Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Resident Scholars: Weatherhead Fellowship offers annual support for up to six scholars from the humanities and social sciences to prepare manuscripts or dissertations. Funded by the Weatherhead Foundation, this nine-month fellowship includes a stipend of $40,000 for doctoral scholars and $35,000 for PhD candidates, along with low-cost housing and office space on the SAR campus. Applications open each September, with a deadline in early November, fostering research that enhances understanding of human culture and history.

The Katrin H. Lamon Fellowship, offered by the School for Advanced Research, provides a nine-month residential opportunity for Native scholars in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship includes a stipend of $40,000 for doctoral scholars and $35,000 for PhD candidates, alongside low-cost housing and office space. It aims to support research that contributes to understanding human culture and history, fostering an environment of scholarly exchange and intellectual growth.

The Resident Scholars: Mellon Foundation Fellowship offers annual support to up to six scholars who have completed their research and need time to finalize manuscripts or dissertations. This competitive fellowship, administered by the School for Advanced Research, emphasizes proposals with empirical significance and cultural context. Eligible scholars include those with doctorates at the assistant professor level or PhD candidates. The nine-month fellowship provides an office, low-cost housing, and a stipend, fostering a collaborative and intellectually enriching environment.

The CWAM Grants program, offered by the Colorado-Wyoming Association of Museums, aims to enhance professionalism in the CWAM region. Grants support new projects, such as improved collections storage, disaster planning, and staff training, with no financial match required. Organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits or local government agencies and CWAM institutional members in good standing. Applications for ongoing projects will not be considered, and recipients must submit a final report by October 31, 2026.

The American Research Institute in Turkey offers fellowships for graduate and post-doctoral research in the humanities and social sciences, focusing on projects conducted in Turkey. Eligible applicants include scholars and advanced graduate students researching ancient, medieval, or modern topics. Fellowships support tenures up to one academic year, with funding ranging from $2,500 to $15,500, providing vital resources and connections for academic endeavors.

The Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships in China Studies – Long-Term program supports emerging scholars in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. Funded by the Henry Luce Foundation, this fellowship enables recent PhDs to conduct research and writing in China studies for four to nine months. Eligible applicants must have a PhD conferred no earlier than January 1, 2016, and demonstrate a working knowledge of Chinese. Priority is given to projects engaging with China, Hong Kong, and surrounding regions.

The Vision Grants by Illinois Humanities support nonprofit organizations in Illinois, focusing on planning, evaluation, and DEI initiatives. These grants aim to foster community engagement through workshops, research, and interactive programming. Organizations with an annual budget of $1 million or less are prioritized, and funds can be used for training and collaboration efforts. The initiative emphasizes equitable growth and aims to strengthen organizations' capacities to serve diverse communities.

The Olive Smith Browning Charitable Trust, established in 1978, supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in various fields including arts, education, health, and religion. Focused primarily on organizations in Twin Falls, Idaho, the Trust encourages applications from eligible entities. There are no restrictions on the number of applications to other foundations, although typically only one application is accepted per year. This grant aims to foster community well-being and support diverse charitable activities.

The Maurice J. Masserini Trust Grant aims to support diverse charitable causes primarily in the San Diego area. Established in memory of Maurice Masserini, a World War I veteran and passionate investor, this grant focuses on arts, education, environmental initiatives, health, human services, and religious organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while start-ups and general operating support requests are typically not funded. The Trust prioritizes specific project requests to ensure impactful contributions.

The Harold and Rachel McMillen Foundation, established in 1961, supports educational, scientific, religious, and charitable purposes, primarily in Allen County, Indiana. Founded by local residents Harold and Rachel McMillen, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through various program areas such as arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to be eligible for support, ensuring a focus on impactful contributions in the region.

The Meserve Memorial Fund, established in 1983, is a private foundation that supports impactful public, charitable, and educational projects in the Greater Danbury area of Connecticut. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate measurable benefits and enhance service capacity. Eligible projects include those in arts, education, environment, and health, with a focus on 501(c)(3) organizations serving specific towns. The fund does not support individual grants or projects primarily benefiting religious groups.

The Walter J. Miller Trust Grant provides financial support to numerous charitable organizations in Pennsylvania. Established to honor the legacy of Mr. Miller and his sisters, the Trust emphasizes funding for education, health services, arts, and social welfare. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant, with a focus on projects that address community needs not met by others. The Trust aims to ensure lasting impact through its generous contributions, fostering community development and support.

The Gilbert and Thyra Plass Charitable Trust aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Brazos County, Texas, by supporting diverse charitable initiatives. Established through the legacy of Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Thyra Plass, the trust focuses on areas such as arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) entities and maintain a local office, ensuring their initiatives directly benefit the community.

