Best Leadership Development Grants

Jane's Fellowship Program, established by The Russell Family Foundation, empowers grassroots leaders in Pierce County through a year-long cohort experience. Since 2004, it has graduated 144 individuals, fostering essential leadership skills and community engagement. Participants enhance their capabilities in areas like conflict resolution and storytelling, ensuring they contribute effectively to local challenges. With a stipend of $8,500 and additional funding for training, this program continues to honor the legacy of Jane Russell by nurturing future community leaders.

The Colorado Change Leader Program, initiated by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to cultivate effective leaders in creative industries. This program offers a month-long leadership course, including a three-day intensive, coaching, and funding opportunities for alumni. It targets emerging and established leaders committed to enhancing Colorado's arts and culture through collaboration. Participants may receive a stipend to implement their projects, fostering professional growth and community development.

Southern Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits with annual budgets of $600,000 or less can access fully underwritten consulting and coaching to support organizational and leadership development. Community Foundation for Southern Arizona’s TeamUp program offers up to 20 hours of expert support for groups in transition, growth, or succession, including those focused on civic leadership development.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups serving Bolton, Connecticut residents can seek up to US $7,500 for community projects that provide lasting local benefit. Focused on civic leadership and community well-being, the Bolton Greater Together Community Fund from Greater Hartford Gives supports initiatives such as civic engagement, arts and culture, basic needs, employment, and neighborhood improvement.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and religious organizations in Windsor Locks can seek project funding that advances equity and develops community and civic leadership. Focused on dismantling structural racism and improving social and economic mobility, Greater Hartford Gives Foundation supports single, deliverable projects in areas like civic and resident engagement, employment opportunities, and thriving neighborhoods, with awards of US $250 - US $5,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal entities, and select government institutions in the Pacific Northwest can access capacity-building funding for new or expanded programs and staff through M J Murdock Charitable Trust, typically at more than US $50,000. Projects in areas like civic leadership development, education, and community services may be eligible under these strategic program and staff grants.

Nonprofit organizations in Cook County, Illinois that run cohort-based leadership programs or build leadership capacity can apply for the MacArthur Foundation’s Chicago Commitment: Advancing Leadership support. Funding may back leadership training, capacity building, and equity-focused initiatives that elevate diverse civic leaders, including programs tied to arts, community and economic development, or community safety and violence prevention.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, and select government institutions seeking new equipment or technology can apply for more than US $50,000 from M J Murdock Charitable Trust to build organizational capacity. Organizations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington working in education, civic leadership development, health, environment, arts, or community services may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, tribal entities, and select government institutions seeking major capital projects can apply for more than US $50,000 to support construction, renovation, property acquisition, and other infrastructure upgrades in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Focused on capacity-building, M J Murdock Charitable Trust invites organizations advancing civic leadership development, education, health, culture, and community services to strengthen long-term impact.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least one year of outcomes and projects in leadership, youth, or civic development can seek up to US $10,000 for programs and special projects, including some indirect costs. The H Hovnanian Family Foundation prioritizes work in New Jersey and supports initiatives in education, health, arts, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Black, Brown, and immigrant-led nonprofits in Southeast Michigan can access funding for leadership pipelines, digital equity, and social justice organizing. Michigan civic leadership groups can access funding through Song Foundation, with grants up to US $150,000 for youth leadership development, inclusive technology and entrepreneurship, and transformative civic engagement in Flint, Detroit, Dearborn, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Summit Credit Union’s service areas can receive US $500 - US $1,000 for programs advancing equity, financial wellbeing, and women’s empowerment. Grants from Summit Credit Union help U.S. civic leadership development efforts that reduce inequities, expand financial education, and foster women and girls’ leadership and economic opportunity.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public entities, and other charitable or faith-based organizations in Columbia or Richland County can receive up to US $75,000 for projects that enhance civic leadership, engagement, and public life. Central Carolina Community Foundation advises Knight Foundation funding for initiatives like downtown revitalization, public spaces, arts, entrepreneurship, and connecting residents with decision makers.

Metropolitan Atlanta nonprofit organizations with strong records in leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities, or education can seek project and capital funding to address important community needs. Atlanta-area groups focused on civic leadership development may be eligible for support through the Trusteed Foundations managed by Truist Foundation, using one application to reach six affiliated funds.

Women leaders driving community transformation in Mecklenburg County can be nominated for Womens Impact Fund’s Spark Awards, which provide US $5,000 in unrestricted support for personal renewal and growth. Eligible nominees include frontline civic and grassroots leaders, including those working with nonprofits, whose changemaking efforts in leadership development often go unrecognized.

