Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Rural Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to foster collaboration among rural communities in areas like economic development and education. Emphasizing community involvement, it encourages diverse participation and measurable outcomes within 18 months. Grants of up to $25,000 for implementation or $5,000 for planning are available, targeting nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states. This initiative seeks to empower communities to achieve positive change through active engagement and support.

The Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships in China Studies – Flexible support innovative research and writing for early career scholars. Designed for those with heavy teaching loads, these fellowships enable recent PhDs to produce significant scholarly work in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. Applicants can use funds for travel, childcare, and research expenses, with a focus on projects that engage both academic and public audiences, enhancing connections between scholarship and community.

The Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Scholarship Fund supports Hawaii residents of Filipino ancestry pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Established in 2004, this fund prioritizes students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and intend to study fields related to culture, arts, or communications. The foundation encourages applications from previous recipients in good standing, ensuring continued support for eligible students committed to their academic and cultural studies.

The Marion Maccarrell Scott Scholarship, established by Gertrude F. Straub in memory of her father, supports students from Hawai'i public high schools planning to attend college on the mainland. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess good character, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. This scholarship encourages studies in fields related to history, government, and international relations, promoting an understanding of world cooperation and peace.

The Kazuo and Nancy Asato Scholarship Fund, established in 2023, aims to support students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate financial need, good character, and academic merit. Preference is given to previous awardees who continue to meet requirements. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in social work and related fields, fostering opportunities for students to excel in their academic pursuits.

The Karst - Merdes Scholarship Fund supports residents of Hawai’i, particularly those with financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.0, including youth who have experienced foster care. Preference is given to Kauai residents pursuing careers in healthcare, education, or social work, and to prior recipients who maintain eligibility. This fund strives to empower students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship Fund honors Samuel W. Wilcox II, supporting Kauai residents pursuing degrees in finance, business, or liberal arts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students. Preference is given to previous awardees who remain eligible. This fund aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals while honoring the legacy of its founder through continued support for higher education.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, honors a graduate student dedicated to advancing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, and public health. Established in 2020 by the American Water Works Association, this $3,000 scholarship aims to support innovative research that addresses pressing challenges in the water industry. By investing in future leaders, AWWA reinforces its commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable water for all.

The Dorothy and Edwin Liu Scholarship Fund, established by Frances Liu, aims to support higher education for students in Hawaii, particularly female graduates of Hilo High School. Eligible recipients must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.0, and be of Asian descent if they are reapplying. The fund prioritizes students attending the University of Hawaii, Manoa or Hilo, ensuring continued support for those in good academic standing.

The Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship supports Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social sciences with a $31,000 stipend for their final year of dissertation writing. This prestigious fellowship encourages original research that engages with religion, ethics, and values. Candidates must have completed all coursework and preliminary exams, and be in the writing stage of their dissertation. The fellowship aims to alleviate living expenses and is open to students whose work significantly contributes to scholarly discussions in their fields.

The February One Scholarship Program honors the legacy of the A&T Four, students who sparked a national sit-in movement in 1960. This merit-based scholarship aims to attract high-achieving students to NC A&T, covering tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with at least a 3.75 GPA and a commitment to leadership and service. It empowers students to thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment while honoring social consciousness.

The Community Foundation Grants - Emanuel A. and Romilda P. Richard Fund supports projects that enhance the quality of life in Burke County, especially in Valdese, North Carolina. This grant is part of the Annual Community Foundation Grant Cycle and is available to tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations. The Community Foundation of Burke County utilizes an online grant management system for applications and follow-ups.

The Society for the Humanities at Cornell University offers the Society Fellowships for 2026-27, inviting applications from scholars and artists focusing on the theme of Scale. This one-year residential fellowship provides selected fellows with $62,000 to support their research. Participants engage in a collaborative environment, teaching a seminar and attending weekly discussions. The program emphasizes a commitment to community and inclusivity, welcoming diverse perspectives in the humanities to enrich the academic experience.

The Wegener Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Central Oklahoma that enhance the quality of life through education, health, arts, and community services. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes long-term partnerships with organizations demonstrating ongoing community impact. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation encourages projects that address the needs of diverse community members to foster sustainable growth and improve living conditions across the Oklahoma City metro area.

The Waterfield Foundation Grant supports charitable and educational initiatives primarily in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and political subdivisions within the state. The foundation emphasizes projects that demonstrate a proven track record in the community or require private support. Note that grants are typically awarded once a year, and applications are reviewed during quarterly meetings. Organizations that are private foundations are not eligible for funding.

The Cullman Center Fellowship at The New York Public Library supports scholars and writers by providing access to extensive research collections. This prestigious program offers a nine-month term for 15 selected Fellows, who receive a stipend of $85,000 and workspace at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The Fellowship encourages high-quality writing and robust dialogue in public forums, promoting diverse perspectives across various disciplines. Ideal candidates include academics, creative writers, and visual artists committed to advancing their projects and engaging with the community.

The Research Incubation Fund by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs supports early-stage research projects in social sciences. With annual awards of $30,000, it aims to help faculty develop proposals for major funding agencies. The fund emphasizes collaboration, planning, and access to resources necessary for successful project development. It addresses the challenges faced by nascent research teams, providing critical support to navigate the complexities of securing external funding and fostering innovative research endeavors.

The Met's Interdisciplinary Fellowship promotes innovative research across various disciplines, inviting scholars from diverse backgrounds to engage with the Museum's extensive collections. This one-year program supports independent projects that transcend traditional boundaries, fostering collaboration among departments. Applicants must hold or pursue advanced degrees in arts, humanities, or social sciences, demonstrating excellence and project feasibility. With stipends of up to $57,000, the fellowship aims to enrich the scholarly community and explore connections between visual arts and other fields.

The LCCF Micro Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County by providing funding between $250 and $3,000 for innovative projects. With a total allocation of $70,000 for this year, the La Crosse Community Foundation encourages applications from groups enhancing community life. Applications are ongoing until funds are exhausted, with approval notifications expected within three weeks. This initiative promotes growth and improved strategies to meet local needs.

The LCCF Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program, funded by the La Crosse Community Foundation, aims to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County. With $300,000 available, grants of $50,000 to $90,000 will support infrastructure investments, especially for those addressing disparities in historically marginalized communities. This program emphasizes ongoing technical assistance, fostering partnerships, and sharing best practices among grantees to build a more equitable community.

Illinois Humanities offers General Operating Grants to support organizations dedicated to the humanities across Illinois. These grants empower cultural institutions, museums, and community organizations by providing unrestricted funds to enhance their sustainability and outreach. By fostering public engagement and dialogue, the initiative aims to address civic issues and promote inclusivity within historically under-resourced communities. With grants of up to $10,000, the program reinforces the importance of humanities in creating a just and connected society.

The William Simes Research Fund, managed by UC Berkeley, supports graduate and postdoctoral research at the Hastings Natural History Reservation. Established in 2017, the fund honors Frances Simes Hastings and her husband, who donated the land in 1937. The fund provides multiple annual awards of $2000 to offset costs related to extended field research, including housing and supplies, fostering scientific inquiry in diverse habitats of California.

The Frances C. Allen Fellowship, supported by The Newberry Library, aims to empower women of American Indian heritage by offering short-term research opportunities. Scholars at the ABD stage and beyond can apply for this fellowship, which provides a stipend of $3,000 for a duration of one month. It allows recipients to explore essential collection items that contribute to their scholarship and promotes inclusivity in academic research.

The Susan Kelly Power and Helen Hornbeck Tanner Fellowship, offered by The Newberry Library, supports scholars of American Indian heritage in their research endeavors. This short-term fellowship allows recipients to explore collection items crucial to their work over a period of one month, with a stipend of $3,000. Open to applicants of any nationality, it encourages faculty members, postdoctoral scholars, and ABD PhD candidates to apply, ensuring a diverse pool of scholars can benefit from this opportunity.

The Arthur and Lila Weinberg Fellowship for Independent Researchers offers a $3,000 monthly stipend for one month, targeting writers, artists, and humanists. This fellowship encourages applicants working outside traditional academic settings, welcoming scholars of all nationalities. The Newberry Library provides a rich collection for research, focusing on projects that promote social justice. Ideal candidates include independent and early-career scholars, particularly those from the Chicago metropolitan area.

The American Trust for the British Library-Newberry Transatlantic Fellowship offers scholars the opportunity to conduct research in both the British Library and the Newberry Library. This fellowship, which lasts at least one month and provides a stipend of $5,000 per month, encourages innovative research utilizing primary source materials from both institutions. Open to all scholars, including those at the ABD stage, it aims to foster transatlantic scholarly collaboration.

The Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel Joint Fellowship offers researchers a unique opportunity to conduct scholarly work for two months, combining resources from both the Newberry Library and the Herzog August Bibliothek in Germany. This fellowship supports scholars at various stages, including ABD candidates, providing a stipend of $3,000 plus additional funding for travel. Ideal for both domestic and international applicants, this fellowship fosters a collaborative research environment while promoting the exploration of historical collections.