Social Sciences

Faculty conducting research in the social sciences have access to a wide range of external funding opportunities through OSP's curated resources, spanning federal agencies, private foundations, and interdisciplinary programs that bridge the social and natural sciences.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is among the most significant federal funders of social science research at W&M, with its Directorate of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) supporting basic research across economics, psychology, anthropology, political science, and related fields. The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) and the Russell Sage Foundation – the principal American foundation devoted exclusively to social science research – offer additional grant and fellowship opportunities for faculty pursuing scholarly projects across the discipline. The Rockefeller Foundation and other private funders also support work at the intersection of the humanities and social sciences.

For faculty whose research spans policy, public-interest, or applied domains, programs such as DARPA, the Department of Commerce, and the William T. Grant Foundation offer pathways to external support for socially relevant inquiry. OSP's weekly funding opportunities list is regularly updated with open solicitations relevant to social science faculty, and customized funding searches are available upon request. Faculty are encouraged to reach out to their OSP Sponsored Programs Administrator early in the proposal process to ensure timely review and submission.

Browse each faculty funding section, or use Command (⌘) + F on Mac devices or Ctrl + F on PC devices to search for specific keywords on each page.

Interested applicants should contact their OSP Administrator as early as possible.

Funding Opportunities

Please visit the Foundation section for more related opportunities.

• (New) Global Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Assessment and Intelligence Gathering
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Provides funding to support projects focused on combating global cybercrime, online fraud, digital piracy, and the criminal misuse of cryptocurrency and virtual assets that harm American communities and businesses, through comprehensive baseline assessments and intelligence gathering.
  • Deadline: 08/31/2026
  • Keywords: Cybercrime intelligence, Cryptocurrency tracking, Cross-border threat assessment, Transnational law enforcement, Actionable intelligence gathering
  • *Institutionally Limited
• (New) Pauli Murray Book Prize
  
  • African American Intellectual History Society 
  • Description: Recognizes the best book concerning Black intellectual history (broadly conceived) published by a member of the African American Intellectual History Society (AAIHS).
  • Deadline: 10/01/2026
  • Keywords: Black intellectual history, African American studies, Civil rights and activism, Gender and legal history, Humanities and social sciences
• (New) Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) – Fellowships
  
  • Smithsonian Institution 
  • Description: Provides graduate, predoctoral, and postdoctoral fellowship opportunities to conduct independent environmental research in temperate, tropical, and polar ecosystems utilizing the facilities and staff expertise of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC).
  • Deadline: 10/15/2026
  • Keywords: Ecosystem ecology, Global change, Biodiversity and conservation, Biological invasions, Watersheds and land use
• (New) U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia -- AI Partnership & Exchange for Tech Leaders (APEX)
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Higher education support, Research infrastructure, Academic facilities modernization, Scientific equipment acquisition, Institutional capacity building
  • Deadline: 09/08/2026
  • Keywords: Higher education support, Research infrastructure, Academic facilities modernization, Scientific equipment acquisition, Institutional capacity building
• (New) Fulbright-Schuman Innovation Award
  
  • Fulbright Association
  • Description: Provides a grant to an American scholar to support policy-oriented research at the intersection of technology and public policy, focusing on innovative technologies, business models, and their integration with U.S.-EU regulations across one to three European Union member states.
  • Deadline: 09/15/2026
  • Keywords: Transatlantic policy research, Technology and public policy, U.S.-EU relations, Innovation models, Regulatory frameworks
• Syria Annual Program Statement
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports innovative foreign assistance programs in Syria that advance U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic objectives through partnerships, private-sector engagement, and market-based solutions. Priority areas include energy, digital connectivity, emerging technologies (including AI and telecommunications), agriculture, workforce development, advanced manufacturing, transitional justice, and economic recovery in conflict-affected communities.
  • Deadline: 08/31/2026
  • Keywords: Economic Recovery, Digital Connectivity, Artificial Intelligence, Workforce Development, International Partnerships
• Track 2.0 Peacebuilding and Dialogue Support
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports rapid-response peacebuilding initiatives that bring together civil society actors, activists, journalists, and other stakeholders to advance dialogue and sustain peace processes in conflict-affected regions. The program focuses on Track 2.0 diplomacy efforts, including informal dialogue, relationship-building, and collaborative approaches to address conflicts and strengthen regional stability.
  • Deadline: 08/13/2026
  • Keywords: Digital Security, Human Rights, Cyber Threats, Online Freedom, Artificial Intelligence
• Global Digital Threat Lab
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports the creation or expansion of a Global Digital Threat Lab to protect freedom of expression online by researching, monitoring, and responding to digital threats targeting civil society organizations, human rights defenders, journalists, and independent voices. The program focuses on improving knowledge sharing, preventing cyberattacks, and addressing technology-enabled repression, including commercial spyware and AI-facilitated cyber threats.
  • Deadline: 08/13/2026
  • Keywords: Digital Security, Human Rights, Cyber Threats, Online Freedom, Artificial Intelligence
  • *Institutionally Limited
• Just Futures Initiative Grant Opportunity
  
