Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Hubbard Family Foundation, established in 1983, aims to improve the quality of life for residents in Edmonds and South Snohomish County. It provides grants for various programs, including environment, health, arts, and education, specifically targeting the Edmonds School District #15. Online requests must demonstrate a clear benefit to the local community, while general operating support for staff salaries is typically not funded. Preference is given to specific program support and small capital projects.

The Beveridge Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives in youth development, health, education, religion, art, and the environment, primarily in Hampden and Hampshire counties, Massachusetts. With two funding cycles each year, applications are due by February 1 and August 1. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that enhance the quality of life and promote self-sufficiency among underserved populations, although it avoids supporting certain areas such as international affairs and awards.

The Eric A. Baade and Mary C. Baade Charitable Purposes Trust, established in 1958, aims to support diverse charitable causes primarily in Allen County, Indiana. The trust encourages organizations that qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, focusing on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. While there are no strict geographic limitations, local initiatives are prioritized to enhance community impact.

The Charles and Ruth Billingsley Foundation Grant supports a variety of charitable causes primarily in San Diego County, California. Established in 1988, this private foundation aims to enhance community welfare through funding in areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. Organizations eligible for support must qualify as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline of June 30 for review in July.

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 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 Career Development Grants, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), support women with bachelor's degrees seeking to advance or change careers, particularly in high-growth STEM fields. These grants fund post-bachelor's coursework, including master's degrees or certifications, at accredited institutions. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their educational pursuits and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being enrolled in accredited programs that promote women's participation in underrepresented fields.

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research's Visiting Scholar Awards aim to enhance capacity building in underdeveloped Antarctic research programs. Open to scientists and academics with over five years post-PhD experience, the awards support short-term visits (1-4 weeks) to SCAR member countries for training and mentoring. Awards cover international flights and living expenses, promoting long-term research partnerships while considering virtual applications amidst unforeseen circumstances.

The Nina Heard Astin Charitable Trust provides support for a variety of charitable causes, primarily focusing on organizations based in Texas. Key program areas include arts, education, environmental issues, health, human services, and religion. Eligible organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) exempt entities under the Internal Revenue Code. While there are no geographic restrictions, the trust emphasizes support for Texas-based initiatives.

The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme offers funding for early career researchers from the UK, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands to engage in research collaboration in Japan. This program supports scholars in their academic pursuits while fostering international research partnerships. Eligible candidates must have a doctorate and a research plan with a Japanese host. The fellowship includes financial support for travel and living expenses, enhancing the research experience for awardees.

The AINA Grant-in-Aid program, established by the Arctic Institute of North America, provides funding of $1000 to support young investigators, particularly graduate students, in their research related to Arctic issues. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with a U.S. or Canadian academic institution. The funding can cover travel, supplies, and equipment but not salaries. The program emphasizes the relevance and quality of research proposals that engage the Arctic community.

The Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) supports Canadian university students engaged in northern studies by providing supplementary funding for their thesis research in the North. Established in 1961, this program helps over 350 students annually across 35 universities, fostering essential training and professional experience. Applications must be submitted by a recognized Northern Studies Committee chairperson, ensuring eligibility for various northern research projects, which must be tied to students' thesis work.

The Canadian Home Economics Association (CHEA) Fellowship supports women pursuing graduate studies in Human Ecology, including Family and Consumer Sciences, at Canadian universities. Eligible candidates must be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Persons and enrolled in a graduate program. The fellowship emphasizes ethical research practices and requires recipients to remain enrolled throughout the award period. Special consideration is given to those focusing on Education, while multiple awards in a lifetime are limited to three.

The Ahmanson Foundation Grant supports cultural projects in Los Angeles County, focusing on arts, education, healthcare, and human services. It emphasizes funding for established 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate sound management and impactful programs. The Foundation prioritizes one-time or short-term requests, particularly from organizations with a history of effective leadership. While supporting innovative initiatives, it typically excludes funding for operational support, individual scholarships, and political activities, aiming to enhance the community's cultural legacy.

The British Academy/Leverhulme Senior Research Fellowships support established scholars in completing significant research projects by providing a year of research leave. This fellowship is aimed at individuals who have struggled to dedicate time to their research due to teaching and administrative responsibilities. Eligible candidates must be employed at a UK institution, with no restrictions on age or status, and are encouraged to disseminate their findings for future academic advancement.

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 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 IH: Project Grants - Multiplier by Illinois Humanities support nonprofit organizations in Illinois that foster collaboration through humanities projects. These grants, up to $10,000, prioritize initiatives engaging under-served communities and exploring overlooked histories. Successful applicants will work closely with partners and should focus on enhancing civic engagement through public humanities. The program encourages innovative approaches to discussions surrounding community issues, aiming to make the humanities accessible and relevant to all.

The Fulbright Distinguished Arctic Scholar Award supports U.S. citizens engaged in research and teaching related to the Arctic and High North. Awardees will mentor students, conduct independent research, and participate in seminars. The grant lasts three months, with a stipend of 200,000 NOK to cover living expenses. This award is open to scholars from all disciplines and encourages contributions from social sciences and humanities, enhancing the understanding of Arctic issues.

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.