Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

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 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.

The Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF) offers Early Career Fellowships aimed at supporting innovative researchers in social sciences. These fellowships provide relief from teaching duties for up to one year, enabling scholars to focus on original research addressing critical social issues. With funding up to €81,500, the ISRF encourages interdisciplinary projects that challenge existing theories, fostering new methodologies and insights across various academic fields. The initiative is open to scholars from Europe, promoting a diverse and inclusive research environment.

The Ashley Bryan Arts and Humanities Award, offered by the Maine Education Association, recognizes individuals committed to education and advocacy in the arts and humanities. It honors those who have made significant contributions promoting human and civil rights and social justice. This award supports educators dedicated to enhancing the learning experience and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students in Maine. By celebrating such achievements, MEA aims to inspire continued commitment to public education and the arts.

The Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF) offers Mid-Career Fellowships to scholars in Europe, aimed at fostering innovative research that challenges existing frameworks. Candidates should typically be 10 years post-PhD, although exceptions may apply. Awards, up to £75,000, provide relief from teaching duties for up to one year, enabling researchers to focus on groundbreaking interdisciplinary projects across social sciences and humanities. The ISRF encourages diverse applications, including from the humanities and natural sciences.

The Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF) offers Independent Scholar Fellowships aimed at advancing social sciences through innovative research. Funded by private philanthropists, these fellowships support independent scholars in Europe who do not hold academic appointments. Applicants, typically PhD holders, can seek funding for research projects addressing new empirical problems. The maximum grant is £28,750, which can cover research expenses and support for non-academic work for up to one year.

The Individual Humanities Fellowships support scholars for two consecutive months of full or part-time work on humanities projects, providing necessary compensation for their research efforts. To be eligible, applicants must commit to at least half-time work, ensuring a continuous performance period. This fellowship encourages diverse outputs, including articles, books, translations, and digital resources, with the North Carolina Humanities Council requesting samples of the completed work.

The ACLS Leading Edge Fellowships provide recent humanities PhDs with the opportunity to work with nonprofit organizations focused on social justice. Over 24 months, fellows receive a stipend of $70,000 in the first year and $72,000 in the second, along with relocation funds and health insurance. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all eligible scholars to enhance their professional skills in meaningful roles.

The Luce/ACLS Collaborative Grant in China Studies offers up to $150,000 for innovative pilot activities aimed at addressing pressing challenges in China Studies over 12 to 18 months. The grant encourages collaborative proposals that enhance teaching resources, develop open-access materials, and promote professional development. Successful projects may lead to new networks, sustainability plans, or white papers. This initiative aims to foster transformative change within the academic community focused on China.

The Getty Predoctoral Fellowship supports early-career scholars globally, enabling them to contribute original research in art history. It offers a nine-month residency at the Getty Center, allowing fellows to complete dissertations or expand their work for publication. The fellowship includes access to Getty Research Institute collections, participation in lectures, and engagement with a diverse cohort. Applicants must have advanced to candidacy and can apply regardless of nationality, enhancing the visibility of African American art history through the AAAHI initiative.

The Mellon Foundation Long-Term Fellowships, hosted by the Newberry Library, offer scholars the opportunity to engage deeply with its extensive collections. This fellowship supports innovative research across various disciplines, allowing recipients to immerse themselves in the library's rich historical resources for four to nine months. International scholars are welcome, and applications are encouraged from those proposing effective use of the Newberry’s collections. This initiative fosters a vibrant community of learning and discovery.

The Monticello College Foundation Fellowship for Women, offered by The Newberry Library, supports pre-tenure women scholars aiming for future scholarly productivity. This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for research within a rich collection, fostering innovative projects that focus on women's studies. Recipients will benefit from an immersive experience in a collaborative academic environment. By prioritizing projects that effectively utilize the Newberry's extensive resources, this fellowship contributes significantly to advancing scholarship in various fields.