Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

Rita Ildsgaard Dunk Scholarship (Music/Piano)

Amount

• $8000
• Active
• Renewable

This scholarship is for students graduating from high school or the equivalent who are residents of Henderson County and pursuing a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited education institution with a focus in music having preference given to piano. Recipient should be seeking a career in piano performance and a desire to instruct others in piano. 

The Porphyrias Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial burdens for underinsured patients suffering from porphyrias, a group of eight disorders characterized by the accumulation of porphyrins in the body. The fund assists with prescription drug copays and insurance premiums, offering up to $4,000 in financial aid. Established to ensure no patient lacks necessary treatment due to costs, the foundation has awarded over $1.2 billion since 2004, supporting more than 1.1 million patients.

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

Society of Hospital Medicine Travel Grant

The SHM Global and Rural Health Foundation brings our mission directly to patients in rural and underserved regions of the United States and abroad by offering small travel grants to hospital-based clinicians and practice administrators involved in this work. The Foundation also aims to amplify the stories of inequitable patient care and celebrate hospital medicine professionals enhancing outcomes.

The SHM Global and Rural Health Foundation awards travel grants of up to $2,000 per person for travel to qualifying relief programs. Travel grants will be awarded to support travel for work conducted through established nonprofits, such as Doctors Without Borders, or a program run by a nonprofit academic health center.

The Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and focuses on charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. With grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 and an annual budget of approximately $55,000, the trust primarily serves Alabama organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, but must meet specific deadlines for review. This grant offers opportunities across diverse areas such as arts, education, health, and human services.

The Marion A. and Ruth K. Sherwood Family Scholarship Fund supports current college students from the Tri-Cities area, promoting academic achievement and community involvement. Funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes financial need and aims to assist students in continuing their education. Applicants must submit transcripts and additional documentation to demonstrate eligibility. This initiative reflects the Sherwoods' commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community betterment.

The Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Fund provides crucial financial assistance to underinsured patients suffering from this rare blood cancer. Through the HealthWell Foundation, the fund helps cover prescription copays, insurance premiums, and treatment-related costs, ensuring access to necessary medical care. With over $1.2 billion in grants awarded, the program has supported more than 1.1 million patients since its inception in 2004. Its mission is to alleviate financial barriers to essential healthcare, allowing patients to focus on their treatment and recovery.

The Partners In Education Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports Stark County high school graduates pursuing undergraduate degrees. Eligible applicants must be residents of Stark County, Ohio, have completed at least 24 post-secondary credit hours, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.6. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community development since its inception in 1963.

The Get Out and Get Active Grant by the Anxiety & Depression Initiative supports innovative projects that promote the mental health benefits of physical activity. This funding aims to reduce anxiety and depression through community fitness programs and educational campaigns, emphasizing the intersection of physical activity and mental health. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and academic institutions in the U.S. seeking to enhance well-being and integrate active lifestyles for individuals living with mental illness.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLCCF Trade School Scholarship

To award scholarships annually to qualified applicants who intend to pursue education to gain a trade school certification.

Siemens Healthineers offers educational grants aimed at enhancing professional education in the healthcare sector. These grants support various clinical, technical, and scientific education programs, including medical imaging and laboratory diagnostics. The funding is intended for events that promote best practices and clinical demonstrations, providing healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to improve patient care outcomes. Applications must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event, ensuring adequate time for review and approval.

The Helen and Howard Smith Nursing Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2002, supports students pursuing LPN or BSN degrees. Eligible applicants must be sophomores or above enrolled in nursing programs within Montgomery or Greene counties and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to non-traditional students. The Dayton Foundation, a key philanthropic entity since 1921, aims to enhance community welfare through charitable initiatives, focusing on education, health services, and cultural advancement.

The Gough Family Scholarship, established in 2021 by The Dayton Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from specific Dayton zip codes who exhibit a strong work ethic and plan to pursue education in a STEM-related field or business. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a history of successful employment. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering education and enhancing opportunities for youth in the community.

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards aim to support innovative research in cognitive aging and memory loss, offering two 3-year grants of $750,000 each. Targeted at early-career investigators, the program encourages high-risk, high-gain proposals that explore clinical translational research and the biological mechanisms of cognitive aging. By fostering emerging scientific leaders, the initiative seeks to advance transformative discoveries in this critical area of aging research, enhancing understanding and treatment of age-related cognitive decline.

Chautauqua Region Community Foundation

Mission: In partnership with our community, we ignite positive change and create a legacy of impact.

