Best Social Science Research Grants in New Jersey

New Jersey students pursuing higher education in health services or public service may be eligible for the Raymond and Paulette Cox Scholarship, supporting a Piedmont graduating senior with at least a 3.0 GPA. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma funds this scholarship, which can benefit those planning social science or political science-related college studies.

High school seniors from Taos County planning to study political science, international affairs, public policy, or related social science fields can receive US $250 - US $1,000 for college or vocational programs. The Taos Community Foundation’s Taos Diplomats Scholarship may benefit students whose interests connect with social science research in New Jersey and beyond.

New Jersey students pursuing degrees or certifications in social sciences, political science, urban planning, sociology, social work, women’s studies, architecture, or related fields can access support through the Marguerite Holcomb Scholarship. Administered by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, this award may help fund higher education for emerging social science researchers and practitioners.

Undergraduate students majoring in political science, government, history, or pre-law can receive scholarship support for higher education through Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation; awards average US $350. Torrington residents of Italian descent entering their junior or senior year may be eligible, which can benefit those pursuing social science research-focused degrees.

College-bound seniors in New Jersey from Trenton, Ewing, Cherry Hill West, or East Orange High School pursuing bachelor’s degrees in history, social science, or political science can apply for the James L. and Ruby L. Murray Memorial Scholarship, offering US $500 - US $2,500 from Community Foundation of New Jersey for undergraduate study at U.S. institutions.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study political science or governmental affairs can receive scholarship support through the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains. This award is for students from Susquehanna County and can help those interested in social science research fields pursue higher education, including students who may later study or work in New Jersey.

With a mission to support higher education, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties provides New Jersey political science students with scholarship funding for college degree programs. Applicants must major in political science, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and demonstrate financial need and/or strong academic achievement.

High school graduates pursuing public administration or political science degrees can receive renewable scholarship support through the Vern Chesbro Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. Scholarships are awarded annually with payments each semester and may benefit students interested in social science-related studies, including political science, in New Jersey and beyond.

Grads of any Erie County, Ohio high school pursuing political science or computer science/technology degrees can receive scholarship support that may benefit social science research careers. Grants from Erie County Community Foundation help New Jersey social science research interests indirectly by supporting future scholars; applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and strong leadership and community service records.

American Muslim undergraduate and graduate students in New Jersey pursuing full-time social science and policy-related majors such as political science, international relations, sociology, or anthropology can apply for Islamic Scholarship Fund’s policy scholarships, awarding US $3,000 - US $5,000. Eligible applicants must study at accredited U.S. universities and meet GPA and citizenship or residency requirements.

U.S.-based PhD candidates conducting dissertation research on American political behavior can receive up to US $15,000 for survey research through the Rapoport Family Foundation. With a mission to advance innovative political science, the foundation supports methodologically diverse projects, including work by New Jersey social science researchers, via academically recognized survey organizations.

New Jersey social science doctoral programs can access funding through the National Institute of Social Sciences to support Ph.D. students’ dissertation research needs. Accredited U.S. universities may nominate up to two candidates in anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, or sociology for grants up to US $5,000 covering essential dissertation-related expenses.

U.S. PhD scientists in agronomy, crop, soil, or related fields seeking a year of policy experience in Washington D.C. can apply for this Congressional Science Fellowship, which includes a stipend and relocation support. Grants from Crop Science Society of America help social science and political science researchers, including those from New Jersey, work on national public policy issues.

Ph.D. candidates conducting social science research related to American politics, foreign policy, or America and the world, including those based in New Jersey, can apply for Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s National Fellowship Program to support dissertation completion. Fellows receive mentorship, funded scholarly network activities, and participate in conferences and short residential visits to advance their research and careers.

Doctoral-level social science researchers studying behavioral science and decision making in context, including political science and related fields, can apply for grants up to US $200,000 from Russell Sage Foundation. With a mission to advance rigorous social science, the foundation provides New Jersey and U.S. scholars with support for well-developed, peer-reviewed research projects.

Social science researchers with doctorates studying social, political, or economic inequality in the U.S., including those based in New Jersey, can apply for Russell Sage Foundation grants supporting empirical research. Awards up to US $200,000 fund well-developed projects in fields such as political science, economics, education, psychology, and related social sciences.

Early-career scholars in political theory conducting social science research can receive three-year teaching and research fellowships in New Jersey, including salary, benefits, and a research account. The Trustees of Princeton University, through the Society of Fellows, support interdisciplinary work in political theory and human values with teaching in the Department of Politics and related programs.

Advanced doctoral candidates conducting education-focused social science research can receive up to US $25,000 to support dissertation work, including living and research expenses. Focused on education research, the American Educational Research Association invites U.S. minority graduate students in fields like political science, sociology, psychology, and public policy, including those studying in New Jersey, to apply.

Universities and research institutions conducting social science and related STEM research in New Jersey can access funding through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Grants from National Science Foundation help U.S.-based projects provide meaningful research experiences for undergraduate students, including REU Sites and Supplements, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $500,000.

Postdoctoral researchers in social, behavioral, and economic sciences can access funding for independent research and training through National Science Foundation fellowships, including work based in New Jersey. Grants from National Science Foundation help advance projects in fields like economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, linguistics, archaeology, geography, and cognitive science, with awards up to US $160,000.

The Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation Grant provides vital funding to nonprofit organizations focused on intellectual freedom, medical research for rare diseases, Jewish heritage preservation, elder care, and climate change initiatives. By supporting innovative projects that align with their mission, the foundation aims to uplift communities and foster meaningful societal contributions. Organizations must be 501c-3 compliant and demonstrate a clear plan for engagement with beneficiaries and measurable objectives to be eligible for funding.

The OAR Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for autistic individuals by funding community-led projects that address physical health and support services. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 are available for initiatives designed to produce practical tools and resources. Eligible applicants include family members, autistic individuals, and community organizations committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. Projects should be innovative, publicly accessible, and focus on priority topics such as health systems and community services.

The Japan – U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program aims to foster collaborative projects addressing global issues through partnerships between Japanese and American organizations. It focuses on policy-oriented research and dialogue among diverse professionals, including academia and grassroots practitioners. Key thematic areas include resilience, inclusivity, and advancements in science and technology. Projects outside these themes may also be eligible if aligned with grant goals, covering topics like climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

The ACLS Digital Justice Seed Grants support projects that enhance equity and justice in digital scholarship, particularly focusing on marginalized communities. Funded by The Mellon Foundation, these grants foster innovative methodologies and resource sharing across disciplines. By promoting inclusivity in digital humanities, the program empowers scholars to engage with under-studied materials and develop sustainable practices, ensuring broader access to digital tools and expertise for impactful research initiatives.

The Ross Merrill Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Preservation and Care of Collections recognizes North American institutions demonstrating exceptional dedication to conservation. This award highlights organizations that engage in significant outreach, involve conservation professionals, and show a commitment to community education regarding the importance of preserving cultural heritage. While no monetary prize accompanies the award, it serves as a prestigious acknowledgment of exemplary conservation efforts. Nominations are encouraged from both inside and outside organizations.

The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The Henry Luce Foundation's Asia: Responsive Grants program supports initiatives that enhance understanding of East and Southeast Asia. With a focus on academic research, cultural exchange, and public education, the program seeks to promote collaboration between American and Asian institutions. Grants are awarded primarily to U.S.-based non-profits, fostering innovative teaching, resource development, and policy engagement, while prioritizing projects that bridge diverse disciplines and geographic divides.