Best Social Science Research Grants in Missouri

With a mission to strengthen communities, US Bancorp Foundation provides Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture. Organizations based in and serving Missouri U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in Missouri supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary program support from Costco Foundation. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Costco Foundation provides 501(c)(3) organizations with grants for evidence-based programs, including those whose social science or political science research informs child welfare or human services in communities where Costco operates.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Missouri and beyond can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years for scalable social or environmental solutions. Organizations doing post-pilot work with measurable impact on underserved communities, including politically or socially focused initiatives, may be competitive.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to advance crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Missouri can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants support innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, which may include programs that inform or intersect with social science and political science research initiatives.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Missouri cultural nonprofits offering arts and science programming can access funding through William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support; awards are typically more than US $100,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including museums, theaters, symphonies, and arts schools, may be eligible, including those integrating STEAM education or youth engagement that informs social science research.

Nonprofit organizations working in health, education, or community services in Missouri can seek funding for programs such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and preventive health initiatives. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, which may include groups conducting social science research connected to these areas.

Organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability for low-income urban children in Missouri and across the U.S. can seek project or scale-up support over US $50,000. With a mission to improve outcomes for children in poverty, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds qualified nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and related entities in select countries.

Missouri organizations focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable communities. This global funder backs programs in the U.S. and abroad that advance healthcare access, disaster relief, and social services, which may include social science research connected to these priority areas.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations conducting charitable, educational, scientific, or medical work can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to support programs serving U.S. populations. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S. and be tax-exempt under federal (and, if applicable, California) law, which may include social science and political science research initiatives.

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.

U.S. IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations seeking support for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, or environmental and wildlife activities, including those based in Missouri, can apply for grants from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. Awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000 may benefit Missouri groups conducting social science-related or community-focused initiatives.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs in Missouri and beyond can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support services like hunger relief, housing, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment. Organizations must show measurable outcomes, financial stability, and alignment with one of Ameriprise’s three focus areas.

Focused on graduate education, the Kosciuszko Foundation invites U.S. citizens and permanent residents of Polish descent to apply for tuition scholarships supporting full-time master’s and Ph.D. studies, including English medical schools in Poland. Missouri students pursuing social science or related research fields may be eligible for awards of US $1,000 - US $12,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations can receive funding to create storytelling projects that highlight their impact in preservation, education, or wellness, including work in Missouri. With a mission to partner locally, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides more than US $50,000 to support communications around wildlife conservation, mental health, education, historic preservation, and related initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri providing community services like economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. Grants may support specific projects, limited general operating needs, or capital initiatives for organizations improving quality of life for underserved and underrepresented people.

Missouri 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs can receive unrestricted operating or project support through the Lawrence Foundation, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Organizations conducting social science or political science research within these areas of interest may be eligible if they align with the foundation’s priorities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for education, arts and culture, health, or human services projects can access funding through the Kerr Foundation. Grants may support capital needs, time-bound programs, or operating expenses, and Missouri nonprofits conducting social science or political science-related work within these fields may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri serving communities through education, poverty relief, health, families, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, or disaster relief may be eligible for single-year support. Focused on tangible, meaningful impact, Robinson Foundation invites established Southern-region charities (active 3+ years) whose work could inform or complement social science and political science research priorities.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Missouri nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can access funding through Gupta Family Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) or qualifying foreign organizations working in poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or human and social services may be especially relevant for social science and political science-related research or programs.

Missouri nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Support may benefit social science research projects that address community needs, environmental issues, or social cohesion, as long as they are carried out by eligible charitable organizations.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and local government entities in Missouri communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Focused on strengthening local well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible groups to propose projects that benefit residents in counties where the company operates manufacturing facilities.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Grants from TJX Foundation help organizations whose work with vulnerable families and children may intersect with social science research priorities.