Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Dorothy A. Howard Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

The RJCCT Youth Recreational Program, supported by the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust since 1995, funds projects that enhance youth recreational facilities in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The program prioritizes communities in specific counties and aims to strengthen local initiatives. Grants typically cover up to 25% of project costs, with a maximum of $25,000. Emphasis is placed on projects with significant local funding and volunteer support, ensuring a lasting impact on youth engagement in recreational activities.

The Herzfeld Foundation's Small Arts Organization Project Grant aims to enhance the sustainability of small and medium-sized arts organizations in Wisconsin, especially in the Greater Milwaukee area. This grant supports projects that provide meaningful arts experiences to underserved communities, with a focus on capacity-building and innovative audience engagement. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, prioritizing collaborative proposals that promote public access to the arts and strengthen organizational stability.

Vicky Harrison Memorial Scholarship

Amount:

• Varies

The family and friends of Vicky Harrison established this endowed scholarship in 2020. Vicky worked at JWCC for 28 years and was Manager of Enterprise Applications in the Information Technology Department, when she lost her battle with cancer in 2019. The scholarship is awarded to a student with an interest in pursuing a career in computer science.

Creative Innovation and Impact Grant Program

About the Creative Innovation & Impact Grant

The Creative Innovation and Impact Grant program supports new, multi-year strategies that empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

The Creative Innovation & Impact Grant program is designed to support initiatives that drive innovation and sector visibility. Applications to this program should feature creative sector projects that address either visibility, innovation, or both.

• Visibility – Enhance public awareness of creatives and creative industries through marketing, branding, and outreach efforts.
• Innovation – Support new ideas, models, and partnerships that expand the role of creativity in Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

Applications must describe projects that clearly extend beyond the applicant’s regular programming or services. 

Scholarships

We award over 120 scholarships each year to Monroe County residents. Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

By submitting the general application, you’ll automatically be matched with scholarships you’re eligible for based on factors like your GPA, field of study, and more. This process connects you to over 60 scholarships with diverse criteria, including need-based scholarships, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and more.

Thomas Fox Scholarship

Available to Monroe County high school seniors pursuing studies in computer science or information technology.

The Katherine C. Carmody Charitable Trust, established in 1957, supports 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Texas, focusing on education, human services, and religion-related programs. Grants are primarily awarded to organizations in Navarro County and the Dallas area. Organizations must wait two years after receiving a grant before reapplying. This trust has contributed millions to various Texas charities, reflecting Ms. Carmody's commitment to her community and charitable causes.

Vermont Building Communities Grant Program

Funded annually through the Capital Appropriations and State Bonding Act, to qualify for one of the Building Communities Grants, an applicant must be a non-profit organization, regional economic development organization, or municipality.

Human Services and Educational Facilities Grants Program

The Human Services and Educational Facilities Grants Program is administered by the Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS). The goal of the program is to provide competitive grants to Municipalities and to Non-Profit Organizations as defined in chapter 117 of Title 24 for capital costs associated with major maintenance, renovation, or for the development of facilities for the delivery of human services and health care or for the development of educational opportunities in Vermont communities.

This is a competitive grant program and not all grant applicants will receive funding nor will awarded grant applicants necessarily receive the full amount of funds requested. This program provides last gap funding for shovel-ready projects and does not support ongoing fundraising initiatives. It is the intent of the legislature that grant applicants applying for any of the BCG programs shall not apply for more than one grant as defined in Chapter 137 of Title 24 for the same project in the current calendar year, in any of the categories of the BCG programs. This does not prohibit organizations from requesting funding for a different project in an alternate location under any of the BCG programs.

Grants will be awarded by the BCG selection committee on a competitive basis. The BCG committee gives priority consideration to grant applicants demonstrating they have strong community support through the success of local fundraising campaigns. 

The Urban Area Security Initiative Federal Fiscal Year 2025 (UASI-R) aims to bolster state and local efforts in Texas to prevent terrorism and prepare for significant threats. This funding opportunity is designed for high-threat, high-density urban areas to enhance capabilities in preventing attacks, protecting citizens, and mitigating disasters. Projects funded must align with identified needs from threat assessments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to public safety and resilience.

The EASI initiative by the Colorado Department of Education focuses on empowering districts to enhance school improvement strategies. Through the District Designed and Led route, districts can leverage tailored implementation support and major improvement strategies. This approach encourages collaboration with external partners, fostering sustainable improvement systems and building staff capacity aligned with effective educational frameworks. The goal is to ensure that schools in need receive the support necessary for meaningful and lasting change.