  • Borealis Philanthropy 
  • Description: Supports grassroots organizations, coalitions, and community-based initiatives working to advance community safety, democracy, justice, and belonging. The program provides flexible general operating support for organizations developing alternatives to criminalization, strengthening civic participation, protecting civil rights, and building community-led solutions.
  • Deadline: Rolling deadline (applications accepted while funds remain available)
  • Keywords: Community Safety, Democracy, Social Justice, Civil Rights, Community Organizing
• Global Documentation for Accountability Initiative
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports projects that document and analyze human rights violations and abuses worldwide to create credible, evidence-based information for accountability efforts. The program aims to improve the collection, quality, and use of human rights documentation to support sanctions, legal actions, diplomatic engagement, and other accountability measures.
  • Deadline: 08/17/2026
  • Keywords: Human Rights, Accountability, Documentation, International Justice, Democracy
  • *Institutionally Limited
• Countering Transnational Repression Through Evidence-based Research
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports evidence-based research to better understand how perpetrators of transnational repression use diaspora communities, faith-based organizations, and government-related mechanisms to target individuals and groups across borders. The program aims to generate actionable findings and tools to help governments, civil society organizations, and international partners prevent and respond to these practices
  • Deadline: 08/10/2026
  • Keywords: Human Rights, Transnational Repression, Evidence-Based Research, Civil Society, Democracy
  • *Institutionally Limited
• Global Coalition Against Transnational Repression
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports global efforts to counter transnational repression by strengthening coordination among governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations. The program aims to protect diaspora communities, journalists, human rights defenders, and others targeted by authoritarian regimes through information sharing, capacity building, and international collaboration.
  • Deadline: 08/12/2026
  • Keywords: Human Rights, Transnational Repression, Civil Society, International Security, Democracy
• Developing Civilizational Bonds, Democratic Resilience, and Rule of Law in Europe
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports projects that strengthen democratic resilience, rule of law, freedom of expression, independent media, and human rights in Europe. Activities may include research, conferences, cultural engagement, and support for civil society initiatives addressing challenges related to democracy, governance, and civic participation
  • Deadline: 08/12/2026
  • Keywords: Democracy, Human Rights, Rule of Law, Civil Society, International Relations
  • *Institutionally Limited
• Egypt Annual Program Statement
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports projects in Egypt that advance U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic objectives through commercial diplomacy, technology partnerships, and private-sector engagement. Priority areas include emerging technologies (such as AI and telecommunications), energy, infrastructure, agriculture, water innovation, workforce development, and initiatives that strengthen U.S. business opportunities.
  • Deadline: 08/31/2026
  • Keywords: Commercial Diplomacy, Artificial Intelligence, Technology Partnerships, Economic Development, International Collaboration
• Liberty Under Law: The Shared Anglo-American Tradition
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports public diplomacy initiatives that strengthen understanding and engagement between the United States and the United Kingdom. The program funds projects focused on civic dialogue, education, cultural exchange, shared democratic values, and collaboration on issues of mutual interest.
  • Deadline: 08/21/2026
  • Keywords: Public Diplomacy, International Exchange, Civic Engagement, U.S.-UK Relations, Cultural Programs
  • *Institutionally Limited
• GameON – U.S.-Albania E-Sports and Innovation
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports projects that promote youth engagement, digital skills, and innovation through e-sports, coding, game design, and technology entrepreneurship. The program aims to strengthen U.S.-Albania connections by providing opportunities for young people to develop digital skills, collaborate with U.S. partners, and explore careers in the technology sector.
  • Deadline: 08/20/2026
  • Keywords: E-Sports, Digital Skills, Coding, Innovation, Youth Engagement
• Evidence & Evaluation Requests for Proposals
  
  • Arnold Ventures 
  • Description: Supports rigorous research and evaluation projects that build evidence about effective social policies, programs, and interventions. The program funds studies using methods such as randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs to help policymakers identify strategies that improve outcomes in areas such as education, health care, workforce development, and public policy.
  • Deadline: 09/11/2026
  • Keywords: Social Policy Research, Program Evaluation, Evidence-Based Research, Public Policy, Causal Research
• U.S-Nigeria Creative, Digital, & Innovation Economy Initiative
  
  • Department of State
  • Description: Supports public diplomacy projects that strengthen international partnerships and promote mutual understanding through educational, cultural, professional, and community engagement programs. The program funds initiatives that advance U.S. foreign policy goals and encourage collaboration between U.S. and international audiences.
  • Deadline: 08/20/2026
  • Keywords: Public Diplomacy, International Exchange, Cultural Programs, Education, Global Partnerships
• Fellowships to Assist Research and Artistic Creation -- US and Canada Competition
  • Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, John Simon 
  • Description: Supports exceptional mid-career professionals in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences by providing fellowships that allow recipients to pursue significant creative or scholarly work. The program recognizes individuals with demonstrated achievement and provides flexible support to advance their research, projects, or creative endeavors
  • Deadline: 09/15/2026
  • Keywords: Arts and Humanities, Research Fellowship, Creative Scholarship, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
• Track 2.0 Peacebuilding and Dialogue Support
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports rapid-response peacebuilding efforts that bring together civil society actors, activists, journalists, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, conflict prevention, and peace processes in conflict-affected regions.
  • Deadline: 08/13/2026
  • Keywords: Conflict Prevention, Dialogue, Civil Society, Mediation, Human Rights, Governance, Diplomacy
• Leveraging Early Warning Early Response Systems to Promote Peace and Security in Sudan
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports initiatives that strengthen early warning and early response systems to prevent conflict, improve community resilience, and promote peace and security in Sudan.
  • Deadline: 08/17/2026
  • Keywords: Conflict Prevention, Sudan, Conflict Response, Community Resilience, Human Security, Civil Society, Governance, Security, International Development

  • *Institutionally Limited

• Global Documentation for Accountability Initiative
  
  • Department of State 
  • Description: Supports efforts to document human rights violations and abuses, strengthen evidence-based reporting, and improve the use of credible information for accountability, policy, and legal actions.
  • Deadline: 08/17/2026
  • Keywords: Human Rights, Accountability, Documentation, Evidence Collection, Civil Society, Data Analysis, International Law, Policy Research, Global Security

