Sociology
About
The Sociology Program supports basic research on all forms of human social organization — societies, institutions, groups and demography — and processes of individual and institutional change. The program encourages theoretically focused empirical investigations aimed at improving the explanation of fundamental social processes. This includes research on organizations and organizational behavior, population dynamics, social movements, social groups, labor force participation, stratification and mobility, family, social networks, socialization, and the sociology of science and technology. The program supports both original data collection and secondary data analysis that use the full range of quantitative and qualitative methodological tools. Theoretically grounded projects that offer methodological innovations and improvements for data collection and analysis are also welcomed. Principal Investigators should selectPD 98-1331in the program announcement/solicitation block on the proposal cover sheet for submission of regular research projects to the sociology program. Projects are evaluated using the two foundation-wide criteria, intellectual merit and broader impacts. In assessing the intellectual merit of proposed research, four components are key to securing support from the Sociology Program: (1) the issues investigated must be theoretically grounded; (2) the research should be based on empirical observation or be subject to empirical validation or illustration.
The Sociology Program is a nationwide research funding initiative designed for scholars, researchers, and academic institutions seeking to advance fundamental understanding of human social organization. This grant supports basic research across diverse areas including organizational behavior, population dynamics, social movements, family structures, labor force participation, social stratification, and the sociology of science and technology. The program welcomes both original data collection projects and secondary data analysis using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Researchers benefit from the program's emphasis on theoretically grounded empirical investigations that explain core social processes and institutional change. The Sociology Program particularly values projects offering methodological innovations in data collection and analysis. If your research addresses fundamental questions about how societies, institutions, and groups function—and you can demonstrate both intellectual merit and broader societal impacts—this program provides a pathway to advance your work. The program evaluates proposals based on the strength of theoretical foundations, empirical rigor, and potential to improve understanding of human social organization at multiple levels.
Funding Facts
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (consult NSF website for current deadlines)
Best For
Academic researchers, sociologists, institutional research teams, and scholars investigating fundamental social processes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Sociology?
The Sociology Program welcomes proposals from researchers and Principal Investigators affiliated with academic institutions and research organizations. Specific eligibility requirements regarding institutional type, researcher experience level, and geographic limitations are not detailed in the available information. Applicants should consult the official NSF Sociology Program website and current program announcement (PD 98-1331) for complete eligibility criteria and any recent updates.
How much funding does Sociology provide?
Specific funding amounts and ranges are not provided in the available program information. Grant sizes vary by research scope, methodology, and data collection requirements. Prospective applicants should review the current program announcement on the NSF website for details on typical award ranges and budget guidelines for the current funding cycle.
How do I apply for Sociology?
Applicants should submit proposals through the NSF's standard proposal submission process. When submitting, select PD 98-1331 in the program announcement/solicitation block on the proposal cover sheet. All proposals are evaluated using NSF's two foundation-wide criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. Visit the official NSF Sociology Program website for current deadlines, submission guidelines, and application procedures.
What can Sociology funding be used for?
Funding supports basic research on human social organization including original data collection, secondary data analysis, and theoretically grounded empirical investigations. Eligible research areas include organizations and organizational behavior, population dynamics, social movements, social groups, labor force participation, stratification and mobility, family research, social networks, socialization, and the sociology of science and technology. Projects offering methodological innovations in data collection and analysis are particularly encouraged.
Last updated: July 5, 2026