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.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human and social services or related community programs can seek support for new approaches to social problems. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year to submit a letter of inquiry for potential invitation-only funding.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development in Missouri communities where PNC operates can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant. Grants from PNC Foundation help fund programs for young children, affordable housing, small business support, workforce development, arts and culture, and revitalization of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.

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.

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.

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) 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.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships; activities must benefit communities where Insperity employees live and work or involve Insperity clients. Insperity supports community-focused work in select Missouri counties, with applications reviewed in about 45 days.

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) 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.

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.

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.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded annually, primarily to U.S. applicants, for one year of project-focused support rather than general operating expenses.

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) 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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri can access funding for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability programs through the Community Ties Giving Program’s Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Grants from Union Pacific Foundation help eligible groups serving Union Pacific communities build capacity, advance DEI, and deliver direct services that strengthen local wellbeing.

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.

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.