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Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

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

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,423 Results based on applied filters

SPRK-ing Interest in Computer Science

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
Association/Society
American Samoa, Guam +6 more
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The AISES SPRK-ing Interest in Computer Science program engages Indigenous K-12 students through fun coding and robotics activities. By utilizing Sphero BOLT and Indi robots, students gain hands-on experience in STEM and computer science, fostering greater interest and competency in these fields. Participating schools receive essential materials and training, promoting a culturally relevant learning experience. Priority is given to middle schools, encouraging greater participation in STEM+CS education among Native students.
Computer Science & Engineering STEM / STEAM Education

Dover Foundation Grants

Dover Foundation Inc.
Private
Cleveland County, North Carolina
Unspecified amount
The Dover Foundation, established in 1944 by Jack and Charles Dover, focuses on enhancing community lives through support for faith-based, educational, and human service organizations. This private family foundation prioritizes grants to nonprofits in Cleveland County, having awarded millions to local causes since its inception. With values centered on education, community service, and integrity, the foundation is committed to making a meaningful impact and fostering collaboration among residents.
Education Human & Social Services Religion & Spirituality

MAHF Educational Grants

Michigan Animal Health Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Since 1977, MAHF has provided grants to help fund almost 50 research and educational projects through individuals and institutions to improve the health and welfare of all animals. These grants have improved veterinary care, animal housing and medical techniques for all species for animals.

Animal Welfare - General Veterinary Science & Services

Russell County SPARC Grant

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation
Private
Russell County, Kansas
Unspecified amount

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Russell County SPARC Grant

RCACF will consider applications for SPARC grants within Russell County. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt of the submitted application. Only organizations with a 501(c)(3) public charity status, schools / educational institutions, churches / religious organizations, or local government agencies (city/county) are eligible to apply. Upon approval of the request, funds will take 10-14 days for processing. 

Education Academic Success & Enrichment

Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) supports early-stage postdoctoral scholars through rigorous research and career development over three years. Applicants must submit their proposals up to a year before or two years after starting their postdoctoral positions. This award emphasizes innovative research ideas and strategic planning for training and mentorship, aiming to cultivate independent investigators in research fields aligned with the missions of NIH Institutes and Centers.
Education - Higher Education Health & Medicine

KCF Scholarships - Rizzo Family Memorial Scholarships Fund

Kenosha Community Foundation
Private
Wisconsin
US $1,000
The KCF Scholarships - Rizzo Family Memorial Scholarships Fund, managed by the Kenosha Community Foundation, offers a one-time award of $1,000 to local students pursuing higher education in Wisconsin. Eligible applicants include high school seniors or current students with a minimum GPA of 3.0, focusing on health-related fields. This scholarship aims to support academic advancement and foster community growth by investing in the education of future healthcare professionals.
Health & Medicine Medical Education & Professional Training

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

Smidt Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About Us

Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

  • Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
  • Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.
Economic Services & Development Community Development & Revitalization

Raleigh and Agnes Sorge Charitable Fund Grant

Lakeshore Community Foundation Inc.
Private
Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
US $3,100
The Raleigh and Agnes Sorge Charitable Fund, managed by the Lakeshore Community Foundation Inc., aims to support organizations that meet human needs in Manitowoc County. This private fund encourages initiatives that positively impact the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents. By providing financial resources, the fund seeks to empower local organizations dedicated to addressing critical social issues.
Human & Social Services Basic Human Needs

Cheri Smith Scholarship

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin
Private
Portage County, Wisconsin
Unspecified amount
The Cheri Smith Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, provides financial support to Junior and Senior students at UWSP in the School of Business and Economics. With award amounts ranging from $500 to $40,000, this scholarship aims to assist students with a GPA of 3.0 or above and demonstrated financial need. Explore opportunities to apply or contribute to this impactful initiative.
Economics Business Education

OVAC Professional Basics Grant

Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition
Private
Oklahoma
Up to US $500
The OVAC Professional Basics Grant supports Oklahoma artists by funding essential aspects of their art practice, including quality samples, display, and travel. Grants of up to $500 help artists develop their professional practices and engage in community projects. Eligibility requires applicants to be over 21 and have at least 12 months of residency in Oklahoma. This grant aims to empower visual artists, curators, and art writers to enhance their creative projects and visibility.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Our Legacy Fund Grants

McKean County Community Foundation
State/Local Government
McKean County, Pennsylvania
Up to US $10,000
The Our Legacy Fund Grants, offered by the McKean County Community Foundation, aim to empower nonprofit organizations in McKean County through strategic financial support. With a maximum award of $10,000, these grants seek to foster social change, promote equity, and address unmet community needs. Eligible applicants include schools, municipalities, and 501c3 organizations serving the community. This initiative reflects MCCF's commitment to building a sustainable foundation for future generations.
Civic Leadership Development Sustainability Community Services

ACS Student Leadership Award

American Chemical Society
Association/Society
Fulton County, Georgia
Unspecified amount
The ACS Student Leadership Award offers undergraduate students a unique chance to engage with leaders from the ACS Board of Directors, Local Sections, and the Younger Chemists Committee. Selected students will receive funding for registration and travel to the ACS Leadership Institute, where they can enhance their leadership skills, network with professionals, and explore valuable resources. This award supports up to 15 students who have demonstrated leadership potential within their chapters.
Chemistry STEM / STEAM Education

Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (Parent K23 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (353461)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The NIH Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) aims to enhance the career development of clinical doctoral degree holders dedicated to patient-oriented research. It supports individuals in their commitment to focus their research efforts on improving patient outcomes. The award has multiple application deadlines, including June 12, 2024, and October 12, 2024, among others, catering to various grant types, including standard, renewal, and AIDS-related applications.
Medical Education & Professional Training Health & Medicine

IEEE Computer Society Grant

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $10,000
The IEEE Computer Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, provides funding up to $10,000 to support STEM outreach efforts. This program encourages IEEE members to engage pre-university students in engineering and computing through various initiatives. With multiple funding levels, it aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators and promote awareness of the engineering profession, ensuring that engineering is accessible and exciting for all.
STEM / STEAM Education Computer Science & Engineering

CORE Funding: AHNS/AAO-HNSF Translational Innovator Award

American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $100,000
The CORE Funding: AHNS/AAO-HNSF Translational Innovator Award supports innovative research in head and neck neoplastic diseases with a grant of $100,000 over two years. Eligible applicants include full-time academic head and neck surgeons, who must demonstrate a commitment to developing independent research careers. The award encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to yield significant findings within the funding period, fostering long-term research potential and attracting further funding opportunities.
Health & Medicine Medical Education & Professional Training Otorhinolaryngology

Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation: Event Sponsorship

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation
Corporate
United States
Unspecified amount

About Us

Some say natural is the new normal – but at Sprouts, there’s nothing new about natural foods! Back in 2002, we opened our first store in an effort to make natural foods accessible to everyone. Up until then, grocers offering fresh, organic choices were either too expensive to shop or too hard to find. We wanted to be different! No more weaving through a maze of narrow aisles without anyone offering to help. No more ingredient lists featuring 40 unpronounceable chemicals. And most of all, no more spending an entire paycheck for food from the honest effort of a farmer – not a factory.

To us, being different is good!

People thought we were crazy when we wouldn’t sell the country’s top-selling sodas, snacks and candy. But we believed that eating clean and living healthy was more than just a trend. At Sprouts, it’s our passion. And we knew that by focusing on farm-fresh produce and other healthy, affordable items, we could create a grocery experience where you didn’t have to be wealthy to eat healthy!

So think of Sprouts as all of the very best parts of a real farmers market under one roof, open every day of the week. With our commitment to value in every department, and knowledgeable and friendly team members, we’re confident that once you shop Sprouts you’ll think different is good too.

Today we have grown to more than 380 stores with approximately 31,000 team members. It’s these individuals who are the key to our success. They’re the ones who put good at the heart of everything we do at Sprouts … every day, in every community, with every guest.

Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation: Event Sponsorship

Thank you for considering Sprouts to support your organization. We value the opportunity to partner with local nonprofit organizations in the communities where our stores operate and are happy to lend a hand when we can.

Request Guidelines

Every day, Sprouts receives numerous donation and sponsorship requests. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret we cannot approve every request.

Horticulture & Gardening Wellness & Healthy Living

WMU Department of Chemistry: Frederick W. Stanley Memorial Chemistry Scholarship for Graduate Students

Western Michigan University
Private
Kalamazoo County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The WMU Department of Chemistry offers the Frederick W. Stanley Memorial Chemistry Scholarship for Graduate Students, aimed at supporting declared chemistry majors with outstanding academic records. Eligible candidates must have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also recognizes the hard work of students preparing for diverse careers in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, and related fields. Applications for the fall 2026/spring 2027 term will be accepted from December 15, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
Academic Scholarship Programs Chemistry

WMU Department of Chemistry: Edward Sweet Chemistry Scholarship Endowment

Western Michigan University
Private
Kalamazoo County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Edward Sweet Chemistry Scholarship Endowment at Western Michigan University supports chemistry majors pursuing careers in various fields, including industry and academia. Established in honor of Edward Sweet, a dedicated alumnus, the scholarship emphasizes the importance of education and aims to assist deserving students in their academic journeys. Applications open on December 15, 2025, for the fall 2026/spring 2027 academic year, with a focus on outstanding achievement and financial need.
Chemistry Academic Scholarship Programs

WMU Department of Chemistry: Dr. Hashem and SuzAnne Akhavan-Tafti Chemistry Scholarship

Western Michigan University
Private
Kalamazoo County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Dr. Hashem and SuzAnne Akhavan-Tafti Chemistry Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports chemistry majors pursuing careers in various fields such as industry, teaching, and research. Established in 2014, the scholarship aids students from historically underrepresented populations, enhancing their educational experience through financial assistance. Applications for the fall 2026/spring 2027 cycle open on December 15, 2025, and close on February 28, 2026, via ScholarshipUniverse.
Chemistry Academic Scholarship Programs

WMU Department of Chemistry: Craig B. Peot Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Western Michigan University
Private
Kalamazoo County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The WMU Department of Chemistry offers the Craig B. Peot Memorial Endowed Scholarship to support junior or senior chemistry majors at Western Michigan University. This scholarship recognizes students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and emphasizes documented service, volunteerism, and financial need. Applications for the scholarship will open on December 15, 2025, and close on February 28, 2026, providing critical financial assistance for students pursuing careers in chemistry and related fields.
Chemistry Academic Scholarship Programs

Arts Fund of Kalamazoo County: Artist Support Grant

Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
Private
Kalamazoo County, Michigan
Up to US $2,500
The Arts Fund of Kalamazoo County, established in 1986, aims to support individual artists and artistic projects that promote cultural diversity and inclusivity. Managed by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, this grant provides up to $2,500 to artists residing in Kalamazoo County. It emphasizes projects that engage historically excluded communities, ensuring that artistic endeavors are accessible and enriching to all. Applicants are limited to one grant request per year, ensuring fair distribution of funds.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Regional Support Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $425,000 - US $1,100,000
The 2025-2026 Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Regional Support Grant aims to enhance the capacity of Education Service Centers (ESCs) in Texas to assist school systems with TIA implementation. This grant will fund dedicated staff to provide tailored technical support, fostering collaboration with various educational initiatives. Administered by the Texas Education Agency, the program benefits local educational agencies, including school districts and charter schools, ensuring effective resource allocation for improved educational outcomes.
Education Teacher Development & Training

Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion (SpaceTech REDDI-2026)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Federal Government
United States
Unspecified amount
The Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion (SpaceTech REDDI-2026) initiative by NASA aims to advance transformational space technologies to meet critical stakeholder needs. This umbrella solicitation for FY 2026 will invite proposals across various technology topics, promoting innovation and competitiveness in the U.S. space sector. With a focus on economic growth and fostering a strong aerospace community, STMD supports ideas from diverse innovators nationwide.
Aerospace Engineering Space Science

Rock Strong Award

Westfield Education Foundation
Association/Society
Hamilton County, Indiana
US $50

Westfield Education Foundation

The Foundation was established in 1986 to assist with funding that would enrich the opportunities for our Westfield community. 

The mission of the Westfield Education Foundation is to work alongside Westfield Washington Schools and the Westfield community to empower and invest in our students and staff.

Rock Strong Award

The Westfield Education Foundation and Everwise Credit Union proudly announce a staff appreciation initiative: the Rock Strong Award! This is a quarterly award, given out at each school plus operations and student support programs, to recognize teachers, instructional assistants, instructional coaches, building secretaries, bus drivers, substitute teachers, food service staff, and operations staff for the great work they do for our children and our community!

Each quarter, all schools plus operations and student support programs (BAC/TOTS/All Aboard) will review nominations from staff, students, families, and the community and select someone representing its values and culture to receive the Rock Strong Award. Westfield Education Foundation and Everwise Credit Union will present the award winners with a commemorative plaque and a $50 Amazon gift card as a way to show appreciation for all that they do.

What it means to be Rock Strong can look different, but nominees should display dedication to students, staff and the Westfield community. 

If you would like to nominate someone for the Rock Strong award, please fill out the nomination form. 

Teacher Development & Training Education

California Advanced Services Fund: Broadband Infrastructure Grant Project

California Public Utilities Commission Foundation
Private
California
Up to US $15,000,000
The California Advanced Services Fund's Broadband Infrastructure Grant Project aims to provide free broadband service to residents of low-income communities through grants and loans. With a funding allocation of $15 million for the fiscal year, eligible applicants can request up to $150,000 to build broadband networks in public housing and mobile home parks. This initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring access to high-speed internet for underserved populations.
Technology Access & Digital Literacy Cyberinfrastructure

District-Wide Classroom Review Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
Unspecified amount

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

ESC Perkins Statewide Initiative Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of district wide classroom reviews to support district strategic planning and performance systems alignment in a variety of Agency initiatives, including the Effective District Frameworks Diagnostics, Effective Schools Frameworks Diagnostics, and HB-1605 Local Classroom Reviews.

The District Wide Classroom Reviews Grant will provide school systems with a review to determine the degree to which the materials submitted (1) corresponds with the instructional materials adopted by the school district or district campus; and (2) meets the level of rigor of the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Section 28.002 for the grade level in which it is being used. The purpose of this project will be to provide logistics and operations support for all district wide classroom reviews and district wide diagnostics, including training and events, budget tracking and invoicing for completed district wide classroom reviews and working with designated vendors for additional supports and resources, including diagnostic platforms, as identified by TEA.

Education Academic Success & Enrichment

Vitality Grants: Preserving Historical Assets

Rochester Area Community Foundation
Private
Genesee County, New York, Livingston County, New York +6 more
US $15,000 - US $20,000
The Vitality Grants program aims to bolster regional vitality by preserving historical assets and fostering educational initiatives. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, focusing on projects that create lasting impacts, promote community revitalization, and enhance sustainability. The program prioritizes efforts that engage the community with its rich historical heritage, while ensuring economic development and equity in storytelling and preservation efforts.
Historic Preservation Community Development & Revitalization

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.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

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.