Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Book Festival Grants, offered by Florida Humanities, support public humanities programs at various book festivals across Florida. Since 2022, these grants have facilitated literary events that promote reading and engage communities through author talks, workshops, and family activities. Eligible Florida-based nonprofits and governments can apply for funding up to $10,000 to enhance audience reach and accessibility via diverse programming. This initiative celebrates Florida's literary heritage while fostering connections between authors and readers.

The African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) program by the Social Science Research Council offers Individual Research Fellowships to enhance independent African research on peacebuilding. In 2026, up to nine fellowships worth $12,000 each will be awarded to African scholars, policy analysts, and practitioners. The program promotes impactful research, workshops for skill development, and networking opportunities, aiming to foster community and advance peacebuilding knowledge across the continent.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.

The ASEEES Dissertation Research Grant in Women and Gender Studies provides funding for graduate students conducting doctoral research in Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Offering up to $6,000, applicants must be PhD candidates with appropriate language skills and ASEEES membership. The grant encourages research in various eligible countries, while considering the complexities posed by current geopolitical situations. This grant aims to support innovative scholarship across disciplines, fostering a deeper understanding of women and gender issues in the region.

The ASEEES Dissertation Research Grant, offered by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies, provides up to $6,000 for graduate students conducting dissertation research in Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Open to all disciplines, applicants must be enrolled in a PhD program in the U.S., have ABD status, and be ASEEES members. Research in eligible countries is encouraged, with special considerations for the current geopolitical climate affecting Russia and Ukraine.

The Bess L. Stinson Scholarship supports students enrolled in any program within the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, although a GPA of 2.5 may be accepted with a faculty recommendation. This scholarship may be renewed upon reapplication, provided that the eligibility requirements are still met and funding is available.

The Mellon Graduate Fellowships at Cornell University, supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, offer residential fellowships for graduate students in humanities. This program focuses on the 2026-27 theme of Survival, providing a stipend of $35,661, tuition waivers, and health insurance. Fellows engage in collaborative research, participate in seminars, and foster a supportive intellectual community in Ithaca, NY, while sharing experiences at Society for the Humanities events.

The Lavonne Geist Memorial Scholarship offers $400 to graduating seniors or alumni from Dickinson County High Schools in Kansas who plan to pursue a degree in social sciences. Established in memory of Lavonne Geist, a dedicated community member, this scholarship supports students aiming for higher education in fields that explore societal interactions and cultural development. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit an essay explaining their major choice, along with letters of recommendation and academic transcripts.

The NCF Foundation Scholarship at New College of Florida supports students through academic merit and financial need-based funding. Established by generous donors, it aims to make higher education accessible, with nearly all students receiving some form of scholarship. Eligible applicants include incoming freshmen, transfer students, and currently enrolled students with an @ncf.edu email. A yearly scholarship application and FAFSA completion are required to ensure funding opportunities.

The Jerry Newson Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports Davidson County residents pursuing education at accredited four-year colleges or universities. This fund honors Jerry Newson Jr., who valued the transformative power of education. Prioritizing students majoring in social sciences, it aims to empower individuals to give back to their communities. With over 30 years of community engagement, the Foundation fosters positive change through collective philanthropy.

The Japanese Studies Fellowship Program by the Japan Foundation offers short-term research fellowships ranging from 21 to 89 days for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. This program aims to enhance Japanese Studies worldwide by supporting outstanding researchers conducting studies in Japan. Benefits include airfare, monthly stipends, and insurance. Priority is given to experienced scholars expected to publish their findings post-fellowship. Established in 1972, the Japan Foundation fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

The Japanese Studies Fellowship Program, offered by the Japan Foundation, supports doctoral candidates conducting research in Japan. This program, lasting 4-12 months, provides significant benefits including airfare, monthly stipends, and insurance. Applicants must be ABD at the start of the fellowship, with preference given to those poised to complete their dissertations shortly thereafter. The foundation aims to enhance cultural exchange and understanding between Japan and other nations, fostering future scholars in Japanese studies.

The Lisa Walder Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports female students pursuing degrees in fields such as Foreign Language, Liberal Arts, and Business. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students enrolled in accredited institutions. With a focus on financial need, this renewable scholarship offers funding for up to three years, emphasizing academic achievement with a required GPA of 2.5. This program aims to empower women through education and community growth.

The Getty Scholars Program at the Villa supports distinguished researchers in arts and humanities, allowing them to conduct advanced research on antiquity's cultural heritage. Scholars engage with the Getty's extensive collection and a vibrant community of professionals while enjoying a residence of three to six months. The program includes a stipend, research support, and housing, fostering intellectual exchange in a world-renowned setting. Applications are welcome from qualified individuals globally, enhancing the exploration of ancient Mediterranean art.

