Social work is a dynamic field that requires both education and field experience. A four-year Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is typically the minimum degree required for entry-level social work roles, but many specialized and advanced positions require a Master of Social Work (MSW). Social workers interested in becoming academics, policymakers, or heads of social work agencies often earn a doctorate in social work (DSW) from a DSW program. Social workers may also earn a Ph.D. to conduct research or teach future social workers.

Earning an advanced social work degree, providing additional support for a client or starting an independent research project are expensive propositions. Fortunately, a variety of sources provide social work grants. This funding can also be used toward continuing education credits required for social work certification.

This page was last updated in February 2026. If you have a suggestion for a grant, please reach out to us at contactus@socialworklicensemap.com.

See our Social Work Scholarships page for additional scholarship information.

Sponsored Online MSW Programs

University of Denver

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Syracuse University

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

Simmons University

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

Howard University

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Howard University.

Hawaii Pacific University

infoAD

Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

• Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
• Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
• Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

infoAD

American Fellowships Short-Term Research Publication Grants
Amount: $6,000 for an eight-week grant period
Description: Supports women scholars in all fields; grant applicants must hold a doctorate degree at the time of application. Applicants must also demonstrate that the support will result in a reduction of their ongoing work-related activities. Selection criteria typically include scholarly excellence; the project’s quality, originality, and feasibility; and evidence of mentorship, teaching, and service.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund
Amount: $500 – $1,500
Description: The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund provides small grants to applicants who volunteer on a full-time basis for progressive social justice programs or projects. Funding areas include building a more just and equitable society, enhancing intercultural understanding, and advancing nonviolent and peace building activities.

CSWE / AAAP: Substance Use Disorders Education and Leadership Scholars (SUDEALS) Program
Amount: Varies (stipends provided through participating schools/programs)
Description: A cohort-based program for selected BSW and MSW students to build specialized skills in substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. Participating schools implement CSWE’s competency-based SUD resources and students typically receive advanced training, mentorship, and (at some schools) a stipend and travel support. 

CSWE Minority Fellowship Program (MFP)
Amount: Varies (monetary stipend provided; contingent on federal funding)
Doctoral Description: A SAMHSA-funded fellowship for doctoral social work students focused on preparing behavioral health leaders in practice, research, teaching, and policy, particularly to improve mental health and/or substance use outcomes in underserved communities. Includes training, mentorship, and a stipend (amount varies by year).

Amount: Varies (monetary stipend provided; contingent on federal funding)
MSW Description: A SAMHSA-funded fellowship for full-time, direct practice-focused MSW students (typically in their final year) committed to providing mental health and/or substance use disorder services and entering the behavioral health workforce after graduation. Provides a stipend, professional development, and mentorship (amount varies by year). 

Fahs-Beck Fund for Research and Experimentation Grants
Amount: Up to $5,000
Doctoral Dissertation Grant Description: Supports dissertation expenses of doctoral students in the U.S. and Canada whose studies have the potential to impact the knowledge about problems in functioning or well-being of children, adults, couples, families, and communities or interventions designed to help alleviate or prevent these problems.
Amount: Up to $20,000
Faculty/Post-Doctoral Grant Description: Supports research of faculty members of post-doctoral researchers affiliated with non-profit human service organizations in the U.S. or Canada in the areas of: innovative interventions to prevent or alleviate major social, psychological, behavioral or public health problems affecting individuals and communities or research for the addition of knowledge about these concerns.

HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET)
Amount: Varies (often a stipend through participating universities; school-specific amounts)
Description: A federal HRSA grant program that funds universities (including schools of social work) to provide specialized behavioral health training—often paired with paid field/clinical placements and stipends for eligible students. Students typically apply through their school if it participates in a BHWET-funded program. 

National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF)
Amount: $10,000
Description: Supports MSW-prepared professionals (and eligible doctoral-level students, depending on the current year’s guidelines) who work in bleeding disorders programs. Projects must be relevant to current bleeding disorders practice and may incorporate clinical casework, group work, organizational and public health approaches, education, and/or research.

NASW Foundation – Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Up to $4,000
Description: Supports MSW students committed to working with American Indian/Alaska Native and/or Hispanic/Latino populations (and related underserved communities, per guidelines). Awards and the number of recipients depend on available annual earnings and contributions to the fund. 

NASW Foundation – Lawanna Renee Barron Scholarship Endowment Fund
Amount: $2,000
Description: A NASW Foundation scholarship for social work students aligned with the fund’s stated priorities (review the current-year guidelines for eligibility and selection criteria). NASW membership in good standing is required to receive NASW Foundation scholarship awards. 

NASW Foundation – Ruth Fizdale Program
Amount: Varies
Description: This grant supports NASW Chapters conducting their research on social policy issues, improving or evaluating human service delivery systems, and contributing to stronger communities. Award amounts and requirements depend on the current call.

NASW Foundation – Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $4,000 (two scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year)
Description: Awarded to MSW students who demonstrate an interest in or experience with health/mental health practice and a commitment to working in African American communities. Awards are based on projected annual earnings and contributions to the scholarship fund. 

National Institute of Justice – Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Amount: Up to $50,000 a year for up to three years
Description: Supports doctoral students enrolled full time in PhD programs whose dissertation research addresses topics relevant to criminal justice. Awards are typically administered through the student’s academic institution and require compliance with NIJ program guidelines.

Phi Alpha Honor Society – Chapter Grants
Amount: Up to $1,000
Description: Provides funding to Phi Alpha chapters to promote humanitarian goals, strengthen bonds among students, and support service-learning or community-focused chapter initiatives.

Research to Action (R2A) GrantsDoris Duke Fellowships – Research to Action Grants
Amount: Up to $80,000
Description: Supports applied research projects designed to address real-world policy or practice challenges related to child and family well-being. Grants are typically awarded to teams that include researchers and policy or practice partners working together to produce actionable findings.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association (SFBTA) – Research Award 
Amount: Up to $1,500
Description: Supports research focused on solution-focused brief therapy. Graduate students, clinicians conducting SFBT-related research, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty may be eligible under current program guidelines.

Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) – Awards
Amount: Varies
Description: Offers multiple awards recognizing career excellence, research contributions, and dissertation-related achievements in social work research. Each award has its own eligibility rules, timelines, and selection criteria.

Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Programs
Amount: Varies by state/university
Description: Title IV-E university–agency partnership programs support BSW/MSW students preparing for public child welfare careers. Benefits vary widely by state and school, and recipients usually agree to work in eligible child welfare roles for a specified period after graduation.

Information last updated: February 2026