Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships: The Donald L. Smith Research Grant offers $2,000 for Ph.D. candidates conducting sedimentary geology research in the Rocky Mountain region. This grant honors Professor Donald Smith and is open to students at U.S. universities, with preference for those in states like Montana and Colorado. The funding aims to enhance understanding of the geology in these areas through dedicated research efforts.

SC Historic Preservation State Grant Fund 

The purpose of the State Grant Fund is to support historic preservation projects that benefit local communities and the public through the physical repair and rehabilitation of South Carolina’s historic buildings. 

Historic buildings, for the purposes of the grant, are buildings that are listed as a contributing resource in a National Register of Historic Places district, or listed individually in the National Register, or determined by the SHPO to be individually eligible for listing in the National Register. The historic building must be located in South Carolina.

Planning Grants

Planning Grants are awarded to assist applicants in the development of conditions assessments and/or “bid-ready” plans and specifications that meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Reimbursable planning grants up to $50,000 will be awarded. No cash match is required. 

Awarded funds are provided only as a reimbursement. SCDAH contributes its share and repays the grant recipient for eligible expenses through a reimbursement process. Applicants must document that they have a minimum of 50% of the Total Project Costs on hand designated specifically for the project and should be prepared to make whatever financial arrangements are necessary to ensure that project work is not delayed during the reimbursement process, which may take six (6) weeks. No work completed prior to the execution of the grant funding agreement will be eligible for reimbursement.

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust provides funding through its Basic Needs Grant to nonprofits in the Greater Philadelphia area, focusing on food, clothing, and shelter assistance. Priority is given to vulnerable children and seniors. Grants range from $5,000 to $40,000, awarded for a one-year term, with a minimum funding requirement of $5,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) and have a service location in the eligible regions.

SC Federal Historic Preservation Grants

Historic Preservation Grants are federal funds from the US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and administered by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Funds for the grant program are derived from Outer Continental Shelf mineral receipts. Each year the NPS allocates funds to the SHPO to help cover the cost of its operations, salaries and grants. Ten percent of those grant funds awarded to the SHPO must be passed through to Certified Local Governments (CLGs) per federal regulations.

Amounts available

Grant awards usually range from $5,000 to $35,000. The maximum amount awarded is $40,000. The SHPO anticipates that approximately $200,000 will be available for all grants. 

The Russell County Area Community Foundation offers a Disaster Relief Grant to support nonprofit organizations in Russell County during emergencies. Established to assist communities affected by natural disasters, this fund provides immediate financial assistance for relief services. The Foundation, founded in 2001, aims to foster growth and resilience in rural areas by building endowment funds and addressing community needs. Applications are accepted year-round to ensure timely support for impacted residents.

The Jeffrey C. & Carol A. Carrier Poster Award, established in 1999, recognizes outstanding posters presented by AES student members at the Annual Meeting. This award honors Jeff and Carol Carrier for their advocacy of student participation in the Society. To be eligible, applicants must be current AES members, enrolled students, and the first or sole authors of their studies. They must also indicate their intent to compete at the time of abstract submission.

Organizational Information

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Mi​ssio​n​

Uniting People and Information.

Visi​on

We envision a future in which Kentuckians value the importance of libraries and Kentucky government records and we are recognized for:

• Innovative and creative approaches for preserving and providing access to government records;
• Enabling libraries to be essential to their communities;
• Being a va​lued partner in the educational and economic development of the Commonwealth.

2027 Website and Technology Grant

Overview

This grant is made possible by KDLA’s funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Projects must support the information needs of all Kentuckians by providing access to resources as identified in the 2023-2027 LSTA 5-Year Plan. 

Goals

To support initiatives to update library websites to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and offer current technology. All project activities and funds must be spent by August 31, 2027.

The Genetics Society offers Summer Studentships for undergraduate students aiming to explore genetics research. Grants provide a £300 weekly allowance for up to 8 weeks, along with funding for host laboratory expenses and a place in a Summer School Workshop. Applicants must be members of the Genetics Society and projects should be feasible within the timeframe. This initiative fosters hands-on experience in genetics, enriching students' academic journeys.

The New York Flora Association Research Grant supports botanical research in New York, aiming to enhance understanding and appreciation of the region's flora. Founded in 1990, the association encourages both members and non-member students to submit proposals, particularly for work conducted within the state. With a strong history of community engagement and over 300 members, NYFA has successfully promoted conservation, research, and education related to New York's native plants.

