Deadline: 01-Jul-2026
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) Religion and Spirituality Seed Grant Program funds short-term, interdisciplinary research on emerging forms of religion and spirituality in contemporary society. It provides up to $10,000 for six-month projects running from September 2026 to February 2027, supporting research on innovation in religion, transnational communities, gender, political mobilization, and related social transformations.
What is the SSRC Religion and Spirituality Seed Grant Program?
This grant program supports early-stage and exploratory research into how religion and spirituality are evolving in modern societies. It focuses on understanding innovation, transformation, and new expressions of belief systems across cultural, political, economic, and historical contexts.
The program encourages interdisciplinary research and welcomes scholars from multiple academic backgrounds working on religion and spirituality.
Key Research Themes
Innovation in Religion and Spirituality
- Emerging religious and spiritual practices
- New forms of spiritual expression
- Religious adaptation in modern societies
Transnational Religious Communities
- Cross-border religious networks
- Migration and global religious identity
- Diaspora-based spiritual communities
Gender and Religion
- Gender roles in religious innovation
- Women’s leadership in spiritual movements
- Gendered experiences of faith and authority
Legitimacy and Authority
- Community recognition of religious authority
- Institutional vs informal legitimacy
- Internal governance of religious groups
Religion, Economy, and Society
- Economic influences on religious practice
- Market dynamics in spirituality
- Social and political roles of religious identity
Historical and Political Transformation
- Historical evolution of religious systems
- Civic and political mobilization through religion
- Religion-linked social movements
Grant Details
- Funding amount: up to $10,000 per project
- Duration: 6 months
- Project period: September 2026 – February 2027
- Funding must be fully used within this timeframe
Eligible Expenses
Funding may be used for:
- Fieldwork and travel costs
- Accommodation and subsistence during research
- Research assistants and staffing support
- Data collection tools and equipment
- Access to academic journals or databases
- Research supplies and materials
- Other justified research expenses (subject to approval)
Eligible Applicants
The program is open to:
- Advanced doctoral candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- University faculty members
- Professional researchers
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Doctoral candidates must complete all PhD requirements except dissertation by July 2026
- Applicants without a US PhD may apply if they demonstrate strong academic publication records
- All application materials must be submitted in English
- Applicants must have relevant academic or research experience
Research Methods Supported
The program welcomes:
- Qualitative research (ethnography, interviews, case studies)
- Quantitative research (surveys, statistical analysis)
- Mixed-methods research approaches
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to:
- Advance academic understanding of religion and spirituality
- Produce publishable research outputs
- Contribute to interdisciplinary scholarship
- Explore contemporary religious innovation
- Strengthen global research perspectives
Why This Program Matters
This funding initiative is important because it:
- Supports emerging research on evolving belief systems
- Encourages interdisciplinary academic collaboration
- Expands understanding of global religious change
- Examines links between religion, politics, and society
- Strengthens early-stage academic research development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the funding amount?
Up to $10,000 per project.
How long is the project duration?
Six months (September 2026 to February 2027).
Who can apply?
Doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and professional researchers.
What topics are supported?
Innovation in religion, transnational communities, gender, legitimacy, economics, and political mobilization.
What research methods are allowed?
Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.
Are non-US PhD holders eligible?
Yes, if they have a strong publication record.
What language is required for applications?
All applications must be submitted in English.
Conclusion
The SSRC Religion and Spirituality Seed Grant Program supports innovative, short-term research on how religion and spirituality are transforming in contemporary societies. By funding interdisciplinary and globally relevant studies, it enables researchers to explore new dynamics in belief systems, identity, and social change across cultures and regions.
For more information, visit SSRC.