued at $7,500 will enhance the learning environment for students.

ASPCA Reimagining Racers: Grants for Adopting Out Retired Racehorses Grant

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and organizations actively participating in the warm-up ring (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) are invited to apply for a grant to support an increase in capacity and/or efficiency of programs aimed at adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses. 

Funding requests for this grant initiative should focus on:

Activities that increase capacity, decrease length of stay, reduce cost of care or increase efficiencies, and/or improve humane outcomes in other ways. Examples:

• Training programs
• Programs that engage new adopters and grow the market share for adoption
• Medical make-ready or rehabilitation with a focus on innovation and/or sustainability
• Collaborations with other equine industry organizations to increase support for retired racehorses

Proposals will be evaluated on their potential (within the 12-month grant term) to: 

• Increase capacity (the number of horses that can be rehabilitated, trained, and placed)
• Decrease length of stay
• Decrease cost of care
• Reduce risk, harm or suffering for retired racehorses

Requests may be for the creation of new programs or the expansion of existing programs. Programs that test innovative ideas are welcome.

Grant Amounts

Grants will generally range from $10,000-$40,000, with a maximum individual grant amount of $60,000. The total funding amount available for this grant opportunity is $200,000. 

Eligibility

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and active Warm-Up Ring participants (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) whose mission or operations focus significantly on serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Adoption organizations must be up to date on reporting data biannually to the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC). If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you may contact therighthorse@aspca.org to confirm before applying.   

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans. We invite all voices to join us in working together to improve the lives of animals in need.

The ASPCA Right Horse Grants aim to enhance equine adoptions and support community equines by funding programs that boost shelter capacity or assist in keeping owned equines in their homes. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available, with a total funding pool of up to $750,000. Eligible applicants include ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners and organizations committed to the welfare of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Proposals should clearly outline the objectives and expected impacts.