Undergraduate Student Small Research Grants

The Center for Social Science Scholarship (CS3) invites applications for Small Research Grants to support UMBC graduate students (Master’s and PhD) in the social sciences. These grants are designed to provide critical support for research-related expenses where no other funding sources are available.

Eligibility
  • Open to full-time undergraduate students in the social sciences at UMBC.
    • For students in joint degree programs (e.g., UMB–UMBC), preference is given to those whose primary affiliation or placement is at UMBC or whose primary research advisor is a UMBC faculty member.
  • Applicants must have exhausted all other relevant university support, including:
    • Departmental funds
    • Undergraduate research awards
    • DRIF
Restrictions
  • Maximum award: $250.
  • Applicants may not apply simultaneously to multiple CAHSS research center small grant programs (e.g., Dresher Center or CIRCA).
  • Funds to reimburse expenses must be used  within one calendar year of the award notice.
Submission Process
  1. Complete the application form.
    1. Purpose of the funds and how they support your research and/or scholarly goals
    2. Timeline for use
    3. Specific amount requested
    4. Justification for why CS3 funding is necessary
    5. Summary of other internal and external funding sources sought, including those already used or unavailable/not awarded
  2. Email from your faculty advisor, Department Chair, or Program Director to socialscience@umbc.edu in support of  your application and confirming that all other funding options have been exhausted.
Review and Award Process
  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
    • Decisions will be made in consultation with the CS3 Advisory Board
    • Applicants will be notified within two weeks of submission.
    • Applicants not initially funded may be invited to submit a revised application at a later date.
  • Preference is given to:
    • Applicants who have not received a CS3 Small Research Grant in the past 6 semesters; and
    • Applications with strong justification and clear impact on research or scholarly development.
  • The following are not priorities for funding:
    • Travel to conferences for applicants not presenting or formally participating in the proceedings
    • Research expenses for comparable services already provided by the university (e.g., qualitative coding software)