The Summer Institute for the Study of East Central and Southeastern Europe (SISECSE) is a collaborative two-week workshop designed for scholars to focus on their research in a supportive environment. Hosted by ACLS and the Centre for Advanced Study Sofia, this event will take place in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria from June 3 to June 19, 2026. Participants will have the chance to engage in local fieldwork and will receive support for travel and accommodation expenses.

The UMN Graduate School's MAGS Distinguished Master's Thesis Competition invites nominations for outstanding master's theses in Biological & Life Sciences and Humanities for 2026. Eligible nominees must be pursuing their first graduate research degree and have received their Master's degree between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. The award includes a $500 honorarium and recognition at the MAGS annual competition. Programs may nominate one student to represent their institution.

The University of Wisconsin Publishing Subvention program, overseen by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, aims to support tenure-track faculty by subsidizing the publication costs of peer-reviewed scholarly monographs. This initiative seeks to lower book prices, enhance the dissemination of research, and bolster the open-access publishing ecosystem in the humanities and social sciences. Funding is directly provided to publishers, ensuring the authors can effectively share their work with a broader audience.

The Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship offers a $42,000 stipend plus $8,000 for project-related expenses to support early-stage doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship encourages innovative dissertation research and aims to diversify academic methodologies and perspectives. Applicants must be PhD students in relevant fields, with certain eligibility criteria, including not having advanced to candidacy before January 2025. The fellowship promotes inclusive excellence, contributing to a diverse academic community.

The BC Ricci Institute–Harvard-Yenching Institute Joint Visiting Researcher Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for full-time faculty from Asia-based institutions to conduct research at two prestigious institutes in Boston during the 2026-2027 academic year. This six-month fellowship emphasizes the study of East Asian culture and provides access to extensive library resources. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and focus on interdisciplinary approaches within the humanities and social sciences.

The Willson Center Research Seminar Program at the University of Georgia provides $2,000 for faculty-led interdisciplinary discussion groups on specific research topics. This grant is aimed at tenured or tenure-track faculty and is intended to facilitate the visit of external scholars to the campus. Applications are open for the upcoming academic year, focusing on fostering collaborative research initiatives among faculty.

The Willson Center Faculty Research Fellowship at the University of Georgia supports tenured and tenure-track faculty in their arts and humanities research. This fellowship, awarded every five years, encourages interdisciplinary work and provides course release from two assigned courses. It aims to foster excellence in creative practice and scholarly activities, ensuring a conducive environment for faculty to pursue their research goals effectively.

The Willson Center Public Impact Grant, offered by the University of Georgia, supports faculty-led initiatives that organize conferences, exhibitions, and performances showcasing humanities and arts research. With a funding limit of $7,500, this grant encourages collaboration between faculty and graduate students, facilitating interdisciplinary projects. Award recipients must communicate program details to the Willson Center and provide proper credit in all related publicity. Applications are open for the upcoming academic year, with a focus on impactful engagements.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship aims to encourage and support the next generation of mental health professionals who will contribute to our community’s well-being.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities 

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities acts as a steward and supporter of Louisiana’s diverse and vibrant culture and history.

To that end, we are dedicated to ensuring access to the humanities, offering and broadening pathways for a lifetime of learning for people of every generation and from every walk of life. We champion the humanities to enrich the lives of all Louisianans in all 64 parishes. 

Our Mission: The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities’ mission is to partner with communities, institutions, and individuals to explore Louisiana’s past, reflect on our present, and imagine our future.

Constitution Day Grants

Mini grants to institutions supporting existing or developing Constitution Day programming. 

About Us

Mission

We enhance the quality of life for all by working together to collectively address challenges and opportunities throughout West Michigan.

Vision

We advance the well-being of our communities by creating the best places to live, learn, work, give, and engage.

Who We Serve

We serve our entire community, without exception. Our commitment is for every individual, family, and organization who works in, visits, or calls the greater Northern Ottawa County area home.

The GHACF is a welcoming place for all people. We believe all people should:

• Feel welcome, safe, and accepted
• Be treated with respect and dignity
• Have equitable access to opportunities to improve their lives and the lives of their families
• Have a voice in the community

Grant Application Process

The Coopersville Area Community Foundation:

• Encourages programs which are collaborative, comprehensive, and have potential for continuity.
• Encourages leveraging and matching grant opportunities involving multiple funding sources.
• Supports “seed money” requests to assist innovative projects.
• Encourages programs and projects focused on problem prevention rather than cure.

Coopersville Area Grant Program

To begin the process, contact the CACF team to discuss your proposal. We’ll then review your proposal within two weeks of submission to determine whether the project aligns with our grantmaking priorities, and will respond with next steps.

If eligible the appropriate grant application will be made available to you through the online application portal. Grant applications are reviewed with due diligence and may require a follow-up site visit. Lastly, final grant decisions are made with funding recommendations made by the committee and approved through our Board of Trustees.

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.