Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) offers Custom Pathway Grants to non-residential facilities in Delaware, promoting energy-efficient upgrades. These grants encourage complex energy improvements beyond standard measures, supporting both retrofit and new construction projects. Eligible projects can receive up to 60% funding, with a maximum award of $250,000 per year. The program aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and support diverse community sectors, including minority and veteran-owned businesses.

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship

The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program invites US colleges and universities to apply for grants to support postdoctoral fellowships. This program provides grants of up to $60,000 as partial support for the hiring of recent PhD students specializing in Japan to both teach and conduct research on Japan, within any social science or humanities discipline, at the institution for one academic year. This program is supported by the Japan Foundation.

Background

The Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship provides an opportunity for fellows to conduct essential research early in their careers while concurrently gaining valuable teaching experience and a greater understanding of the demands of professorship through this bridge from graduate school to tenure track positions.

Further, this fellowship provides host institutions with the means to enrich the offering of Japan-related courses, in particular, while enhancing the depth of a broad array of disciplines through the use of Japan in comparison or as a case study.

Priorities

• Priority is given to applications from colleges and universities located in the US South and Midwest.
• Priority is given to institutions planning Postdoctoral Fellow course assignments that allow for the enrollment of students from a variety of disciplines ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences.

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 Palmer Community Foundation Grant Program, an affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for Palmer area residents by supporting diverse community projects. Funded by a growing endowment, the program prioritizes health, education, outdoor activities, arts, and community development. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and projects must be completed within a year. Preference is given to new applicants with measurable outcomes and broad community impact.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Robert Morley Science Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Robert Morley, a former DeKalb science teacher. The $2,000 scholarship is for juniors and seniors in college majoring in a field of science. Up to seven scholarships will be given.

The Mary Josephine Bloder Scholarship Fund, established by a dedicated teacher, supports Lahainaluna High School boarding students who excel in science. This renewable scholarship aims to assist those in financial need while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Eligible applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, including one from a science teacher at the school, ensuring that past recipients can reapply if they continue to meet the criteria.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation (CKCF) Scholarships 

We have been awarding scholarships for over 60 years to local students through the generosity of people like you who want to make educational opportunities available to more students. We are the largest awarder of scholarship funds in the region. In 2025, CKCF awarded 170 scholarships totaling over $373,000 to 126 local students. Just as education is critical to achieving community and economic development, scholarships are essential to further education. Scholarships expand our youth’s opportunities for educational advancement. This educational access facilitates life dreams and career options that lead to financial independence.

We work with donors who desire to make these opportunities available to people, students who can benefit from both the financial investment and personal empowerment from a scholarship award, and colleges and universities to streamline the process for both the donor and student.

The Micro Grants Program, offered by The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, provides timely funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities serving Teton County, Wyoming. Applications are accepted from the 1st to the 15th of each month, allowing for project proposals that address immediate community needs. These grants aim to support impactful initiatives, while funds cannot be used for operating expenses or projects already completed. For further details, contact grants@cfjacksonhole.org.

The Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams, funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports integrated teams of researchers tackling ambitious projects that individual efforts cannot achieve. This program promotes collaboration among experts with complementary skills, aiming for significant advancements in their fields. Teams are encouraged to pursue innovative objectives that have the potential to transform research landscapes.

The Norway Area Community Foundation offers grants to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Norway community. Non-profit organizations can apply for funding in various fields including education, health, and youth programs. The Foundation manages multiple funds, such as the Norway Affiliate Fund and the Kellogg Youth Fund, to address community needs. With a commitment to positive change, the Foundation aims to support initiatives that benefit the local area and its residents.

The Crystal Falls Community Foundation is offering field of interest grants for non-profit organizations in Crystal Falls, Michigan, for 2024. This includes funding opportunities through the Forest Park Youth Fund, which supports youth-related programs, and the Crystal Falls Community Project Fund, designated for community projects in the area. Eligible applicants include local non-profits seeking to enhance their community impact.

The Pangburn Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, educational, or scientific organizations in Texas. This private foundation, administered by JPMorgan, funds only nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. For more information about the application process, please visit the foundation's finder link provided by JPMorgan.

The Community Support Grant Program by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County offers funding ranging from $500 to $1,000 for local educational opportunities and public events that benefit the community. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, tribes, and schools that serve Mendocino County residents. Grants are awarded based on alignment with the foundation's mission, community impact, planning quality, and outreach scope. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, emphasizing the need for early submission.

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) aims to cultivate skilled clinician-scientist leaders to meet the nation's biomedical research demands. It supports domestic organizations in developing dual-degree training that integrates clinical and research education, leading to both a clinical degree (e.g., M.D., D.O.) and a Ph.D. Through comprehensive mentoring and career development, MSTP prepares trainees for impactful careers in health-related research, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified scientists.

FCU Foundation for Our Communities

People helping people…one smile at a time.

Frankenmuth Credit Union is proud of the active role its staff and board have played in impacting the communities we serve through volunteer hours, wage donations and civic group participation. We believe in “people helping people”. That’s why the Frankenmuth Credit Union Foundation for Our Communities was formed, to provide grants to promote the betterment of local communities…one smile at a time. It’s our simple gift of friendship, our act of kindness and our pledge of devotion to friends and neighbors.

To date, over $4.6 million funds have been donated since 2014 with over $438,300 donated in 2025 alone to over 400 worthy community causes.

Foundation Grant

The Frankenmuth Credit Union Foundation for Our Communities is a source of grants to promote the betterment of all of our communities.

The Hardin County Bar Association Teen Court Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports local students committed to justice. Eligible applicants must reside in Hardin County, participate in Teen Court, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Required documentation includes an essay outlining their civic values and a recommendation letter from a guidance counselor or principal. This scholarship aims to foster responsible citizenship and encourage interest in legal careers among youth.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

C.L. Clark Scholarship

For graduates of a Saline County, KS, high school attending the University of Kansas School of Law or Washburn University School of Law.

Background

C.L. Clark was a native Kansan. Born in Paxico in 1908, he graduated from Washburn Law School in 1931, and practiced law for 53 years in Salina. He and James P. Mize were the co-founders of the Salina law firm of Clark, Mize & Linville, Chartered. During his career, Mr. Clark was recognized as a leading banking, business, tax, and corporate attorney. He was heavily involved in community activities, serving on the boards of numerous civic organizations, and he also served as Salina’s city attorney in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Mr. Clark passed away in 2004 at the age of 96. He was at one and the same time a very passionate and compassionate man, constantly championing the rights of minorities and the underprivileged. This scholarship is given in the hopes that the recipients will use it to further not only their legal educations, but also the standards of excellence maintained by Mr. Clark on a daily basis for over half a century – legal skills, integrity, character, credibility, ethics, and compassion for the less fortunate.

Geographic Limitations

• Graduates of a Saline County High School attending the University of Kansas School of Law or the Washburn University School of Law

Renewals

• Previous scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply as part of the total applicant pool as long as they meet the above criteria.

The National Science Foundation's FINDERS FOUNDRY program fosters collaboration among K-12 educators, technologists, and researchers to address challenges in learning and workforce development. By creating innovative, evidence-based solutions, the program enhances educational outcomes and prepares students for a digital future driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). It emphasizes early exposure to AI, encouraging partnerships across various sectors to co-design responsive, technology-based solutions. The program includes phases for planning and development, aligning with national priorities.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is at the heart of our work at Boreal Waters Community Foundation. It’s how we connect generosity with possibility to support bold ideas, local leadership, and long-term solutions across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Each year, this fund helps nonprofits tackle critical challenges, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone in our region can thrive.

A Grant Program Rooted in Community and Collective Generosity

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Community Opportunity Fund helps nonprofits and community groups respond to challenges, create solutions, and build a better future. In 2023, we restructured the fund to offer larger, more flexible grants—supporting not just programs, but long-term vision and systems change.

We focus on these interconnected areas:

Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant Focus

Creating spaces and opportunities where all people are valued, heard, and are able to thrive. Projects amplify voices, foster creative expression, and create a vibrant, inclusive culture.

Examples:  

• Elevates diverse voices and perspectives, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.  
• Embraces the common humanity of all individuals.
• Implements practices that increase connection, respect, and safety.
• Strengthens community bonds and promotes equity for all.

Community Opportunity Fund: Opportunity Grant Focus 

Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant Focus 

What We Fund

We support a wide range of community-driven, equity-centered work. Funding can be used for:

• Program or Project Support: To launch, expand, or sustain work in Opportunity, Resilience, or Belonging
• General Operating Support: To build strength and stability
• Capacity Building: To grow organizational effectiveness or leadership
• Community-Led Solutions: Especially those involving lived experience and cross-sector collaboration
• Systems Change and Upstream Impact: Projects that address root causes—not just symptoms

The Getty Scholars Program at the Villa supports distinguished researchers in arts and humanities, allowing them to conduct advanced research on antiquity's cultural heritage. Scholars engage with the Getty's extensive collection and a vibrant community of professionals while enjoying a residence of three to six months. The program includes a stipend, research support, and housing, fostering intellectual exchange in a world-renowned setting. Applications are welcome from qualified individuals globally, enhancing the exploration of ancient Mediterranean art.

The Michael J. Colligan Fund, established by the Hamilton Community Foundation, honors veterans by providing financial support for bands in Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Fourth of July parades. It also funds speakers on military topics and preserves historical memorabilia. This initiative reflects a commitment to patriotism and community pride, ensuring that the sacrifices of veterans are recognized and celebrated, while fostering civic engagement and remembrance within the community.

About JoCo Bar

The Johnson County Bar Association has served the legal community since 1938. Through leadership, member services, professional development, and community engagement, JoCo Bar supports attorneys, judges, and legal professionals throughout Johnson County.

Johnson County Bar Annual Awards

Each year, JoCo Bar recognizes outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within our legal community.

Advocate Attorney Award

This award recognizes a JoCo Bar attorney member who made a significant contribution to the public interest during the past year by trying or settling a case that established an important precedent or by distinguishing themselves as an advocate in the courtroom or on appeal.

The Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to enhance the research enterprise by addressing structural barriers and promoting inclusivity. By focusing on administrative support and innovative strategies, the initiative seeks to empower diverse organizations to participate in research. Proposals should target institution-wide impacts and scalable models that strengthen human capital and research practices, fostering a more equitable and competitive research landscape.

The Legal Aid and Service Fund Grant, administered by the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, aims to provide essential legal representation to indigent defendants in serious criminal cases. Established in 1995, the Commission supports public defenders and oversees the Legal Aid and Services Fund to assist those unable to afford civil legal services. The agency ensures that counties comply with constitutional mandates while offering additional assistance based on financial need and service years, enhancing access to justice for vulnerable citizens.

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. 

Appalachian Scholarship

High school graduate from Appalachian coal fields enrolling in an engineering program at a technical college or university such as Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, MIT, Cal Tech, Colorado School of Mines, or the engineering schools of Virginia Tech and Texas A&M; Applicants planning to attend engineering schools not listed must contact the BAF office to determine if it is a donor approved program. The recipients are to be selected based on their academic potential.

This scholarship is renewable.

The OVPR Special Research Grants at the University of Texas at Austin offer up to $2,000 for tenured and tenure-track faculty to support specific research projects. Applications will be accepted from September 1, 2025, until August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. These competitive grants are designed for unanticipated costs and are limited to two awards per faculty member in a five-year span. Early submissions enhance funding chances.

The Guy Anson Waddel Charitable Trust Grant, managed by Perpetual Guardian, aims to support charitable initiatives in the Southland region, specifically Invercargill and Bluff. With a focus on senior citizens, this grant provides vital resources to enhance the lives of the elderly community. Perpetual Guardian, a leader in estate planning, brings over 135 years of expertise to ensure that the wealth and legacy of its clients are protected and preserved, fostering positive change in the community.