Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits

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 Harry Mestel Memorial Accounting Scholarship Fund

The Harry Mestel Memorial Accounting Scholarship Fund assists students enrolled at an Ohio college or university in their third, fourth or fifth year of accounting studies (pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting) whose permanent address is in Stark County, Ohio. 

This scholarship is renewable.

Tad Fujioka Memorial Scholarship

A fund created in memory of Tad Fujioka to support graduates of Sitka High School, Pacific High School, Mount Edgecumbe High, or Sitka School District REACH homeschool. The scholarship will support college or vocational training in career choices that will help support the wellbeing and resilience of members of small Alaska communities.

Tad had great-grandparents who settled in Ketchikan in the early 1900's where his father learned to love fishing in Alaska. When Tad was one year old, he and his parents moved to Juneau, where Tad also learned to love fishing. After college, he moved to Sitka, where fishing was even better. After a stint of working in engineering, marrying, and starting a family, he got a salmon troll permit. He soon became involved not only in fishing but also in fishery policy and regulation, where his analytical ability helped to evaluate management proposals. His patience and diplomacy allowed him to effectively articulate ideas and solutions to problems he saw in existing conditions and propose measures, both in the management of the fishery and also in the processing sector, where he served as board chairman of the Seafood Producers Cooperative. He became a respected and effective advocate for the sustainability of the small boat fishing fleet, which supports the economy of many small towns and communities in Alaska. Commitment to serving his community included 20 years serving on the Sitka Advisory Committee to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, teaching friends and students to harvest wild foods, and sharing his harvest throughout the community and the state.

To honor his legacy, his family has chosen to honor Tad by starting the Tad Fujioka Memorial Scholarship Fund.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Henderson County Educational Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial assistance to graduates of any Henderson County public high school.

This is a renewable scholarship. 

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Helen F. Lindner Scholarship

The applicant must be male graduating senior from any high school located within the boundary of Henderson County. The successful male applicant will be a student who may not have excelled academically but who has shown promise academically and who indicates a willing spirit to work. The applicant should be someone who has shown diligence above average but who may not have academically achieved above average.

This is a renewable scholarship.

The Murdock College Research Program supports innovative natural sciences research at private undergraduate colleges in the Pacific Northwest. It emphasizes faculty-student collaboration, enhancing educational methods through inquiry-based teaching. Proposals are assessed on scientific merit and the investigator's qualifications, with a focus on projects that significantly contribute to fundamental knowledge in the field. This program encourages active participation from undergraduate students as research associates, fostering their development and engagement in scientific inquiry.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Hans and Margo Nagel Scholarship

This scholarship provides assistance with education expenses for a citizen and resident of Henderson County who graduates from a high school in Henderson County. This scholarship is for someone who is doing things to prevent and break the cycle of desperate need and is to act as an incentive for the recipient to do something, primarily in using education, to pull his or her life together and make a better life for himself or herself and the next generation.

This is a renewable scholarship.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Teaching Scholarship

Kate and Leo Merlone understood the value of education, both in formal academia and through any media that would expand a person’s mental horizons.

Commitments to family obligations in their youth did not allow them to continue their formal education to the extent that they had desired. Instead, throughout their lives, they chose self education through books, travel, museums, volunteer involvement in the community and always good conversations.

They passed on this message of self education to their children, even as they encouraged them to pursue a higher education. Their strong work ethic and efforts to constantly improve themselves have been a wonderful example for their children and grandchildren.

The A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Scholarship is a way to continue their desire for education and for being educators to their family and to the community in which they spent their lives.

The UNICO Foundation's Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship provides two scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing a degree. Open to all ethnicities, applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend an accredited college full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. They should continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year and may apply if sponsored by a UNICO chapter from specific states. This initiative underscores UNICO's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.

South Dakota Department of Public Safety

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety includes 14 agencies with the mission to keep South Dakota a safe place in which to live, work, visit and raise a family.

Victims' Assistance Program Grants

The Victims' Assistance Program provides grant funding for agencies that provide services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other violent crimes. The Victims' Assistance Program funding includes: VOCA, FVPSA, STOP, SASP and DASA Grants.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant

Funds are awarded by the US Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. The funds come entirely from fines and penalties assessed against convicted federal criminals. Funds are awarded to provide direct assistance to innocent victims of violent crime.

Agencies who are currently not funded with Victims’ Assistance grants, but who are considering applying for a grant(s) are strongly encouraged to contact the Victims’ Services Program director prior to grant announcements being released for the upcoming funding cycle.

