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 Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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 PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Beveridge Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives in youth development, health, education, religion, art, and the environment, primarily in Hampden and Hampshire counties, Massachusetts. With two funding cycles each year, applications are due by February 1 and August 1. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that enhance the quality of life and promote self-sufficiency among underserved populations, although it avoids supporting certain areas such as international affairs and awards.

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.

The Medieval Academy of America Fellows Research Award supports Ph.D. candidates and non-tenure-track scholars in medieval studies. Each year, two awards of $5,000 are available for members lacking research funding, enabling them to access original sources, archives, and artworks. This initiative, established by the Academy, aims to foster research excellence in the field while promoting a deeper understanding of medieval art, history, and culture. Awards will be announced during the Academy's annual meeting.

The Monica H. Green Prize for Distinguished Medieval Research, awarded by the Medieval Academy of America, recognizes exceptional projects that illuminate the relevance of medieval studies today. Established in 2021, this annual prize aims to honor innovative scholarship and public engagement that connect historical insights with contemporary issues, particularly in understanding pandemics and health. The prize includes a monetary award of $1,000, supporting research that bridges the past and present.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Medieval Academy of America offers travel grants to support its members with PhDs who lack institutional funding for conference attendance. Grants prioritize major national and international meetings, with awards up to $500 for North American travel and $750 for overseas. Applicants must be current Academy members, and grants are limited to one per applicant every three years. Early applications are accepted, but funding is contingent upon paper acceptance and presentation evidence.

The Kindrick-CARA Award, presented by the Medieval Academy of America, recognizes outstanding service in Medieval Studies. Established in 1925, the academy promotes excellence in research, teaching, and publishing related to the Middle Ages. This award, valued at $1000, honors individuals who have significantly contributed to Medieval Studies programming and curricula. Nominees must be members in good standing of the academy, ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged within the profession.

The Medieval Academy of America offers the Inclusivity and Diversity Travel Grant, providing $500 to support a participant presenting on diversity and inclusivity in the Middle Ages at its Annual Meeting. This grant prioritizes student, junior, adjunct, and unaffiliated scholars, promoting engagement and research in medieval studies. Applicants must be members in good standing to qualify, ensuring a focus on fostering inclusivity within the academic community.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

The MAA GSC Grant for Innovation in Community Building and Professionalization, offered by the Medieval Academy of America, aims to foster innovative projects among graduate students. This annual grant of $2,000 encourages collaboration, communication, and community building among medievalists, supporting initiatives such as conferences, workshops, and digital humanities projects. By providing funding, the grant seeks to enhance professionalization and advance academic careers in medieval studies.

The Medieval Academy of America offers Dissertation Grants to support advanced graduate students writing Ph.D. dissertations on medieval topics. With grants of $2,000, recipients can offset research costs such as travel to collections and the acquisition of necessary materials. All graduate students focusing on medieval studies are eligible, but those researching late-medieval Britain should apply for the Schallek Award instead. Approval from dissertation committees is required before application.

The Medieval Academy of America offers the Olivia Remie Constable Award, providing four annual grants of $1,500 for unaffiliated scholars, adjuncts, postdoctoral lecturers, and pre-tenure faculty to support research and travel. Applicants must be members in good standing as of January 15 of the application year. This award honors Remie Constable's legacy by fostering interdisciplinary research in Medieval Studies, including support for travel to archives and conferences, and other academic needs.

The Schallek Awards, offered by the Medieval Academy of America in partnership with the Richard III Society-American Branch, provide funding for graduate students conducting research on late medieval England (circa 1350-1500). Each award of $2,000 assists with travel and research costs. Eligibility is limited to U.S. or Canadian citizens and permanent residents, supporting scholarly work that explores the rich historical narratives of the late medieval period.

The Schallek Fellowship, offered by the Medieval Academy of America in partnership with the Richard III Society-American Branch, provides a one-year grant of $40,000 for Ph.D. dissertation research focused on the late medieval period in England or related disciplines. This fellowship supports graduate students whose proposals are approved by their committees, ensuring they can dedicate their time fully to their research without additional employment.

The CARA Summer Scholarships, offered by the Medieval Academy of America, provide financial support for graduate and promising undergraduate students engaged in summer courses focusing on medieval languages or manuscript studies. Each award, ranging from four to eight annually, can provide up to $1000 to help offset tuition costs. These scholarships are contingent upon acceptance into the respective programs, ensuring that students gain valuable skills in medieval studies.

The Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society (OTS) established the Awards for Science Outreach and Patient Advocacy to honor individuals who significantly contribute to science communication and patient advocacy. These awards recognize efforts in sharing scientific knowledge and supporting patients, aiming to foster community engagement. Recipients receive a $500 award, a certificate, complimentary registration to the OTS Annual Meeting, a featured profile on social media, and the opportunity to present a webinar, encouraging further outreach and education.

The MAA Book Subvention Grant, offered by the Medieval Academy of America, provides financial support of up to $2,500 to non-profit scholarly presses for publishing first books by its members. Eligible authors must hold a Ph.D. and be untenured, with their work focused on the Middle Ages. This program encourages scholarly contributions while ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the publication of significant academic works.

The Medieval Academy of America offers the MAA Book Subvention Program, providing up to $2,500 to support the publication of first books by members. Eligible authors must hold a Ph.D. and be untenured, ensuring their work reflects high scholarly merit and focuses on the Middle Ages. Applications are only accepted from publishers for approved works, emphasizing the quality and financial need for assistance. This initiative fosters academic contributions in medieval studies.