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

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

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

Demand-led innovation in security

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

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

Structurally addressing homelessness through coordinated social infrastructure and services in neighbourhoods

Approaches to reuse vacant, obsolete or underutilised spaces

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

Addressing homelessness through housing-led approaches aligned with the New European Bauhaus

Understanding capital market dynamics for increased investment in New European Bauhaus projects in neighbourhoods

Innovative approaches for the spatial design of neighbourhoods

Understanding inhabitant’s experiences of neighbourhoods to support their health and well-being

Advancing sustainable maintenance and repair measures for existing buildings

Resource assessment for deep sedimentary and basement reservoirs

Sustainable, inclusive, affordable and beautiful solutions for thermal comfort in buildings

Innovative solutions for the sustainable and beautiful use of vertical space

Expert network on Critical raw materials (CSA)

Unlocking the potential of academic intellectual assets for industry, SMEs and startups (CSA)

Pillar III: Science comes to town 2029

Pillar III: Promoting public engagement in R&I and scientific literacy

Facilitate the engagement of European stakeholders in international digital standardisation (CSA)

EU Frontier AI Initiative: Developing frontier AI solutions that are safe and computationally efficient within Apply AI (RIA)

Create a thriving and competitive Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 ecosystem (CSA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)

Apply AI: AI-Driven Robotics for Industry: Enabling System Integration and Adoption (IA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Apply AI: Challenge-Driven AI Innovation Booster in Apply AI prioritised sectors (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Sciences EU Grants