Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The February One Scholarship Program honors the legacy of the A&T Four, students who sparked a national sit-in movement in 1960. This merit-based scholarship aims to attract high-achieving students to NC A&T, covering tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with at least a 3.75 GPA and a commitment to leadership and service. It empowers students to thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment while honoring social consciousness.

The Community Foundation Grants - Emanuel A. and Romilda P. Richard Fund supports projects that enhance the quality of life in Burke County, especially in Valdese, North Carolina. This grant is part of the Annual Community Foundation Grant Cycle and is available to tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations. The Community Foundation of Burke County utilizes an online grant management system for applications and follow-ups.

The Society for the Humanities at Cornell University offers the Society Fellowships for 2026-27, inviting applications from scholars and artists focusing on the theme of Scale. This one-year residential fellowship provides selected fellows with $62,000 to support their research. Participants engage in a collaborative environment, teaching a seminar and attending weekly discussions. The program emphasizes a commitment to community and inclusivity, welcoming diverse perspectives in the humanities to enrich the academic experience.

The Wegener Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Central Oklahoma that enhance the quality of life through education, health, arts, and community services. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes long-term partnerships with organizations demonstrating ongoing community impact. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation encourages projects that address the needs of diverse community members to foster sustainable growth and improve living conditions across the Oklahoma City metro area.

The Waterfield Foundation Grant supports charitable and educational initiatives primarily in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and political subdivisions within the state. The foundation emphasizes projects that demonstrate a proven track record in the community or require private support. Note that grants are typically awarded once a year, and applications are reviewed during quarterly meetings. Organizations that are private foundations are not eligible for funding.

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 Kempner Fund's Micro-Grants Program aims to empower new and smaller non-profit organizations in Galveston by providing seed funding of up to $5,000. This program is designed for organizations that are five years old or younger or have annual budgets below $500,000. It focuses on community-based solutions and innovative ideas to create a meaningful impact in the local area, ensuring that funding primarily supports the Galveston community.

The American Trust for the British Library-Newberry Transatlantic Fellowship offers scholars the opportunity to conduct research in both the British Library and the Newberry Library. This fellowship, which lasts at least one month and provides a stipend of $5,000 per month, encourages innovative research utilizing primary source materials from both institutions. Open to all scholars, including those at the ABD stage, it aims to foster transatlantic scholarly collaboration.

The Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel Joint Fellowship offers researchers a unique opportunity to conduct scholarly work for two months, combining resources from both the Newberry Library and the Herzog August Bibliothek in Germany. This fellowship supports scholars at various stages, including ABD candidates, providing a stipend of $3,000 plus additional funding for travel. Ideal for both domestic and international applicants, this fellowship fosters a collaborative research environment while promoting the exploration of historical collections.

The Arthur and Lila Weinberg Artist-in-Residence Fellowship at The Newberry Library supports independent researchers like writers, artists, and filmmakers, providing a stipend of $3,000 for one month of access to its rich collections. This fellowship is designed for those outside traditional academic settings and encourages projects focused on social justice and reform. Open to international scholars, it aims to foster creativity and scholarly work at one of Chicago's historic cultural institutions.

The AHC REACH Grant, offered by the Arkansas Humanities Council (HumanitiesAR), supports innovative humanities-based projects in Arkansas. These projects aim to connect communities to their history and promote understanding through various activities including storytelling, public programs, and education initiatives. While it encourages projects that engage diverse audiences, it excludes fundraising, political advocacy, and certain educational courses. The grant reflects a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in the humanities.

The New Jersey Cultural Trust offers Institutional and Financial Stabilization Grants for History and Humanities Organizations to strengthen the financial and operational capabilities of qualified organizations. This program aims to address challenges that threaten stability while enhancing capacity to fulfill missions. The grants support essential projects and are available to organizations designated as qualified by the Cultural Trust. Applications are reviewed following a Declaration of Intent to Apply by the specified deadlines.

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.