Scholarships

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation annually awards more than $2 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, job training and certification. The Foundation hosts several different scholarship opportunities throughout the year. 

Workforce Training

Open to adult residents of Chautauqua County enrolled in a certification program outside of higher educational degree. Examples include phlebotomist, LPN, CNA, EMT, Radiologic Technologist, Automotive Technician, CDL, HVAC, Welding, Machining etc.

The Esther Roth Gillette Registered Nurse Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2017, supports students enrolled in accredited nursing programs. This scholarship aims to empower future nurses by providing financial assistance to those demonstrating community service and financial need. The Dayton Foundation, serving Greater Dayton since 1921, is dedicated to enhancing local philanthropic efforts and addressing pressing community issues, making this scholarship a vital resource for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

William C. Armstrong Scholarship

Applicant must be a citizen and resident of Henderson County and a graduate of a Henderson County high school. Applicant must demonstrate financial need to attend a post-high school institution. 

The schlarship is renewable.

The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation focuses on enriching lives and making a positive impact in local communities. They prioritize funding for tax-exempt organizations that enhance education, health care, and support the under-served. The Foundation seeks to partner with those who demonstrate accountability and effective resource management, aligning with their mission for community enrichment and leadership development.

The Undergraduate Development Program Advisor Travel Award, hosted by the Society of Toxicology, enables faculty advisors to attend the Undergraduate Development Program from March 21-23, 2026. This initiative aims to familiarize advisors with toxicology and encourage them to guide students toward careers in biomedical sciences. Recipients of the award will participate in educational sessions, networking opportunities, and receive support for travel-related expenses, fostering diversity and innovation within the field.

The Lendon Cole Byram Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Cathedral High School and other Central Indiana high schools. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate community involvement, and have participated in speech, debate, or Model U.N. for at least two years. This scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their full potential through education.

The Abbvie Parkinson’s Disease Grant aims to enhance the understanding and management of subcutaneous infusion therapies for advanced Parkinson’s disease. As these therapies become more prevalent, it is crucial for Movement Disorder Specialists and General Neurologists to develop confidence in identifying, mitigating, and managing infusion site events. This grant seeks to provide essential education and resources to support safe and effective treatment options for patients experiencing motor fluctuations.

The Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program aims to enhance the lives of U.S. veterans by funding the construction or rehabilitation of supportive housing. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience in veteran housing. Since 2011, the Foundation has committed over $550 million to veteran causes and seeks to invest an additional $750 million by 2030, focusing on projects in major cities across the U.S.

The Thomas J. Sweeney Scholarship, established by the East Bay Community Foundation, honors labor leader Tom Sweeney. It awards $2,000 to graduating high school students accepted into college or university, and $1,000 to post-secondary students in undergraduate or graduate programs. Eligibility requires students to be members or dependents of IBEW Local 595 and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This scholarship supports educational expenses, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering academic success in the community.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The 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.

Jenice Schlein Denning Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide assistance with educational expenses for students who cannot otherwise afford attendance at an institution of higher learning. The applicant must be matriculating to a bachelor degree graduate institution, shown academic potential, and be pursuing a 4 year degree at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Financial need should be a major consideration for this award.

The scholarship is renewable.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Jesse and Hertha Adams Charitable Trust Scholarship

The Jesse and Hertha Adams Trust Scholarship is made available for those individuals who wish to achieve their dreams. Success is acknowledged through hard work and the effort you put forth. And the Jesse and Hertha Adams Scholarship acknowledges both. In addition to funding this named scholarship, the trust generously contributes to our program travel expenditures for our winners and many of our National Federation of the Blind other scholarships.

Margot Eiseman Scholarship Fund

Established to carry on Margot Eiseman's legacy as an artist and educator by helping young artists pursue their dreams of an education and career in art.

Amount: Varies

• $1,000-$3,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

The Tillie Odam Memorial Scholarship, established by John Odam in honor of his mother, supports Big Country high school seniors and alumni pursuing Health Information Technology or Allied Health programs. This scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provides financial assistance to students enrolling in accredited vocational or college programs. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, with payments sent directly to educational institutions for the fall and spring semesters.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Kurzweil Foundation and Ray Kurzweil

The Kurzweil Foundation and Ray Kurzweil contribute to each recipient’s award, and provide each finalist with a commemorative plaque in both print and Braille. Ray Kurzweil is a long-time friend of the Federation and deserves our special recognition.