The Horowitz Foundation Grant 2026 supports outstanding PhD dissertation research in social policy. This grant provides $10,000 in funding to help doctoral candidates complete their projects and advance scholarship with practical applications.
The Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy, established in 1997, awards small grants to PhD students at the dissertation stage. Its mission is to encourage research that addresses contemporary social issues and has real-world policy impact.
Horowitz Foundation Grant Benefits
- Grant Value: $10,000 total ($7,500 initially, $2,500 upon completion)
- Second instalment awarded upon dissertation acceptance, peer‑reviewed article publication, or book chapter invitation
- Irving Louis Horowitz Award – $5,000 for the overall most outstanding project
- Trustees’ Award – $3,000 for most innovative theory/methodology
- Recognition and visibility through press releases and professional media
Horowitz Foundation Grant Eligibility Criteria
- Be current PhD (or DrPH) candidates working on their dissertation
- Not yet hold a PhD
- Have defended their dissertation proposal or had their topic approved
- Be enrolled at any university worldwide (US citizenship/residency not required)
- Apply only once (new rule since 2023)
Required Documents
- Application form.
- Dissertation proposal approval evidence.
- Recommendation forms.
- Research proposal (social policy application focus).
How Are Applicants Selected?
Applications are evaluated on:
- Feasibility and originality.
- Applicability to social policy (global or local).
- Methodology and theoretical/empirical richness.
- Overall merit of the proposal and recommendations.
How to Apply for Horowitz Foundation Grant
- Review eligibility and criteria
- Prepare application materials including application form, dissertation proposal approval evidence, recommendation forms, and research proposal
- Submit online application via the Horowitz Foundation portal
- Awards announced and administered in June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Horowitz Foundation Grant. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Horowitz Foundation Grant?
The Horowitz Foundation Grant is a dissertation research grant for PhD students in social policy. It provides $10,000 in funding to support outstanding research with practical policy applications.
Who can apply for the Horowitz Foundation Grant?
Current PhD or DrPH candidates who have defended their dissertation proposal or had their topic approved. Applicants must not yet hold a PhD and can be enrolled at any university worldwide.
What is the deadline for the Horowitz Foundation Grant 2026?
The application deadline is December 1, 11:59pm EST. Winners are announced in June 2026.
How much funding does the Horowitz Foundation Grant provide?
The grant value is $10,000 total, with $7,500 awarded initially and $2,500 upon completion. There are also special awards: the Irving Louis Horowitz Award ($5,000) and the Trustees’ Award ($3,000).
What are the eligibility criteria for the Horowitz Foundation Grant?
Applicants must be current PhD or DrPH candidates, not yet hold a PhD, have defended their dissertation proposal, be enrolled at any university worldwide, and apply only once.
How do I apply for the Horowitz Foundation Grant?
Review eligibility and criteria, prepare application materials including the application form, dissertation proposal approval evidence, recommendation forms, and research proposal, then submit online via the Horowitz Foundation portal.
What documents are required for the Horowitz Foundation Grant application?
Required documents include the application form, dissertation proposal approval evidence, recommendation forms, and a research proposal with a social policy application focus.
How are applicants selected for the Horowitz Foundation Grant?
Applications are evaluated on feasibility and originality, applicability to social policy, methodology and theoretical/empirical richness, and overall merit of the proposal and recommendations.
How long do recipients have to complete the project?
Recipients have five years from the award announcement to complete their project and claim the final payment.
Is the Horowitz Foundation Grant open to international students?
Yes, the grant is open to PhD candidates worldwide. US citizenship or residency is not required.
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