Best Social Science Research Grants in Maine

Maine high school seniors planning to study health services or public service at a two- or four-year college may be eligible for scholarship support through the Raymond and Paulette Cox Scholarship, administered by Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. Students intending to pursue political science or related social science fields within these majors may benefit.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing political science or related international fields can receive US $250 - US $1,000 for college or vocational programs through the Taos Diplomats Scholarship. Taos Community Foundation supports political science and international affairs studies; Maine students with ties to Taos County and a 3.0+ GPA may be eligible.

Students pursuing degrees or certifications in social sciences, urban planning, political science, women’s studies, social work, sociology, or architecture in Maine may be eligible for this scholarship supporting higher education. Maine social science researchers can access funding through Community Foundation for Muskegon County’s Marguerite Holcomb Scholarship to advance their academic studies and career preparation.

Undergraduate students majoring in political science, government, history, or pre-law who are Torrington, Connecticut residents of Italian descent can receive US $350 to support their junior or senior year studies. Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation’s Italian-American Republican Club Scholarship may benefit social science students whose research interests connect with Maine-focused topics.

College-bound seniors pursuing history, social science, or political science at a U.S. college can apply for the James L. and Ruby L. Murray Memorial Scholarship, awarding US $500 - US $2,500. Administered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, eligible students must graduate from specified New Jersey high schools and may include those interested in social science research in Maine.

Graduating high school seniors from Susquehanna County planning to major in governmental affairs or political science can receive scholarship support for higher education. Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains administers this award, which may benefit students interested in social science research careers, including those who plan to study or work in places like Maine.

Undergraduate or graduate students in Maine majoring in political science can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. With a mission to strengthen education, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties provides political science students with competitive awards based on a 3.0+ GPA, demonstrated financial need, and/or strong academic achievement.

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, managed by Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, may benefit students interested in social science research and related studies in Maine and beyond.

Graduates of any Erie County, Ohio high school pursuing political science or computer science/technology degrees can receive scholarship support, renewable for up to three additional years. Grants from Erie County Community Foundation help Maine social science research audiences see this award, though eligibility is limited to these Ohio students with at least a 3.0 GPA and strong leadership and service.

Muslim undergraduate and graduate students in Maine studying social science fields like political science, international relations, or sociology can apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s Policy Scholarship Program, which awards US $3,000 - US $5,000 for their studies. Eligible applicants must attend a U.S. accredited university and be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.

U.S.-based PhD candidates conducting dissertation research on American political behavior can receive up to US $15,000 for survey research through academically recognized survey organizations. With a mission to support innovative political science research, Rapoport Family Foundation provides funding via students’ accredited U.S. universities, which may include institutions serving Maine-focused social science projects.

Maine 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 political science, economics, sociology, history, anthropology, psychology, or related interdisciplinary work, with awards up to US $5,000 for necessary research expenses.

Political science PhD holders interested in public policy can access fellowship support through the Crop Science Society of America to work in Congress for one year in Washington, D.C. Grants from Crop Science Society of America help Maine social science researchers with agronomic, crop, soil, or related expertise engage directly in federal legislative work.

Ph.D. candidates conducting social science research, including political science and related fields, can apply for Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s National Fellowship Program, open to scholars in Maine and beyond. The fellowship supports dissertation completion, policy-focused research networks, conferences, and mentored professional development in American politics, foreign policy, and America’s role in the world.

Doctoral-level social science researchers conducting behavioral science and decision-making studies, including in Maine, can apply for Russell Sage Foundation core research grants of up to US $200,000. With a mission to advance rigorous social science, the foundation supports work in economics, psychology, political science, law, public policy, housing, employment, criminal justice, immigration, and racial/ethnic relations.

Social science researchers studying political science and related fields in Maine can seek funding for projects on social, political, and economic inequality in the U.S.; awards up to US $200,000 support high-quality, well-developed research. Russell Sage Foundation supports this work through competitive core research grants requiring a letter of inquiry before full proposals.

Doctoral candidates conducting education-focused social science research at accredited U.S. universities can receive up to US $25,000 to support dissertation work, including research expenses and living costs. Focused on advancing rigorous education research by underrepresented racial and ethnic minority scholars, the American Educational Research Association fellowship may benefit Maine-based graduate students in fields like political science, sociology, psychology, and public policy.

Colleges, universities, and research organizations in Maine conducting undergraduate social science or STEM research can access funding through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Grants from National Science Foundation help U.S.-based projects offer mentored research experiences for undergraduates, including REU Sites and Supplements, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $500,000.

Postdoctoral researchers in social, behavioral, and economic sciences can apply for National Science Foundation fellowships supporting independent research and training, with awards up to US $160,000. Grants from National Science Foundation help Maine social science researchers pursue projects in fields like political science, economics, sociology, and related disciplines through the SPRF-FR and SPRF-BP tracks.

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 Walking Classroom Grant Program, offered by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, enables classroom teachers in public schools to receive donated materials for their students. This innovative program promotes physical activity while maintaining instructional time through engaging podcasts. Ideal for grades 3-8, it enhances cognitive function and retention. Schools with the greatest need, both socioeconomically and academically, are prioritized, ensuring that all students can benefit from this unique educational approach.

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.