Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Alfred P. Sloan Economics Grant Program aims to provide essential public goods through innovative research that enhances U.S. economic progress. With a focus on equity and technological advancement, the program supports projects addressing pressing economic issues, such as competitiveness, regional development, and the economics of caregiving. By fostering rigorous, unbiased research, the foundation seeks to empower communities and inform policy, ultimately improving quality of life across the nation.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Henry Luce Foundation's Asia: Responsive Grants program supports initiatives that enhance understanding of East and Southeast Asia. With a focus on academic research, cultural exchange, and public education, the program seeks to promote collaboration between American and Asian institutions. Grants are awarded primarily to U.S.-based non-profits, fostering innovative teaching, resource development, and policy engagement, while prioritizing projects that bridge diverse disciplines and geographic divides.

The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The Environmental Sustainability program by the National Science Foundation aims to foster engineered systems that enhance human well-being while supporting natural ecosystems. It emphasizes sustainable practices in areas like circular bioeconomy, industrial ecology, green engineering, and ecological restoration. This initiative encourages research that balances ecological protection with economic stability, facilitating long-term sustainability. Proposals should engage graduate and undergraduate students and may incorporate social sciences to enrich engineering solutions. For more details, visit the NSF website.

The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation supports projects in the humanities, performing arts, and research libraries, emphasizing excellence in scholarship and creativity. Eligible organizations include U.S. not-for-profits and institutions that enhance the cultural heritage through historical studies, literature, and the arts. The Foundation favors projects that foster collaboration across disciplines, particularly those benefiting European and American history and letters. With a focus on excellence, it aims to broaden access to humanities resources and experiences.

The Global Health and Wellbeing Grantmaking program by Coefficient Giving focuses on addressing critical health and welfare issues worldwide. With an emphasis on proactive engagement and evidence-based solutions, the initiative supports projects that improve health outcomes and wellbeing. The program prioritizes funding for organizations tackling neglected global health challenges, advocating for effective philanthropy, and enhancing the lives of both humans and animals in vulnerable communities.

Amgen is a leading biotechnology company dedicated to advancing medicine through Independent Medical Education (IME). It funds accredited educational programs that empower healthcare providers to enhance patient care. IME funding supports critical areas such as oncology, bone health, cardiovascular education, and more. Amgen's commitment ensures that these educational activities remain unbiased and compliant with applicable guidelines, fostering innovation and improved health outcomes for patients worldwide.

The Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation Grant provides vital funding to nonprofit organizations focused on intellectual freedom, medical research for rare diseases, Jewish heritage preservation, elder care, and climate change initiatives. By supporting innovative projects that align with their mission, the foundation aims to uplift communities and foster meaningful societal contributions. Organizations must be 501c-3 compliant and demonstrate a clear plan for engagement with beneficiaries and measurable objectives to be eligible for funding.

The Amgen Foundation Inc focuses on non-healthcare donations and sponsorships that target humanitarian, social, educational, and community programs. They offer support to organizations outside the U.S. healthcare community, particularly those recognized as tax-exempt public charities. Eligible organizations must serve specific Amgen communities throughout the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes and address critical societal needs, thereby reducing the burden of disease and improving lives.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Public Understanding of Science & Technology Grant - Special Initiatives aims to enhance societal appreciation for science and technology. This program supports high-impact projects that bridge the gap between science and the humanities, promoting a common understanding. With a focus on diverse media, it seeks innovative ways to share scientific knowledge and address pressing issues like privacy in the digital age and access to information. Grantseekers are encouraged to submit letters of inquiry for further engagement.

The Public Understanding of Science & Technology Grant focuses on enhancing public engagement with science through platforms like YouTube and TikTok. This initiative supports innovative creators who produce content that tackles scientific and technological themes, aiming to diversify voices in the media landscape. By providing resources to underrepresented creators and fostering high-quality science communication, the grant seeks to combat misinformation and reach younger audiences, ultimately bridging the gap between science and the public.

The Rural Technology Education Grants support innovative projects in public schools and libraries, focusing on technology education. Grant amounts range from $500 to $2500, aimed at fostering student interest in fields like computer science and robotics. These grants prioritize rural and high-poverty areas, helping multiple students through initiatives like maker spaces and coding clubs. No specific deadlines exist for applications, allowing for flexible participation in enhancing technology-driven education.

The U.S. Healthcare Donations program by Amgen aims to support not-for-profit organizations in the healthcare sector. As a leading biotechnology company, Amgen provides funding for initiatives that improve science, technology, education, and public awareness on medical conditions. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt entities, focusing on genuine philanthropic efforts that align with Amgen's mission to enhance health outcomes and reduce the burden of diseases.

The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards celebrate significant contributions across various scientific, technological, and artistic disciplines. With eight categories, including Climate Change and Environmental Sciences, and Music and Opera, the awards offer €400,000, a diploma, and a commemorative artwork. Open to individuals and organizations, the awards encourage collaborative advancements while adhering to nomination guidelines that exclude posthumous awards and self-nominations. This initiative highlights the foundation's commitment to fostering excellence in knowledge and cultural creation.

The Wright-Ingraham Institute offers the Richard T. Parker Grant, aimed at supporting organizations dedicated to environmental education, wildlife conservation, and scientific research. With a funding amount of $10,000, this grant encourages innovative solutions to tackle climate change, land issues, and wildlife preservation. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c(3) organizations capable of handling funds in US dollars. Applications are accepted biennially, with the next deadline in August 2025.

The Francisco J. Varela Research Grant, offered by the Mind & Life Institute, supports contemplative research aimed at understanding human experience through various disciplines. Grants up to $25,000 are awarded annually to scientists and scholars who have participated in the Mind & Life Summer Research Institute. This initiative emphasizes personal well-being, compassionate communities, and the human-earth connection, encouraging proposals that integrate contemplative practices with scientific inquiry to foster emotional resilience and societal compassion.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

The Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund is a pioneering initiative empowering youth and intergenerational organizations to shape the responsible technology movement. With $1.5 million in funding, it offers grants between $25,000 and $200,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities. The fund focuses on enhancing human rights, addressing social issues through tech, and ensuring equitable access, while encouraging innovative and equitable solutions from youth-led initiatives.

The Kyndryl Foundation Grant aims to empower communities through investments in education, technology, and workforce development. With a focus on cybersecurity and AI skills for underrepresented learners, the foundation fosters balanced partnerships and innovation. It prioritizes transparency and integrity, ensuring grants support long-term impact. This initiative aligns with Kyndryl's mission to create a sustainable future by enhancing access to opportunities and resources for all, thereby promoting diversity and inclusivity in economic growth.

The Career Enhancement Fellowship, offered by Citizens & Scholars, supports junior faculty from diverse backgrounds in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. With stipends up to $35,000, funding for research, and travel support, this program nurtures academic diversity and enhances campus perspectives. Since 2001, over 400 fellows have advanced their careers while fostering a rich academic community. The fellowship promotes innovative scholarship and leadership roles, contributing to a more inclusive academic environment.

The RFP: Science Perception Box aims to fund up to 10 innovative neuroscientific research projects that explore how individuals can expand their Perception Box, a concept suggesting that reality is a mental construct. Focused on enhancing mental health and wellness, particularly in children and adolescents, the initiative encourages projects that investigate mindfulness, breathwork, and other transformative experiences. Research should be empirically sound and geared towards developing practical interventions that can help mitigate anxiety and promote compassion.

The 100X Impact Accelerator Grant, based at the London School of Economics, seeks to empower social ventures aiming for transformative change. With a focus on innovation in crucial areas like climate, democracy, and well-being, this program supports visionary entrepreneurs with catalytic funding and mentorship. The 12-week hybrid accelerator fosters collaboration among like-minded social entrepreneurs, providing essential resources to scale impactful solutions. Eligible ventures must demonstrate a mission-driven approach and tangible impact, aiming to create scalable, sustainable solutions for global challenges.

The Wikimedia Research Fund Grant aims to support diverse research initiatives that enhance the understanding of Wikimedia projects. With funding ranging from $2,000 to $150,000, it encourages submissions from established researchers across various disciplines. The grant prioritizes projects that address significant research gaps while promoting knowledge equity and community engagement. This initiative aligns with the Wikimedia Foundation's mission to empower individuals and groups dedicated to advancing free knowledge and fostering collaboration within the research community.

The Huo Junior Faculty Research Grants, provided by the Huo Family Foundation, aim to support early career researchers investigating the impact of digital technology on brain development, social behavior, and mental health in youth aged 7-24. With a grant of up to £200,000 per year for three years, applicants are encouraged to explore causal pathways and engage young people in design and execution. The foundation seeks to advance multi-disciplinary research to foster the next generation of scientists in this critical area.

The Boustany Foundation's Sport 4 Children Award aims to enhance children's lives through sports, fostering happiness, health, and social skills. Open to organizations globally, the award supports projects that utilize sports for children's well-being. With a funding of 50,000 Euros, it encourages innovative and inclusive initiatives that promote participation in sports, aiming to create positive behavioral changes and community engagement. The foundation believes in the transformative power of sports to build responsible and healthy adults.