Grants from the Grandville Walker Foundation help Kent County, Michigan nonprofits enhance community services and civic leadership development. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can request US $500 - US $2,500 to support local programs that strengthen community assets, develop leaders, and retain local talent in the Grandville and Walker communities.

BIPOC-owned, BIPOC-led, or BIPOC-centering nonprofits, community groups, and fiscally sponsored coalitions in the Berkshire Taconic region can seek approximately US $10,000 for racial justice, economic empowerment, education, health, and leadership initiatives. Focused on leadership development, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation invites organizations and cultural workers advancing civic leadership and equity to apply.

Rural Oregon community organizations and small towns can seek funding to strengthen civic leadership and local economic initiatives through the Small Community Initiative Grant. Grants from Reser Family Foundation help leadership development and rural development efforts, offering up to US $15,000 and potential multi-year support for communities under 15,000 residents outside metropolitan areas.

NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems, dedicated to providing the highest quality, most compassionate care and service to patients in the New York metropolitan area, nationally, and around the world. In collaboration with two renowned medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian is consistently recognized as a leader in innovative, patient-centered clinical care, research and medical education.

Summer Youth Enrichment Grant

NewYork-Presbyterian is dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide impactful summer programs for youth and adolescents. Through the Summer Youth Enrichment Grant (SYEG), we invest in young people when opportunities for enrichment, a sense of belonging, and access to safe spaces are essential for their growth and well-being.

Grant Overview

SYEG provides grants of up to $50,000 to support summer initiatives that provide engaging, developmentally appropriate, and relevant programming to children and adolescents. The grant supports a wide range of program types, including but not limited to:

• Arts and Creative Expression
• Leadership and Civic Engagement
• Physical Fitness
• Academic Development
• Career and Job Readiness

Special consideration will be given to organizations whose programs primarily serve youth in the following communities: Corona, Crown Heights, Lower East Side, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Washington Heights & Inwood, White Plains, University Heights.

This grant supports both new and existing programs that will take place during the summer months.

The Ralph K. Morris Foundation offers Cooperative Leadership Sponsorships to support training and professional development for emerging leaders, especially from rural areas. The program adapts to changing needs by providing financial assistance for cooperative education events and scholarships. Priority is given to organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, encouraging a collaborative approach to leadership development in communities. This initiative aims to foster the future of cooperatives through accessible education and training opportunities.

The RurAL CAP Foundation Grant offers funding between $500 and $25,000 for projects aimed at supporting low-income individuals and rural communities. This foundation focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, cultural preservation, and local leadership development. Grants may support community-driven initiatives like skill-building workshops or long-term projects that foster sustainability. Applications are accepted quarterly, with funding decisions made about 30 days after each deadline, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Ecolab U.S. Regional NPO Grant Program supports 501(c)(3) organizations in specific geographic areas, focusing on youth education, community development, environmental conservation, and arts initiatives. Eligible nonprofits can apply for funding to enhance their services and impact in underserved communities. Notably, the program emphasizes hands-on learning and sustainable practices, aiming to foster a healthier environment and society. Organizations must align with Ecolab's mission of promoting sustainability and improving quality of life.

Nonprofit and for-profit organizations in Reno County seeking leadership coaching support can receive up to US $1,800 to work with a professional coach. Hutchinson Community Foundation supports civic leadership development by funding up to six coaching sessions over six months to help individuals or teams tackle adaptive challenges and strengthen their leadership capacity.

The Rotary Charities of Traverse City offers Seed Grants to support early-stage projects that can create significant community impact. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments within specific counties. Grants facilitate collaboration, planning, and capacity building, allowing organizations to develop and implement high-priority projects. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on initiatives that foster community engagement and address local needs. This funding aims to lay the groundwork for impactful community development.

The Rotary Charities of Traverse City Learning Fund Grant supports professional development for staff in 501(c)(3) organizations, Native nations, and local governments in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties. Funds can be used for training, workshops, and conferences that enhance skills and community impact. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000, fostering collaboration and systems change while aligning with Rotary Charities' mission. Proposals must be submitted two weeks prior to the activity start date.

The Lowell Berry Foundation Grants aim to enhance leadership within local Christian church ministries while providing community support in California. Established in 1950 by Mr. Lowell W. Berry, the foundation focuses on assisting organizations that foster personal development and leadership. Grants are limited to programs in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, with funding not available for individual projects or capital equipment. This initiative continues to build on a legacy of community service and leadership advancement.

The Posey County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program aims to enhance educational attainment in Indiana by providing scholarships for full tuition and fees for eligible students. Administered locally by community foundations, it supports those graduating from accredited Indiana high schools and encourages students to engage with their communities. Scholars receive financial assistance for books and equipment, fostering academic success and collaboration with local leaders, thereby improving overall quality of life in Indiana.