  • *Institutionally Limited

• Wilson Center Research Fellowship
  • Woodrow Wilson Center 
  • Description: Supports scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals conducting policy-relevant research on global issues, foreign policy challenges, and topics that inform public policy discussions.
  • Deadline: 09/30/2026
  • Keywords: Public Policy, International Affairs, Foreign Policy, Global Issues, Political Science, Governance, Security Studies, International Relations, Fellowship
• U.S. Wildland Fire Service BLM-National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) Primary Announcement
  • Department of the Interior 
  • Description: Supports applied wildland fire research focused on changing wildfire regimes, wildfire risk factors, fire impacts, and smoke from prescribed and wildland fires to improve fire management decisions.
  • Deadline: 09/17/2026
  • Keywords: Wildland Fire, Fire Science, Wildfire Research, Fire Behavior, Smoke Impacts, Climate Change, Fire Risk, Fire Management, Prescribed Fire, Ecosystem Resilience, Environmental Research
• NOIP: CDC National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs): Rigorous Evaluation of Prevention Approaches to Prevent and Reduce Youth Violence
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Description: Supports research centers evaluating evidence-based strategies to prevent and reduce youth violence through community partnerships, prevention research, and training.
  • Deadline: 12/01/2026
  • Keywords: Youth Violence Prevention, Violence Prevention, Injury Prevention, Community-Based Research, Public Health, Behavioral Health, Youth Development, Community Engagement
• Build with Gemini XPRIZE
  • XPRIZE
  • Description: XPRIZE designs and runs large-scale incentive competitions — public challenges with clear, verifiable goals that pull humanity and entire industries forward. 
  • Deadline: 08/17/2026
  • Keywords: Carbon, Spaceflight, App, Google, Entrepreneurship  
• Berlin Prize -- Fellowships to Study in Berlin, Germany
  • American Academy in Berlin
  • Description: The Academy welcomes applications from a broad range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, and various areas of public policy. We also generally encourage projects that address pressing issues of the day, such as the future of democracy, technology and society (especially artificial intelligence), contemporary China, as well as climate change and sustainability.
  • Deadline: 09/25/2026 
  • Keywords: Law, Journalism, Public Policy, Democracy, Technology, Sustainability, AI
• Cochran Fellowship Program
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Description:
  • Deadline: 08/14/2026  
  • Keywords:
• Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Description:
  • Deadline: 08/14/2026
  • Keywords:
• OSERS-OSEP: National Center on Academic Interventions Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 84.326Q
  • Department of Education
  • Description:
  • Deadline: 08/10/2026
  • Keywords:
• New Scholars Program
  • Bibliographical Society of America
  • Description:
  • Deadline: 09/16/2026 
  • Keywords:
• Kempf Fund Award for Research Development in Psychobiological Psychiatry
  • American Psychiatric Association
  • Description:
  • Deadline: 09/01/2026 
  • Keywords:
• Grants
  • Sociological Initiatives Foundation
  • Description:
  • Deadline: 08/14/2026
  • Keywords:
• Jacquelin Goldman Congressional Fellowship
  • American Psychological Association
  • Description:
  • Deadline: 01/04/2027 
  • Keywords:
• Congressional Research Grants
  • Dirksen Congressional Center
  • Description:
  • Deadline: Applications are accepted at any time
  • Keywords:
• Decision, Risk and Management Sciences (DRMS)
  • National Science Foundation
  • Description:
  • Deadline: 08/18/2026 
  • Keywords:
• URA Visiting Scholars Program at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab)
  • Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
  • Description:
  • Deadline: 08/31/2026 
  • Keywords:
• Economics
  • National Science Foundation
  • Description:
  • Deadline: Full proposal accepted anytime
  • Keywords:
• Unveiling Health and Healthcare Disparities in Non-Communicable and Chronic Diseases in Latin America: Setting the Stage for Better Health Outcomes Across the Hemisphere (R01 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
  • NIH
  • Description:
  • Deadline: various deadlines
  • Keywords:
• The Role of Work in Health Disparities in the U.S. (R01 Clinical Trials Optional)
  • NIH
  • Description:
  • Deadline: various deadlines
  • Keywords:
• Advancing Healthcare for Older Adults from Populations that Experience Health Disparities (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional)
  • NIH
  • Description:
  • Deadline: various deadlines
  • Keywords:
• Time-Sensitive Evaluation of Policies Affecting Health Behaviors and Chronic Disease Risk (R01-Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
  • NIH
  • Description:
  • Deadline: various deadlines
  • Keywords:
• Pilot Studies of Biological, Behavioral and Social Mechanisms Contributing to HIV Pathogenesis Within the Mission of NIDDK (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
  • NIH
  • Description:
  • Deadline: various deadlines
  • Keywords:
• Unveiling Health and Healthcare Disparities in Non-Communicable and Chronic Diseases in Latin America: Setting the Stage for Better Health Outcomes Across the Hemisphere (R01 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
  • NIH
  • Description:
  • Deadline: various deadlines
  • Keywords:
• Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
  • NIH
  • Description:
  • Deadline: various deadlines
  • Keywords:
• The Research on Research Security Program (RoRS)
  • National Science Foundation
  • Description:
  • Deadline: Full proposal accepted anytime
  • Keywords: 
• Research Infrastructure in the Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • National Science Foundation (NSF)
  • Description:
  • Deadline: Full proposal accepted anytime
  • Keywords:
• Dear Colleague Letter: Innovative Use of Scientific Collections (IUSC)
  • National Science Foundation
  • Description:
  • Deadline: Varying
  • Keywords:
• Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Research
  • U.S. Agency for International Development
  • Description:
  • Deadline: 12/31/2029
  • Keywords:
• Career development and transition funding
  • Open Philanthropy
  • Description:
  • Deadline: Applications are open until further notice and will be assessed on a rolling basis. 
  • Keywords:
• Research Infrastructure in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (RISBS)
  • National Science Foundation
  • Description:
  • Deadline: Full proposal accepted anytime
  • Keywords:
• Sociology
  • National Science Foundation
  • Description:
  • Deadline: Full proposal accepted anytime
  • Keywords: