Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

LSTA Literacy Grant FFY 2026 – State Fiscal Year 2027

Grant purpose

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to libraries as defined per Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 134.001, subdivision 2 for the purpose of helping to achieve Minnesota’s LSTA Five-Year Plan (2023-2027), Goals A, B, and C, to reduce barriers to access, promote equity, showcase libraries’ contributions to community, and empower Minnesota’s library workforce. Successful grant proposals will connect proposed project activities to improving access to services and information in areas of literacy.

While LSTA funds are primarily intended to support new projects that can serve as models or pilots, applications for new phases of a project that is underway may be submitted. Libraries may also apply for funding of an ongoing project if it reaches new audiences, incorporates new methods or significantly expands the reach of the project.

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.

Elda Washer Scholarship Fund

The Elda Washer Scholarship Fund 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.

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.

The Art of Community: Rural SC Grants, offered by the South Carolina Arts Commission, aims to enhance community access to the arts in rural areas. By supporting arts-based projects, this grant encourages public engagement and collaboration among local residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, colleges, and government entities. Priority is given to projects that develop artistic skills and foster creativity, addressing specific challenges faced by rural communities in South Carolina.

Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is responsible for the conservation and management of Vermont’s forest resources, the operation and maintenance of the State Park system, and the promotion and support of outdoor recreation for Vermonters and our visitors. In addition, FPR is responsible for the acquisition, planning coordination and administration of all Agency of Natural Resources lands. Department employees are stationed throughout Vermont, including offices in Montpelier and at five regional locations.

Advanced Wood Heating Assistance for Working Lands Businesses

This financial assistance program supports working lands businesses to install or upgrade advanced wood heating systems.

The Advanced Wood Heat (AWH) Assistance Program for Working Lands Businesses provides technical and financial assistance for the installation of new advanced wood heating systems and upgrades to existing systems in Vermont farm, food, and forest products business facilities. This program is federally funded through a competitive grant award from the US Forest Service Wood Innovations Program and administered through the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation’s Forest Economy Program.

All projects are funded on a reimbursement basis.

The Linda Landman Gonzalez Leadership Grant, established by the Orlando Magic Leadership team, aims to empower emerging non-profit leaders by providing essential resources and support. This grant honors Linda's significant contributions to the community, offering enrollment in a prestigious leadership certificate program, travel reimbursements, and funding for professional development. Recipients will leave a lasting impact on the non-profit sector, continuing Linda's legacy of dedication and excellence in leadership.

The Prairie Meadows Youth Sports and Recreational Grant Program aims to support non-profit organizations in Iowa that promote youth engagement in sports and recreational activities. Grants range from $1,000 to $50,000 for projects such as improving equipment, uniforms, and facilities for youth aged 19 and younger. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status or public entities. Projects should focus on underserved youth and demonstrate measurable impact.

The Designated Legislative (DL) Grants program allows communities and organizations in Alaska to seek funding through their state senators and representatives for capital projects. Funding is appropriated at the legislature's discretion and requires gubernatorial approval. Eligible projects include feasibility studies, construction, building improvements, design, land acquisition, and equipment repairs. For more information, contact your state legislator to initiate the funding process.

The SPIE Education Outreach Grants support optics and photonics-related educational activities. With a maximum award of $5,000, these competitive grants aim to enhance awareness of optics among students and the broader community. Proposals are encouraged to incorporate principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Eligible applicants include SPIE members and qualifying not-for-profit organizations. Evaluation criteria focus on potential impact, clarity of project structure, and a well-defined timeline and budget.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

Nonprofit Animal Shelter Grants

Flexible funding for any nonprofit animal shelter serving Greater New Haven. 

The Community Foundation's animal shelter grants are made possible by The Lillian and Henry A. Konopacke Fund. The fund was created in 2013 by the bequest of New Haven native and North Haven resident Henry Konopacke, who worked as a machinist at the Winchester Repeating Arms Factory. Other funds contributing to Animal Shelter grants include the Baxter Fund, Judith Corchard Fund and Diva Fund. 

Purpose

The Fund’s intent is to assist nonprofit animal shelters in the Greater New Haven area in performing the services for which they have been established. 

Available Grant types

• New or existing projects
• Capacity building assistance to strengthen the infrastructure of an organization for long term success. Examples include board development, strategic planning, evaluation and capital expenditures in equipment, technology, building renovations or relocation.

Funding 

Grants are available in amounts up to $10,000. 

The GMF: Mequon/Hiram Schmitt Fund Grant, established by the city of Mequon in 1984, supports educational and human service programs benefiting Mequon residents. Grants focus on sustaining ongoing activities or funding specific projects. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in the Mequon/Thiensville area. An advisory board reviews proposals, while the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's Board provides final approval. This grant aims to enhance community services and improve the quality of life for local residents.

The AJ Muste Foundation's Rapid Response Grants support U.S.-based organizations engaged in grassroots activism for social justice. These grants, up to $5,000, are aimed at addressing immediate needs of groups fighting for equality and liberation. The funding is designed for unexpected opportunities and emergencies, promoting powerful organizing efforts. The foundation prioritizes groups lacking traditional funding sources and those focused on systemic change rather than individual support.

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.

About DCA 

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Planning Program

Purpose of Grant: to assist qualified non-profit organizations to prepare a neighborhood plan that meets the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program requirements.

Population to be Targeted: Residents of an identified neighborhood within a Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit eligible municipality.

The Tolleson Community Grant Program offers financial assistance to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status to support projects that enhance health and human services for residents. This initiative aims to improve the overall quality of life in Tolleson by funding impactful community services and activities. Eligible organizations must operate within the designated service area as outlined in the provided boundary map.

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.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Women Educators Endowed Fund

The Women Educators Scholarship Fund supports applicants pursuing a degree in the field of education with a completion of at least 48 undergraduate credit hours at an accredited Michigan college of education or an institution with a reciprocal agreement.

Congress created the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in 1974 to benefit low- and moderate-income persons, prevent and eliminate conditions of slum or blight, and address other urgent community development needs. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has administered the State CDBG program since 1983, when Housing and Urban Development (HUD) moved the administration of the funds to the states. In Arkansas, the CDBG program is also known as the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP).

Each year, the AEDC holds public meetings and hearings across the state to obtain citizen input on community needs. Based on that input, the agency prepares a plan to prioritize and distribute the grant funds that are part of its federal CDBG allocation. A draft of the plan is published and made available for public comment.

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 Community Arts Grants program, funded by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Arts Board, promotes artistic collaboration in Marathon County. It supports nonprofit organizations in providing quality arts experiences with a public component. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs, aiming to enhance the arts' diversity and quality in the region. Each organization may submit one application annually, fostering community engagement through the arts.

The 2025-2026 Charter School Program Technical Assistance Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the performance of Texas charter schools. This grant provides essential support and technical assistance to charter operators, ensuring they can successfully launch and sustain quality charter schools. By focusing on academic, financial, and organizational success, the program seeks to improve educational outcomes for students across Texas.

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.

The BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement - Formula Grants Program supports state agencies in enhancing forensic science capabilities. The program aims to improve public safety by funding initiatives that strengthen forensic science and support law enforcement efforts. Eligible applicants can submit their full applications through JustGrants by November 6, 2026. This funding is crucial for addressing ongoing challenges in the justice system, including violent crime and public safety concerns.

The Polisseni Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in upstate New York by supporting organizations that address community needs in education, human services, and civic improvement. To apply, organizations must submit their IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter and ensure their applications are formatted correctly. All submissions must be made two weeks before the scheduled board meeting for consideration.

The NIH is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity for early to definitive clinical trials across various biomedical fields. This initiative focuses on trials evaluating drugs, devices, and interventions that align with NIH's mission. Utilizing the R61/R33 funding mechanism, projects can span up to 7 years, supporting both planning and trial phases. Interested investigators are encouraged to prepare collaborative proposals, although applications are not currently being solicited.

The BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement- Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services across the U.S. This funding opportunity supports state and local government laboratories in improving their capabilities to ensure justice and public safety. Applications are due by November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, promoting advancements in forensic practices to better serve law enforcement and communities.