Best Social Science Research Grants in Ohio

Ohio high school seniors from Piedmont planning to study health services or public service at a two- or four-year college can receive scholarship support through the Raymond and Paulette Cox Scholarship. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma provides this aid, which may benefit students pursuing political science or related social science fields.

High school seniors from Taos County, New Mexico, planning to study political science, international affairs, or related social science fields may be eligible for US $250 - US $1,000 toward college or vocational programs. The Taos Community Foundation scholarship supports future social science and political science students whose interests may include research or global public policy work, including in Ohio.

Ohio students pursuing degrees or certifications in social sciences, including political science, sociology, social work, urban planning, women’s studies, or architecture, can access funding through the Marguerite Holcomb Scholarship. Offered by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, this award supports higher education paths connected to social science research and public service careers.

Undergraduate students in social science fields, especially political science, government, history, or pre-law, can receive support for higher education from Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation; awards are US $350. Torrington residents of Italian descent entering their junior or senior year may be eligible, and Ohio political science students can review criteria to see if they qualify.

College-bound high school seniors pursuing bachelor’s degrees in history, social science, or political science in the U.S. can apply for the James L. and Ruby L. Murray Memorial Scholarship, awarding US $500 - US $2,500. Administered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, it is open to students from select New Jersey high schools, including those interested in social science research in Ohio.

Graduating high school seniors in Susquehanna County planning to study political science or governmental affairs can receive scholarship support for higher education; awards are administered by the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains. Ohio-based social science programs may find this relevant when advising eligible students from Susquehanna County interested in political science studies.

Ohio college students pursuing political science degrees can receive scholarship support for higher education costs through the Congressman Mark Foley Scholarship for Political Science Education Fund. With a mission to strengthen education, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties provides funding to students with a 3.0+ GPA and demonstrated financial need and/or academic achievement.

Ohio high school seniors from any Franklin County school pursuing degrees in public administration or political science can receive renewable scholarships supporting their higher education. The Vern Chesbro Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, may benefit students interested in social science research pathways within these disciplines.

Ohio high school graduates from Erie County pursuing political science or computer science/technology degrees can receive scholarship support that may be renewed for up to three additional years. Grants from Erie County Community Foundation help students engaged in social science-related studies, with selection emphasizing leadership, spirituality, and commitment to community service over financial need.

American Muslim undergraduate and graduate students in Ohio studying social science fields like political science, sociology, anthropology, or international affairs can apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s Policy Scholarship Program; awards US $3,000 - US $5,000 for degrees leading to policy, government, and related social science careers in the U.S.

U.S.-based PhD candidates conducting dissertation research in American political behavior can receive up to US $15,000 for survey research, including those studying at Ohio universities. With a mission to advance innovative political science research, Rapoport Family Foundation provides funding for projects using academically recognized survey organizations and backed by strong institutional support.

Ohio universities with Ph.D. programs in social sciences can access funding through the National Institute of Social Sciences to support nominated doctoral students’ dissertation research. 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 to cover essential dissertation expenses.

Agronomy, crop, soil, and related science PhD holders interested in public policy can spend a year in Washington, D.C. working on Congressional staff while based in the U.S., including Ohio. Grants from Crop Science Society of America help social science and political science researchers apply their expertise to national legislative issues.

Ph.D. candidates conducting social science research on American politics, foreign policy, or America and the world, including those based in Ohio, can apply for Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s National Fellowship Program to support dissertation completion and scholarly development. Fellows receive mentoring, funded research-network activities, and participate in conferences, workshops, and short residential visits.

Doctoral-level social science researchers studying behavioral science and decision making in context can apply for Russell Sage Foundation grants of up to US $200,000. With a mission to advance rigorous social science, the foundation supports work in fields like political science, psychology, law, and public policy; Ohio-based scholars are eligible within this U.S.-wide program.

Social science researchers with doctorates studying social, political, or economic inequality in the U.S., including those based in Ohio, can apply for Russell Sage Foundation grants of up to US $200,000. Funding supports well-developed projects in fields like political science, economics, education, psychology, and related social sciences, following a competitive LOI and invitation process.

Focused on education research, this fellowship invites advanced U.S. doctoral candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to fund dissertation work in fields like social and behavioral sciences, including political science and other social sciences. Eligible students at accredited universities, including those in Ohio, can receive up to US $25,000 plus mentoring and professional development support.

Universities and research institutions conducting social science and related STEM research in Ohio can access funding for undergraduate research participation through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Grants from the National Science Foundation help support REU Sites or Supplements across fields including sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, and other NSF-funded disciplines; awards range from US $5,000 - US $500,000.

Postdoctoral researchers in social, behavioral, and economic sciences conducting work in Ohio can apply for National Science Foundation SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, with awards up to US $160,000 for independent research and training. Grants from National Science Foundation help social science scholars pursue fundamental research or broaden participation in fields like political science, economics, and sociology.

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.

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and families in need through monetary grants for education, health care, and community support. With a focus on initiatives that empower disadvantaged youth and support the Italian-American community, the Foundation aims to foster growth and development in Northeast Ohio. Guided by philanthropic excellence, it seeks to create lasting change through strategic partnerships and innovative programs for social betterment.