Best Social Science Research Grants in Kentucky

Kentucky high school seniors from Piedmont planning to study health services or public service at a two- or four-year college can receive scholarship support through Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. This award may benefit students pursuing social science-related majors such as political science or public service fields at the undergraduate level.

Graduating high school seniors from Taos County planning to study political science, international affairs, global health, business, foreign languages, or related social science fields can receive US $250 - US $1,000 for college or vocational programs. The Taos Community Foundation’s Taos Diplomats Scholarship may interest Kentucky students researching political science who have Taos roots.

Kentucky students pursuing degrees or certifications in social sciences, including political science, sociology, social work, urban planning, women’s studies, or architecture, can access funding through the Community Foundation for Muskegon County’s Marguerite Holcomb Scholarship. This award may benefit those conducting or preparing for social science research as part of their higher education studies.

Undergraduate students majoring in political science, government, history, or pre-law can receive scholarship support for social science studies; awards are US $350 and based in Torrington, Connecticut. Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation’s Italian-American Republican Club Scholarship may benefit Kentucky students who meet the residency and Italian-descent criteria while pursuing these fields.

College-bound seniors interested in history, social science, or political science can apply for the James L. and Ruby L. Murray Memorial Scholarship, awarding US $500 - US $2,500 for bachelor’s studies at U.S. institutions. Eligible students must graduate from Trenton, Ewing, Cherry Hill West, or East Orange High Schools and have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Graduating high school seniors from Susquehanna County planning to study political science or governmental affairs can receive scholarship support for higher education. Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains offers the Susquehanna County Township Officials Association Scholarship, which may benefit students interested in social science research or political science careers beyond Kentucky.

Political science undergraduates and other college students in Kentucky pursuing a political science major can seek scholarship support for higher education costs. With a mission to strengthen education, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties provides students with competitive awards based on a 3.0+ GPA, demonstrated financial need, and/or academic achievement, open to applicants across the U.S.

High school seniors pursuing public administration or political science who are graduating from any Franklin County high school can receive renewable scholarship support for higher education. The Vern Chesbro Memorial Scholarship Fund from Greater Kansas City Community Foundation awards annual, variable scholarships, paid in two installments each year, for up to eight semesters to eligible students maintaining a 2.5 GPA.

Graduating high school seniors from Erie County, Ohio pursuing political science or computer science/technology degrees can receive scholarship support that may be renewed for up to three additional years. Grants from Erie County Community Foundation help students interested in political science, including those planning social science research careers in Kentucky or elsewhere, who demonstrate leadership, spirituality, and community service.

American Muslim undergraduate and graduate students in social science-related majors, including political science and international relations, studying at accredited U.S. universities can apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s policy scholarships; awards US $3,000 - US $5,000 for academic study. Students from Kentucky pursuing these ISF-supported fields may be eligible for this support.

U.S.-based PhD candidates conducting dissertation research on American political behavior can receive up to US $15,000 for survey research through the Rapoport Family Foundation, including students at Kentucky universities. With a mission to advance innovative political science research, the foundation funds projects using academically recognized survey organizations and backed by advisors and institutions.

Kentucky universities with Ph.D. programs in social sciences can access funding through the National Institute of Social Sciences to support nominated graduate students’ dissertation research. Accredited U.S. institutions may nominate up to two candidates in fields such as anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, or sociology, with grants up to US $5,000 for essential research expenses.

PhD-level agronomic, crop, soil, and related scientists interested in public policy can apply for a one-year Congressional science fellowship in Washington, D.C., open to U.S. citizens nationwide, including Kentucky. Grants from Crop Science Society of America help fellows work on Capitol Hill, receive a stipend and relocation support, and complete policy orientations.

Ph.D. candidates conducting social science research in fields like political science, history, law, or sociology, including those based in Kentucky, can apply for Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s National Fellowship Program to support dissertation completion. Funding covers research-related activities, travel for required residencies and conferences, and expenses for building scholarly networks around American politics, foreign policy, and America and the world.

Social science researchers with doctorates conducting behavioral science and decision-making studies can apply for Russell Sage Foundation grants of up to US $200,000. With a mission to advance rigorous social science, the foundation provides U.S.-based scholars, including those in Kentucky, support for work in economics, psychology, political science, law, housing, employment, criminal justice, immigration, and racial/ethnic relations.

Social science researchers with doctorates studying social, political, or economic inequality in the U.S., including those based in Kentucky, can seek up to US $200,000 for empirical research projects. Russell Sage Foundation supports work in economics, education, psychology, political science, and related social sciences through a competitive LOI and invited full-proposal process.

Advanced doctoral candidates conducting education-related social science research in the U.S. can receive up to US $25,000 to support dissertation work, mentoring, and conference participation. Focused on education research, American Educational Research Association invites minority scholars, including those in Kentucky, studying topics like policy, achievement gaps, or STEM learning to apply.

Universities and research institutions conducting social science and other STEM research in Kentucky can access funding for undergraduate research experiences through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Grants from the National Science Foundation help support REU Sites or Supplements across NSF-funded disciplines, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $500,000 for active student research participation.

Social science researchers and postdoctoral scholars in Kentucky can access funding for independent research and training through the SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships. Grants from the National Science Foundation help advance work in fields like economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, and related disciplines, with awards up to US $160,000 supporting early-career research careers.

The OAR Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for autistic individuals by funding community-led projects that address physical health and support services. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 are available for initiatives designed to produce practical tools and resources. Eligible applicants include family members, autistic individuals, and community organizations committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. Projects should be innovative, publicly accessible, and focus on priority topics such as health systems and community services.

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 Japan – U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program aims to foster collaborative projects addressing global issues through partnerships between Japanese and American organizations. It focuses on policy-oriented research and dialogue among diverse professionals, including academia and grassroots practitioners. Key thematic areas include resilience, inclusivity, and advancements in science and technology. Projects outside these themes may also be eligible if aligned with grant goals, covering topics like climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

The ACLS Digital Justice Seed Grants support projects that enhance equity and justice in digital scholarship, particularly focusing on marginalized communities. Funded by The Mellon Foundation, these grants foster innovative methodologies and resource sharing across disciplines. By promoting inclusivity in digital humanities, the program empowers scholars to engage with under-studied materials and develop sustainable practices, ensuring broader access to digital tools and expertise for impactful research initiatives.

The Ross Merrill Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Preservation and Care of Collections recognizes North American institutions demonstrating exceptional dedication to conservation. This award highlights organizations that engage in significant outreach, involve conservation professionals, and show a commitment to community education regarding the importance of preserving cultural heritage. While no monetary prize accompanies the award, it serves as a prestigious acknowledgment of exemplary conservation efforts. Nominations are encouraged from both inside and outside organizations.

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 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 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.