Best Public Policy Grants in South Carolina

Public charities and government units in South Carolina can seek funding for education, STEM learning, and environmental stewardship projects that strengthen local communities. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation supports K–12 and higher education initiatives, environmental programs, and efforts involving Vulcan employees in areas where the company operates, which include parts of South Carolina.

Sophomore and junior undergraduates focused on environmental issues, Tribal public policy, or Native health care can receive up to US $7,500 for academic expenses and leadership development, including students in South Carolina. With a mission to support future public policy and environmental leaders, the Udall Foundation provides scholarships plus access to an alumni network and a multiday Scholar Orientation.

The National Fellowship Program, offered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, invites Ph.D. candidates across various disciplines to apply. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly leadership and aims to foster intellectual collaboration. Eligible candidates must be nearing completion of their dissertation or have a detailed two-year plan. The fellowship includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and participation in conferences, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and professional growth.

Graduate students in Earth system and atmospheric sciences attending universities in Canada, the U.S., or Mexico can receive US $40,000 over two years for research, policy, or convergence work through the UCAR Next Generation Fellowship. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research provides professional development, mentoring, and funded visits that may benefit students focused on public policy in South Carolina and beyond.

Researchers conducting randomized controlled trials of social programs and policies in the U.S., including South Carolina, can seek funding to rigorously evaluate public policy and governance interventions. Arnold Ventures supports RCTs that strengthen evidence on what works, helping inform government decisions and resource allocation across key social policy domains.

Researchers conducting quasi-experimental evaluations of social programs and public policy in the U.S., including South Carolina, can apply for Arnold Ventures support. Grants fund rigorous causal studies in areas like higher education, workforce training, public infrastructure, reproductive health, and public finance that align with Arnold Ventures’ key policy priorities and evidence-building goals.

Grants from Crop Science Society of America help South Carolina public policy professionals with PhDs in agronomy, crop, soil, or related sciences spend a year working in Congress. U.S. citizen fellows receive a stipend, relocation support, and intensive orientations while applying their scientific expertise to federal legislative issues that may impact the state.

South Carolina public policy and early childhood organizations can access funding through Ohio Children’s Foundation to support innovative programs for at-risk children ages 0–5. Grants up to US $20,000 back early learning, literacy, and advocacy initiatives that strengthen early brain and language development, reduce toxic stress, and expand high-quality preschool access.

South Carolina public policy and international affairs nonprofits can access funding through the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission to run U.S.-Japan research, education, public affairs, and exchange programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. or qualified NPOs in Japan may apply for projects in arts and culture, exchanges and scholarship, education and public affairs, or global challenges.

Verified 501(c)(3) public charities and research institutions working on pollinator health, public policy, and ecologically responsible agriculture, including those in South Carolina, can seek up to US $75,000 for research, advocacy, and education projects. With a mission to promote pollinator health, One Hive Foundation provides support across the U.S. and Canada for policy, science communication, and related initiatives.

Universities, research institutions, and other research-focused organizations studying public policy and consumer behavior in South Carolina and nationwide can seek support for rigorous causal research on legalized sports betting. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based policy, Arnold Ventures provides funding for RCTs and quasi-experimental studies on financial, social, and behavioral impacts and regulatory frameworks.

Law students focused on public policy and access to justice for Muslims in America, including those from South Carolina, can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 for tuition support and related educational costs. With a mission to increase American Muslim representation, Islamic Scholarship Fund supports U.S.-based undergraduates (seniors) and 1L–3L students meeting its academic and citizenship criteria.

Law students in the U.S. interested in public policy and judicial work can receive support for unpaid internships with state or federal judges through the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s Judicial Internship Scholarship. Eligible American Muslim 1L or 2L students, including those from South Carolina, may receive a US $3,000 stipend for at least eight-week judicial internships.

Muslim undergraduate or graduate students in film, television, acting, or theater who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients can apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s film scholarships, awarding US $3,000 - US $5,000 for their studies. Students in South Carolina pursuing ISF-supported majors related to public policy and media may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups in South Carolina working on food system public policy, farmed animal protection, or food systems transformation can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000. Funding can be unrestricted or project-based and supports advocacy, research, movement-building, and related policy efforts in the U.S. and internationally.

