Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The TeachTX Pilot Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the educator pipeline through innovative Grow Your Own (GYO) initiatives. By implementing high-quality, campus-based recruitment and leadership development strategies, the program seeks to engage students in education careers. Through targeted support and stakeholder collaboration, the grant fosters early leadership experiences and increases participation in teaching-related programs, ultimately contributing to a robust future workforce in education.

LiveOak Scholars Fund

Attending a 4-year University in Texas to pursue a degree in business, engineering or computer sciences

Awards

• (7) New: $7,000
• Up to 5 returning
• Returning: Varies

The Jackson Foundation, established by Maria C. Jackson, provides funding for charitable, educational, and welfare-related projects primarily within Oregon. Governed by trustees, it aims to enhance public welfare in Portland and statewide. The Foundation does not support individual grants or private businesses and typically limits funding to one grant per organization annually. It considers projects of broader appeal outside the Portland area, ensuring that its contributions effectively promote community welfare.

The First Bank Chicago Grant is dedicated to supporting local non-profit organizations in Lake and Cook Counties. With over 65 years of community service, First Bank emphasizes charitable contributions, event sponsorships, and volunteer efforts to strengthen community ties. Priority is given to current non-profit clients of the bank, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to those making a positive impact in the community.

The Garrison Family Foundation, established in 2006 by Shirley and Mildred Garrison, is dedicated to philanthropy in the Texas panhandle and South Plains. The Foundation supports 501(c)(3) charities in education, religion, and health, emphasizing the importance of giving and community. The Garrison's legacy promotes a culture of generosity, allowing future generations to learn the value of philanthropy while making a positive impact in their communities.

The Fifth Third Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations in Effingham County, IL, focusing on education, arts, community development, and health services. Eligible entities must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in the region. Ineligible uses of funds include political activities and grants to individuals. The foundation prioritizes organizations that have not received recent funding, ensuring support for innovative community initiatives and relief efforts.

The Griffin Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Rome and its surrounding areas by supporting initiatives that benefit the community. With a focus on health, wellness, and overall improvement of daily lives, the foundation seeks organizations dedicated to these goals. Interested applicants should be located in the Rome area and align with the foundation's mission. A brief introductory call will provide further insight into the application process.

The Arts Fund of Kalamazoo County, established in 1986, supports nonprofit organizations in Kalamazoo County that engage culturally diverse and historically excluded communities through artistic projects. Grants up to $5,500 are available for initiatives that remove barriers and provide access to the arts. Applicants may only apply for one grant request every 12 months and must not have outstanding obligations from previous grants. Operational support requests are not eligible.

The Massachusetts Robotics Digital Twin Initiative aims to enhance access to robotics technology and foster the robotics entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Commonwealth. This funding opportunity, issued by the Innovation Institute's Robotics Department, will provide competitive capital grants for innovative robotic designs and applications. Projects will focus on building both physical robots and their digital twins, ensuring the resulting digital resources are publicly available for use by researchers and entrepreneurs, thus promoting collaboration and technological advancement.

The New Chaucer Society Early Career Fellowship, in collaboration with The Huntington Library, supports emerging scholars in medieval studies. This one-month fellowship, offering $3,500 plus travel expenses, encourages research on Chaucer's era within The Huntington's extensive collections. Open to early career scholars, the fellowship promotes the study of literature, manuscripts, and cultural contexts from Chaucer's time. Recipients must reside at The Huntington during their fellowship, fostering a vibrant academic environment.

What We Fund

The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.

We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:

• Education
• Economic Growth
• Community 

Dunham Foundation General Grants (Requests that exceed $50,000)

At the Dunham Foundation, we strive to honor John C. Dunham's vision for building a healthy, thriving community with our grantmaking.

Through these efforts, we support projects and programs in Education, Economic Growth, and Community that create measurable and lasting impact in the Dunham Foundation Service Area.

Organizations outside our service area are eligible if their programs directly impact residents within the Dunham Foundation Service Area.

Funded organizations are expected to submit a financial and program report at the conclusion of the grant. Reporting requirements will be outlined in the approval process and grant agreements. The reporting form will be available through the grant portal.

The Graves Foundation Grants support grassroots, community-led initiatives in Minneapolis, aiming to close equity gaps and enhance the lives of youth. With a focus on education, community-building, housing, and youth development, the foundation fosters partnerships with local leaders and organizations. They are committed to understanding community needs through active engagement rather than traditional reporting methods. By investing in systemic change, the foundation strives to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents.

The Toledo Walleye Transportation Fund offers grants to accredited schools and nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, facilitating transportation to Toledo Mud Hens baseball or Walleye hockey games. Aiming to eliminate financial barriers, the fund provides awards up to $1,000 for eligible applicants. Schools and nonprofits can receive one transportation award for each game annually, promoting enriching experiences for students and communities.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

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.

2026-2028 State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant

The purpose of the State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant is to provide high-quality facilities support to Texas charter schools and support State Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG) grantees. The grant activities include providing technical assistance for charter school leaders on smart decision-making related to facilities and growth. This support aims to increase expertise in facilities planning, financing and operations. Grant activities also include supporting SFIG grantees through monitoring and evaluation to ensure awarded SFIG funds are appropriately stewarded. 

Facilities Training Program

Support under this section of the grant will provide tools and share best practices for smart facility growth. Topics may include state school funding policy, facility budgeting, financing options, compliance, and navigating legal requirements for construction. This support will include a training plan, curriculum, materials, and online modules.

