Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Social Sciences sector?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission offers a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed for the Social Sciences sector. These include grants through Horizon Europe (the EU's flagship research and innovation programme with a budget of €95.5 billion), the European Innovation Council (EIC) which provides funding for breakthrough innovations, and various sector-specific initiatives. Funding types range from Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) with 100% funding rates, to Innovation Actions (IA) with 70% funding for companies, and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) for networking and coordination activities. Our database helps you find grants that match your organization's specific needs, project stage, and funding requirements.

Question 2

How do I apply for Social Sciences grants from the EU?

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Social Sciences sector involves several key steps. First, use Grantalist to identify suitable open calls that match your project idea and organization type. Next, carefully review the call documentation, including eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria, and the work programme. Most EU grants require you to form a consortium with partners from at least 3 different EU member states or associated countries. Once ready, you'll submit your proposal through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, which includes a detailed description of your project, work packages, budget breakdown, and impact assessment. The evaluation process typically takes 3-5 months, after which successful applicants enter grant agreement preparation. We recommend starting your application at least 2-3 months before the deadline.

Question 3

What is the typical funding amount for Social Sciences EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Social Sciences sector offer diverse funding levels depending on the programme and action type. Small-scale grants through programmes like EIC Accelerator can start from €500,000 up to €2.5 million in grant funding, plus up to €15 million in equity investment. Collaborative research projects under Horizon Europe typically range from €3 million to €10 million for standard projects, while some large-scale flagship initiatives can exceed €20 million. SMEs and startups often benefit from higher funding rates (up to 70% for Innovation Actions compared to large companies) and access to specialized instruments. The exact amount depends on the specific call topic, project scope, consortium size, and type of activities proposed.

Question 4

Who is eligible for Social Sciences EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Social Sciences EU grants extends to a wide range of organizations. Legal entities from EU member states and associated countries (including the UK for some programmes, Norway, Switzerland, and others) are typically eligible. This includes universities and research institutions, large enterprises and multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees, startups and scale-ups, public bodies and NGOs, and international organizations. Some calls specifically target certain organization types, such as SME-only calls or academic-focused research grants. Third-country participation is possible in many programmes, though often without EU funding.

EU Grants for Social Sciences

Capacity building in Higher Education: Pacific

Capacity building in Higher Education: Asia

Capacity building in Higher Education: Sub-Saharan Africa

Capacity building in Higher Education: Cross-Regional

Support for the implementation of the European Heritage Label

Development of innovative solutions strengthening the security of renewable energy value chains

Underground Thermal Energy Storage in dense urban areas

Understand and minimise the environmental impacts of offshore wind energy

Innovative pathways for low carbon and climate resilient building stock and built environment (Built4People Partnership)

Innovative tools and services to manage and empower energy communities

Competitiveness, energy security and integration aspects of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin value chains

Smarter buildings as part of the energy system for increased efficiency and flexibility – Societal Readiness Pilot

Innovative approaches for the deployment of Positive Energy Districts

Space Data Economy

European Youth Together 2026

European Advanced Digital Skills Competitions

ELEVATE: European League of Advanced Digital Skills Academies

Apply AI: GenAI for the public administrations

Consolidation of the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs with reinforced AI focus)

European Digital Media Observatory Hubs

Supporting the Network of National Contact Points (NCPs) of the Digital Europe Programme

Completion of the initial Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs

Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas - 2026

European Universities

Global collaboration action towards better prevention, treatment and clinical management of HIV co-infections or co-morbidities in sub-Saharan Africa

Global collaboration action on climate and health in sub-Saharan Africa

Global collaboration action for the development of TB drugs for therapy and chemoprophylaxis in adults and children in sub-Saharan Africa

Capacity Building in the Field of Sport

Small-scale Partnerships

Not-for-profit European sport events

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Sciences EU Grants