The Next Generation – Southern Delaware Grant, established by young professionals, focuses on addressing social challenges in Kent and Sussex Counties. With over $100,000 awarded since 2013, the 2023 grant priorities include addiction treatment, family services, and homelessness prevention. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware, ensuring programs enhance quality of life without discrimination. Proposals should be proactive and future-oriented, emphasizing prevention and education in addiction services.

Nebraska Department of Transportation 

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is responsible for the planning, development, design, construction, maintenance and administration of the state highway system. The goals of the Department are to preserve the billions of dollars Nebraskans have invested in their state highway system, making the highways safe and efficient, and accomplishing this in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Highway Safety Grants

The Highway Safety Office is responsible for the planning, administration, and evaluation of the state’s federal highway safety funding that is authorized by Congress. Federal funding is provided to assist states and their counties and communities to initiate projects, which direct activity towards resolving identified and prioritized traffic safety problems. Only governmental agencies, their subdivisions and 501c3 non-profit organizations are eligible for funding assistance. 

Funding is provided to assist with the implementation of projects, which will address specifically identified traffic-related safety problems. Specific emphasis areas include:

• Impaired Driving
• Distracted Driving
• Occupant Protection
• Youth Driving and Education
• Speeding

Betty Taylor Memorial Award

The Betty Taylor Memorial Award is designed to award funds to support advancement in the applicants career as an emerging artist in the field of visual arts and crafts through education, advanced projects, marketing and/or other related pursuits. The relationship of the project to the career advancement of the applicant must be clearly defined in the “Narrative” section of the application. Conducting deeper study is a key element to the Taylor Award, and the applicant will need to elaborate on study method, mentoring, apprenticeships, etc.

Purpose 

To promote emerging artists who are in need of financial support for continued education in the field of visual arts and crafts.

The Betty Taylor Memorial Award is funded by The Ellen (Betty) Taylor Memorial Fund at Community Foundation of Henderson County (CFHC) and administrated in partnership with the Arts Council of Henderson County. 

Stabilization Grants are awarded for “bid-ready projects” for the stabilization and weatherization of historic buildings. Stabilization and weatherization, as a treatment, is the act or process of applying measures designed to reestablish the structural stability of an unsafe or deteriorated property and a weather resistant enclosure while maintaining the essential form as it exists at present. The stabilization and weatherization must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. 

Community Foundation of East Mississippi

With over 40 years of dedicated service, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi (CFEM) is committed to fostering charitable giving that connects generous individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful causes.

Mission: A catalyst for charitable giving where civic-minded individuals, families, and businesses achieve philanthropic goals. We bridge resources and needs to enhance the dynamic communities we serve.

Otis Dreams of Books Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Otis Douglas, who had a lifelong love of reading and learning. Many nights, Otis would fall asleep reading his daughter’s schoolbooks. He was unable to finish his own high school education, and this gave him the deepest appreciation for learning. Our hope for this scholarship is to honor his legacy by fostering a love of learning and reading in students pursuing their college education. 

2026-2027 ESC Special Education Liaison Grant

Program Description

The main goal of the Special Education Liaison Grant is to improve outcomes of students receiving special education services through the provision of timely, targeted program support for school systems. This grant provides positions that integrate and align Texas Education Agency (TEA) initiatives and expectations for school systems.

Staff funded through this grant are expected to travel both within their assigned Education Service Center (ESC) region and across ESC regions as needed to effectively support program implementation and the broader statewide initiative. This includes on-site support, regional convenings, and cross-region collaboration during TEA-designated Professional Learning Community (PLC) weeks to ensure alignment and consistency of services.

Grant-funded staff must actively collaborate with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to meet all program requirements and performance measures. In addition, there is an expectation to engage in and contribute to statewide collaboration efforts among Education Service Center Special Education (SPED) Liaisons, Strategic Integration Liaisons (SILs), and SIL Coaches. This collaboration is essential to ensuring shared learning, coordinated implementation, and continuous improvement across the state.

The Northern Albemarle Community Foundation Grant Program supports local nonprofit organizations in Camden, Gates, Perquimans, and Pasquotank Counties with annual grants ranging from $500 to $3,000. This initiative addresses community needs and enhances quality of life. The program accepts applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and local government units, including fire and rescue departments, ensuring inclusive support for a variety of community services. However, grants are not available for capital campaigns, political activities, or religious initiatives.

The NIOSH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13) program aims to fund high-quality scientific gatherings that enhance occupational safety and health research. It supports meetings that align with NIOSH's mission and priorities, encouraging the exchange of information on relevant topics. Applications should focus on advancing research in these areas, fostering collaboration among professionals. Note that training-only events are not eligible for funding under this program.

The Women's Fund of Weld County Grant Program supports initiatives that promote the economic self-sufficiency and self-esteem of girls and women in Weld County. The fund prioritizes projects that focus on girls' futures and education, employment, training, and self-development. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of women and girls, ensuring long-lasting community impact.

The Trail Blazers Foundation Fund – PLAY Grant provides financial support to organizations that encourage youth activity. Aiming to combat inactivity in communities, the grant offers up to $25,000 annually, with a potential total of $50,000 over two years for qualifying programs. This funding is designed to inspire and create opportunities for kids and their families to engage in physical activities, enhancing their overall well-being and success in life.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

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.

The Jack B. Fisher Scholarship Fund

The Jack B. Fisher Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Stark County high schools. Students must have above average accomplishment in high school and demonstrate financial need.

This scholarship is renewable.

Technology Grants

These grants are open to any public library in Tennessee for the purchase of technology for use in the library. This is a 50/50 matching grant, which means that for every grant dollar received, a matching local dollar is required. This is a reimbursement grant, so as the grantee receives applicable invoices for purchases made, the State will reimburse half of each until the grant award has been met.

Applications will be rated based on need and the applicant’s ability to meet or exceed the following terms and conditions:

• Are a recognized public library by TSLA;
• Are currently in compliance with Children’s Internet Protection Act;
• Follow the grant application procedures and meet grant application deadlines;
• Demonstrate a clear ability and designated personnel to administer the grant responsibly;
• Present realistic cost/funding estimates under $20,000.00 for the grant objective;
• Offer well-focused, specific project proposals that identify specific objects or supplies to be procured, that concentrate on promoting technology in the public library for the staff and the public.

2027 Technology Grant

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is pleased to provide a grant opportunity to public libraries across Tennessee for their technology needs. This grant is supported in part by the U. S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.

The 2027 Technology Grant is available for public libraries to replace or purchase technology for use by staff or the public. Grant funds are available for the following:

• Computers
• Software
• Networking hardware
• Peripherals

The McMillen Family Foundation Grant aims to support non-profit organizations in Southern California focused on treatment, prevention, and education regarding alcohol and drug dependency. Prioritizing nonprofits with proven track records, the Foundation provides funding for activities beyond government support, with grants up to $50,000 for new applicants. The Foundation also offers technical assistance and collaboration opportunities to enhance the impact of its grantees in the community.

The Link Foundation offers the Ocean Engineering and Instrumentation Ph.D. Fellowship, providing six fellowships of $35,000 each for Ph.D. students. This fellowship aims to advance research in ocean engineering and instrumentation, enhance theoretical and practical knowledge, and promote research dissemination through lectures and publications. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a U.S. or Canadian university and demonstrate a well-defined thesis direction. This funding can significantly support their academic journey.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

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.

The Ira G. Turpin Scholar Program Fund

The Ira G. Turpin Scholar Program Fund was established to assist ethnic minority graduating seniors in Stark County. Special preference will be given to those pursuing a career in law enforcement or the legal profession. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Skills Capital Grant Program will award reimbursable contracts for the purchase and installation of capital equipment and for renovations necessary for the use of such equipment. The program is intended to enable qualified programs to purchase training equipment. Minor one-time installation costs may be included in the request, as well as requests for minor facility renovations (less than 10% of the total) necessary for the successful installation and use of the equipment. The objective of this funding is to support quality hands-on instruction by providing funding for the purchase and installation of vocational training equipment.

The John P. Previti Memorial Foundation Grant offers funding to non-profit organizations in Riverside and San Bernardino counties that focus on supporting at-risk youth. Grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are awarded to projects that provide essential services such as education, health, and basic needs. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation's mission to uplift underprivileged youth and families in the community.

The W. M. Keck Foundation's Research Grant Program funds innovative medical research and engineering projects that challenge existing paradigms and explore new territories. Eligible applicants include research universities and independent institutes. Grants support groundbreaking technologies and methodologies, with emphasis on high-risk projects that could lead to transformative impacts. However, funding excludes general operating expenses and grants to individuals. The Foundation awards grants biannually, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches.