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

Demonstrating solutions to protect and preserve cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change

Open topic: Strengthen Europe's social model and sustainable competitiveness through productivity

Addressing aquatic pollution and biodiversity loss through nature positive solutions from source to sea

Tackling child poverty and ensuring disadvantaged children's access to Early Childhood Education and Care

Research Management Facility

Geopolitical competition and socioeconomic resilience in CCAM: an innovation and policy roadmap for EU leadership (CCAM Partnership)

Supporting sustainable and smart urban mobility in Europe (CIVITAS)

Transition to low-temperature heating solutions in multi-apartment buildings

Energy efficient urban and sub-urban public transport, complemented by shared mobility

Flagship-pilot: large-scale demonstrations of CCAM (CCAM Partnership)

Road Safety and resilience of rural areas

Co-funded European Partnership for Social Transformations and Resilience

Advanced border surveillance and situational awareness

Open topic on driving innovation uptake of disaster risk solutions

Development of innovative tools, processes, equipment and technologies through responses to disasters and emergencies for search and rescue in hazardous conditions

Improving capabilities of law enforcement to counter climate-related challenges

Prevention and mitigation of misuse of synthetic biology for bioterrorism purposes

Missing persons: prevention and investigation

Demand-led innovation in security

Designing new ways of risk awareness and enhanced disaster preparedness

Accessible and available travel facilitation

Enhancing the security of citizens against terrorism and lone-actor violence in confined spaces such as schools

Security challenges of the green transition in urban und peri urban areas

Crime prevention approaches, online and off-line, tackling the nexus between addictions and crime

Open topic on preventing and countering the misuse of emerging technologies for criminal purposes, including issues related to lawful access to data

Multi-hazard approach and cumulative / cascading impacts

RAISE Doctoral Networks for AI in Science (RAISE pilot)

MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026

De-risking renewable fuel technologies through transnational pre-commercial procurement of renewable fuel industrial value chains

Structurally addressing homelessness through coordinated social infrastructure and services in neighbourhoods

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Sciences EU Grants