Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

David E. Knox Memorial Nursing Fellowship Fund

The David E. Knox Memorial Nursing Fellowship was established to support outstanding candidates in the pursuit of registered nursing degrees and service to small Alaskan communities. The fellowship honors the memory of David Knox, who moved to Alaska in 1973 to pursue a career in surgical nursing after serving in the Army as a surgical technician in Vietnam. Starting his work in Sitka in the Public Health Service surgical unit, Knox soon earned his R.N. degree through UAA. After 10 years with PHS, he was hired to coordinate the surgical unit at Sitka Community Hospital. He brought a high level of leadership and expertise to Sitka’s surgical unit, helping it become one of Alaska’s leading rural health units.

The new surgical suite at SCH was dedicated in his honor and a plaque was erected that reads “a beloved husband, father, mentor, and friend who selflessly served his community, patients, family, and friends.”

Ideal fellowship candidates will embody the same nurturing compassion, detailed organization, high technical standards, and devotion to healthcare for which David was known.

The Alvin & Kathryn Schmidt Scholarship, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports adult learners, particularly women aged 21 and older returning to education. This non-renewable scholarship emphasizes the importance of education for residents of Crown Point, IN, and aims to enhance their quality of life by providing essential financial assistance. The scholarship committee evaluates applications based on criteria set by generous community donors, ensuring tailored support for individual needs.

Hero Fund America Fund Seeks Applications for its First Responders Grant Round

Hero Fund America (HFA) Fund, a field-of-interest fund of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, is seeking applications for its First Responders Grant Round for programs, projects, and other needs that will support education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health of fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies.

Hero Fund America Fund was founded in partnership with Hero Fund America by Garth Roberts of Sharon Springs, NY. Inspired by the selfless and heroic efforts of first responders during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, Roberts initiated the Provincetown First Responders Appreciation Month, honoring 45 Boston EMS paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, and their families. The success of that project inspired the 2016 creation of Hero Fund America.

Since 2016, the fund has awarded more than 100 grants totaling over $123,000 to meet the needs of first responders across the nation.

“Grants awarded through the Hero Fund America Fund have helped departments improve their abilities to better serve and protect the civilian population,” said Roberts. “Hero Fund America remains firmly committed to raising both funding and awareness in support of the First Responder community.”

The Lowell Teachers Scholarships, offered by Harvard University, allow middle and high school teachers to enroll in one Extension School course per term at half the tuition cost. This initiative promotes professional development by making Harvard's rigorous academic programs accessible to educators. Limited scholarships are available, encouraging early application. Note that these scholarships cannot be used for summer courses or combined with other financial aid, ensuring focused support for teachers dedicated to enhancing their skills.

The LACCW Resilience Scholarship Program, initiated by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, supports women in overcoming personal and academic challenges. Established in 1999, it has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, emphasizing resilience and determination. Eligible applicants must reside in Los Angeles County and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA while enrolled in accredited educational programs. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also motivates women to achieve their academic goals despite adversities.

The JFGS Women's Endowment Fund Grants, administered by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Seattle, offer up to $10,000 for programs that enhance the lives of women and girls in the Western Washington Jewish community. Grants are awarded biennially and prioritize initiatives that foster social change and empower participants. Eligible organizations must demonstrate ongoing community service for at least two years. These grants aim to build a vibrant Jewish community through impactful projects.

The McMichael Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports women over 21 who are residents of Crown Point, IN. This non-renewable scholarship is designed for college students and adult learners, providing financial assistance to help meet various educational needs. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, tailoring support to the specific criteria set by generous donors, thereby enriching the quality of life in South Lake County.

About our Club

Service Above Self

The Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island’s mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance local community and world understanding, goodwill, and peace through a fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 75 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects for our island community and beyond. We are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Community Grants

Background

The Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island has a long and proud history of awarding grants to support diverse community projects, dating back to the Club’s founding in 1947. Members of the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island are stewards of funds we raise at our annual Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale. We strive to manage funds in an effective, appropriate, and timely manner; and ensure that grant awards result in positive impacts in our community.

Rotary’s strategic focus is to positively impact health and well-being, equity, and the environment. Our grant application will ask you, the applicant, to describe how your grant request supports one or more aspects of this strategic focus.

The Emergency Capital Needs Fund, managed by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, provides crucial support to Jewish community organizations facing emergency repairs or replacements. With loans up to $75,000 available, it assists institutions and synagogues in addressing urgent capital needs, including physical plant equipment and security upgrades. This fund plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and safety of community facilities in Western Washington.

The ISF New Student Scholarship supports orphaned or former foster care students in their pursuit of higher education. By providing financial assistance and mentoring, ISF empowers these students to overcome obstacles and thrive academically. Recipients are selected based on their moral character, commitment to personal growth, and readiness to engage in leadership training. This initiative aims to transform lives and foster the next generation of leaders.

Orizon Real Estate Ducks Unlimited Scholarship

This scholarship goes to a Whitley County senior pursuing and education in conservation or the environment.

The Boesl-Gentry Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support graduating high school seniors from specific schools pursuing studies in Ministry or related fields. This $1,200 scholarship requires an essay and a letter of recommendation. Eligible students must apply to accredited post-secondary institutions and provide transcripts. The foundation is committed to enhancing community quality of life through various initiatives, underscoring values of integrity, respect, leadership, and vision.

The Chris Bell Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $3,000 scholarship for graduating high school seniors from Springfield public schools. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.8 or higher and an ACT score of 26 or above, along with a transcript. A compelling essay and a letter of recommendation are also required. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited four-year colleges or universities.

The Liv A Life of Love Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support high school seniors from various local schools who are pursuing a major in Health Science. With a scholarship amount of $1,200, applicants must demonstrate community service involvement, submit an essay, and provide a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 along with financial need documentation. This initiative empowers students to further their education while contributing positively to their communities.

The American Musicological Society (AMS) provides publication subventions to support music scholarship. With an annual budget of approximately $80,000, these funds assist institutions and individuals, particularly those in the Coalition of Music Organizations, in covering publication costs and enhancing accessibility. Grants are available for various formats including books and articles, promoting diversity in music studies and ensuring that scholarly works can reach a wider audience.

The American Musicological Society (AMS) offers publication subventions to individuals for music studies-related works. With an annual funding of approximately $80,000, the AMS supports authors and editors in covering costs such as illustrations, translations, and copy-editing. Eligible applicants must be AMS members and can request up to $2,500, provided they haven't received funding in the last three years. This initiative promotes scholarly contributions and embraces innovative projects across all career stages.

Boom & Bucket's Student Scholarship Program aims to provide a $1,000 scholarship each year to students pursuing heavy machinery programs at colleges or trade schools in the U.S. and Canada. This initiative supports both current and future students, ensuring access to quality education regardless of financial background. By investing in education, Boom & Bucket hopes to foster the next generation of heavy equipment professionals while demonstrating its commitment to transparency and customer service.

The Wyeth Foundation for American Art aims to promote the study and appreciation of historic American art through financial support for research, conservation, and innovative exhibitions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are awarded to non-profit organizations. The foundation emphasizes the importance of scholarship and excellence in American art, while not funding projects focusing solely on art from the last three decades.

The NMDP Amy Strelzer Manasevit Research Program Grant supports early-career researchers in hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy. With a maximum funding of $400,000 over five years, it aims to address complications post-transplant, such as infection and relapse. This prestigious grant encourages innovative research proposals, particularly those targeting HLA-mismatched donor outcomes. By fostering new talent in the field, the program is essential for advancing our understanding of critical post-transplant challenges.

