Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Princeton Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts offers a fellowship in LGBT Studies, aimed at scholars engaging with issues related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities. This three-year fellowship encourages innovative research and teaching, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among postdoctoral fellows and faculty. The Society prioritizes diversity among applicants and supports candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, enhancing the scholarly dialogue on contemporary LGBT topics within the academic community.

The Chateaubriand Fellowship in Humanities and Social Sciences supports exceptional PhD students from U.S. institutions who aim to conduct research in France for 4 to 9 months. Offered by the Embassy of France, this merit-based program encourages interdisciplinary studies and collaboration with French scholars. Fellows receive a monthly allowance, airfare, and health insurance, promoting academic exchange and cultural dialogue between the U.S. and France.

The Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry at Emory University offers Postdoctoral Fellowships to support early-career scholars in humanistic research. This program fosters a vibrant intellectual community, emphasizing collaborative scholarship on themes such as 'Democracy: Past, Present, Future.' Fellows benefit from an academic year of research, engagement, and access to innovative methodologies, enhancing their professional development while contributing to the humanities at Emory and beyond.

The Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry at Emory University offers Undergraduate Humanities Honors Fellowships to support students pursuing honors projects in Humanities or Humanistic Social Science. With a focus on interdisciplinary engagement, these fellowships provide mentorship and a platform for students to present their work. The initiative aims to deepen undergraduates' understanding of the Humanities while fostering a vibrant intellectual community. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with the annual theme of Democracy: Past, Present, Future.

The AIAR: Marcia & Oded Borowski/Barton Research Fellowship offers a $12,000 award for four months to doctoral students and recent Ph.D. recipients from all nationalities. This prestigious fellowship supports research on cultural development in the southern Levant, emphasizing diversity and inclusivity. Applicants must reside at the Albright Institute in Jerusalem, and the fellowship includes a stipend to cover living expenses. The program encourages first-time awardees and fosters an equitable scholarly community.

The Met's Interdisciplinary Fellowship promotes innovative research across various disciplines, inviting scholars from diverse backgrounds to engage with the Museum's extensive collections. This one-year program supports independent projects that transcend traditional boundaries, fostering collaboration among departments. Applicants must hold or pursue advanced degrees in arts, humanities, or social sciences, demonstrating excellence and project feasibility. With stipends of up to $57,000, the fellowship aims to enrich the scholarly community and explore connections between visual arts and other fields.

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.

The Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel Joint Fellowship offers scholars the opportunity to conduct long-term research at the Newberry Library and the Herzog August Bibliothek in Germany. This fellowship, which provides an additional month of support, is open to scholars with a PhD or equivalent terminal degree. It fosters innovative research and collaboration, allowing recipients to explore extensive collections while enjoying a stipend of 1,800 Euro/month and travel reimbursement.

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 United States Studies Centre Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Sydney invites applications from scholars in humanities and social sciences. This opportunity includes a $40,000 USD stipend, mentorship, and research collaboration. Applicants must be American citizens or permanent residents, hold a recent PhD, and demonstrate relevant research strengths. The application period is from July 25 to September 30, providing a chance to engage in impactful academic work related to American studies.

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 RMMLA/Huntington Library Fellowship offers a $3,000 stipend for a one-month residency at the Huntington Library, renowned for its extensive collection in British and American history and literature. This fellowship is open to all RMMLA members, including graduate students and junior faculty. Selection criteria focus on the project's value, relevance to available materials, and the researcher's promise. This opportunity supports scholars in advancing their research in a prestigious environment.

Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies

Established in 1948, the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) – a nonprofit, non-political, scholarly society – is the leading international organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, and Eastern Europe in regional and global contexts.  

ASEEES Next Generation Dissertation Research Fellowship Program

Established in 2025, the ASEEES Next Generation Dissertation Research Fellowship Program provides a maximum stipend of $28,000 for doctoral students at US universities, regardless of citizenship, to conduct dissertation research in Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies. The program is open to students in any discipline whose dissertation topics are within Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies.

Fellowship Project Scope

• The dissertation topic must be in Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian studies
• Most of the proposed research should be conducted in Eastern Europe and/or Eurasia but the fellowship can be used to conduct research for a briefer period in secondary site(s) such as the U.S.; in cases of equally qualified applications, some preference may be given to research entirely in the region

The stipend can be spent on expenses incurred while conducting research, including living expenses, research expenses, international airfare, visa expenses, and evacuation and health insurance.

The ASEEES Dissertation Research Grant supports doctoral research in Eastern Europe and Eurasia, offering up to $6,000 for graduate students from any discipline. Applicants must be PhD candidates, possess relevant language skills, and be ASEEES student members. Research in Russia and Ukraine may pose challenges due to current events, but applications for these regions are still accepted. The grant aims to assist students whose projects lack full funding, encouraging research across a diverse range of topics.

The Wallace K. and Jane Ewing Scholarship, funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from the Tri-Cities pursuing studies in English. This scholarship considers financial need and involvement in arts and humanities activities, aiming to empower local students to achieve their educational goals. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents, ensuring a comprehensive review process. This initiative reflects the commitment of Wally and Jane to positively impact student futures in the community.

The Ray and Sue Barrett Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors in the Tri-Cities pursuing higher education in law, criminal justice, mental health, social work, or psychology. Established in honor of Ray and Sue Barrett, who valued education and mental health, this scholarship considers financial need and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents to qualify.

Golden Garden Scholarship

The Golden Garden Scholarship supports Buckingham and Louisa highschool seniors who plan to attend a two‑year community college or a four‑year university as full‑time students. Established to support first‑generation college students—particularly students of color—with financial need, the award provides $2,500 per year, renewable for up to four years, and seeks candidates who demonstrate an interest in the Arts & Humanities, have a minimum 2.75 high‑school GPA, and a commitment to healthy lifestyle choices. Recipients must reside in Buckingham or Louisa County, remain enrolled full‑time throughout the scholarship term, and uphold good character and citizenship.