The Free Society Grants offer funding for educators who want to create engaging undergraduate programs focused on the ideas of a free and open society. These grants support faculty in designing meaningful learning experiences that go beyond the classroom, helping students explore topics like freedom, institutions, and human progress.
About the Free Society Grants
The Free Society Grants are offered by the Institute for Humane Studies, a nonprofit organization that supports education and research around the principles of a free society. The program focuses on faculty-led initiatives that actively involve students through discussions, mentorship, events, and academic programming, encouraging deeper thinking and real-world application of ideas related to liberty, economics, and social systems.
Funding Size
- Funding type: Grant (amount varies depending on the project)
- Covers: Program-related costs such as events, student activities, and academic initiatives
- Additional support: Access to tools and resources to help manage and grow the program
Who Can Apply
Eligible organisation types
- Faculty members
- University educators
- Academic program leaders
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Registration or legal documents
- Must be affiliated with a recognized college or university
- Proposal outlining the program and budget
Project focus requirements
- Undergraduate-focused programs
- Activities that promote discussion and learning about free society principles
- Strong student engagement through mentorship, events, or academic discussions
Geographic eligibility
- Open to applicants worldwide
- Applicants must be connected to an accredited academic institution
Sector or thematic focus
- Humanities and social sciences
- Political economy
- Philosophy and governance
- Interdisciplinary studies related to freedom and society
Application Process
- Develop a clear idea for an undergraduate program or initiative
- Prepare a detailed proposal with goals, structure, and expected impact
- Create a budget that outlines how the funding will be used
- Submit the application through the official IHS portal
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Required Materials
- Program or project proposal
- Budget plan
- Outline of activities (such as events, discussions, or mentorship plans)
- Proof of institutional affiliation
Key Dates
- Application opens: March 2026
- Application deadline: June 2026
- Results announcement: August 2026
Selection Notes
- Strong applications clearly show how students will be actively involved
- Well-organized and creative program ideas are more competitive
- Projects should align with themes of freedom, institutions, and societal development
- Funding is intended for direct program costs, not institutional overhead
Official Application Page: https://theihs.tfaforms.net/4830927