Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

North Dakota Council on the Arts

North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) is a service and program agency of the state, established in 1967 by State Legislature “to ensure that the role of the arts in the life of our communities will continue to grow and will play an evermore significant part in the welfare and educational experience of our citizens.” Our purpose is to bring that commitment to life. NDCA operates with an annual budget of over $2 million through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts and an appropriation from the North Dakota State Legislature. The majority of NDCA’s budget is awarded to organizations and individuals through various grant programs.

We strengthen the creative capacity of North Dakota for all who live and visit here, honoring our cultural traditions, empowering excellence and innovation, inspiring arts and culture opportunities for all.

Institutional Support Grant Program

Institutional Support (IS) is a three-year grant program that provides general operating support for arts nonprofits with an established record of high-quality programmatic service and administrative stability. This includes arts organizations that produce, present, or exhibit works of art, artist service organizations, art councils, and community art schools, as well as cultural arts organizations.

The Littleton-Griswold Prize in American Law and Society, awarded by the American Historical Association, recognizes exceptional scholarly works in the history of American law and society. Established in 1961, this annual award seeks books demonstrating high literary merit, with eligibility for works published in 2024. Recipients will be announced in October 2025, with a formal recognition ceremony at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago, celebrating significant contributions to the field.

Saginaw Community Foundation

The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is a tax-exempt charitable organization created by and for the people of Saginaw County. Established in 1984 with an initial grant of $50,000 by the Junior League of Saginaw Valley in celebration of its 50th anniversary, SCF enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about – immediately, or through their wills. SCF is one of 900+ community foundations nationwide classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Unlike a private foundation, SCF’s assets come from any number of individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations interested in improving the quality of life in our community. These gifts range in size and purpose, depending upon the interests of individual donors. Some funds are given for specific charitable purposes; others are unrestricted so they may be used to meet the changing needs of our community.

Saginaw Social Service Club – Norman D. Osborne Memorial Scholarship

The Saginaw Social Service Club, established in 1936, provides this scholarship in memory of Norman Osborne. The Saginaw Social Service Club’s goals are to promote social work, the exchange of ideas and information on social questions, and the development of professional relationships to enhance public service.

Mr. Osborne dedicated his life to the betterment of the Saginaw community and was a lifelong member of the Saginaw Social Service Club.

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need
• Community service and/or work experience
• Recommendations
• Essay

Private Nonprofit Access,Consultation, and Equitable Services (PACES) Statewide Initiative

Pursuant to ESSA, Section 8501, the program will provide consultation, educational services, and other benefits to eligible PNPs and their students, teachers, and other education personnel, based on the number of eligible students and identified educational needs.

The Our Fund Foundation

The Our Fund Foundation was launched in 2010 by a small group of committed activist philanthropists in response to the low ratio of philanthropy directed to LGBTQ organizations in the region, and across the country.

Our Mission: To promote philanthropy, manage enduring investments, and conduct impactful grant-making to improve the lives of LGBTQ people in South Florida.

Our Vision: To make South Florida the most livable and thriving place in the country for LGBTQ people.

LGBTQ Arts & Culture Grant

Our Fund Foundation recognizes the importance of arts and culture to inspire, empower and transform individuals and communities. Grants from this fund promote South Florida artistic expression that amplifies LGBTQ voices and works in the service of preserving, telling and celebrating LGBTQ stories and promoting LGBTQ equality and social justice.

Agencies interested in applying for and receiving grants from the LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund are encouraged to attend to have questions answered about the application, process, and priorities for the LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund grants.

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 Slemp Foundation Charitable Grants aim to enhance the welfare, education, and health of residents in Lee and Wise Counties, Virginia. Established by Congressman Campbell Bascom Slemp, the foundation supports charitable initiatives, including the preservation of local heritage sites like the Janie Slemp Newman Museum and the Slemp Cemetery. Eligible applicants must hold a 501(c) tax-exempt status and focus on projects that benefit the community.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Community Development Block Grant

The NYS Community Development Block Grant or CDBG Program is a unique source of federal funding for Cities, Town, Villages, and Counties to assist low- and moderate-income communities, households, and people.

CDBG funding assistance can include everything from drinking water and sanitary sewer projects to grants for home repair, senior and community center improvements to grants to small business for start-up and expansion.

The NYS CDBG program provides financial assistance to eligible cities, towns, and villages with populations under 50,000 and counties with an area population under 200,000, in order to develop viable communities by providing decent, affordable housing, and suitable living environments, as well as expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. 

Expert technical assistance is always available to help your community apply for and administer CDBG funds, and to help direct assistance to where it is needed most.

Eligible Activities

CDBG funding may be used for eligible activities as outlined below. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of eligible activities and applicants are encouraged to develop projects in response to local need that may not fit neatly in any one category. In these cases, applicants are encouraged to contact OCR for additional guidance prior to applying.

Funding is available for the following activities: 1) Public Facility; 2) Community Planning; 3) Economic Development - Stand-Alone Business Assistance; 4) Economic Development - Microenterprise Assistance; and 5) Imminent Threat.

Community Planning

CDBG Community Planning grants enable communities to conduct assessments and develop clearly articulated strategies for addressing local community development issues. The study, analysis and planning of any community planning activity should identify eligible projects for subsequent CBDG funding. There are two categories of planning grants:

• Community Needs Assessments
• Project Readiness Plans

The Dr. Norman and Kazue Ueda Scholarship Fund, established in 2022, offers financial support to qualified students in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must be residents, demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be enrolled full-time in a four-year education program. Preference is given to public high school graduates and renewal applicants for up to three years. This fund aims to empower students pursuing higher education in the State of Hawaii.

The Pilcrow Foundation offers matching grants to rural public libraries for acquiring new, quality children's books. Libraries can receive up to $1,200 in funding by contributing $200-$400 through local sponsorships. Eligible libraries include independent rural and Native American Tribal libraries, with a focus on those serving communities with populations under 10,000. The initiative supports libraries in rural areas of the U.S. to enhance their children's book collections and promote literacy.

Continental Resources is committed to supporting health initiatives within the communities it operates. Through charitable donations, the company focuses on funding marathons, wellness classes, and research initiatives. Their primary goal is to promote healthy lifestyles and combat diseases. Organizations dedicated to health, education, and industry advocacy are encouraged to apply for support. However, donations are not provided to individuals or organizations outside their operational areas.

The Cookie Jar Grant empowers women and girls in Benton County by funding programs that enhance their health and well-being. Since its inception, it has awarded over $100,000 to various initiatives, including educational resources and health screenings. Priority is given to collaborative projects that serve the community and have diverse funding sources. This initiative exemplifies a commitment to creating a supportive environment for women and girls, ensuring they have the tools to reach their full potential.

People Change The World

We believe that stories carry our culture and ideas change the world

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas. Since 1972, HK’s programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared Kansas stories to spark conversations. Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK encourages Kansans to draw on histories, literatures, and cultures to create connections with one another and strengthen Kansas communities and our democracy. 

• Our stories tell us who we were.
• Our conversations inform who we are.
• Our actions define who we'll become.

Funding for TALK Events

All Humanities Kansas book discussions are available to Kansas nonprofits free-of-charge, as funding allows.

The Ripley Community & Heritage Fund Grant aims to enhance the lives of Ripley residents through support for not-for-profit organizations. The grant prioritizes volunteer-led initiatives, historical preservation, and projects that yield measurable outcomes, while fostering collaboration among community groups. Eligible organizations must be certified not-for-profits or sponsored by fiscal agents, with projects benefiting the Ripley community. Applications are limited to one per grant cycle, ensuring focused support for impactful endeavors.

The Stewart C. Watson Memorial Scholarship, offered by the ACI Foundation, provides a $5,000 stipend to graduate students focusing on joints, bearings, or seismic systems in concrete structures. This scholarship supports educational pursuits and recognizes recipients in Concrete International magazine. Eligible candidates must be full-time master's or PhD students and should not have exceeded their second year of a master's or fourth year of a PhD program. This initiative promotes innovation in the concrete industry.

