Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Colorado Energy Office

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) develops programs and promotes energy policies to fight climate change, improve air quality, and save Coloradans money. CEO plays a central role in building an equitable, clean energy economy. We advance a clean energy agenda, provide funding and technical assistance, and ensure the benefits of the clean energy transition are shared statewide. 

Promoting equity and environmental justice in Colorado is the core of our work. We strive to ensure innovation in energy generation, the built environment, land use, and transportation benefits marginalized and disproportionately impacted communities across the state.

Charge Ahead Colorado Rolling Grant

The Charge Ahead Colorado grant program supports electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Colorado by offering funding for EV charging to serve communities and EV drivers across the state. Charge Ahead Colorado offers State funding for community-based level 2 (L2) and direct current fast-charging (DCFC) EV charging stations with prioritized investments in disproportionately impacted communities and enhanced incentives for eligible qualifying entities. 

The Charge Ahead Colorado Rolling Application is available year-round, only for applicants applying for funding for $50,000 or less to install L2 charging ports and/or charging outlets. The smaller-project limits are generally no more than six Level 2 charging ports or 24 charging outlets. Eligible applicants may receive up to three (3) total Rolling Application awards per calendar year.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation (CKCF) Scholarships 

We have been awarding scholarships for over 60 years to local students through the generosity of people like you who want to make educational opportunities available to more students. We are the largest awarder of scholarship funds in the region. In 2025, CKCF awarded 170 scholarships totaling over $373,000 to 126 local students. Just as education is critical to achieving community and economic development, scholarships are essential to further education. Scholarships expand our youth’s opportunities for educational advancement. This educational access facilitates life dreams and career options that lead to financial independence.

We work with donors who desire to make these opportunities available to people, students who can benefit from both the financial investment and personal empowerment from a scholarship award, and colleges and universities to streamline the process for both the donor and student.

Dr. Chandler Park and Du Sun Watts Family Healthcare Scholarship

An essay describing why you would like to become a physician is requirement

The Community Foundation of North Florida (CFNF) is excited to announce the "Helping Today, Shaping Tomorrow Grant," aimed at nonprofit organizations in the Big Bend region. With ten grants of $5,000 available, this program prioritizes initiatives focused on Education and Social & Human Services. Eligible organizations must have a minimum of two years of operational history and provide direct services to residents in specific counties. This initiative seeks to address pressing community needs and foster long-term impact.

RFP: Improve Access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Administration (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to improve access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) services throughout Minnesota. 

STATE received a State Opioid Response (SOR) grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). The purpose of the SOR grant is to address the public health crisis caused by escalating opioid and stimulant use, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Stimulant Use Disorder, and opioid and stimulant-related morbidity and mortality across the nation. Minnesota has been awarded SOR funds since the grant program’s inception by SAMHSA in 2018. Multiple organizations and projects have been funded to support a continuum of care including prevention programming, treatment, MOUD, naloxone distribution, and recovery support services

The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) offers Project Grants to support nonprofit organizations in presenting arts activities that serve the public. These grants aim to enhance community well-being through the arts, promote cultural engagement, and foster innovation. Eligible applicants include South Dakota nonprofit organizations designated as federally tax-exempt. The SDAC prioritizes projects that employ local artists, reach diverse audiences, and contribute to the state's cultural landscape. Funding is not available for capital improvements or projects already completed.

The University Technology Development Funding's Translational Research Grant (TRG) supports innovative projects that aim to convert university-held life sciences inventions into commercially viable products. With potential funding up to $110,000, the program encourages researchers from North Carolina universities to generate critical data that can facilitate product development and licensing efforts. Successful proposals will demonstrate a capable project team and realistic milestones for technology advancement.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The BJA FY 2026 Justice Reinvestment Initiative aims to enhance state and local operations to effectively reduce crime and recidivism. This funding opportunity encourages state, local, and tribal governments to optimize resource allocation within the justice system, targeting urgent challenges through data-driven project proposals. By addressing areas such as law enforcement, prosecution, and probation, applicants can focus on strategies that maximize public safety and reduce the inefficient use of funds.

