Best Social Science Research Grants in Michigan

Graduate and undergraduate political science students in Michigan can apply for Western Michigan University's Arden J. Elsasser Memorial Award; awards US $400 for academic study and community-oriented work. Applicants must describe their studies, career goals, and how their activities reflect Arden Elsasser’s legacy of community service and engagement.

Undergraduate political science majors at Western Michigan University planning accredited study abroad in Central and Eastern Europe can receive $500 - $750 to support their semester or summer program. Focused on political science and related social science fields, Western Michigan University gives preference to students enrolling in WMU programs in the Czech Republic, especially in Prague or at Charles University.

Political science undergraduates and graduate students in Michigan pursuing academic study of Africa or selected African nations can receive up to US $1,000 for travel and related study through this scholarship. Grants from Western Michigan University help support social science research and cross-cultural study focused on African politics and society.

Michigan political science undergraduates planning to study abroad can access funding through Western Michigan University’s Iagnocco Family Study Abroad Scholarship, with awards up to US $1,000. Eligible students must have a political science major or minor, at least 42 credit hours, strong academics, and a well-aligned international program, which may support social science research goals.

Michigan political science graduate students seeking academic scholarship support can access funding through Western Michigan University’s John R. Borsos Memorial Endowed Scholarship. This approximately US $2,000 annual award supports students enrolled in the Political Science graduate program in the fall, with selection based primarily on academic merit and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Undergraduate and graduate students in political science and related environmental fields in Michigan can receive approximately US $1,500 to support their academic studies and research. With a mission to recognize top students, Western Michigan University provides this annual Kenneth Dahlberg Endowed Scholarship to those in its Political Science Department and affiliated environmental programs, with preference for sustainability-focused and financially needy students.

Graduate political science students conducting social science research in Michigan can receive approximately US $1,000 to support their academic success through the Lawrence Ziring Endowed Scholarship. Western Michigan University gives preference to MIDA students, international students, and those with demonstrated financial need, with applications accepted via faculty nomination or self-nomination.

Michigan undergraduate political science majors beginning their senior year and demonstrating strong academics and community service can receive up to US $500 for the academic year through this departmental scholarship. Michigan political science students pursuing social science research may be eligible for the Mark Denenfeld Memorial Endowed Scholarship from Western Michigan University.

Doctoral candidates in political science conducting dissertation research in Michigan can receive up to US $500 to cover actual research costs through Western Michigan University. Grants from Western Michigan University help social science researchers fund expenses like data collection or travel, excluding living costs and tuition, with applications due February 1.

Undergraduate political science students in Michigan can receive $2,500 to support their studies and progress toward graduation through the Kourdie-Elshafei Scholarship. Focused on academic merit and financial need, Western Michigan University gives preference to first-generation students, those facing socio-economic hardship, and graduates of identified urban high schools.

Michigan undergraduate seniors planning to attend law school and interested in political science or related social sciences can receive scholarship support for their studies. Western Michigan University offers the Peter Renstrom Prize, a US $1,000 award for students from any department with a minimum 3.5 GPA who are law school bound.

Undergraduate political science majors focused on international and comparative politics at Western Michigan University in Michigan can apply for Western Michigan University’s United Nations/Kalamazoo Chapter Scholarship Award. This academic excellence scholarship recognizes strong scholarship, professional accomplishment, and international engagement, with preference for juniors and consideration of activism or study abroad experience.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

U.S.-based PhD candidates conducting social science or political science dissertation research can apply for Rapoport Family Foundation’s Rapoport Doctoral Dissertation Grants, offering up to US $15,000 for survey research. With a mission to advance innovative political behavior research, the foundation provides Michigan and other U.S. graduate students support for academically administered survey projects.

American Muslim undergraduates and graduate students in social science policy fields such as political science, international relations, or sociology in Michigan can apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s Policy Scholarship Program; awards US $3,000 - US $5,000 for study. Eligible applicants must study full-time (or work in a supported field), meet GPA requirements, and hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or DACA status.

Students pursuing political science or computer science/technology degrees who graduated from an Erie County, Ohio high school may be eligible for the Clarence W. Seavers Citizenship Scholarship, renewable for up to three additional years. Grants from Erie County Community Foundation help political science students, including those interested in social science research in Michigan, who demonstrate leadership, spirituality, and community service.

High school seniors pursuing public administration or political science degrees can receive renewable scholarship support through the Vern Chesbro Memorial Scholarship Fund in Michigan. Greater Kansas City Community Foundation awards these funds annually, which may benefit students interested in social science research-focused academic paths.

Undergraduate or graduate students in Michigan majoring in political science can receive scholarship support for higher education through the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Applicants must be enrolled in a political science degree program, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and show financial need and/or strong academic achievement.

The SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), are designed to promote early-career independence by supporting research and training goals in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences. Applicants can choose between two tracks: Fundamental Research and Broadening Participation. This initiative addresses significant scientific questions, aligning with NSF's mission to enhance the scientific workforce and foster diversity in research fields.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study political science or governmental affairs can receive scholarship support for college; applicants must be from Susquehanna County. Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains administers this award, which may interest students pursuing social science-related studies, including those considering research-focused academic paths beyond Michigan.

College-bound seniors pursuing history, social science, or political science who attend specific New Jersey high schools can apply for the James L. and Ruby L. Murray Memorial Scholarship, awarding US $500 - US $2,500 for bachelor’s study at accredited U.S. institutions. Michigan social science students with ties to these schools may be eligible.

Undergraduate students in political science, government, history, or pre-law can receive support for higher education through the Italian-American Republican Club Scholarship, averaging US $350. Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation provides this award for Torrington residents of Italian descent, which may interest Michigan-based researchers collaborating with or advising eligible students.

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), promotes active research participation among undergraduate students across various research areas. It supports two mechanisms: REU Sites, which engage multiple students in ongoing research, and REU Supplements, which enhance existing NSF-funded projects. Participants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, and each REU opportunity has its unique application process.

The AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research aims to enhance diversity in education research by supporting doctoral dissertation projects from advanced graduate students belonging to historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. By providing a $25,000 stipend and opportunities for mentorship, the program encourages high-quality research across various educational topics, including STEM education and achievement gaps. This fellowship not only aids in academic development but also fosters the competitiveness of minority scholars in higher education.

The National Institute of Social Sciences invites nominations for its Dissertation Grants Program aimed at supporting exceptional Ph.D. students in social sciences. Grants up to $5,000 will help cover dissertation-related expenses, promoting innovative research in fields like Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Eligible U.S. universities may nominate up to two candidates, encouraging diverse interdisciplinary projects. This initiative seeks to empower future scholars in their academic endeavors.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Marguerite Holcomb Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Marguerite Holcomb, who established the Marguerite Holcomb Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Marguerite Holcomb was described by the Muskegon Chronicle as the "grand first lady of Muskegon city politics." When she died, in 1988, her family and friends established a fund to honor the memory of Muskegon's first woman City Commissioner and first woman Mayor. We know that Marguerite Holcomb, who was always ahead of her time and always Muskegon's biggest booster, would be very pleased that her memorial fund will be used to support students pursuing a degree or certification in urban planning, political science, women's studies, social work, sociology or another social science, architecture, etc.

The Congressional Science Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for Ph.D. holders to work at the intersection of science and government in Washington D.C. This prestigious fellowship, sponsored by ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, allows participants to apply their expertise as special assistants to Congress members. The fellowship begins in September 2025 and concludes in August 2026, providing an annual stipend and relocation expenses. Ideal for early to mid-career scientists, it encourages the use of scientific knowledge in public policy.