Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Robert Kellogg Memorial Fellowship, offered by the Leifur Eiriksson Foundation, supports one graduate student from Iceland or the University of Virginia to conduct research or study. The fellowship covers up to $25,000 in project costs, including travel expenses. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program, demonstrate English proficiency, and have a defined research project. This prestigious fellowship honors Robert Kellogg's legacy in education and literature.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Graduate Education Fund offers the United States Studies Centre Postdoctoral Fellowship for American citizens or permanent residents pursuing research in humanities and social sciences at the University of Sydney. This fellowship includes a $40,000 USD stipend, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration in teaching and research projects. Eligible candidates must have completed their doctoral dissertation within five years of application. This initiative fosters academic exchange between American and Australian scholars.

The Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Mini-Grant supports youth-led initiatives that foster community philanthropy in South Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan. The foundation aims to manage resources responsibly, anticipate community needs, and promote collaboration among organizations. Successful projects will enhance community assets, provide long-term benefits, and ensure sustainability without ongoing funding. Grants encourage applications from organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on health, education, and cultural enrichment.

The Franklin Research Grants support noncommercial research by funding travel to libraries and archives, purchasing research materials, and covering fieldwork or laboratory expenses. With a maximum award of $6,000, these grants are aimed at scholars with a doctorate or equivalent publications, excluding Ph.D. candidates. Grants are taxable, not retroactive, and are not intended for conference attendance or publication costs. The program encourages young scholars and allows reapplications after two years.

The ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowships provide financial support ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 for faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to advance their research projects. The fellowships encourage innovative research outcomes, including scholarly articles and community-engaged projects. Awardees also benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities, with additional funding for their institutions to support humanities programming. This initiative promotes diverse scholarship and collaboration across disciplines, enhancing the academic landscape for HBCU faculty.

The Wightman Wieber Foundation Grant, established in memory of Michelle Wightman and Karrie Wieber, supports various community needs in Erie County. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available to tax-exempt organizations that enhance collaboration, strengthen capacity, and deliver substantial community benefits. The foundation encourages projects that serve the underserved and demonstrate sustainability. Eligible applicants include churches, schools, and other entities serving Erie County residents.

The Emergency Readiness Grants, offered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, aim to support cultural organizations in Louisiana in preparing for and responding to emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods. With funding up to $5,000 available, these grants help organizations develop strategies to mitigate the impact of future disasters, thereby strengthening the resilience of Louisiana's cultural infrastructure.

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 LCCF Micro Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County by providing funding between $250 and $3,000 for innovative projects. With a total allocation of $70,000 for this year, the La Crosse Community Foundation encourages applications from groups enhancing community life. Applications are ongoing until funds are exhausted, with approval notifications expected within three weeks. This initiative promotes growth and improved strategies to meet local needs.

The LCCF Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program, funded by the La Crosse Community Foundation, aims to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County. With $300,000 available, grants of $50,000 to $90,000 will support infrastructure investments, especially for those addressing disparities in historically marginalized communities. This program emphasizes ongoing technical assistance, fostering partnerships, and sharing best practices among grantees to build a more equitable community.

Illinois Humanities offers General Operating Grants to support organizations dedicated to the humanities across Illinois. These grants empower cultural institutions, museums, and community organizations by providing unrestricted funds to enhance their sustainability and outreach. By fostering public engagement and dialogue, the initiative aims to address civic issues and promote inclusivity within historically under-resourced communities. With grants of up to $10,000, the program reinforces the importance of humanities in creating a just and connected society.

The William Simes Research Fund, managed by UC Berkeley, supports graduate and postdoctoral research at the Hastings Natural History Reservation. Established in 2017, the fund honors Frances Simes Hastings and her husband, who donated the land in 1937. The fund provides multiple annual awards of $2000 to offset costs related to extended field research, including housing and supplies, fostering scientific inquiry in diverse habitats of California.

The Frances C. Allen Fellowship, supported by The Newberry Library, aims to empower women of American Indian heritage by offering short-term research opportunities. Scholars at the ABD stage and beyond can apply for this fellowship, which provides a stipend of $3,000 for a duration of one month. It allows recipients to explore essential collection items that contribute to their scholarship and promotes inclusivity in academic research.

The Susan Kelly Power and Helen Hornbeck Tanner Fellowship, offered by The Newberry Library, supports scholars of American Indian heritage in their research endeavors. This short-term fellowship allows recipients to explore collection items crucial to their work over a period of one month, with a stipend of $3,000. Open to applicants of any nationality, it encourages faculty members, postdoctoral scholars, and ABD PhD candidates to apply, ensuring a diverse pool of scholars can benefit from this opportunity.