Best Social Science Research Grants in New York

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social service approaches, including those in New York, can seek funding to address pressing social problems. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving organizations test new solutions across areas like community development, health, safety, and related fields that may intersect with social science and political science research.

With a mission to support innovative social impact, early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations in New York and globally can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable solutions benefiting underserved communities. Eligible ventures should be post-pilot, impact-measured, and positioned to reach at least 10,000 people within five years.

Universities, research libraries, museums, and other humanistic or performing arts nonprofits conducting humanities and social science-related projects in New York may be eligible for funding to advance scholarship, artistic creativity, and access to cultural resources. The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation supports history, literature, philosophy, performing arts, and library initiatives, including technology that improves access to humanities research.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in New York, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support health and welfare, education, or community initiatives. Funding may assist projects like healthcare access for underserved populations, food pantries, STEM programming, or healthy lifestyle research, and may benefit social science researchers working in related community health or education areas.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Researchers whose published work advances prevention or arrest of multiple sclerosis can apply for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Ralph I. Straus Award, open internationally and including New York. This major biomedical research prize recognizes scientists whose findings significantly contribute to conquering multiple sclerosis; interested individuals must contact the Society’s Research Programs team for full criteria.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

New York accredited charities running humanitarian, education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts programs can access funding through Roche for innovative, high-quality projects. Organizations may be eligible if they promote sustainable development, engage Roche expertise and employees, and work with local affiliates on social, educational, or community-focused initiatives that fit Roche’s four philanthropic focus areas.

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.

Scholars, journalists, creative writers, translators, and visual artists conducting humanities or social science research that relies on the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building collections can apply for nine-month Cullman Center Fellowships, with awards of US $90,000. Grants from New York Public Library support top-quality projects that may include political and broader social science research in New York.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

New York City and Northeastern New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations piloting or expanding social welfare, education, or health programs can access funding through the Frances & Edwin Cummings Memorial Fund. Support covers new program development, staffing, capacity building, and consulting, which may benefit social science research components embedded in youth-focused or community-serving initiatives.

Graduate-level scholars and researchers in the social sciences, humanities, and arts conducting interdisciplinary research can receive up to US $63,000 to pursue a one-year project in residence at The Met in New York. Metropolitan Museum of Art fellowships support innovative use of the museum’s collections and resources, including political science and related social science research.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in New York can apply for flexible project support. With a mission to foster positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides charitable groups with funding that may benefit social science research connected to community and environmental issues.

Early-career cancer researchers at academic institutions in the New York area can receive US $750,000 over three years for innovative oncology projects. With a mission to accelerate cures, Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance provides funding plus networking, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities that may benefit New York social science researchers working at the intersection of health and society.

Political science and social science scholars in the U.S. researching political polarization can receive US $200,000 for one- to two-year humanities or social science projects, including work based in New York. Carnegie Corporation of New York supports nominated PhD-holders and senior professionals producing major studies or books on polarization and social cohesion.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Recent PhD recipients in the humanities or social sciences focusing on Buddhist studies can receive up to US $75,000 for one-year professional roles at cultural institutions, including in New York. Grants from American Council of Learned Societies place scholars in museums, libraries, and publications to interpret and present Buddhist traditions to broader publics.

Nonprofits, researchers, farmers, and other agricultural partners in New York and the broader Northeast can seek reimbursement-based grants of US $50,000 - US $250,000 to strengthen farming and food systems through social science research and education. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education funds community-rooted projects addressing marketing, production, sustainability, climate, and related social science challenges.

New York social science researchers and partners studying fisheries and offshore wind interactions can access funding via the Northeast Sea Grant Consortium, in partnership with NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Awards up to US $400,000 support social, cultural, historical, and economic research on fishing community resilience and economies in the U.S. Northeast.

New York graduate students of Polish descent pursuing full-time master’s or Ph.D. studies can access tuition scholarships through the Kosciuszko Foundation, with awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $12,000. Funding supports study at U.S. colleges and universities or English schools of medicine in Poland across all fields, including social sciences.

Graduate psychology students conducting research on self-identity and academic achievement, especially for K–8 children, can apply for support from the American Psychological Foundation. This US $7,500 Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark Fund award may benefit social science researchers in New York whose work engages children’s mental health, educational equity, and racial justice.

Early career psychologists conducting social science research on self-identity and academic achievement, especially among K–8 children, can receive US $8,500 in funding, including those based in New York. American Psychological Foundation’s Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark Fund supports research and demonstration projects grounded in the Clarks’ work on race, identity, and education.

Russell Sage Foundation provides New York social science researchers with residential visiting scholar fellowships supporting data analysis and writing projects. Ph.D.-level scholars at least two years post-degree can receive US $75,000 - US $150,000 in salary support, office space, research resources, and housing subsidies while working on social, economic, political, and behavioral science topics.

Psychology researchers and practitioners whose work addresses social issues through industrial-organizational psychology can receive US $5,000 and recognition for impactful, publicly visible research. With a mission to improve workers’ lives, Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology Foundation provides New York social science researchers with the Raymond A. Katzell Award for research that benefits organizations and society.

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.