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

A European HPC-centric Benchmark Framework

Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in Sub-Saharan Africa

Capacity building in VET in Latin America

Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in South Mediterranean Countries

Capacity building in VET in Western Balkans

Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in Western Balkans

Capacity building in VET in Caribbean

Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in Neighbourhood East

Capacity building in VET in Sub-Saharan Africa

Capacity building in VET in South Mediterranean Countries

Capacity building in VET in Neighbourhood East

Cybersecure tools, technologies and services relying on AI

Next generation of renewable energy technologies

Understanding and overcoming barriers to the scale-up of innovations supporting EU Missions

AI-driven forecasting algorithms for Grid and Consumer friendly Energy Sharing – Societal Readiness pilot

Advancing lead markets and proof-of-concept for deep tech solutions contributing to EU Missions

Micro-credentials – focus on eco-systems

School Education: STEM Education Centres

Adult Education: Motivation in Motion: Empowering Adults to Up- and Reskilling

Digital Education Content: success factors in decision making and use by teachers, trainers and school/institution leaders

MSCA COFUND 2026

Twinning

Call for proposals to National Roma Contact Points

Safety of renewable low and zero-carbon waterborne fuels in port areas: risk assessment, regulatory framework, and guidelines for safe bunkering, handling and storage (ZEWT partnership)

Ports of the future (ZEWT Partnership)

Living labs to enhance soil health in Alpine and Atlantic biogeographical regions

Sustainable and healthy diets for cardiovascular diseases prevention with the support of digital applications

Green Transition Food Processing Africa

Boosting sustainable competitiveness in rural areas through innovation

Advancing basic knowledge and developing tools for sustainable management of key migratory fish species

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Sciences EU Grants