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.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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.

Charitable organizations in Washington and worldwide can seek funding for humanitarian, educational, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that promote sustainable development and community wellbeing. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities manage high-quality initiatives that may include social research components, especially where Roche expertise, logistics, and employee engagement can be actively involved.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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 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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

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.

Washington nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations conducting programs that help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can access funding through Gupta Family Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Smaller organizations working in human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or humanitarian relief may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s mission and revenue criteria.