Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The New Jersey Cultural Trust offers Institutional and Financial Stabilization Grants for History and Humanities Organizations to strengthen the financial and operational capabilities of qualified organizations. This program aims to address challenges that threaten stability while enhancing capacity to fulfill missions. The grants support essential projects and are available to organizations designated as qualified by the Cultural Trust. Applications are reviewed following a Declaration of Intent to Apply by the specified deadlines.

The Paloheimo Foundation Fellowship offers a nine-month residency at the School for Advanced Research for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship supports the preparation of manuscripts or dissertations, providing $35,000 in stipend, low-cost housing, and office space. Open to PhD candidates, the program emphasizes research that enriches the understanding of human culture and history. Applications are accepted from September to November, fostering a collaborative academic environment.

The Wenner-Gren Fellowship, offered by the School for Advanced Research, supports scholars in anthropology and related fields, particularly those focusing on Black studies and under-represented perspectives. This nine-month residential fellowship provides a $50,000 stipend, low-cost housing, and office space, fostering a collaborative research environment. Open to PhD-holding anthropologists, the program encourages innovative proposals that contribute to the humanities and social sciences, enhancing the understanding of human culture and history.

The Neag Foundation Grant aims to foster positive change in education, healthcare, and the arts. Supporting initiatives in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, the foundation focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, advancing healthcare interventions, and promoting the arts and humanities. By encouraging innovative projects that receive community support, it seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Organizations with a 501(c)(3) status are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities that align with these goals.

The Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships in China Studies – Flexible support innovative research and writing for early career scholars. Designed for those with heavy teaching loads, these fellowships enable recent PhDs to produce significant scholarly work in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. Applicants can use funds for travel, childcare, and research expenses, with a focus on projects that engage both academic and public audiences, enhancing connections between scholarship and community.

The Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Scholarship Fund supports Hawaii residents of Filipino ancestry pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Established in 2004, this fund prioritizes students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and intend to study fields related to culture, arts, or communications. The foundation encourages applications from previous recipients in good standing, ensuring continued support for eligible students committed to their academic and cultural studies.

The New Mexico Humanities Council offers Subaward Grants aimed at supporting humanities-focused nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and governmental institutions. Grants are limited to $2,000 and are designed to foster publicly accessible projects that promote dialogue and inquiry in communities. Interested applicants must schedule a consultation with NMHC staff and submit an eligibility screening form. The funding process is responsive, aiming to reduce the time between application submission and initial payment.

The Andrew W. Mellon Fellowships offer short-term research support for academic researchers and doctoral candidates focusing on Virginia history. Funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, these fellowships provide $1,000 per week for research visits lasting one to two weeks. They cover diverse topics, including political, economic, and cultural studies. Applicants are evaluated based on scholarly qualifications and proposal merit, with priority given to those whose work may lead to significant publication.

The Color the Curb: School Safety Program invites District-based artists to create large-scale murals at intersections near three DC Public Schools in Washington, DC. Funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities in collaboration with local government and education departments, this initiative encourages community engagement and artistic expression while enhancing school safety. Artists must meet specific eligibility criteria, including residency and previous funding history, to apply for this grant aimed at fostering youth engagement through art.

The UCAR Next Generation Fellowship offers graduate students a unique opportunity to engage in Earth System Science research while addressing societal impacts. With a $40,000 fellowship over two years, participants can expect mentorship from UCAR leaders and professional development training. This program encourages interdisciplinary exploration, allowing fellows to collaborate closely with experts, attend conferences, and build lasting networks. It aims to empower diverse students as future change-makers in the field, fostering a commitment to equity and innovation.

The Public Humanities Projects program supports projects that bring the ideas and insights of the humanities to life for general audiences through in-person, hybrid, or virtual programming. Projects must engage humanities scholarship to analyze significant themes in disciplines such as history, literature, ethics, and art history.

The New England Regional Consortium Fellowships, supported by Harvard University, offer approximately 24 research grants annually across diverse fields such as history, literature, and sociology. These fellowships encourage collaborative projects utilizing resources from multiple cultural agencies. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or foreign nationals with the proper documentation, and itineraries require a minimum of eight weeks, involving at least three member institutions with two weeks spent at each.

The Creative Experiences Grants, launched by the Mass Cultural Council, aim to enhance cultural engagement through diverse activities in arts, humanities, and sciences. With funding amounts of $2,500 and $5,000, these grants support projects that promote public participation and accessibility from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions, ensuring that cultural experiences are available to all members of the community.

The Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund's Core Grants Program aims to foster Galveston's long-term success, sustainability, and well-being through initiatives that promote vibrant culture. The program supports arts, humanities, and historic preservation, while prioritizing organizations that enhance community identity and economic growth. Eligible applicants include USA-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on benefiting Galveston residents. The Fund values equity and collaboration, making it essential for applicants to align with its mission and values.

The Kempner Fund's Micro-Grants Program aims to empower new and smaller non-profit organizations in Galveston by providing seed funding of up to $5,000. This program is designed for organizations that are five years old or younger or have annual budgets below $500,000. It focuses on community-based solutions and innovative ideas to create a meaningful impact in the local area, ensuring that funding primarily supports the Galveston community.

The Kempner Fund's Navigation Fund provides essential support to nonprofit organizations focused on strategic growth in Galveston, Texas. Eligible applicants, which must be current partners of the Kempner Fund, can apply for up to $7,500 to enhance their organizational resilience, governance, equity, and data measurement capabilities. The fund prioritizes proposals that demonstrate clear alignment with the Kempner Fund's mission and values, ensuring long-term community impact.

The Ariane Condellis Fellowship at the Gennadius Library supports Turkish nationals researching intercommunal relationships and social history during the Byzantine or Ottoman periods. The fellowship offers a stipend of $11,500, room and board, and requires full-time engagement in research from September 2026 to May 2027. The Gennadius Library, with over 150,000 titles, serves as a comprehensive resource for the study of Greek culture and history, enhancing academic exploration in these fields.

The Madison Visionary Partners Community Impact Mini-Grant supports local nonprofits seeking to enhance quality of life in Madison, Alabama. Grants between $500 and $2500 are available for projects in areas such as animal welfare, arts, education, health, and housing. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a direct impact and be based in Madison County. Ineligible requests include administrative operations, fundraising events, and religious programs. This initiative aims to foster community development and support local needs.

The Perry Dean and Alice Graham Charitable Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, with a special focus on Navarro County. Established in 1987, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through grants in Arts, Culture, Education, and Human Services. Organizations must have operating budgets under $20 million to qualify for funding, ensuring that support reaches smaller, impactful entities dedicated to charitable purposes.

The Kenosha Community Foundation offers Field of Interest Grants to support various philanthropic interests through specific funds. These grants assist local non-profit organizations in enhancing community welfare, arts, education, and services for vulnerable populations. Funds like the ANVK Field of Interest Endowment support elderly residents, while the Kenosha Arts Fund enhances cultural life. The Foundation's responsive grant-making adapts to community needs, ensuring impactful contributions to enhance quality of life across Kenosha.

The Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and focuses on charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. With grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 and an annual budget of approximately $55,000, the trust primarily serves Alabama organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, but must meet specific deadlines for review. This grant offers opportunities across diverse areas such as arts, education, health, and human services.

The Charles B. Mathis Memorial Trust Grant supports residents of Ocean County, NJ, focusing on the elderly, poor, sick, and handicapped. Established by Henry C. Mathis, the trust promotes education, good government, and morals. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate locally to qualify. Preference is given to educational initiatives and assistance programs. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 15 for annual reviews.

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies—Academy Scholars Program is designed for recent PhD recipients and advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences. This prestigious program provides a two-year in-residence postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, offering financial and research support. Scholars engage in interdisciplinary research, mentorship, and collaborative activities to enhance their academic careers while contributing insights on global issues through a comparative lens.

The Kenneth I. Juster Fellowships for Undergraduate Research and Travel, offered by the Weatherhead Center at Harvard University, provide financial support for Harvard undergraduates pursuing field research or experiences in international relations, trade, and development. Grants vary based on destination and project type. Eligible students include sophomores, juniors, and seniors, primarily within social sciences, and projects can be conducted during winter break or term-time leaves.

The Summer Travel Grants and the Undergraduate Associates Program, offered by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, provides financial support for Harvard undergraduates conducting summer field research related to international affairs. Grants range from $1,000 to $6,000 and recipients become Undergraduate Associates, participating in workshops and presenting their findings. This initiative encourages research that addresses global issues and supports students from various fields, enhancing their academic and professional development.

The RSA–Virginia Fox Stern Center Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars to conduct intensive research at the Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries. This one-month fellowship focuses on pre-1800 rare book and manuscript collections, particularly the Women of the Book Collection and the Bibliotheca Fictiva Collection. It encourages innovative research that contributes to Renaissance studies, supporting scholars across all disciplines and career levels.

FNBO: Capital or Major Donations aims to support nonprofit organizations through significant financial contributions for capital projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing community well-being by addressing key areas such as affordable housing, environmental stability, and education. FNBO prioritizes partnerships with nonprofits dedicated to long-term impacts, especially for historically underrepresented populations. By fostering community engagement and providing essential resources, FNBO strives to create a positive influence in the regions it serves.