The Dr. D. Walter Cohen Teaching Award, provided by the American Academy of Periodontology, offers a $10,000 grant to support new periodontal educators. This funding aims to facilitate their entry into teaching and research careers in periodontal education. Eligible candidates must be in their third year of an accredited periodontal post-doctoral training program in the U.S. and demonstrate a strong commitment to education and research in this field.

The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) provide grants for research on aboriginal peoples of the Americas, supporting projects that focus on endangered cultures and languages, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $3,000 to $9,000, and applicants must submit all required documents, including support letters, by February 15. JRF prioritizes new data collection and does not fund proprietary or non-aboriginal research. Eligible researchers must typically hold a Master's degree or have a designated Sponsor.

State Board Programming Regrants (SBPG)

The Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to provide a grant opportunity for improving the preservation of and access to Tennessee’s historical records, educate and train records custodians, and support archival program development and enhancement.

The grants will be available up to $5,000 per institution and are available to any government entity or not-for-profit organization that holds permanent, historically valuable archival collections. There is no match requirement,

Grant funds are available for the following:

Technology

• This category provides funding for hardware, software, peripherals, and other technology items used to create online digital collections.
• Items requested may not exceed $5,000.

Training

• This category provides funding for registration costs for webinars or workshops related to conservation, digitization, and digital project planning for archivists and museum personnel.

Contracted Services

• This category provides funding to hire a vendor or independent contractor for the purpose of digitization or conservation services.
• You must include a quote for these services from a specific vendor as part of your application.

Contract/Part-Time Archivist

• This category provides funding to hire a contract or part-time archivist for the duration of the grant period to scan documents and create corresponding metadata.
• This person cannot already be employed by or paid by your organization. This cannot be supplemental to an existing salary or hourly employee.

Supplies

• This category provides funding for archival shelving units, acid-free, lignin-free folders and boxes, and other necessary archival supplies or environmental monitoring devices.

The Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust supports capacity-building for performing arts organizations in New York City. In 2024, theater organizations are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 annually, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and undertaking small-scale capital projects. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated public charities with budgets under $1 million. This initiative fosters arts diversity, encouraging organizations to align their applications with the designated focus area each year.

The Texas Hydrogen Infrastructure, Vehicle, and Equipment Grant Program (THIVE) promotes the adoption of hydrogen technology by providing funding for projects aimed at reducing nitrogen oxide emissions in nonattainment areas. Eligible projects include the development of hydrogen infrastructure and the purchase or conversion of vehicles and equipment to hydrogen power. This initiative supports a cleaner environment and advances the use of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source in Texas.

What is a Community Foundation?

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors. Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education. This year, NCCF will administer more than 65 scholarship funds. 

About Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

NCCF's Board and Staff champion the causes you care about with smart grant-making designed specifically to adapt over time and provide highly attentive, knowledgeable, and compassionate service that brings donors and organizations together to address community issues.

Kenneth K. Mills Scholarship

Multi-year award averaging $500 per year for graduates of Shepaug Valley High School who will be/are attending Rutgers University.

The T. W. M. Cameron Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis Award, established by the Canadian Society of Zoologists, recognizes exceptional Ph.D. theses in Zoology from Canadian universities. This award not only honors scholarly excellence but also promotes diversity and inclusion within the field. Recipients receive a commemorative scroll and are invited to present their work at the annual conference, with travel and accommodation expenses covered up to $1,500.

The Winston-Salem Foundation's Small Grants program provides funding up to $1,000 for organizations in Forsyth County, NC, prioritizing asset-based approaches and inclusivity. The program supports projects that enhance social capital and demonstrate feasibility and impact. Eligible organizations must have an annual income of $150,000 or less. Grants for athletic teams are capped at $500, while grants for individuals and religious activities are not supported. This initiative aims to foster community cooperation and improvement.

The Henry Luce Foundation's Luce Scholars Program offers immersive professional experiences in Asia for early-career leaders. Established in 1974, it aims to deepen understanding between the U.S. and Asian cultures. Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents under 32 or recent graduates, the program provides stipends and language training to selected scholars. The foundation fosters diverse perspectives and adaptive leadership to promote global citizenship and mutual understanding through sustained engagement.

About Scholarship

The Kemper County Board of Supervisors Leadership Scholarship has been established to recognize a first year college student who has the potential to become a future leader in Kemper County. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Kemper County resident who plans to attend East Mississippi Community College as a freshman, to enrich the educational knowledge of the county’s residents.Our Purpose

The Community Foundation of East Mississippi exists to make philanthropy simple, effective, and enduring. We serve as a trusted partner for donors seeking to leave a lasting legacy, nonprofits seeking sustainable funding, and communities striving to improve the quality of life. By connecting charitable resources with local needs, we work to create a vibrant, thriving East Mississippi today and for generations to come.