The Joseph W. Tripiano Charitable Fund supports nonprofits dedicated to the care and promotion of horses. Established in memory of Joe Tripiano, it aims to enhance the quality of life for horses through various initiatives. Grant requests are accepted year-round, with a decision anticipated within four weeks of application submission. Eligible organizations must be located in Northern California, hold 501(c)(3) status, and have maintained accurate financial records. This fund prioritizes urgent needs related to equestrian support.

The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events (See) Grant offers a $10,000 funding opportunity aimed at promoting inclusive recreational activities for youth. This grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, supports events, tournaments, and travel for athletic competitions, ensuring accessibility for all participants, regardless of their background or ability. The initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing community wellness and fostering engagement through diverse recreational opportunities.

The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events Grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, offers $10,000 to support inclusive recreational opportunities for youth. This initiative aims to enhance physical, social, and emotional wellness, fostering a diverse community that promotes lifelong learning and personal growth. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that facilitates field trips and engagement activities, ensuring accessibility for all youth regardless of their backgrounds.

The Northwest Horticultural Society offers grants to support horticultural education in the Pacific Northwest. With a total budget of $15,000 for 2024, grants typically range from $1,000 to $6,000. Eligible projects must demonstrate clear outcomes within 12 months and benefit community engagement and environmental restoration. Priority is given to organizations west of the Cascades in Washington State. Applications are currently being accepted, encouraging local initiatives that promote horticultural beauty and biodiversity.

The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events Grant, offered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to enhance community wellness by funding organizations that provide inclusive recreational opportunities for all youth. With a total funding of $5,000, this grant supports programs focused on sports, cultural arts, and youth development, ensuring equitable access and fostering a sense of belonging among participants, regardless of their background or abilities.

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.

Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant Program is a federally funded, competitive grant program designed to help cities and towns meet a broad range of community development needs.

There are two primary Massachusetts CDBG funding programs, the Community Development Fund (CDF) and the Mini-Entitlement Program (ME) Program. The Community Development Fund (CDF) is a competitive program and awards grants to eligible communities throughout the Commonwealth, helping cities and towns meet a broad range of community development needs in housing, infrastructure, revitalization, economic development and public social services. Municipalities selected for the Mini-Entitlement Program (ME) Program are determined by using a formula calculation based on high statistical indicators of need, poverty rate and population size. Each program has specific eligibility requirements and application procedures, which are described in more detail below.

Please note, the maximum award amounts have increased by $100,000 in each category since the proposed changes to the One Year Plan session: now a single municipality may receive an award up to $950,000; two municipalities (regional) may receive an award up to $1,150,000 and three municipalities (regional) may receive an award up to $1,350,000.  

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

Design-Only Artist Opportunity: Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)

One Washington state-based artist will be commissioned to create six to eight two-dimensional designs for a new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Kent.

For this design-only project, the selected artist will deliver digital files for fabrication onto metal panels and window film, with fabrication and installation managed by 4Culture.

The artwork will honor and celebrate the human-animal bond and RASKC’s role in supporting the pets and people in the community they serve.

Budget

​​​​​$15,000 artist design fee for project research and engagement with RASKC, and design-only development of artwork that will be translated into digital files. This work is inclusive of WA Sales/Use Tax, and other applicable taxes. 

Additional funds available for the following:

• $3,000 for digital files (funds will be provided to the subcontractor completing this work – the selected artist, their subcontractor, or 4Culture subcontractor).
• Up to $3,000 for approved in-state travel related to project development, using GSA established rates.
• Up to $3,000 for active community engagement (such as workshops or other in person public activities) related to the development of the art project (as explained below).  

Opportunity

King County Executive Services has embarked on a project to replace the current aging Pet Adoption Center in Kent, WA. King County purchased a building that will be the new animal shelter and headquarters for Regional Animal Services. The facility is located at 5920 S. 194th St. in Kent, and the project will renovate a warehouse into a modern, state of the art animal care center.