Differentiated Technical Assistance

Support under this section of the grant will provide targeted and support or advice related to facilities funding decisions and planning. Support will be individualized to each subgrantee based on a needs assessment and may include individualized advice and plan development related to topics like facility budgeting, financing options, compliance, and navigating legal requirements for construction.

Subgrantee Monitoring

Support under this section of the grant will provide effective monitoring and evaluation of SFIG grantees. This support will include evaluation against SFIG grant requirements and ensure awarded SFIG funds are appropriately stewarded. 

The Diversity and Inclusiveness Grant Program by the American Philosophical Association aims to enhance the participation of underrepresented groups in philosophy. With funding up to $20,000, the program seeks innovative projects that impact diversity across various demographics including women, racial minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Proposals are evaluated on their philosophical quality, feasibility, and potential broader impact, particularly within the US and Canada, making this an essential opportunity for promoting inclusivity in philosophical discourse.

The 2025-26 Digital Divide Grant Program aims to bridge the digital gap by awarding $100,000 to rural and urban public schools and two $50,000 grants to non-profit Community Based Organizations. The funding will support digital initiatives that enhance broadband access, affordability of devices, and digital skills training for underserved communities, ensuring a holistic approach to meet the needs of low-income districts and organizations.

The Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research Program by NSF aims to enhance contemporary biology through innovative research tools and methods. It focuses on developing or redesigning infrastructure in bioinformatics, instrumentation, and research methods. Projects should significantly advance biological understanding and be applicable to a wider research community. Proposals should aim at transforming biological research by either creating novel tools or adapting existing ones in meaningful ways, addressing fundamental questions in the biological sciences.

The ARS Friends in Research Award, funded by the American Rhinologic Society, offers $25,000 over two years to support innovative research in rhinology. Eligible candidates include members who have completed residency without significant outside funding. The award encourages early and mid-career investigators to explore diverse areas within rhinology. Recipients can publish their findings, with the society retaining first refusal rights for publication. This grant aims to foster career development in the field of rhinology.

The HRE USA 2025 Edmonds Summer Fellowship honors the legacy of Kirby Edmonds by offering young leaders hands-on experience in human rights education. This fellowship provides mentorship and learning opportunities to engage youth in creating human rights-friendly schools and communities. Supported by the Dorothy Cotton Institute, it aims to nurture future leaders committed to human rights advocacy. Eligible candidates must be 18 or older, reside in the U.S., and commit to 100 hours of work between June and August 2025.

The Dr. & Mrs. Paul Pierce Memorial Foundation Grant supports quality education, human services, and healthcare for underserved populations since 1963. This private foundation prioritizes organizations with annual budgets under $20 million and gives special consideration to those serving Grayson County, Texas. Grants are awarded for a duration of one year, aiming to enhance the welfare of communities in need.

The Clatsop County Cultural Coalition Grant, funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust, supports projects that enhance cultural programs in arts, heritage, and humanities in Clatsop County. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations and individuals with a fiscal sponsor. The coalition prioritizes new projects and collaborations, while funds cannot be used for salaries, travel, or ongoing operational expenses. Workshops are encouraged before application submission to ensure alignment with funding priorities.

The Wyoming Arts Council offers the Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant to enhance the capabilities of individuals and organizations engaged in the arts. This program supports diverse projects, including leadership training, strategic planning, and fundraising development. Eligible applicants include individual artists and 501(c)(3) organizations based in Wyoming. The grant aims to foster artistic excellence and community engagement, ensuring that the arts thrive in the state's economy and culture.

Gulf Coast Leadership Institute

For aspiring, emerging, and experienced leaders to grow to become action-oriented individuals in their communities.

About Gulf Coast Leadership Institute

At Gulf Coast, we believe that leadership is the foundation of community. Our Gulf Coast Leadership Institute taps, trains, and connects emerging and experienced community leaders—over 425 so far—from across the Gulf Coast region. The result is a growing network of skilled, action-oriented leaders who are committed to using their new skills to help transform their communities through service.

Our Mission:

To identify and develop aspiring, emerging, and experienced leaders who reflect the diversity of our region. The program spans two months where participants take part in in-person, experiential small and large group activities that prepare them to become knowledgeable, skilled, and action-oriented leaders in their communities.

Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources - Wisconsin Department of Administration

At the Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR), we offer programs that help people with energy costs, housing needs, and community support.

What are CDBG funds?

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds promote affordable housing, suitable living conditions, and economic opportunity primarily to benefit individuals with low to moderate income (LMI).

CDBG - Planning Program (PLNG)

Provides grant funds to local governments to support planning efforts that improve community opportunities and vitality.

Planning grant funds support community efforts to address improving community opportunities and vitality. 

Examples of eligible projects include:

• comprehensive plans
• community development plans
• small area and neighborhood plans

Grants are limited to projects that, if implemented, meet a CDBG National Objective (in accordance with HUD program regulations).

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants of $5,000 or more to support innovative STEM projects for grades 6-12 in public and nonprofit private schools across the U.S. These grants encourage teachers to implement project-based learning in their classrooms. Founded in 1990, the foundation aims to enhance STEM education by providing necessary resources and support for educators to inspire their students. Applications require school official endorsement and must focus on innovative teaching methods.

Metro Planning and Development Grants support urban planning efforts in the Portland area, aimed at enhancing community potential through the development of new housing, shopping, and employment opportunities. With a funding capacity of up to $4 million, these grants are available for projects that comply with regional growth management plans and focus on inclusive, sustainable development. Since 2006, Metro has funded over 135 projects, promoting collaborative growth across Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

Montana Rural Education Association Scholarship

Award

• Varies

Scopes

• Education