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Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Get professional development grants for nonprofit staff training, leadership growth, and skills-based learning.

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,483 Results based on applied filters

Energy Innovation Grant Program (EIGP)

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC)
State/Local Government
Wisconsin
Up to US $1,000,000

About OEI

Vision

Our vision is that Wisconsin homes, businesses, and vehicles are powered with clean, efficient, reliable energy that creates jobs and grows our economy in an equitable manner where all can share in the benefits.

Mission

Developing Wisconsin's energy landscape to be secure, reliable, environmentally responsible, and growing the state's economy for all. 

Energy Innovation Grant Program

Overview

The Energy Innovation Grant Program (EIGP) supports a wide variety of energy projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy storage, energy planning, and more.

For each grant round, the Commission chooses eligible activities based on its energy priorities, emerging trends, and public input. 

Renewable/Sustainable Energy Energy Efficiency & Conservation

AGRI Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) Certification Cost Share Grant Program

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Up to US $2,000
The AGRI Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification Cost Share Grant Program assists Minnesota growers and handlers in implementing essential food safety measures. Funded by the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation Fund, this program offers reimbursement of up to 75% of GAP/GHP certification costs, with a maximum of $2,500. Eligible applicants must be certified by an accredited body between May 16, 2023, and May 15, 2024, and located in Minnesota.
Agriculture

Sean R. Culbert Memorial Scholarship

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma
Private
Pontotoc County, Oklahoma
Unspecified amount

Sean R. Culbert Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship for Oklahomans attending the East Central University who have a Minimum GPA of 2.5 and have financial need.

Education - Higher Education

Express Grants: Touring – Community or School (Community)

Missouri Arts Council
State/Local Government
Missouri
Up to US $5,000

Missouri Arts Council

The Missouri Arts Council supports the arts that strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of our state.

Established as a state agency in 1965, the Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Council is funded through the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts.

The Missouri Arts Council is the state agency dedicated—as public leader, partner, and catalyst—to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. The grants we award make possible quality arts programming to communities both large and small throughout the state. We provide grants to arts projects that meet our strategic goals:

  • Engage people in meaningful arts experiences
  • Grow Missouri’s economy using the arts
  • Strengthen Missouri education through the arts

In addition to funding, we provide technical assistance in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, arts education, artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, festivals, and film/media) and more.

Express Grants

Express Grants are designed to encourage small and emerging arts organizations and organizations based in rural communities to seek financial assistance for arts activities.

Express Grants are designed for first-time applicants to Missouri Arts Council or smaller budget projects. They have a simpler application, more flexible deadline schedule, and quicker turnaround. The funding is smaller and corresponds with an easier application process. Also, Express Grants receive a higher amount of their request amount (ranging 60-100%) based on their average score. For example, an organization that requests $2,500 may receive a grant for $1,500 or more for an acceptable project scoring 60%. Higher scores would receive proportionally more funding.

Express Grants include the following programs: Arts Council Basic; Arts Education; Big Yellow School Bus; Organizations of Color; Project; and Touring – Community or School

Touring – Community 

Supports hiring artists on MAC’s Missouri Touring Performers Directory to perform in the community 

Arts / Culture Access & Participation

JAMS Foundation-ACR Initiative for Students and Youth RFP

Jams Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $40,000
The JAMS Foundation-ACR Initiative for Students and Youth RFP aims to support conflict resolution education and training for Pre-K to 12th grade students and adults working with them. This initiative encourages peaceful interactions through conflict resolution strategies, addressing cultural understanding and systemic policy changes in educational settings. Funding is available for programs that enhance these skills in various community contexts, ensuring effective transfer of conflict resolution skills from adults to youth.
Education - K through 12

Express Grants: Touring – Community or School (School)

Missouri Arts Council
State/Local Government
Missouri
Up to US $1,500

Missouri Arts Council

The Missouri Arts Council supports the arts that strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of our state.

Established as a state agency in 1965, the Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Council is funded through the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts.

The Missouri Arts Council is the state agency dedicated—as public leader, partner, and catalyst—to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. The grants we award make possible quality arts programming to communities both large and small throughout the state. We provide grants to arts projects that meet our strategic goals:

  • Engage people in meaningful arts experiences
  • Grow Missouri’s economy using the arts
  • Strengthen Missouri education through the arts

In addition to funding, we provide technical assistance in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, arts education, artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, festivals, and film/media) and more.

Express Grants

Express Grants are designed to encourage small and emerging arts organizations and organizations based in rural communities to seek financial assistance for arts activities.

Express Grants are designed for first-time applicants to Missouri Arts Council or smaller budget projects. They have a simpler application, more flexible deadline schedule, and quicker turnaround. The funding is smaller and corresponds with an easier application process. Also, Express Grants receive a higher amount of their request amount (ranging 60-100%) based on their average score. For example, an organization that requests $2,500 may receive a grant for $1,500 or more for an acceptable project scoring 60%. Higher scores would receive proportionally more funding.

Express Grants include the following programs: Arts Council Basic; Arts Education; Big Yellow School Bus; Organizations of Color; Project; and Touring – Community or School

Touring – School

Supports hiring artists on MAC’s Missouri Touring Performers Directory to perform in schools 

Arts / Culture Access & Participation

AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Up to US $50,000
The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program supports innovative research and demonstrations in sustainable agriculture. It prioritizes projects that enhance profitability, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Eligible projects include practices such as conservation tillage, integrated pest management, and energy-efficient farming. The program encourages participation from farmers and historically underserved communities, aiming to foster diverse agricultural practices and improve marketing opportunities while addressing conservation and profitability.
Agriculture

Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) - Documentary Collections

State Historical Society of Iowa
Association/Society
Iowa
Up to US $50,000

Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) - Documentary Collections

You should apply in the Documentary Collections category if your project focuses on preserving historical materials that contain recorded information such as documents, records, newspapers, photographs or similar types of items.

Resources in this category can include a variety of resource formats, such as albums, atlases, blueprints, broadsides, diaries, drawings, electronic records, films, ledgers, letters, maps, memoirs, minutes, newspapers, newsletters, oral histories, pamphlets, postcards, plats, photographs, photographic negatives, programs, reports, videotapes, and other multimedia materials.

Examples of documentary collections category projects include: 

  • Processing collections – organizing, sorting, cataloging, arranging/describing, producing indexes, lists, inventories, and finding aids.
  • Microfilming documents and records, with the proper preparation of material and adherence to professional microfilming standards
  • Purchasing archival supplies such as UV filters, acid-free folders, boxes, envelopes, Mylar and tape for encapsulation.
  • Formatting alternatives such as paper, microfilm, fiche, electronic, and also preparation of materials for re-formatting.
  • Format or convert historical records collections, digitize for public access and make them freely available online.
  • Provide consistent onsite researcher access to physical collections.
  • Demonstrate the value of the informational contents of the collections to the understanding of Iowa’s history.
  • Outlining in projects the use of archival best practices.
  • Developing budgets that accomplish the project in a cost-effective manner.
  • Outlining activities that bring researchers to the collections included in the project as well as the rest of the repository’s holdings.
Historic Preservation

Robert Winters Memorial Scholarship (NCF)

Bucks County Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

Robert Winters Memorial Scholarship (NCF)

Provides scholarships to students who plan to major in education at Council Rock and Central Bucks High Schools.

Education - Higher Education

Alpha Gamma Delta Eta Alumnae Scholarship

Putnam County Community Foundation
Private
Indiana
Unspecified amount

About the Foundation

The Putnam County Community Foundation (PCCF) partners with those who give to enrich life and strengthen community for this and future generations. We envision a Putnam County that thrives on generosity, connection, and quality of life. Guided by our core values of integrity, leadership, community, and stewardship, we connect generous hearts with local needs to create lasting, meaningful change.

Scholarships

The Putnam County Community Foundation (PCCF) administers more than 40 scholarship funds, each established by a generous donor with a unique purpose. Many of these scholarships are named in honor or in memory of a loved one.

Alpha Gamma Delta Eta Alumnae Scholarship

To be eligible for the Alpha Gamma Delta Eta Alumnae Scholarship award a candidate must be a sophomore or junior who will be enrolled as a junior or senior for the upcoming academic year at an accredited Indiana college or university.

Criteria

The following four criteria are used to evaluate candidates for the Alpha Gamma Delta Eta Alumnae Scholarship:

  • Intellectual and social commitment
  • Scholastic ability
  • Extracurricular achievements;
  • Ability to articulate a career plan that shows motivation, initiative and commitment.
Education - Higher Education

Missouri Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Grant Program

Missouri Department of Economic Development
State/Local Government
Missouri
Up to US $300,000,000

Missouri Department of Economic Development

We help create greater opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper through the various initiatives of its six divisions: Administration, Business and Community Solutions, Missouri One Start, Regional Engagement, Strategy and Performance, and Tourism.

Missouri Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Description

The Missouri Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program aids entities to deploy broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of the state, and to Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) through competitive grants.

The BEAD Program is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and is administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Computer Science & Engineering Technology Access & Digital Literacy

Steven Pannepacker Memorial Scholarship (NCF)

Bucks County Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

Steven Pannepacker Memorial Scholarship (NCF)

Provides scholarships to students at Council Rock North and South High Schools who excel in academic studies and participates in extracurricular activities and community service.

Education - Higher Education

The David Perrine Memorial Scholarship

Bucks County Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

The David Perrine Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students graduating from Central Bucks School District. Eligibility is based on the criteria set forth by David’s family.

Education - Higher Education

Youth Making Change Grants

The Fund for Santa Barbara
Private
Santa Barbara County, California
Up to US $3,000
The Youth Making Change Grants program, offered by The Fund for Santa Barbara, empowers youth aged 12-24 to lead projects that address social issues in Santa Barbara County. With a maximum request of $3,000, these grants support youth-led initiatives that promote social justice and community engagement. The program fosters leadership and philanthropy skills among teens while ensuring their voices are central to the projects. Since 2008, over $350,000 has been awarded to support impactful youth-led projects.
Youth Services

Charles Philbin Memorial Scholarship

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $5,000

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Charles Philbin Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Charlie Philbin, grandson of Dianne and Mark Prothro. Charlie and his two brothers were all Eagle Scouts and recognized the importance of scouting and service to their community. The scholarship is available to one new student each year, and is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate education with a 3.0 GPA. Graduating high school seniors and current college students who have participated in the Scouting America Northwest TX Council and are from Archer, Clay, and Wichita counties are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Extra-curricular activities will be considered, and preference given to those obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Education - Higher Education

WFGV Grants

Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley
Private
Genesee County, New York, Livingston County, New York +5 more
Unspecified amount
The Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley has been dedicated to empowering women and families since 1994, investing over $1.7 million in community programs. They focus on funding projects that enhance women's economic self-sufficiency and advocate for diversity and inclusivity. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities serving the designated counties. Notably, the foundation does not support individual grants or capital expenses, ensuring resources directly benefit women and girls in need.
Women & Girl Services

Furniss Foundation Grant

The Natalie W. Furniss Foundation
Private
New Jersey
Approximately US $3,000
The Natalie W. Furniss Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to the humane treatment of animals. Established in 1974, the foundation provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those in New Jersey. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on humane societies and similar organizations that prevent cruelty to animals. This grant exemplifies a commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship, reflecting the foundation's mission to promote humane practices.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

IDEA Fund

Berks County Community Foundation
Private
Berks County, Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The IDEA Fund, established by the Berks County Community Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for special education students in the Wilson School District. This fund provides financial assistance for various needs, including camp fees and educational materials, beyond the standard support outlined in Individual Education Plans. Grants are awarded based on individual circumstances to help these students achieve academic success and prepare for life after school.
Special Needs Education

Kingfisher Community Trust Scholarships

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma
Private
Oklahoma
Unspecified amount
The Kingfisher Community Trust Scholarships, funded by the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, support graduating seniors in Kingfisher County. These scholarships aim to help students pursue higher education by providing financial assistance directly to their chosen universities. Criteria for selection include academic performance and other requirements specified in the Student Agreement. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering local communities and facilitating educational opportunities for deserving students.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research Grant

American Federation for Aging Research
Private
Canada, United States
US $54,840 - US $75,000
The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research Grant aims to support postdoctoral fellows in their research on the biology of aging. In partnership with the American Federation for Aging Research, this program offers up to 10 grants of $75,000 each for one year, emphasizing the need for research that translates basic aging biology into clinical applications. Applicants must be postdoctoral fellows in qualified non-profit settings in the U.S. and meet specific eligibility criteria.
Aging / Gerontology

Sid W. Richardson Grant: Education or Health Organizations

Sid W. Richardson Foundation
Private
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Sid W. Richardson Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing educational and health initiatives for nonprofit organizations in Texas. Established in 1947, the foundation supports programs that align with its mission to serve the people of Texas. Eligibility is restricted to tax-exempt organizations, and applicants must submit a preliminary inquiry before applying. Notably, the foundation does not fund individual projects or events such as school trips and fundraisers.
Education Health & Medicine

The Ganelle Hargrove Cook Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge
Private
United States
US $1,000

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

The Ganelle Hargrove Cook Scholarship

The Ganelle Hargrove Cook Scholarship was established in 1999 to provide annual scholarships to deserving individuals residing in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County who are pursuing a two- or four-year degree. Preference will be given to applicants of Hispanic/Latino heritage. Scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply annually for up to four years as long as the recipient continues to meet scholarship criteria and funds are available. The intent of the scholarship sponsor is to provide scholarships for Hispanic/Latino individuals.

Education - Higher Education

KONG Toy Grant

Petfinder Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The KONG Toy Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation in collaboration with KONG, aims to enhance the adoptability of shelter pets by providing enriching toys. This initiative supports animal shelters and adopters throughout North America, helping to keep pets mentally stimulated and happy. By focusing on pet enrichment, the grant seeks to increase the chances of successful adoptions, thereby reducing the euthanasia of adoptable animals. Organizations that are Petfinder.com members can apply for these valuable resources.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

Saunders Brothers, Inc. Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Saunders Brothers, Inc. Scholarship

Saunders Brothers, Inc. is proud to be a premier supplier of superb-quality plant material for garden centers, landscapers, and public gardens throughout the Eastern United States. The Saunders family is excited to offer this scholarship opportunity to all residents of Nelson County, as well as the employees of Saunders Brothers, Inc., and their children and grandchildren.

Description

Established to provide educational scholarship assistance to high school seniors who are Nelson County residents and/or Saunders Brothers, Inc. employees and/or their family members. Candidates for the Scholarship must have demonstrated a desire and passion to pursue higher education. 

Education - Higher Education

Roxanne Harsh Staufer Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Roxanne Harsh Staufer Memorial Scholarship

Roxanne Harsh Staufer graduated from Fort Defiance High School in 1967. She attended Bridgewater College for two years before transferring to and graduating from Manchester College.

Description

The Roxanne Harsh Staufer Memorial Scholarship was established to provide funds for educational scholarships to Augusta County residents of any age, with preference given to applicants pursuing a degree in Elementary or Early Childhood Education.

Education - Higher Education

Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Discovery Award

American Federation for Aging Research
Private
United States
US $525,000
The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Discovery Award, in partnership with the American Federation for Aging Research, aims to fund innovative research that explores the biological mechanisms of normal aging. This award supports projects with a strong potential for groundbreaking discoveries, particularly from researchers new to the aging field. Up to two awards of $525,000 over three years will be granted, promoting scientific collaboration at designated conferences.
Aging / Gerontology

The Genetics Society: Heredity Fieldwork Grant

The Genetics Society UK
Association/Society
United Kingdom
Up to £2,000
The Genetics Society offers the Heredity Fieldwork Grant, providing up to £2,000 for travel and accommodation costs associated with field-based genetic research in the UK. Open to all Genetics Society members, including students, this grant supports projects expected to yield results suitable for publication in the Society's journal, Heredity. The Society promotes equality and diversity, welcoming applications from all community sectors. This initiative aims to advance genetic research while ensuring accessibility for all qualified applicants.
Genetics & Genomics

Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Professional development grants for nonprofits provide funding to enhance staff skills, leadership training, and organizational growth. The following grants help nonprofits improve efficiency, adapt to challenges, and achieve long-term sustainability in their mission-driven work.


Search Instrumentl's Professional Development Grants Database


Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for professional development, with $3.43B in resources. Instrumentl helps organizations grow by providing grant-matching tools, deadline tracking, and funder insights to support career advancement and success.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Grant Insights : Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Professional Development grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Economic Services & Development

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Professional Development grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Professional development grants are available for nonprofits focused on workforce training, leadership development, skill-building, and support for their staff and volunteers. These grants are ideal for organizations looking to boost their team’s skills and impact. Funders often prioritize nonprofits that serve underrepresented communities, focus on equity in leadership, or have a clear plan for using professional development to improve their mission-driven work.

Grants in professional development typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 29.8% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.

The main goal of professional development grants is to help nonprofit teams grow, improve, and become more effective. Funders see professional development grants as an investment for nonprofit professionals to improve their skills, ultimately leading to better leadership, stronger services, and more sustainable organizations. These grants often support leadership training, technical skill development, and mentorship programs that help teams with ongoing learning opportunities.

On average, grants in professional development provide funding between $0 and $188,250,000, with typical awards falling around $34,887 (median) and $655,609 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.

Professional development grants are typically funded by private foundations, corporate sponsors, and government agencies. Organizations like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Kresge Foundation are known for funding initiatives to build organizational capacity. Some corporations also provide grants to nonprofits that align with their workforce development goals, helping to create stronger communities and more skilled nonprofit professionals.

To improve the chances of receiving private grants, nonprofits should:

  • Research funders carefully – Get to know private funders by learning about their mission, past grant recipients, and funding priorities.
  • Be clear about your goals and expected results – Outline measurable outcomes, how the funds will be used, and what you hope to achieve. Having a history of success can also make your application more convincing.
  • Show financial responsibility – Prove you have good money management and a plan for long-term financial sustainability beyond the grant.
  • Build connections – Meet with grantmakers through networking events, email introductions, or funder Q&As.

Struggling to manage multiple grants? Learn how to stay organized with our comprehensive grant tracking spreadsheet guide.

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for professional development grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

See how Instrumentl helps you discover grants, cultivate relationships, and apply for funding.