Best Social Science Research Grants in Massachusetts

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Massachusetts nonprofits and NGOs providing health care, humanitarian aid, or social services to marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs in health, education, or disaster relief. Organizations conducting social science research connected to these areas, such as evaluating health access or humanitarian interventions, may also be competitive applicants.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Massachusetts social science researchers in medieval European history can access funding through the Medieval Academy of America to support travel and access to original sources, archives, manuscripts, artworks, or monuments. Ph.D. candidates and non-tenure-track scholars who are Academy members may receive US $5,000 awards, announced at the Medieval Academy annual meeting.

Massachusetts medieval studies researchers with original, primary-source-based projects that illuminate present-day issues can access funding through the Medieval Academy of America. This annual Monica H. Green Prize awards US $1,000 for exceptional medieval research, including interdisciplinary work that connects historical disciplines with fields such as science, medicine, or public policy.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships, including those working in social science or political science research. Insperity supports organizations in Suffolk County through philanthropic contributions and sponsorships when they engage employees, are clients, or serve local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports initiatives that help vulnerable families and children build better futures; social science researchers partnering with eligible nonprofits may be included.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries conducting community or environmental programs, including in Massachusetts, can apply for unrestricted operating or project support from the Lawrence Foundation, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help organizations whose work intersects human services, environmental conservation, or related fields, which may include social science or political science research components.

Massachusetts medieval studies scholars with PhDs and no institutional travel funding can receive up to US $750 to present their research at major conferences. Eligible Medieval Academy of America members, including some unaffiliated or contingent scholars, may apply for travel within North America or overseas when they have evidence their paper will be presented.

Individuals who develop or administer medieval studies programs in Massachusetts and beyond can receive US $1,000 for outstanding service to the field. Focused on medieval history and related disciplines, the Medieval Academy of America invites nominations for the Kindrick-CARA Award, typically from members in good standing, recognizing vital but often overlooked academic program leadership.

Scholars presenting on diversity and inclusivity in medieval studies at the Medieval Academy of America Annual Meeting can apply for a US $500 travel grant, once their proposal is accepted. Members in good standing, especially student, junior, adjunct, and unaffiliated researchers in Massachusetts social science and history fields, may benefit.

Nonprofit organizations conducting social science or related community research in Massachusetts can seek funding for program development, evaluation, equipment, and other project needs. Grants from The Beveridge Family Foundation help Hampden and Hampshire County groups advance education, health, human services, and youth development, with awards up to US $50,000 available across two annual funding cycles.

Nonprofits, researchers, educators, and farming community partners in Massachusetts and the broader Northeast can seek funding for social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education supports community-based, farmer-informed projects on topics like marketing, production, sustainability, climate, and bioenergy, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $250,000.

Graduate students planning community-building or professionalization projects in medieval studies, including those based in Massachusetts, can apply for grants of US $2,000 to support research-related activities. Grants from the Medieval Academy of America help social science and humanities researchers fund conferences, workshops, digital projects, performances, or collaborative initiatives that strengthen graduate medievalist communities.

Advanced graduate students conducting medieval studies research in Massachusetts can receive dissertation funding to cover travel and research material expenses. With a mission to promote excellence in medieval studies, Medieval Academy of America provides $2,000 grants to Ph.D. candidates whose dissertation topics center on the Middle Ages and have committee-approved projects.

Unaffiliated scholars, adjuncts, postdoctoral lecturers, and other pre-tenure faculty conducting medieval studies research can apply for the Olivia Remie Constable Awards, offering US $1,500 for research and travel. Focused on medieval European history and related fields, Medieval Academy of America funding may benefit Massachusetts-based social science researchers working on medieval topics.

Graduate students researching late-medieval Britain in any discipline can receive US $5,000 awards to cover research expenses such as travel and archival materials. Medieval Academy of America provides support to U.S. and Canadian citizens or permanent residents, which may benefit Massachusetts-based scholars working in social science and related fields.

Focused on late medieval British and European history, this fellowship supports graduate students conducting Ph.D. dissertation research, including those based in Massachusetts. The Medieval Academy of America offers the Schallek Fellowship, providing US $40,000 for one year to U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents whose dissertation proposals have been approved.

Graduate and exceptional undergraduate students pursuing summer courses in medieval languages or manuscript studies can apply for Medieval Academy of America's CARA Summer Scholarships, including those based in Massachusetts. Awards up to US $1,000 help offset tuition at approved programs, with four to eight scholarships given annually depending on applicants and program costs.

Individuals engaged in science outreach or patient advocacy that may intersect with social science research in Massachusetts can receive recognition and support through this US $500 award. Grants from Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society help advocates share scientific knowledge with the public, highlight patient perspectives, and participate in the society’s annual meeting and related visibility opportunities.

University and other nonprofit scholarly presses in Massachusetts can apply for the Medieval Academy of America’s MAA Book Subvention Grant, awarding up to US $2,500 to support first books in medieval studies by eligible Academy members. This can help social science researchers in medieval history, law, or related fields cover publication costs.

University and nonprofit scholarly presses publishing first books in medieval studies by eligible Medieval Academy members can access funding to support production costs. Grants from the Medieval Academy of America help Massachusetts and other presses with up to US $2,500 per title when a high-quality, Middle Ages-focused work has already been accepted for publication and financial need is demonstrated.