The Henry, Neil and Alison Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $2,500 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. Eligible students must have participated in track and field during their junior and senior years, possess a minimum ACT composite score of 21, and demonstrate good citizenship. Selection criteria favor well-rounded involvement in extracurricular activities. The Foundation, founded in 1987, supports educational opportunities with over $55,000 awarded annually in scholarships.

The Bonham, Vivian M. Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $2,500 scholarship to a graduating senior girl from Beatrice High School pursuing a business career. Established to support students in need, the scholarship is awarded based on interest in business, financial need, and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Recipients must submit a faculty recommendation from a business teacher and a Student Aid Report from FAFSA. This scholarship aims to empower future female leaders in business.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Marsha J. Alico Memorial Scholarship

Marsha Alico taught for Apollo-Ridge School District from 1972-2006, with 30 of those years teaching third grade. (A few of her later students were children of her early students!) Throughout all of those classes, there was not a single kid she did not care deeply about; and she kept every card and homemade gift they gave her, some for decades. She spent evenings, school breaks, and summers finding and working on new ways to engage her students; and she talked about her “kids” daily until her family felt like we knew them too. 

Shortly after she retired, Marsha, who laughed easily and rarely stood still, was diagnosed with cancer and died after a courageous nine-month battle.  In her memory, we hope to help the next generation of teachers and child advocates pursue their degrees and inspire future kids.

Fund provides scholarships to further the education of young men and women who appear to be able, deserving, and in real need of financial assistance in their post high school education in the fields of either technical, vocational, academic, or professional education.

Amount

• $1,000+

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Leo S. Kijowski Memorial Scholarship

Leo S. Kijowski was a lifelong resident of Armstrong County who fought in the Korean War. While on patrol in Korea in October, 1951, a bomb exploded near him and burnt over 55% of his body, 30% of which were 3rd degree burns. Leo spent a total of two years at the Fort Sam Houston Burn Center and had his weight drop to as little as 75 lbs. He then spent two more years at the Aspinwall VA Hospital where he went through painful physical therapy and numerous plastic surgeries. At times during his hospitalization he came close to death.

Leo received numerous medals, including the Purple Heart for his service. Upon returning home, Leo spent much time recuperating in veteran’s hospitals, but he furthered his education by attending St. Vincent’s College, and was involved in citizen efforts to improve Ford City. He joined the Ford City Lion’s Club and became one of its most active and productive leaders. Leo was a Lion for over thirty five years, serving as the Club president and chairman of numerous committees. Not only was he instrumental in activities that raised money for building and maintaining the Ford City Public Library, but he also guided the efforts involving the design and the raising of funds to erect the monument to our nation’s veterans in Ford Park. He was an active promoter of the annual Candlelight Service each Memorial Day, the Meals on Wheels Program, and the Youth Work Referral Service. The Lions presented him with the Achievement Award in 1970, the District Service Award for Lionism in 1981, and the Outstanding Humanitarian Award to Lionism and Community in 1983. Leo was a member of the Ford City Planning and Zoning Commission for six years, he helped to formulate the Comprehensive Master Plan that made possible the renewal of Ford City during its Renaissance and was also involved in the planning and construction of the Ford Park gazebo. In 1995, he was inducted into the Ford City Hall of Fame. 

Leo lived to the age of 91 and found a way to continually selflessly volunteer in the local community in spite of all of his injuries. 

The Replogle, Greg Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a nursing career. Candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and be active members of their class. Preference is given to students involved in extracurricular activities during their junior and senior years. This scholarship aims to support students in their higher education endeavors, ensuring they have the financial resources needed for success.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Brett Charmello Memorial Scholarship

The Brett Charmello Memorial Scholarship Fund was started by friends of Brett, after he lost his life in a tragic car accident in 2010.

The Russell, John; Dentistry Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a career in dentistry. This $2,000 scholarship is disbursed in two installments, contingent on continued enrollment in a dentistry program. It is designed for students with financial need, providing invaluable assistance for tuition, room and board, or books during their undergraduate studies.