The California Library Literacy Services grant provides essential funding for public libraries in California to develop and implement adult literacy programs. By offering free tutoring, this initiative aims to enhance literacy among adults, empowering them to achieve personal and professional goals. Libraries selected for funding will participate in the 2026-2027 project cycle, ensuring continued support for ongoing literacy efforts that enrich the community and preserve the state's unique history.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The West Bancorporation Foundation Grant supports charitable programs in Central and Eastern Iowa and Minnesota, focusing on low- and moderate-income individuals. Eligible nonprofit organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) IRS Exemption Letter. The foundation prioritizes contributions to human services, education, and arts and culture, while excluding requests from certain organizations and activities, including endowments, fellowships, and political groups. This ensures targeted support to effective community initiatives.

The MAC Mini-Grants for Individuals program offers reimbursement grants for professional artists in Mississippi to support their development through training, conferences, and workshops. It also covers promotional materials and art supplies. Priority is given to first-time applicants and those from underserved counties. Grantees must initially cover expenses and will receive reimbursement upon submitting their final reports and documentation.

Downtown Revitalization Fund

The Downtown Revitalization Fund brings together IEDA’s Commercial Facade and Streetscapes programs under a unified strategy to strengthen the economic and social vitality of Iowa’s downtown districts. Supported by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, these initiatives help communities reinvest in core commercial areas through coordinated improvements to both private building fronts and the public realm. Together, the programs advance HUD’s community development objectives by improving essential public facilities, enhancing local infrastructure, and supporting commercial revitalization within eligible downtown areas. Through targeted façade rehabilitation and transformative streetscape upgrades, the Downtown Revitalization Fund helps communities create safer, more inviting, and economically resilient downtown environments that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The Shelby County Foundation Grant, managed by the Omaha Community Foundation, supports projects enhancing the quality of life in Shelby County. With two application cycles each year, this grant aims to fund initiatives in civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. It invites proposals for capital support and program support, ensuring a lasting impact on community needs. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on the specified deadlines.

The East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) offers the Essentials Support Grant, providing funding between $3,000 to $5,000 to non-profit arts organizations in Minnesota's Region 7E. This grant supports ongoing operational expenses, fostering arts access and education while enhancing community engagement through cultural heritage activities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations with a history of arts programming. This funding is crucial for sustaining the arts and enriching local cultural landscapes.

The Plant America Community Project Grant, offered by the National Garden Clubs, supports initiatives that enhance public spaces and community gardens. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for projects that educate and engage both adults and children in gardening. Since 2017, over 250 grants have been awarded, totaling more than $225,000. Eligible applicants include member clubs, focusing on beautification, restoration, and environmental education.

About Us

In 2015, Baltimore adopted the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan, a sweeping plan to improve neighborhoods across South and Southwest Baltimore that are close to the Horseshoe Casino. The City then began to implement this plan, with the advice of the Local Development Council and funding provided by local impact grants (community grants) generated by area casino revenues.

It soon became clear that another organization was also needed to help spend these funds -– something that could be more flexible, nimble, and entrepreneurial. So, in 2016, the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership was established, governed by a Board of Directors comprised principally of residents and business owners. Now, the City and the Partnership split Baltimore’s share of the local impact grant funds.

In order to successfully implement this ambitious agenda, the SBGP created its own Strategic Plan to narrow its focus to three crucial elements of the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan:

• Environmental Sustainability
• Health and Wellness
• Community Development and Revitalization

The American Bible Society (ABS) Research Grant invites Christian higher education scholars to explore ways to enhance Bible engagement among young adults aged 18-35. With $50,000 in funding, this grant encourages innovative proposals that promote meaningful interactions with Scripture, evaluate engagement strategies, and cater to diverse Christian traditions. Research teams or individual faculty members with expertise in spiritual formation and discipleship are encouraged to apply, aiming for scalable solutions that positively impact spiritual well-being.

