Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Cullman Center Fellowship at The New York Public Library supports scholars and writers by providing access to extensive research collections. This prestigious program offers a nine-month term for 15 selected Fellows, who receive a stipend of $85,000 and workspace at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The Fellowship encourages high-quality writing and robust dialogue in public forums, promoting diverse perspectives across various disciplines. Ideal candidates include academics, creative writers, and visual artists committed to advancing their projects and engaging with the community.

The Research Incubation Fund by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs supports early-stage research projects in social sciences. With annual awards of $30,000, it aims to help faculty develop proposals for major funding agencies. The fund emphasizes collaboration, planning, and access to resources necessary for successful project development. It addresses the challenges faced by nascent research teams, providing critical support to navigate the complexities of securing external funding and fostering innovative research endeavors.

The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University offers competitive grants for Tenure-Track Faculty Synergy Semesters and Faculty Research-Semester Leaves. These grants support Faculty Associates in their research endeavors, encouraging the integration of scholarly work into undergraduate courses. Eligible faculty can apply for funding that facilitates a semester-long leave dedicated to advancing their research in international affairs, thus enhancing their teaching and mentoring capabilities for undergraduate students.

The Graduate Student Associates Program at Harvard's Weatherhead Center fosters a collaborative interdisciplinary environment for doctoral candidates from various fields. It provides shared office space, research grants up to $3,000, and opportunities for professional development. Participants engage in weekly seminars to present their work and receive feedback, enhancing their research methodologies and communication skills. This program supports students' transition to professional careers while promoting diverse academic perspectives.

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies—Academy Scholars Program is designed for recent PhD recipients and advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences. This prestigious program provides a two-year in-residence postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, offering financial and research support. Scholars engage in interdisciplinary research, mentorship, and collaborative activities to enhance their academic careers while contributing insights on global issues through a comparative lens.

The Kenneth I. Juster Fellowships for Undergraduate Research and Travel, offered by the Weatherhead Center at Harvard University, provide financial support for Harvard undergraduates pursuing field research or experiences in international relations, trade, and development. Grants vary based on destination and project type. Eligible students include sophomores, juniors, and seniors, primarily within social sciences, and projects can be conducted during winter break or term-time leaves.

The Summer Travel Grants and the Undergraduate Associates Program, offered by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, provides financial support for Harvard undergraduates conducting summer field research related to international affairs. Grants range from $1,000 to $6,000 and recipients become Undergraduate Associates, participating in workshops and presenting their findings. This initiative encourages research that addresses global issues and supports students from various fields, enhancing their academic and professional development.

The RSA–Virginia Fox Stern Center Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars to conduct intensive research at the Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries. This one-month fellowship focuses on pre-1800 rare book and manuscript collections, particularly the Women of the Book Collection and the Bibliotheca Fictiva Collection. It encourages innovative research that contributes to Renaissance studies, supporting scholars across all disciplines and career levels.

FNBO: Capital or Major Donations aims to support nonprofit organizations through significant financial contributions for capital projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing community well-being by addressing key areas such as affordable housing, environmental stability, and education. FNBO prioritizes partnerships with nonprofits dedicated to long-term impacts, especially for historically underrepresented populations. By fostering community engagement and providing essential resources, FNBO strives to create a positive influence in the regions it serves.

The Beal Foundation Grant, established in 1963, supports the betterment of Midland, Texas by funding organizations focused on education, health, humanities, and welfare. Grants are available to qualified tax-exempt organizations, ensuring a lasting impact on the community. The Foundation prioritizes applications that align with their mission and have demonstrated need. This legacy continues to enhance the quality of life for residents in Midland, reflecting the founders' commitment to community improvement.

The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship offers up to $9,500 annually for two years, alongside a paid summer internship at NOAA. This program enhances students' training in oceanic and atmospheric sciences, aiming to increase public understanding and support for environmental stewardship. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in relevant disciplines, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The experience fosters valuable skills and networks, with 100% of alumni recommending the scholarship.

The Washington County Community Foundation offers Internship Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Washington County. These grants support nonprofit organizations by providing monetary stipends for student interns engaged in services while enrolled in accredited post-secondary education. With a commitment to philanthropy, the Foundation ensures effective charitable giving, promoting community improvement across various focus areas, including education, health, and arts.

The Missouri Humanities Mini Grants support nonprofit projects focusing on Veterans Initiatives, Literacy Festivals, Film Projects, and themes aligned with their annual Signature Series. Grants provide funding up to $5,000 for innovative humanities-based projects that enhance community engagement. While alignment with specific themes is preferred, it is not mandatory, ensuring a broad range of impactful projects can be considered. This initiative fosters cultural enrichment and educational opportunities across Missouri.