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) operates the county’s primary Pet Adoption Center in Kent, WA. Its mission is to provide King County with sustainable, cost-effective services that protect people and animals, while providing humane animal care. RASKC is built on the cornerstone values of compassion and service. They demonstrate this commitment in the countless hours spent by staff and RASKC volunteers to save animals’ lives at the shelter and in the field. By collaborating with community partners, they are able to expand programs and resources to provide even greater value to residents. RASKC provides the following services:

Animal Control – RASKC is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people and pets in their service area. RASKC provides a 24-hour public safety response to dangerous animals, loose livestock on public roadways, as well as animal injury and abuse. Animal Control Officers (ACOs) conduct investigations, enforce state and local laws related to animals, as well as educate the public about animal welfare, restraint, and licensing. ACOs respond to more than 5,000 calls each year and cover nearly 1,100 square miles and a population of more than one million people.

Lost and Found Services – RASKC provides animal care and control in 24 contracting cities and the unincorporated areas of King County. They also provide information on how to help a stray pet get back home.

Adoptions – RASKC’s goal is to place healthy and treatable adoptable pets into permanent homes. They welcome all adopters and aim to find a great match for every prospective adopter by providing as much information as they can about each animal and ultimately allowing each adopter to make the final decision about what is right for their family. 

Licensing – King County pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older living in the Regional Animal Services coverage area. A pet license identifies and protects a dog or cat in case they get lost.  

Pet Owner Assistance Program – For pet owners experiencing economic hardship, RASKC has a Community Pet Food Bank, and provides dog and cat kibble (dry food), with cat litter, canned pet food, and other pet toys and supplies available depending on incoming donations. 

Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to assisting Maryland's local governments and nonprofit organizations build capacity to achieve their community revitalization and economic development goals.

Operating Assistance Grants include funding for Technical Assistance and Main Street Improvement Program Grant.

The Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program assists local governments and nonprofits with operating costs associated with local housing and community revitalization efforts.

The General Assembly must approve these amounts during the 2027 legislative session before they are final.

Grants funds can be used for operating costs related to administering the Technical Assistance Grant program, including:

• Salaries
• Professional services contracts
• Technology costs
• Other related administrative expenses

Funding details

• The maximum grant request is $50,000.
• A funding match is not required.
• All projects or activities should be completed within one year.
• Capital project costs are not supported through TAG. Other DHCD programs do support capital costs, such as State Revitalization Programs​.

The Byron and Alice Lockwood Foundation, established in 1968, is dedicated to supporting charitable organizations in the Greater Seattle Area. Founded by Paul Cressman Sr., it honors the legacy of Byron and Alice Lockwood, who were passionate about community service. The foundation focuses on grants that enhance education, health, and human services, ensuring that contributions yield significant community impact. With a history of supporting emerging talent, it aims to make a difference through strategic funding.

The EASI: Other Services Route, introduced by the Colorado Department of Education, streamlines school improvement funding through a single application process. It targets districts with schools needing comprehensive and targeted support as mandated by the Every Student Succeeds Act. This initiative focuses on aligning federal and state accountability while providing resources to enhance educational outcomes. Key routes include Exploration Supports and District Designed Services, fostering effective strategies tailored to local needs.

The MI Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), managed by the Michigan DNR, supports the development of public outdoor recreation facilities. With grants ranging from $30,000 to $500,000, the program aims to enhance trails, community recreation, and accessibility while promoting local investment in recreation resources. This reimbursement program requires a 50% local match, ensuring communities actively participate in funding their projects. The initiative aligns with Michigan's State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).

The Fall Education Grant Cycle, offered by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, aims to support new teachers in rural areas of southeastern Illinois. With a focus on enhancing the quality of education, this initiative addresses the looming teacher shortage, especially in STEM and special needs. Grants of $200 are available for 1st and 2nd-year K-12 teachers, promoting the development of educators who are community-oriented and equipped to tackle the unique challenges of rural education.

The Peterson Foundation Grant, established in 1944 by Hal and Charlie Peterson, supports charitable organizations within Kerr, Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, and Real Counties. The Foundation primarily funds health care and education initiatives, and applications are accepted year-round from §501(c)(3) organizations in the service area. Notably, grants are not available for religious purposes, political actions, or individuals, ensuring a focus on community enrichment.

The Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund Grant supports advanced research in the antiquities, historical geography, or early history of ancient civilizations in Asia, particularly India, China, and Iran. Established in memory of Sir Aurel Stein, grants typically do not exceed £3,500, with exceptional cases reaching £5,000. Eligible applicants must be British or Hungarian postdoctoral researchers, and the funding does not apply to postgraduate students. Research should commence only after the award announcement.