The Provident Benevolent Foundation, established in 1989, aims to provide financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations that deliver education, health, and essential human services. It focuses on central and western North Carolina, funding arts, culture, and environmental initiatives. Grants are made anonymously, and no publicity is allowed without prior approval. The foundation does not support individuals or organizations in eastern North Carolina, ensuring its resources are directed toward impactful community services.

The Russell Family Foundation Grant, established in 2007 in Duluth, Minnesota, supports charitable causes in the areas of arts, education, environment, health, human services, public benefit, and religion. This private foundation awards grants exclusively to organizations that qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, with a focus on those primarily located in Duluth. Their mission emphasizes fostering community welfare through diverse initiatives.

The Sarasota County Foundation, established in 1958, aims to facilitate charitable donations for various purposes within Sarasota County. It provides grants to organizations that support educational, cultural, health, and humanitarian initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt, while the foundation typically does not fund endowments, travel, or completed projects. The foundation emphasizes support for local services, ensuring that its contributions enhance the community's welfare.

The Leon M. Seidel Memorial Trust Fund Grant supports charities in Bordentown, NJ. Established in 1967, it aims to benefit local residents through various charitable causes, including arts, education, health, and human services. To be eligible, organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 1 for annual review. This grant promotes community welfare and addresses diverse needs.

The Shelton Hardaway Short, Jr. Trust Grant, established in 1974, supports charitable organizations primarily in Central and Southern Virginia. Grants, typically between $10,000 and $50,000, are given as memorials to Mr. Short's family members. The foundation prioritizes various program areas including arts, education, health, and human services, and aims to enhance the community's welfare. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, with no geographic limitations, although local organizations are favored.

The Benjamin H. Smyser Foundation, established by Fort Wayne resident Benjamin H. Smyser, focuses on supporting various charitable causes primarily within the Fort Wayne area. The foundation, operational since 1968, emphasizes arts, education, environmental efforts, health, human services, and religious initiatives. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant to qualify for funding, with a preference for local beneficiaries. While there are no strict geographic limitations, preference is given to those serving Indiana residents.

The C. J. Stafford and Dot Stafford Memorial Trust Grant supports various charitable causes in San Diego County, California. Established in memory of C. J. Stafford and his wife Dot, the trust aims to fund organizations that serve local residents. Key program areas include arts, education, health, and human services. Eligible grantees must be recognized as public charities under IRC section 501(c)(3). The trust continues to impact the community positively by funding essential services.

The F. W. Symmes Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Greenville County, South Carolina, by supporting charitable, educational, and cultural initiatives. Established by Fred W. Symmes, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its mission and are recognized as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. With a minimum grant request of $20,000, the foundation focuses on impactful projects, particularly capital improvements, while ensuring financial sustainability for ongoing programs.

The Frank L. Weyenberg Charitable Trust provides grants to organizations engaged in charitable, educational, scientific, literary, and religious activities. Established by Frank L. Weyenberg, a successful businessman from Wisconsin, the trust focuses on supporting causes primarily in Milwaukee and Palm Beach. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt, while grants are not available for political purposes or discriminatory practices. The trust continues Mr. Weyenberg's legacy of generosity, benefiting communities for years to come.

The Nina Astin Winkler Charitable Trust, established in 1966, aims to support various charitable causes, primarily in Bryan, Texas. With a focus on arts, education, health, and human services, the trust provides funding for organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. While there are no geographic restrictions, preference is given to local initiatives. Notably, the foundation does not fund endowments, ensuring that resources are directed towards immediate community needs and impactful projects.

The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund, established by Marian Woodward Ottley in 1974, aims to support non-profit organizations in Georgia and neighboring states. The fund prioritizes capital projects and educational programs that enhance graduation rates, particularly those with religious affiliations. Grants are awarded exclusively to 501(c)(3) organizations, while governmental agencies can also apply. The foundation's mission underscores a commitment to improving the world for future generations.

The Stanley A. and Flora P. Clark Memorial Community Trust Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives in South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana. Established in 1964 to honor Dr. Stanley Clark and his wife Flora, the foundation emphasizes arts, education, health, and human services among its program areas. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) exempt and serve the local community. The foundation continues their legacy of philanthropy and community service.

The Earl and Maxine Claussen Trust, established in 1984, aims to support the residents of Grand Island, Nebraska, particularly in Hall, Merrick, and Howard counties. While primarily focused on local charitable initiatives, the Trust also considers other worthy causes at the trustee's discretion. Program areas include arts, education, health, and human services, with eligibility limited to public charities under IRC section 501(c)(3). No geographic restrictions exist, but preference is given to local organizations.

The Gene Conley Foundation Grant supports religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational initiatives, focusing on the prevention of cruelty to children and animals. Established under Lillian Conley Martin's will, the foundation primarily serves north central Texas. Eligible organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. While there are no geographic restrictions, funding preferences favor local initiatives, including the arts, education, health, and human services, fostering community enrichment and welfare.