Maria Metzler Johnson Scholarship in Mathematics Fund

Awards the highest grade by a woman in mathematics at LASA.

Awards

• (1) $3,000.00

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Tulsa Engineering Scholarship

Provides a $24,000 ($3,000/semester) scholarship to graduating seniors in the Tulsa-area pursuing an engineering degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and overall ACT score of 24 or higher, with a minimum math sub-score of 24.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

Safety Net Grants

The safety net grant funding threshold will be $20,000 and will continue to provide essential support to individuals and families facing an immediate crisis. (The single county basic needs grant threshold was $10,000 previously.) The focus on safety net services is a more refined approach from the wide lens of basic needs. By eliminating regional basic need grants, funding becomes more targeted, ensuring equitable grant distribution across counties. (Six-month Single County Safety Net grant application available now)

Single-County Grants 

• Go to programs that expect to serve exclusively or primarily residents of a single county.
• Have a grant request ceiling of $20,000 per program.
• Be scored by volunteers. Volunteers will not score program applications for organizations that provide services in the county where they reside or with which they are affiliated. Funding requests and scores are reviewed by the Community.

The Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation offers the WFACF Grant Cycle to support 501(c)(3) organizations and charitable projects in North Texas. Grants aim to promote philanthropy and enhance community well-being across various sectors including arts, education, and health. Eligible applicants must be located in specific counties and adhere to grant policies. The foundation is dedicated to responsible funding to meet the needs of the community while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Cholish Engineering Scholarship

To provide financial aid to students pursuing engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $3,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education. 

The ECF of The Boeing Company: Alabama Chapter Grant Program provides funding to support local nonprofits focused on health and human services. This initiative, driven by employee contributions, aims to enhance community well-being and foster innovation. Boeing is committed to investing in environmental sustainability and advancing social justice, ensuring that funds make a significant impact where employees live and work. For first-time applicants, it's advised to consult with the local ECF before applying.

The SC Bar Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance justice in South Carolina by funding legal access and education initiatives. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for grants to provide civil legal services, law-related education, or improve justice administration. Priority is given to programs demonstrating effective client representation and innovative service delivery. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and comply with specific guidelines. The program emphasizes collaboration and leveraging additional funding sources for maximum impact.

The CFOV: Stealey Community Fund, overseen by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, supports educational, religious, and community organizations that benefit Middlebourne, WV residents. Established by Ruth Stealey Green in memory of her family, the fund prioritizes projects enhancing local quality of life, such as library and recreational services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or similarly exempt government entities. Grant applications are welcomed from those with impactful project ideas.

The Expand Massachusetts Stories-Open Track grant offers up to $20,000 for projects that collect, interpret, and share narratives about Massachusetts, focusing on voices often overlooked. Eligible projects range from oral histories to community exhibitions and documentary films. The program prioritizes underrepresented experiences and aims to engage local communities in meaningful dialogue. Applicants must be compliant with regulations ensuring accessibility and equity, while funding cannot support individuals or profit-driven projects.

The McCasland Foundation, founded in 1950 by T.H. McCasland, focuses on giving back to the community, primarily in Oklahoma. With assets exceeding $35 million, it supports education, cultural organizations, and community projects, emphasizing special initiatives in public schools and universities. The foundation is now also considering grant requests from Louisiana. Its mission reflects a long-standing commitment to enhancing local opportunities and fostering generosity through targeted funding.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

John and Eunice Davidson Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of John and Eunice Davidson by their family to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors. John and Eunice Davidson were unable to complete college due to financial hardships imposed by the Great Depression of the 1930’s. However, they made sure that both their daughters completed college. John went on to have a very successful career in transportation and investments. In Woodland, Carole Pirruccello is the Co-Trustee of the fund.

Consideration will be given to financial need and the student’s community service record.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. An acknowledgment/thank you note should be sent to scholarship donor if selected, and is required to release the first payment.

These scholarships will be supplemental for students who have already earned athletic and/or academic scholarships. Annually $3,000 will be awarded and paid in two equal installments for up to four years. Each secondary installment will be released upon proof of good academic progress.