Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Arthur and Lila Weinberg Fellowship for Independent Researchers offers a $3,000 monthly stipend for one month, targeting writers, artists, and humanists. This fellowship encourages applicants working outside traditional academic settings, welcoming scholars of all nationalities. The Newberry Library provides a rich collection for research, focusing on projects that promote social justice. Ideal candidates include independent and early-career scholars, particularly those from the Chicago metropolitan area.

The American Trust for the British Library-Newberry Transatlantic Fellowship offers scholars the opportunity to conduct research in both the British Library and the Newberry Library. This fellowship, which lasts at least one month and provides a stipend of $5,000 per month, encourages innovative research utilizing primary source materials from both institutions. Open to all scholars, including those at the ABD stage, it aims to foster transatlantic scholarly collaboration.

The Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel Joint Fellowship offers researchers a unique opportunity to conduct scholarly work for two months, combining resources from both the Newberry Library and the Herzog August Bibliothek in Germany. This fellowship supports scholars at various stages, including ABD candidates, providing a stipend of $3,000 plus additional funding for travel. Ideal for both domestic and international applicants, this fellowship fosters a collaborative research environment while promoting the exploration of historical collections.

The Arthur and Lila Weinberg Artist-in-Residence Fellowship at The Newberry Library supports independent researchers like writers, artists, and filmmakers, providing a stipend of $3,000 for one month of access to its rich collections. This fellowship is designed for those outside traditional academic settings and encourages projects focused on social justice and reform. Open to international scholars, it aims to foster creativity and scholarly work at one of Chicago's historic cultural institutions.

The AHC REACH Grant, offered by the Arkansas Humanities Council (HumanitiesAR), supports innovative humanities-based projects in Arkansas. These projects aim to connect communities to their history and promote understanding through various activities including storytelling, public programs, and education initiatives. While it encourages projects that engage diverse audiences, it excludes fundraising, political advocacy, and certain educational courses. The grant reflects a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in the humanities.

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 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 Marion Maccarrell Scott Scholarship, established by Gertrude F. Straub in memory of her father, supports students from Hawai'i public high schools planning to attend college on the mainland. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess good character, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. This scholarship encourages studies in fields related to history, government, and international relations, promoting an understanding of world cooperation and peace.

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.

The Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) Fellowship at Yale University offers long-term fellowships for scholars and artists whose work aligns with the Institute's mission. Each year, a diverse group of fellows engages in interdisciplinary projects, exploring areas from Buddhist chant to African American sacred music. This fellowship provides access to Yale's rich resources, allowing fellows to teach courses and participate actively in a vibrant academic community, fostering the integration of arts and theology.

The Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) Fellowship offers short-term opportunities for scholars and artists to engage with Yale's rich collections. This fellowship, lasting one to three months, enables fellows to research various aspects of religious thought and practice. It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration across fields such as anthropology, musicology, and theology. Ideal for doctoral students or scholars with terminal degrees, the fellowship supports projects that align with the ISM's mission of fostering the arts in human flourishing.

The Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) Fellowship at Yale University offers postdoctoral associates a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research and artistic projects. Selected fellows will contribute to the vibrant community of the ISM, collaborating with faculty and students across various disciplines. The fellowship includes financial support ranging from $65,000 to $76,000, with a focus on teaching and scholarly engagement. This program encourages diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

The Fellowship in the Digital Humanities supports scholars, librarians, and data professionals whose work intersects with technology and the humanities. Focused on the Italian Renaissance, projects can utilize digital tools for research in various fields, including history and literature. This residential fellowship lasts 4-6 months, providing financial support and resources at Villa I Tatti in Florence. Applicants must meet specific academic and technical criteria, ensuring a rich scholarly experience in a collaborative environment.

The National Humanities Center offers fellowships designed to support scholars engaged in advanced humanities research. These fellowships are open to applicants from various academic backgrounds, including the natural and social sciences, who have a doctorate or equivalent credentials. The Center provides resources for both year- and semester-long projects, aiming to generate new knowledge and understanding of cultural expression and human thought. Fluency in English and a strong scholarly record are essential for eligibility.

The Berlin Program Dissertation Fellowships provide up to one year of dissertation or postdoctoral research support at Freie Universität Berlin. Open to scholars in social sciences and humanities, these fellowships offer EUR 1550 per month for 10 to 12 months, along with a travel reimbursement of EUR 1200. Applicants must be full-time graduate students at a North American university, have completed all Ph.D. coursework, and achieved ABD status before their research stay.

The Berlin Program Postdoctoral Fellowships provide up to one year of research support at Freie Universität Berlin, offering EUR 1800 monthly for 10 to 12 months, alongside a travel reimbursement of EUR 1200. This opportunity is open to social science and humanities scholars, particularly those who have recently completed their Ph.D. from North American universities. It aims to foster research on German and European history since the mid-18th century.

The Max Kade Berlin Fellowships provide up to one year of dissertation or postdoctoral research support at Freie Universität Berlin, open to U.S. scholars in social sciences and humanities. Funded by the Max Kade Foundation since 2017, these fellowships enhance academic exchange and foster cross-cultural understanding. Each fellowship offers a stipend of $25,000 to cover living and travel expenses for research stays of 10 to 12 months, significantly benefiting postdoctoral research opportunities in German and European studies.

The Princeton Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts offers interdisciplinary fellowships in humanities and related social sciences. Open to diverse applicants, the program emphasizes innovative scholarship and teaching, with postdoctoral fellows conducting research while teaching at the University. The Society fosters a collaborative community, creating opportunities for intellectual exchange and growth, particularly welcoming underrepresented backgrounds and ensuring a rich diversity of perspectives in academia.

The Princeton Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts offers postdoctoral fellowships in the humanities, fostering interdisciplinary scholarship and teaching. Committed to diversity, the Society invites applications from individuals with various experiences, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Fellows engage in research and teaching, contributing to a collaborative academic community. This prestigious fellowship includes opportunities for local and international field trips, workshops, and events aimed at enriching the educational experience for undergraduates in the Program in Humanistic Studies.

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.