CFEM accepts, manages, and invests a wide range of charitable funds, including endowments and pass-through gifts. Earnings from these funds are used to make grants that strengthen nonprofit organizations, support community programs, and address emerging needs in Lauderdale, Kemper, Clarke, Newton, and Neshoba counties.

As a tax-exempt, publicly supported nonprofit, CFEM operates independently from government or corporate control. Our Board of Directors, made up of local volunteer leaders, ensures that all decisions reflect the best interests of our community.

The Tocker Foundation offers General Library Grants aimed at enhancing library services and programs in rural Texas communities with populations of 12,000 or less. Grants support various initiatives including technology upgrades, collection development, and community outreach. Applications are reviewed biannually by a committee from the Texas Library Association, ensuring that funds are allocated to projects that significantly benefit local patrons. Libraries are encouraged to discuss their proposals in advance to align with funding priorities.

The Geological Society of Connecticut offers the GSC Student Research Grant to support undergraduate and master’s students conducting geology-related fieldwork in Connecticut. Each year, up to three grants of $500 may be awarded to eligible applicants. Students from any institution can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria related to their field of study. This initiative aims to enhance geological research and education while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources in the state.

The Science History Institute offers Library Travel Grants for researchers seeking to explore its vast collections. Grants of $1,000 per week support travel and accommodation for visits of up to two weeks. Eligible applicants must reside more than 75 miles from Philadelphia. This initiative fosters scholarly engagement with primary materials including rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts, contributing to a vibrant academic community.

The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation offers Innovation Grants ranging from $10K to $25K to support creative projects that address generational poverty. Eligible organizations must have 501c3 status and operate in the Greater Memphis area. The foundation emphasizes innovative solutions that target under-resourced communities and encourages partnerships with nonprofits. The grants aim to empower organizations making a significant impact through original initiatives, aligning with the Foundation's Building Strong Families strategy.

Louisiana Beautification Grants

The KLB Beautification Grant provides funding to help improve the appearance of communities throughout Louisiana by creating beautiful, well-maintained community entry points and roadways. This grant is made possible with funding from the State of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.  

The KLB Beautification Grant provides funding to help improve the appearance of communities throughout Louisiana by creating beautiful, well-maintained community entry points and roadways. People are less likely to litter in areas that are well maintained and beautiful, so reducing litter in highly visible areas is an additional key driver of this grant. Grant projects should enhance and beautify entry points of municipalities and parishes, or highly trafficked roadway medians and roundabout central islands. KLB seeks projects that have diverse community support, volunteer involvement, collaboration with stakeholders and benefit many community members. 

Grant Type

• $1,000 to $10,000 reimbursement grant.
• Minimum 15% cash match, in-kind donation or equivalent volunteer hours value is required
• Project must be on public property and completed on or before May.

The grant focus is to fund the purchase of native trees, shrubs, perennial plants, landscaping materials and welcome signs to enhance and beautify entry points of municipalities and parishes, or highly visible and trafficked roadway medians and roundabout center islands. Plantings must account for a sizable portion of the project.Annual plants will not be funded 

• Soil, mulch, pavers, edging and related landscaping materials, when incorporated into a planting project, may not exceed 25% of grant request 
• Welcome sign materials, when incorporated into a planting project, may not exceed 25% of grant request 
• Contractors to assist with the project may not exceed 25% of grant request 
• A 15% in-kind or cash match, or equivalent volunteer hours value is required 

The Tompkins Scholarship Endowment supports graduates from Traverse City Area Public Schools, emphasizing academic achievement over financial need. Established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities for local students attending public, in-state colleges or universities. The foundation, active since 1992, works to enhance the community by providing significant, potentially renewable scholarships, reflecting its commitment to positive change across the Grand Traverse region.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Traverse City Tourism Hospitality Scholarship Fund (Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties)

Available to graduating high school seniors from Benzie or Grand Traverse Counties, or current NMC students pursuing degrees, industry certifications, or careers in hospitality or tourism-related studies. Preference given to those who are active in school and extracurricular activities, who have demonstrated community responsibility through volunteer efforts, and who have held jobs in the hospitality industry and are excited to continue. Financial need will be considered.

The GTRCF Youth Endowment Grant offers $105,000 in funding for youth programs across five counties in Michigan. Organizations can request up to $5,000 per county to support projects that respond to local youth needs. The grant prioritizes innovative initiatives that build developmental opportunities and demonstrate community support. Applications are evaluated by local Youth Advisory Councils, ensuring youth voices play a critical role in the decision-making process.