The Teaching Artist Roster connects professional artists and arts educators with schools and community organizations, fostering the integration of the arts into educational settings. Through mini-grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission, these artists can conduct workshops, presentations, and residencies. The program aims to enhance arts learning opportunities, align with educational standards, and support ongoing arts education, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Mississippi.

The Portland Arts & Culture General Operating Support program provides essential funding for local arts organizations that enhance the cultural ecosystem of the city. With a focus on accessibility, these grants support a wide range of activities including community events and arts education. Eligible organizations must be based in Portland, hold IRS 501(c)(3) status, and demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse communities. Over 1.5 million attendees benefit from these programs annually, bolstering the local economy.

The THS Patricia Roppel Scholarship, established by The Alaska Community Foundation in 2015, honors Patricia "Pat" Roppel, an Alaskan author and historian. This annual scholarship of $5,000 supports undergraduate or graduate students majoring in Alaska history. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college, with a GPA of 2.9 or higher. Preference is given to those specializing in Southeast Alaska history, mining, fisheries, or timber.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Kent R. Smith Scholarship

Student must be pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the field of education at an accredited college or university.

Selection based upon:

• Academic ability, financial need, demonstrated community and school service, and recommendations.

Various amounts up to $20,000 in scholarships

The California Department of Education's Geo-Regional Experts for Multilingual Students initiative aims to enhance educational outcomes for multilingual learners. This competitive grant invites county offices of education to become Geo-Regional Experts (GEMS) by designating full-time experts who provide data-driven support to local educational agencies. The program is designed to foster collaboration among educators, schools, and communities, ensuring that all students receive a world-class education in a multicultural environment.

The MNSAB Operating Support Grant Program offers vital funding to established arts organizations in Minnesota, enabling them to maintain operations and fulfill their missions. Grants, starting at $15,000, support organizations that produce, present, or exhibit art, as well as those providing services to artists and community arts education. The program emphasizes the importance of stability and ongoing programs, ensuring that organizations can thrive without needing to justify funding through new initiatives.

The Andrew Turnbull Scholarship, established in 2011, supports first-year agricultural or horticultural students at Massey University who were enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science pre-selection semester. This scholarship aims to assist those who did not qualify for other agricultural scholarships earlier in the year. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating a genuine interest in pursuing a career in agriculture or horticulture.

Community Foundation of the Ozarks

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) provides philanthropic leadership to build stronger communities. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership.

We help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through professional management and investment of charitable funds. We work with nonprofit organizations to help them fulfill their missions through fund administration, grantmaking and learning opportunities. We award scholarships to deserving students to help them achieve their educational goals.

Cabool Affiliate Grantmaking Program

The Cabool Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Cabool through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. Grant proposals are accepted according to an announced timetable, and grant recommendations are made as funds are available. 

WSDOT City Safety Program

This part of our state’s implementation of the Highway Safety Improvement Program supports cities in making improvements identified in their local road safety plans and aimed at reducing fatal and serious crashes on city streets. Tribal governments may apply for funding for projects that are within incorporated cities that have experienced fatal or serious injury crashes during the past five years.

The City Safety program provides funding for projects that reduce fatal and serious injury crashes on city streets and city-managed state highways using engineering improvements and countermeasures. Projects are considered under two subprograms:

Systemic:

• Projects are identified and prioritized based on priority risk factors in a city's local road safety plan. Systemic safety projects include low to moderate-cost improvements widely implemented across a city’s transportation system addressing high risk locations.

Spot Location:

• Projects must be at a specific intersection, mid-block location, or corridor and must address at least one fatal or serious injury crash in the most recent five-year period. Spot location projects must be identified in a city’s local road safety plan.

Available Funding

$30 million of federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds.