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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

IDVA Veteran Service Organization Grant

Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)
State/Local Government
Indiana
Unspecified amount

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

Veteran Service Organizations Grant

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is seeking applications from eligible Veteran Service Organizations (VSO).

The grant amounts will vary depending on each applicant’s need for funds, past performance assisting veterans in securing available benefits, and the volume of eligible VSO applicants.

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ policies.

Military & Veterans Services

Beulah Brownfield Memorial Adult Scholarship

Coshocton Foundation
Private
Coshocton County, Ohio
US $1,000

Beulah Brownfield Memorial Adult Scholarship 

Scholarship grants will be awarded to adults (minimum age of 21) who are residents of Coshocton County, Ohio, who desire to advance their education and/or training at a two- or four-year degree-or certificate-granting school. 

Education - Higher Education

Bardstown Rotary Scholarships

Central Kentucky Community Foundation
Private
Nelson County, Kentucky
Unspecified amount

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.

Bardstown Rotary Interact Scholarships

Academic Scholarship Programs

Bob Brown Family Scholarship

Central Kentucky Community Foundation
Private
Hardin County, Kentucky
Unspecified amount

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.

Bob Brown Family Scholarship

Academic Scholarship Programs

Elizabethtown, Hardin, LaRue Retired Teachers Association Scholarship

Central Kentucky Community Foundation
Private
Hardin County, Kentucky, Larue County, Kentucky
Unspecified amount

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.

Elizabethtown, Hardin, LaRue Retired Teachers Association Scholarship

Academic Scholarship Programs

Houghton County Historical Preservation Fund

Keweenaw Community Foundation
Private
Houghton County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Houghton County Historical Preservation Fund, managed by the Keweenaw Community Foundation, supports local historical preservation and education projects in Houghton County, Michigan. Grants are available to tax-exempt non-profits, school districts, and municipalities, ensuring that the funds directly benefit the communities in Keweenaw and Houghton counties. The foundation promotes charitable efforts without discrimination, fostering a commitment to preserving local heritage for future generations.
Historic Preservation

Keweenaw Cross Country Skiing Endowment Fund

Keweenaw Community Foundation
Private
Houghton County, Michigan, Keweenaw County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Keweenaw Cross Country Skiing Endowment Fund, established by the Keweenaw Community Foundation, aims to enhance and support cross country skiing in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. This fund targets organizations with a proven track record or innovative programs that can positively impact the community. Grants are intended to sustain quality skiing programs, ensuring that the sport thrives for future generations in this beautiful region.
Sports & Athletics

Llewellyn Memorial Scholarship

Central Kentucky Community Foundation
Private
Hardin County, Kentucky
Unspecified amount

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.

Llewellyn Memorial Scholarship

An essay explaining why you should be selected for a college scholarship is requirement. 

Academic Scholarship Programs

West Wind Fund Grant

Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Private
Bayfield County, Wisconsin
US $500 - US $1,000
The West Wind Fund Grant, provided by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to support the preservation of historic sites in Bayfield. This grant encourages innovative restoration projects and co-funding partnerships with organizations and individuals. Eligible applicants must be charitable organizations or have a fiscal sponsor, and they should serve the Bayfield community. The fund prioritizes initiatives that include professional consultations, infrastructure repairs, and educational outreach related to local history.
Historic Preservation

George Leach Memorial Scholarship

Coshocton Foundation
Private
Coshocton County, Ohio
US $1,000

George Leach Memorial Scholarship

A one-time award for an individual who is an honorably discharged veteran or who is actively serving. Scholarship grants will be awarded to adults (minimum age of 21) who are residents of Coshocton County, Ohio, who will be attending either a two or a four-year degree or certificate-granting institution or trade school.

Education - Higher Education

Arboriculture Association Research Grant

The Arboricultural Association
Association/Society
United Kingdom
Up to £5,000
The Arboriculture Association Research Grant provides funding up to £5,000 for research projects focused on arboriculture, available annually to UK-based applicants. This grant aims to foster knowledge and innovation in the field, supporting studies deemed relevant and valuable by the Arboricultural Association. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that contribute to the understanding and advancement of arboricultural practices and principles.
Plant Science

Jones Metal Products Company Adult Legacy Scholarship

Coshocton Foundation
Private
Coshocton County, Ohio
US $2,000

Jones Metal Products Company Adult Legacy Scholarship

Scholarship will be awarded to adults (minimum age of 21) who are residents of Coshocton County, Ohio, who desire to advance their education and/or training at COTC Coshocton Campus by pursing a two-year degree or certificate.

Education - Higher Education

Kenneth Berry Memorial Adult Scholarship

Coshocton Foundation
Private
Coshocton County, Ohio
US $1,000

Kenneth Berry Memorial Adult Scholarship

Scholarship grants will be awarded to adults (minimum age of 21) who are residents of Coshocton County, Ohio, who desire to advance their education and/or training at a two or four-year degree or certificate-granting school.The award is $1,000.00 and is renewable for a second year.

Education - Higher Education

Ruby S. Hawthorne Memorial Adult Scholarship

Coshocton Foundation
Private
Coshocton County, Ohio
US $1,000

Scholarship grants will be awarded to adults (minimum age of 21) who are residents of Coshocton County, Ohio, who desire to advance their education and/or training at a two- or four-year degree-or certificate-granting school.

Education - Higher Education

Arts Council of Anne Arundel County Strategic Impact Grant

Arts Council Of Anne Arundel County Inc
Private
Anne Arundel County, Maryland
US $5,000 - US $50,000

 Arts Council of Anne Arundel County

Our mission is to provide leadership, funding, and support that promotes artistic excellence and historic preservation and to advocate for resources and education that expand arts opportunities for all, helping to create an enriched and healthy community.

Strategic Impact Grant

This grant opportunity is focused on capacity building. It is designed to fund projects that result in substantive, organizational transformation, taking the organization’s operations or performance to the next level. 

Examples of potentially fundable requests could include, but are not limited to, capital projects, collection acquisitions, software investment, or other capacity-building expenses.

Nonprofit Growth & Development Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Ruth Schooler Memorial Adult Scholarship

Coshocton Foundation
Private
Muskingum County, Ohio
US $1,000

Ruth Schooler Memorial Adult ScholarshipScholarship grants will be awarded to adults (minimum age of 21) who are residents of the area in and around the Village of Frazeyburg, Ohio, who desire education and training for career or advancement in a career in business, nonprofit organizations or government as an executive, administrative or personal assistant; executive secretary, business or office manager, operations manager, chief of staff, clerical assistance, operations manager, information manager or similar position.

Eligibility

In order to qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria and submit the following:

  • Complete application form
  • Proposed curriculum and plan of study in one or a combined of two or more education institutions and degree(s) sough if any;
  • Career plan, including objectives, description of positions(s) sought;
  • Evidence of a commitment, intention and abilities to complete the chose course of study and succeed in the planned career and; information about financial needs, if any.

Business Education

Teacher Mini-Grants

Ashland County Community Foundation
Private
Ashland County, Ohio
Up to US $2,000

About Ashland Community FoundationThe community foundation is like the community’s charitable savings account. We pool resources from community members, invest them and then use them to make grants for the betterment of the entire community. We exist to serve donors, nonprofit organizations and the community as a whole. We fund programs and projects that improve the quality of life in Ashland County by educating and developing youth and talent; promoting arts, culture and recreational opportunities; meeting needs of Ashland County residents; and positioning our county as a desirable place to live and conduct business.Teacher Mini-Grants

Teacher Mini-Grants allow K-12 teachers to pursue innovative ideas outside the scope of school budgets. All grants are geared towards encouraging the design of innovative projects, activities or events in any academic subject to impact any segment of the school and may be used for supplies, equipment or any other expense related to a special project. 

Teacher Mini-Grants are available for all academic areas.

  • Ashland City Schools Foundation teacher mini-grants are awarded only to Ashland City Schools teachers grades K-12. Maximum grant is $2,000.
  • Ashland County Community Foundation teacher mini-grants are awarded to teachers grades K-12 in all accredited Ashland County public and private schools. Maximum grant is $2,000.
Education - K through 12

Career Women’s Club Scholarship Fund

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Inc
Private
George County, Mississippi, Harrison County, Mississippi +2 more
Unspecified amount

Career Women’s Club Scholarship Fund

The Career Women’s Club Scholarship Fund was established in January 1996 to provide scholarship assistance to a post-traditional student anticipating a career track curriculum. Post-traditional students are typically aged 25 and older and have taken time off from pursuing higher education due to other commitments, such as caring for family and/or holding full-time jobs. The applicant must have been a resident of Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Stone or George County for at least three years, and must provide evidence of financial need. Applicant must attend any campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and may be a current student at MGCCC in good standing.

Education - Higher Education

Jean Dreyfus Lectureship for Undergraduate Institutions Grant

The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.
Private
American Samoa, District of Columbia +5 more
US $25,000
The Jean Dreyfus Lectureship for Undergraduate Institutions Grant provides a $25,000 award to facilitate a visit by a notable researcher in the chemical sciences to undergraduate institutions. It includes funding for summer research fellowships for two students and requires the researcher to deliver accessible lectures to the public. This initiative honors Jean Dreyfus's legacy and supports the engagement of undergraduates in scientific research and discourse.
Chemistry Chemical Engineering

Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society Research Grant

Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society
Association/Society
Arizona, California +1 more
US $1,000 - US $2,000
The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society Research Grant offers funding for research projects involving cacti and succulents, aligning with the organization's mission of education and knowledge dissemination. Grants support projects lasting up to one year, with the possibility of extensions. Budgets must detail all expenses, and co-funding is encouraged. This initiative aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of these unique plants within the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
Plant Science

Animal Welfare - Cleopatra Fund Grants

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley
Private
Columbia County, New York, Dutchess County, New York +7 more
US $500 - US $2,000
The Cleopatra Fund provides grants to support animal welfare organizations in the Greater Hudson Valley. With a funding range of $500 to $2,000 and a maximum award of $3,000, the fund prioritizes programs benefiting cats, dogs, retired circus animals, and retired farm animals. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations within the Hudson Valley region, which encompasses nine counties. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for animals and the community.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

Chintimini Fund Grant

The Oregon Community Foundation
Private
Benton County, Oregon, Douglas County, Oregon +4 more
US $3,000 - US $7,000
The Chintimini Fund, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, provides grants between $3,000 and $7,000 to support enrichment programs for high-potential students in specific Oregon counties. Eligible applicants include schools, public agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The fund aims to engage talented and gifted students through innovative program strategies, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to thrive academically and personally.
Education - K through 12

Access to Care Grant

Petco Love
Corporate
United States
Unspecified amount
The Petco Love Foundation, previously known as the Petco Foundation, has been dedicated to animal welfare since 1999. With a mission to enhance the lives of pets and their families, they provide significant funding to nonprofit organizations for lifesaving initiatives. The 'Access to Care' program supports spay/neuter clinics and low-cost veterinary services, ensuring that more pets receive essential care. Petco Love remains committed to fostering healthier communities and improving the well-being of pets across the nation.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

NSS International Exploration Grants

National Speleological Society
Association/Society
Africa, Antarctica +7 more
Unspecified amount
The NSS International Exploration Grants support members of the National Speleological Society in their international cave exploration and survey projects. This program, established through generous contributions, emphasizes conservation and responsible exploration. Grant criteria include participant involvement, expedition complexity, and proposal quality. Eligible expenses cover group costs and equipment, while ineligible expenses involve personal gear and legal fees. The grants aim to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among cavers worldwide, ensuring sustainability in cave research.
Speleology (Cave Studies)

National Register Nomination Grant

Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS)
State/Local Government
Oklahoma
US $3,000

About the Oklahoma Historical Society

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) was founded on May 27, 1893, by members of the Territorial Press Association to preserve newspapers. Over the years the OHS has developed numerous collections, programs, research centers, museums, historic homes, and military sites across the state. The OHS is an agency of the State of Oklahoma and a private membership organization governed by a Board of Directors.

National Register of Historic Places

Nomination Grant Application Instructions and Qualifications

The Oklahoma Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) receives an annual allocation from the US Department of the Interior's Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) for conduct of the National Register Programs. The SHPO has set aside $12,000 from the HPF award for matching grants for preparation of National Register of Historic Places nominations. This special grant program is designed to encourage nomination of individual properties to the National Register increasing the number of Oklahoma's valuable archaeological and historic resources that can benefit from this special designation.

Historic Preservation

Carolyn Horton Scholarship

Foundation For Advancement In Conservation
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $1,000
The Carolyn Horton Scholarship, initiated by the Foundation For Advancement In Conservation, supports members of the Book and Paper Group in covering costs for meetings, seminars, workshops, and research projects. Named after conservationist Carolyn Horton, who made significant contributions to the field, this scholarship aims to foster excellence and education in book and paper conservation. Eligible applicants must be current members of AIC and the Book and Paper specialty group, promoting ongoing professional development.
Art Conservation

CSA Scholars’ Roundtable Honor

Costume Society of America
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The CSA Scholars’ Roundtable Honor recognizes individuals who exemplify excellence in costume scholarship. Since its establishment in 1997, it fosters dynamic discussions on pertinent costume scholarship issues during the CSA National Symposium. Nominees are evaluated based on their innovative experiences, insights into scholarly topics, and ability to collaborate effectively. This initiative not only celebrates scholarship but also encourages interdisciplinary dialogue and engagement among scholars in the field.
Visual Arts

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.