Graduate students focused on public policy, science, and technology in South Carolina can access funding through the Charles Edison Fund Fellowship to support study in Harvard Kennedy School’s Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program. Grants from Harvard Kennedy School help U.S. and international students deepen their impact on public policy and leadership through advanced education and research opportunities.

MPP students who graduated from Harvard College and plan careers in U.S. or international institutions focused on international affairs can receive fellowship support for public policy studies, including those from South Carolina. Harvard Kennedy School provides public policy students with merit- and need-based funding through the John Berger Fellowship.

Graduate students pursuing public policy or related higher education studies, including those from South Carolina, can apply for Harvard Kennedy School’s Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships; awards vary by financial need for tuition support. Applicants must first complete an HKS admission application and demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction to be considered.

Public policy and higher education graduate students in South Carolina interested in LGBT+ issues can access fellowship support for study through Harvard Kennedy School. Harvard Kennedy School scholarships and fellowships, including the Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship, are merit- and need-based and open to both U.S. and international students committed to the LGBT+ community.

The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Scholarship at Harvard Kennedy School is designed for alumni of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. This scholarship aims to support both U.S. and international students by considering merit and financial need. Harvard Kennedy School is committed to fostering leadership and public policy expertise, making a significant impact on global societal issues. Recipients must have participated in the PPIA program to be eligible for this limited funding.

The Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship in Science, Technology, and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School supports students excelling in research and management at the intersection of technology and public policy. This fellowship fosters future leadership in these critical areas, ensuring a commitment to addressing pressing public challenges. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, as the program is designed to promote inclusivity and recognizes the importance of varied perspectives in policy-making.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.

The Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, initiated by the National League of Cities in partnership with the American Institutes for Research, aims to tackle workforce challenges faced by city governments. The program seeks three cities to engage in an 8-month action planning process focused on recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers. Participants will receive free coaching and technical assistance, helping them enhance their workforce policies and potentially serve as national models for effective local government employment strategies.

The Fiscal Year 2027 National Sea Grant College Program Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for students to engage in marine policy through a fellowship funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With anticipated funding for at least 35 applications, each receiving $97,200, this program encourages applicants to connect with their local Sea Grant program for support. Early registration with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons is crucial for eligibility.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms at all levels of government and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools

The Opportunity

Smartphones are nearly universal among children and adolescents in the United States: 95% of teens reported having access to a smartphone, giving them regular exposure to social media, gaming, and video streaming platforms. While smartphones can support learning and social connection, emerging evidence suggests that using phones during school may also interfere with important educational goals, including student engagement, attendance, and academic performance.

In response, more than 30 states have passed laws restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools in recent years. These policies vary widely, ranging from “bell-to-bell” policies to classroom-level bans on phones only during instructional time. Despite the rapid adoption of these policies, rigorous evidence on academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts remains limited. In the absence of strong research, federal and state policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, lack the information needed to make informed decisions that effectively support student success. Building a robust evidence base is critical for shaping policies and practices that improve learning and well-being in both the short- and long-term.

This RFP seeks to address these gaps by supporting rigorous, causal research on the academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts of cell phone policies in K-12 schools in the United States. We seek studies that generate actionable insights for policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, who are deciding whether and how to implement or refine such policies. This RFP will support both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs (QEDs) that can credibly estimate causal effects. While we are open to a range of research questions, we highlight 2 areas of particular interest below.

What are the overall impacts of policies restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on student-level outcomes, including academic achievement and attainment (e.g., standardized test scores, graduation rates), behaviors (e.g., engagement, attendance, disciplinary actions), and/or mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness)?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on school-level outcomes, including school safety (e.g., reported incidents), school climate (e.g., bullying, social connections), and administrative factors (e.g., costs, logistics, communications with parents)?

• Do initial impacts persist, fade, or grow as schools refine their practices over time?

What factors explain variation in the impacts of cell phone policies?

• Which students, schools, and districts are most impacted by cell phone policies?

• Which policy design features (e.g., what devices are banned, when devices are banned, how devices are stored/locked) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• Which implementation strategies (e.g., training and supports for school staff, consistent approaches for enforcement) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• How do the resource and operational implications of different policy approaches (e.g., costs, staff time, infrastructure needs) influence their effectiveness? How do these factors affect the scalability and sustainability of effective approaches?