Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Zorn Blythe Aviation Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in aviation. Established in memory of Zorn Blythe, who had a passion for airplane engines, this scholarship encourages aspiring aviators to explore opportunities in the field. The foundation administers numerous scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals, fostering an inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

The CFGV Creative Community Fund, established in honor of former Director Maryo Gard Ewell, supports innovative projects that enhance the Gunnison Valley community. Through engaged philanthropy and strategic grantmaking, the fund aims to empower artistic initiatives that foster creativity and collaboration. By inviting proposals that think outside the box, the fund continues its mission of strengthening community ties and enriching local culture.

The Eda Camphausen Law Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports first-year law students at Harvard University who are residents of Erie County. Applicants must have achieved the highest LSAT score for their admission year. In 2023, the foundation provided over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 deserving students, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Special and Urgent Needs Fund Grant by the Adirondack Foundation provides critical financial support to local communities and nonprofits facing unexpected challenges. This fund is designed to address immediate needs such as emergency repairs, unbudgeted resources, and recovery efforts following disasters. Eligible organizations must be located in the Adirondack region of New York and meet specific criteria, ensuring assistance is directed to those most in need during times of crisis.

The Fund for Columbia County, established by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, offers Community Impact grants to support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly low-income and underserved populations. Grants range from $2,500 to $7,500 and focus on areas such as youth development, economic equity, and community engagement. This initiative encourages collaborative efforts among organizations to maximize impact and resource efficiency in Columbia County.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

W.L., Catherine, Richard and Jon McBride Memorial Scholarship

Attending the WVU School of Engineering; Awarded on the basis of need and academic ability; West Virginia residents with preference being given to residents of Raleigh County.

This scholarship is not renewable.

The Roots & Shoots Project Grant, offered by the Jane Goodall Institute, empowers U.S.-based youth to initiate community-action projects that positively impact people, animals, and the environment. With a funding opportunity of $250, this grant encourages young leaders to take charge and make a difference in their communities. Eligible applicants include children, teens, educators, and community groups. Join the movement to foster change and celebrate local initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

AKN Family Scholarship

The AKN Family Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship intended to support seniors graduating either from BASIS Charter Schools or Brophy College Preparatory (preferred, but not exclusive) whose college major will be a Humanities-related field.

Abby's Legendary Pizza Fundraiser aims to create a positive impact in local communities by supporting various nonprofit organizations and schools. Through their $2/$1 Fundraiser Coupon program, nonprofits can raise funds by distributing coupons that offer discounts on pizzas. For every redeemed coupon, Abby's donates $1 to the participating organization. This initiative not only helps local causes but also fosters community engagement, ensuring that every dollar raised makes a difference.

The Franklin Research Grants support noncommercial research by funding travel to libraries and archives, purchasing research materials, and covering fieldwork or laboratory expenses. With a maximum award of $6,000, these grants are aimed at scholars with a doctorate or equivalent publications, excluding Ph.D. candidates. Grants are taxable, not retroactive, and are not intended for conference attendance or publication costs. The program encourages young scholars and allows reapplications after two years.

Maria Metzler Johnson Scholarship in Mathematics Fund

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

Awards

• (1) $3,000.00

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Canton Regional Society of Professional Engineers (CRSPE) College Scholarship Fund

The Canton Regional Society of Professional Engineers (CRSPE) College Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial support for students who are residents of Stark, Wayne, Richland, Crawford or Ashland counties, will be juniors or seniors (must have completed four semesters) enrolled in an accredited college of engineering in the state of Ohio and expect to receive their bachelor’s degree in engineering.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program supports non-profit organizations by providing invitational entries to the marathon. These organizations recruit athletes who pledge to raise funds for their causes. The B.A.A. prioritizes groups focused on building healthy communities, particularly those benefiting the local areas along the marathon route. Eligibility requires organizations to be registered 501(c)(3) and not religious or political. The program emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

The Chris Marshall Endowed Presidential Scholarship, established by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, supports outstanding third-year law students committed to public service in Texas. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 3.44 or higher and demonstrate a strong intent to work in nonprofit, government, or legislative positions post-graduation. This scholarship not only aids students financially but also fosters a commitment to increasing access to justice through public interest lawyering.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The Equal Justice Scholarship, offered by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, fully funds tuition and fees for three years and provides summer stipends for public interest work. Awarded to students with strong academic records and a commitment to public service, recipients engage with the Justice Center and serve as ambassadors for public interest law. This scholarship supports legal professionals dedicated to assisting low-income individuals and communities, fostering a vibrant community at Texas Law.

The South Georgia Legacy Fund Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of South Georgia, aims to empower local nonprofits addressing community needs. Annually, it allocates $30,000 across grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The fund prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a solid operational plan, community support, and leadership commitment. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities based in the service area, excluding initiatives reliant on ongoing financial support from the Foundation.

The RI Beacon Foundation Grant aims to enhance community welfare by supporting U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Rhode Island. The Foundation seeks to promote goodwill, sponsor impactful initiatives, and foster partnerships through donations and volunteerism. By focusing on health, education, and civic causes, it endeavors to create a significant positive impact within the community while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination.

The Woods Hole Foundation Grant offers funding to local non-profit organizations primarily serving the Woods Hole/Falmouth area. Since 1979, it has supported various community initiatives, with typical grants ranging from $250 to $5,000. The annual application period runs from January 1 to March 31, with funds awarded in mid-May. The Foundation encourages proposals that address specific projects, including support for events or capital improvements, while also considering general program support.

The One Stop is a single application portal and collaborative review process that allows applicants to access a series of grant programs that support community economic development. The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) partners with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment), to make targeted grant investments based on a Development Continuum. 

South Seattle College Foundation: Student Emergency Grants

The South Seattle College Foundation, coupled with the Gates Endowed Emergency Grant, provides emergency fund grants to support student success, retention, and completion, enabling students to overcome temporary financial barriers.

Applicants meet with Emergency Fund Committee members. 

Emergency Funds can be used for the following:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Family/household emergencies
• Childcare
• Medical
• Food
• Books and supplies
• Please note: Tuition, books, and fees may also qualify if they would cause a student to withdraw.

Purpose

Our program’s purpose is to support South Seattle College students through unexpected financial circumstances so that our students will be able to focus on graduating. Our process involves equity to each student’s application. The intention of emergency funds are to help relieve some financial hardship that would prevent a student’s academic success.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Judge Paul Rosenblatt Scholarship

The Judge Paul Rosenblatt Scholarship is open to any law student at the University of Arizona from Yavapai County.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics offers the Affiliate Grant for Associate Affiliates to enhance mathematics education. This grant supports innovative projects that align with NCTM's Strategic Framework, aiming to improve visibility and engagement within the educational community. Eligible applicants must be in good standing and address significant needs in their mathematical communities. The project activities should be unique and completed within the academic year from August 1 to July 31.

The TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has launched the $100,000 Greater Together Community Fund Grant for Newington. This initiative aims to empower local communities by fostering ownership of their needs, promoting inclusive civic engagement, and strengthening the Foundation's presence in towns. Eligible applicants include any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving West Hartford residents, regardless of their base. The GTCF Committee will facilitate a process to identify community needs and ensure impactful grantmaking.