Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Beal Foundation Grant, established in 1963, supports the betterment of Midland, Texas by funding organizations focused on education, health, humanities, and welfare. Grants are available to qualified tax-exempt organizations, ensuring a lasting impact on the community. The Foundation prioritizes applications that align with their mission and have demonstrated need. This legacy continues to enhance the quality of life for residents in Midland, reflecting the founders' commitment to community improvement.

The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship offers up to $9,500 annually for two years, alongside a paid summer internship at NOAA. This program enhances students' training in oceanic and atmospheric sciences, aiming to increase public understanding and support for environmental stewardship. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in relevant disciplines, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The experience fosters valuable skills and networks, with 100% of alumni recommending the scholarship.

The Washington County Community Foundation offers Internship Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Washington County. These grants support nonprofit organizations by providing monetary stipends for student interns engaged in services while enrolled in accredited post-secondary education. With a commitment to philanthropy, the Foundation ensures effective charitable giving, promoting community improvement across various focus areas, including education, health, and arts.

The Missouri Humanities Mini Grants support nonprofit projects focusing on Veterans Initiatives, Literacy Festivals, Film Projects, and themes aligned with their annual Signature Series. Grants provide funding up to $5,000 for innovative humanities-based projects that enhance community engagement. While alignment with specific themes is preferred, it is not mandatory, ensuring a broad range of impactful projects can be considered. This initiative fosters cultural enrichment and educational opportunities across Missouri.

Missouri Humanities offers Major Grants aimed at supporting projects that enhance veterans' initiatives, literacy programs, film projects, and themes from their annual Signature Series. Grants can fund projects up to $15,000 and are available to nonprofit organizations dedicated to the humanities. While alignment with specified themes is not required, preference is given to projects that incorporate these areas, fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment.

The General Operating Support Grant, offered by HumanitiesDC, provides crucial unrestricted funds to bolster the humanities sector in Washington, D.C. This grant is targeted at non-profit organizations with a humanities-focused mission and an annual budget of less than $2 million. With an award amount of up to $25,000, it aims to support the sustainability and growth of these organizations, enhancing the vibrant cultural landscape of the city.

The Edinburgh Fellowship, sponsored by the American Philosophical Association, offers a unique opportunity for researchers to engage with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh. Although there is no funding, fellows gain access to a vibrant research community and extensive library resources. This fellowship, lasting from two to six months, encourages interdisciplinary work on themes of independence and nation-making, aligning with the institute's 2026-2027 focus.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Core Research Grants program focuses on Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration, aiming to foster interdisciplinary research on the changing demographics of the U.S. population. This initiative encourages innovative collaboration among social scientists to enhance research quality and support the ideals of a pluralistic society. By building on insights from previous programs, it seeks to address critical questions concerning race and ethnicity within the context of immigration.

The Russell Sage Foundation’s Core Research Grants program addresses social, political, and economic inequalities in the U.S. It investigates the factors contributing to these disparities and their impact on various outcomes, including education and civic participation. Launched in 2001 and renamed in 2018, the program aims to enhance understanding of how inequalities affect mobility and representation. Researchers with a doctorate or substantial experience are encouraged to apply, fostering high-level scholarly research in this critical field.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Core Research Grants support innovative research in Behavioral Science and Decision Making. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, inviting insights from economics, psychology, sociology, and law to enhance our understanding of decision-making processes across various societal contexts. Applications are open to scholars with a doctorate, focusing on critical issues such as policing, housing, and immigration, while encouraging a blend of theoretical and empirical research to inform public policy.

The NOAA Digital Coast and Coastal Management Fellowship offers postgraduate students hands-on experience in coastal resource management. Established in 1996 and expanded in 2012, the program matches candidates with state coastal management programs and Digital Coast partners. Each year, up to six fellows are placed in coastal programs, while three fellows are placed in partner organizations. The fellowship provides a competitive salary, benefits, and reimbursement for professional development and travel, aiming to strengthen the next generation of coastal managers.

The Coralville Community Fund Grant supports local 501(c)3 organizations and the City of Coralville, providing up to $10,000 for nonprofit projects that benefit Coralville residents. Launched in 2006, this fund aims to build a sustainable endowment for charitable initiatives. Organizations must apply only once per cycle. Grants will not fund political activities, debt retirement, or projects already completed. More information, including a list of past grants, is available on the Community Foundation's website.

The North Carolina Humanities: Small Project Grants offer up to $5,000 to support public humanities projects that foster dialogue, critical thinking, and community engagement. Since 1972, the North Carolina Humanities Council has aimed to deepen human connections, encourage respect and understanding, and address fundamental questions about identity and culture. Eligible projects include workshops, exhibitions, and discussion series that connect diverse communities and create meaningful conversations.

The North Carolina Humanities Council offers Project Planning Grants, providing up to $2,000 to support public humanities initiatives. These grants, available on a rolling basis, aim to foster community engagement and dialogue, deepen human connections, and encourage critical thinking. Eligible projects should begin at least eight weeks after submission and can address various humanities topics. The council welcomes diverse proposals that reflect the rich cultural landscape of North Carolina.

The Career Enhancement Fellowship, offered by Citizens & Scholars, supports junior faculty from diverse backgrounds in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. With stipends up to $35,000, funding for research, and travel support, this program nurtures academic diversity and enhances campus perspectives. Since 2001, over 400 fellows have advanced their careers while fostering a rich academic community. The fellowship promotes innovative scholarship and leadership roles, contributing to a more inclusive academic environment.

The Mellon Emerging Faculty Leaders Award supports early-career faculty committed to building inclusive campus communities. Funded by the Mellon Foundation, it offers a $20,000 stipend to assist with summer research and academic year support. Eligible candidates are assistant professors in tenure-track positions who have passed their third-year review and are engaged in fostering diversity and inclusion in their academic fields. This fellowship not only aids their research but also emphasizes their role in mentoring underrepresented students.

The MMUF Dissertation Grant, funded by the Mellon Foundation, supports doctoral candidates who are alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. This grant aids scholars in completing their dissertations, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in academia. With up to $30,000 for a 12-month period, the program encourages candidates to secure additional funding from their institutions. The initiative aims to bolster access to education and foster understanding among varied backgrounds, ultimately enhancing the academic landscape.

The MMUF Advancement Program offers Adjunct Faculty Fellowships designed for alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. These fellowships provide essential resources and time to focus on research and scholarship, aiding individuals in securing tenure-track positions. Each fellow receives a $10,000 stipend, a six-month award period, a mentor, and funding to attend a conference. This initiative supports diverse perspectives in higher education, fostering an inclusive academic environment.

The Mellon Mays Graduate Assistance Program (GAP) supports alumni of the Mellon Mays initiative in their journey to graduate school. By providing resources like structured gap year activities, media resources, and mentoring, the program aims to bridge the transition from undergraduate to graduate studies. It has successfully placed over 90 scholars in advanced programs, fostering diverse perspectives in academia. GAP addresses challenges faced during the gap year, ensuring participants remain engaged and prepared for their academic careers.

The Boyd And Evelyn Mullen Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support various charitable organizations in Texas, primarily focusing on education, literary studies, science, and religion. With a commitment to improving the welfare of those in need, the foundation provides funding for college scholarships, disaster relief, and medical research, especially in nutrition. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $30,000, and the foundation emphasizes adapting to the evolving needs of the Houston community.

The Annie Lee Robbins Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the lives of Navarro County citizens. Established in honor of Annie Lee Robbins, who dreamed of a senior activity center, this grant prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations focusing on arts, education, and human services. Preference is given to projects that directly benefit Navarro County, ensuring that her legacy of community support continues to thrive.

The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars, artists, and public intellectuals to engage deeply in their projects within a diverse and interdisciplinary community. Each year, 50 fellowships are awarded, encouraging applications from various fields, including humanities, social sciences, and creative arts. The program emphasizes diversity, collegiality, and creativity, welcoming individual or group applications. Fellows benefit from Harvard's extensive resources, allowing them to challenge conventions and explore innovative ideas.

The Berlin Prize, awarded by the American Academy in Berlin, offers semester-long fellowships to outstanding U.S.-based scholars, artists, and policy experts. This program fosters interdisciplinary research and cultural exchange, encouraging projects on democracy, technology, climate change, and more. Fellows receive support including accommodation, a stipend, and professional networking opportunities. The Academy seeks applications from various disciplines, emphasizing independent study and collaboration while maintaining an inclusive environment for emerging and established scholars.

The Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust supports charitable organizations in the arts and social services, with a focus on those operating in Tarrant County. Established by Crystelle Waggoner, the trust provides grants ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. Eligible organizations must have been in existence since before January 24, 1982, and must wait one grant cycle before reapplying for funding. The trust aims to continue Waggoner's legacy of supporting the community.

The Camargo Fellowship, awarded by The Camargo Foundation, supports innovative research and interdisciplinary work in the Arts and Humanities. Since its inception in 1971, it has provided residencies to over 1,500 individuals, fostering creativity and collaboration. In the 2025-2026 cycle, 14 applicants will be selected to enjoy a 10-week residency in a serene environment, enabling them to think, create, and connect. The fellowship encourages diverse perspectives and inclusivity in the application process.

The Anna C. & Oliver C. Colburn Fellowships support pre-doctoral students and recent PhD graduates in their archaeological studies at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece. Funded by the Archaeological Institute of America, these fellowships aim to foster an understanding of diverse cultures through archaeology. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada and demonstrate ethical practice in their research. Preference is given to those not affiliated with ASCSA.

The AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research aims to enhance diversity in education research by supporting doctoral dissertation projects from advanced graduate students belonging to historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. By providing a $25,000 stipend and opportunities for mentorship, the program encourages high-quality research across various educational topics, including STEM education and achievement gaps. This fellowship not only aids in academic development but also fosters the competitiveness of minority scholars in higher education.