Missouri Humanities offers Major Grants aimed at supporting projects that enhance veterans' initiatives, literacy programs, film projects, and themes from their annual Signature Series. Grants can fund projects up to $15,000 and are available to nonprofit organizations dedicated to the humanities. While alignment with specified themes is not required, preference is given to projects that incorporate these areas, fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment.

The General Operating Support Grant, offered by HumanitiesDC, provides crucial unrestricted funds to bolster the humanities sector in Washington, D.C. This grant is targeted at non-profit organizations with a humanities-focused mission and an annual budget of less than $2 million. With an award amount of up to $25,000, it aims to support the sustainability and growth of these organizations, enhancing the vibrant cultural landscape of the city.

The Edinburgh Fellowship, sponsored by the American Philosophical Association, offers a unique opportunity for researchers to engage with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh. Although there is no funding, fellows gain access to a vibrant research community and extensive library resources. This fellowship, lasting from two to six months, encourages interdisciplinary work on themes of independence and nation-making, aligning with the institute's 2026-2027 focus.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Core Research Grants program focuses on Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration, aiming to foster interdisciplinary research on the changing demographics of the U.S. population. This initiative encourages innovative collaboration among social scientists to enhance research quality and support the ideals of a pluralistic society. By building on insights from previous programs, it seeks to address critical questions concerning race and ethnicity within the context of immigration.

The Paloheimo Foundation Fellowship offers a nine-month residency at the School for Advanced Research for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship supports the preparation of manuscripts or dissertations, providing $35,000 in stipend, low-cost housing, and office space. Open to PhD candidates, the program emphasizes research that enriches the understanding of human culture and history. Applications are accepted from September to November, fostering a collaborative academic environment.

The Wenner-Gren Fellowship, offered by the School for Advanced Research, supports scholars in anthropology and related fields, particularly those focusing on Black studies and under-represented perspectives. This nine-month residential fellowship provides a $50,000 stipend, low-cost housing, and office space, fostering a collaborative research environment. Open to PhD-holding anthropologists, the program encourages innovative proposals that contribute to the humanities and social sciences, enhancing the understanding of human culture and history.

The Neag Foundation Grant aims to foster positive change in education, healthcare, and the arts. Supporting initiatives in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, the foundation focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, advancing healthcare interventions, and promoting the arts and humanities. By encouraging innovative projects that receive community support, it seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Organizations with a 501(c)(3) status are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities that align with these goals.

The Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships in China Studies – Flexible support innovative research and writing for early career scholars. Designed for those with heavy teaching loads, these fellowships enable recent PhDs to produce significant scholarly work in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. Applicants can use funds for travel, childcare, and research expenses, with a focus on projects that engage both academic and public audiences, enhancing connections between scholarship and community.

The Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Scholarship Fund supports Hawaii residents of Filipino ancestry pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Established in 2004, this fund prioritizes students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and intend to study fields related to culture, arts, or communications. The foundation encourages applications from previous recipients in good standing, ensuring continued support for eligible students committed to their academic and cultural studies.

The Marion Maccarrell Scott Scholarship, established by Gertrude F. Straub in memory of her father, supports students from Hawai'i public high schools planning to attend college on the mainland. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess good character, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. This scholarship encourages studies in fields related to history, government, and international relations, promoting an understanding of world cooperation and peace.

The Kazuo and Nancy Asato Scholarship Fund, established in 2023, aims to support students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate financial need, good character, and academic merit. Preference is given to previous awardees who continue to meet requirements. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in social work and related fields, fostering opportunities for students to excel in their academic pursuits.

The Karst - Merdes Scholarship Fund supports residents of Hawai’i, particularly those with financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.0, including youth who have experienced foster care. Preference is given to Kauai residents pursuing careers in healthcare, education, or social work, and to prior recipients who maintain eligibility. This fund strives to empower students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship Fund honors Samuel W. Wilcox II, supporting Kauai residents pursuing degrees in finance, business, or liberal arts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students. Preference is given to previous awardees who remain eligible. This fund aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals while honoring the legacy of its founder through continued support for higher education.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, honors a graduate student dedicated to advancing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, and public health. Established in 2020 by the American Water Works Association, this $3,000 scholarship aims to support innovative research that addresses pressing challenges in the water industry. By investing in future leaders, AWWA reinforces its commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable water for all.