Best Social Science Research Grants in Washington

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Eligible U.S. R1 research universities in the SSRC College and University Fund for the Social Sciences can receive US $300,000 to launch a Public Exchange, building capacity for impactful social science research partnerships, including in Washington. Grants from Social Science Research Council help institutions hire an executive director, seed projects, and join the national Public Exchange Network.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Washington 501(c)(3) organizations conducting charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or social science research can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs that materially benefit the general welfare. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S. and be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law.

Nonprofit organizations in Washington focused on preservation, education, or wellness can receive more than US $50,000 to tell compelling stories about their impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant funds communications and storytelling projects, and Washington groups conducting social science research within these pillars may be eligible if they are registered 501(c)(3) organizations or aligned for-profits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting community services in Washington can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships to advance their service and fundraising goals. Insperity supports community-focused work in select Washington counties where its employees live and work, with eligible groups able to apply once per year for either a grant or sponsorship.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible local government entities in Washington can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides support to groups located within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community, prioritizing projects that strengthen and sustain local communities and may include social science-related initiatives.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Doctoral candidates completing Jewish Studies dissertations can receive up to US $33,000 to finish their research and writing, including projects in social science fields, in Washington and beyond. Grants from the Association for Jewish Studies help advanced ABD students cover a dissertation completion year, with awards based on both merit and financial need.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial support. Focused on hunger relief, housing and homelessness, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and community and cultural development, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S.-based nonprofits with strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes to seek funding.

Faculty researchers at George Washington University can receive up to US $5,000 to conduct community-based participatory research addressing significant social issues in Washington. With a mission to advance scholarship, George Washington University provides Washington social science researchers with funding to collaborate equitably with local residents and organizations for sustainable community change.

Washington higher education faculty developing community-engaged courses or scholarship can receive US $2,000 to create or redesign classes with service-learning or community-based participatory research components. George Washington University’s Nashman Center funds course development and related community-engaged scholarship, which may support social science research partnerships with Washington, DC region organizations.

Washington higher education departments and faculty can access funding through George Washington University to support community engaged scholarship initiatives, including course development, research, and strategic planning. The Nashman Faculty Development Engaged Department Grants offer US $2,000 - US $5,000 for projects that strengthen community partnerships and enhance student learning, which may benefit social science research efforts.

GW faculty in Washington developing community engaged scholarship courses, research, or related initiatives can receive up to US $5,000 in funding to strengthen campus-community partnerships and scholarly work. George Washington University supports projects across disciplines, which may include social science research connected to community partners and engagement outcomes.

GW faculty seeking up to US $2,000 for professional development in community engaged scholarship in Washington can apply for these Nashman Faculty Development Grants. Funding supports workshops, speakers, and conferences that strengthen reciprocal community partnerships and allow participants to share learning that benefits the broader George Washington University community.

GW faculty researching the practice or outcomes of community-engaged scholarship in Washington can apply for Nashman Faculty Development Grants, with awards up to US $2,000. Grants from George Washington University help higher education instructors advance publishable research on engaged teaching and scholarship, with preference for junior faculty and projects involving Washington, DC region partners.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families in Washington can seek funding for education, housing, hunger relief, and environmental stewardship projects through the True Inspiration Awards from Chick Fil A Foundation. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support programs such as academic enrichment, food security, family services, and community beautification that positively impact local communities.

Graduate students in Earth system sciences conducting social science-related research at universities in Canada, the U.S., or Mexico can receive funding, mentoring, and professional development through the UCAR Next Generation Fellowship. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research offers US $40,000 over two years plus research visits, conference support, and cohort-based training that may benefit Washington-based social science researchers.

Graduate students conducting psychology research on self-identity and K–8 academic achievement, including those in Washington, can access funding through the Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark Fund. Grants from American Psychological Foundation provide US $7,500 for research or demonstration projects, and international applicants from eligible countries may also apply.

Early career psychologists conducting social science research on self-identity and academic achievement in K–8 settings, including those in Washington, can receive US $8,500 for research or demonstration projects. The American Psychological Foundation’s Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark Fund supports work grounded in the Clarks’ scholarship on race, children, and education, with international applicants also eligible.

Graduate students interested in marine, coastal, or Great Lakes policy can apply for a one-year paid policy fellowship placing them in federal legislative or executive offices in Washington, D.C. Grants from Wisconsin Sea Grant help U.S.-based graduate students gain experience shaping national decisions on ocean and Great Lakes resources, which may interest social science researchers in Washington.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.