Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation is committed to enhancing community awareness of hospice and palliative care services. It supports nonprofit organizations that provide end-of-life care and grief recovery resources. Through educational initiatives and financial grants, the Foundation aims to promote excellent hospice care and assist caregivers. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and the Foundation does not fund administrative costs or general funding. Grant applications are accepted once per year.

The Jordan Fund, established by John & Kelly Olerud in 2003, is dedicated to supporting children with special needs and their families. This grant-making organization assists children with substantial disabilities up to age twenty-one, covering costs for respite, therapy, and essential equipment not provided by insurance. By funding 501(c)(3) organizations, the Jordan Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for these children and their families.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Todd Epsten Memorial Scholarship

This opportunity was established in 2014 in honor of Major Brands’ third-generation leader, Todd H. Epsten, who lost his brave battle with brain cancer in 2012. The scholarship provides aid to several students each year, whose academic efforts and community involvement reflect Todd’s commitment to “building our business by building the communities we serve.” Students must be a current full-time employee or spouse/domestic partner, child or grandchild of a current full-time employee of Clever Little Girl, LLC; Clever Little Girl Foundation; or Eagle Brands Sales who will be or are attending a community college, professional program, undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate program at an accredited college.

The Reeves Foundation supports research aimed at understanding and treating macular degeneration, a condition that has personally affected the founder's family. Established in 1997, the foundation allocates 50% of its grants to research and the other half to local charities in Columbus, Indiana. Nonprofit organizations exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply, but funds cannot be used for administrative costs. The foundation prioritizes equipment purchases and partnerships with other funding sources.

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation's Creating Opportunity & Independence Grant supports programs and research that enhance the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It welcomes applications from nonprofit organizations and rehabilitation facilities in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on projects that foster independence, community participation, and capacity-building. Priority is given to initiatives that demonstrate broad impact and involve individuals with SCI, ensuring their needs and perspectives shape the proposed activities.

The Alcon Foundation Grant aims to enhance eye care services and improve patient access, with a focus on educational and training programs. The foundation also supports cultural and community development initiatives that uplift the quality of life in areas where Alcon operates, including cities like Fort Worth, Houston, and Irvine. However, it does not fund non-501(c)(3) organizations, athletic leagues, or fundraising events, among other exclusions.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to either a graduating senior pursuing a post-secondary degree, or a currently matriculating student already so enrolled, who lives in Lackawanna or Wayne county and who is pursuing a degree or certificate in environmental science or a related field.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Scranton or West Scranton High School who demonstrates an interest in the arts.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating female from Scranton or West Scranton High School who is a resident of Lackawanna County.

The FWW Research Award supports innovative, short-term studies aimed at enhancing women's health, particularly in areas such as cardiovascular disease, female cancers, and hormonal impact on health. Eligible applicants include MDs and PhDs affiliated with accredited institutions. The program prioritizes research with direct clinical applications and seeks proposals that promise to attract additional funding for further study. Notably, sociological research is excluded from funding consideration.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Mary Louise Klaus Scholarship

A need and merit based scholarship; for Raleigh County, WV high school graduates continuing their education at any accredited vocational school, college or university.

This scholarship is renewable.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Stanley and Stella Becker Environmental Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of Monroe County and intends to pursue a degree in a field related to environmental science in a school of higher education.

The Brookreson Trust Grant aims to support financing homes for the blind and organizations that assist them. This grant is targeted towards 501(c)(3) exempt organizations across all states. The program focuses on key areas such as education, health, and human services, ensuring that vital resources are directed towards enhancing the quality of life for the visually impaired community. Grants are specifically intended for initiatives that facilitate housing and support services.

The Grey Muzzle Organization offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs across the U.S. Since 2008, they have awarded over $2.5 million to shelters and nonprofits focused on senior dog welfare. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate measurable outcomes. The initiative aims to ensure that every senior dog thrives, providing support for foster care, hospice services, and adoption programs.

The Gray Lady Foundation Grant aims to enhance canine health, particularly for Miniature Schnauzers, by funding research in genetics and diseases. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines on April 1 and October 1, and grants are awarded on October 31 and April 30, respectively. The foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations that focus on improving the quality of life and responsible breeding of canines, ensuring sustainable health initiatives.

The USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grant supports the growth of wheelchair tennis nationwide, having invested over $650,000 since 2008. This funding aims to enhance grassroots programs, focusing on attracting new junior players. Grants are tailored to each program's budget and needs, facilitating essential resources such as coaching, court time, and equipment. However, applications for tournament travel or multiple wheelchair purchases are discouraged, ensuring funds are used effectively to develop the sport for young athletes.

The AICEF Overseas Travel Grant provides funding of $3,000 to Indonesian PhD students enrolled in accredited US universities for dissertation research in Indonesia. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to returning to Indonesia after their studies and show preparedness in their field. This grant aims to support academic endeavors that foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange, benefitting both students and their home country.

The Shakespeare in American Communities Grant, funded by Arts Midwest, supports professional theater companies in the U.S. to produce Shakespeare's works and conduct educational activities. This initiative aims to engage middle and high school students, particularly from underserved communities, through performances and interactive workshops. Eligible applicants must demonstrate experience in theater education and comply with federal regulations. The program emphasizes accessibility, aiming to enrich students' understanding of Shakespeare's relevance in contemporary society.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

WestFest Scholarship Fund

To support Hampden County residents pursuing degrees in the arts; preference to residents of Westfield.

The Shubert Foundation's Shubert Scholars program offers unrestricted grants to support the training of theatre artists in the United States. Targeting preeminent graduate drama departments, it emphasizes merit-based scholarship support while promoting exemplary theatrical training. Funding is primarily allocated to not-for-profit professional theatres and dance companies, fostering artistic excellence in the performing arts. For further guidance, applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQs on the foundation's website.

The Margrit H. Sutton-Annen Student Loan Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides up to $3,000 for full-time students attending two- or four-year colleges, with a preference for those of Swiss descent. Students complete a single online application to be matched with various scholarships. Eligibility includes students planning to enroll in accredited post-secondary institutions in the U.S., primarily from Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties.

The Lucius H. Tarbell and Dorothy J. Tarbell Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial support for students attending Western New England University. Eligible students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships, which may offset tuition, fees, and other educational costs. The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from various backgrounds, particularly those from Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Berkshire Counties, and Hartford County in Connecticut.

The Louisville Institute Doctoral Fellowship supports Ph.D. and Th.D. students in their first or second year, providing a $3,000 annual grant for two years. This fellowship encourages theological education as a vocation through participation in three formational gatherings each year. Fellows engage in discussions on leadership, pedagogy, and vocational discernment while receiving financial support for all related expenses. The program aims to foster growth and collaboration among future theological educators.

The Louisville Institute's Dissertation Fellowship provides $35,000 to Ph.D. and Th.D. students in the final year of dissertation writing, focusing on Christian faith and related disciplines. It encourages projects that bridge the church and academia, fostering new knowledge for the church's enrichment. Recipients must attend a mandatory Winter Seminar in Louisville, KY, for collaboration and sharing of ideas. Applicants should complete their dissertations within the following year, adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Louisville Institute's Pastoral Study Project Grant supports clergy and lay leaders with grants up to $20,000 for independent studies on Christian life. It aims to provide leaders with time and resources to explore meaningful questions in ministry and faith. The program encourages innovative research and community engagement, ultimately enriching the vitality of North American Christianity. Eligible candidates include those with theological training employed in diverse ministry contexts across the U.S. and Canada.

The First Book Grant for Scholars of Color (FBG) offers up to $55,000 to support early-career, pre-tenured scholars of color in completing significant research projects related to Christian faith and life, religious trends, and social issues. This grant aims to facilitate the publication of their first book, enhancing the connection between academic scholarship and the church in North America, while prioritizing projects that are already underway.

The OREF Multimodal Musculoskeletal Perioperative Pain Management Grant invites research proposals aimed at enhancing perioperative pain management strategies. This funding opportunity emphasizes opioid-sparing techniques and effective regional anesthesia methods to improve patient outcomes in orthopedic surgeries. Eligible applicants include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in collaboration with PhDs or MDs, fostering a diverse range of expertise in pain management research.