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

This page was last updated on January 2020. 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 social work programs

University of Denver

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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.

Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Request more info from Fordham University.

Hawaii Pacific University

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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.

Simmons University

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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

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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.

Syracuse University

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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.

Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

• CSWE-accredited
• No GRE requirement
• Complete in as few as one and a half years

Request more info from Case Western Reserve University.

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American Fellowships Short-Term Research Publication Grants
Amount: $6,000 for an eight-week grant period
Description: Open to 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 on-going work-related activities. The following criteria are considered: scholarly excellence, quality, originality, and feasibility of project, mentorships of other women, teaching experience and more.

American Cancer Society – Doctoral Training Grants in Oncology Social Work
Amount: $20,000 year for two years; with possibility of renewal
Description: For doctoral students that train others in conducting research on oncology social work.

American Cancer Society – Master’s Training Grants in Oncology Social Work
Amount: $12,000 year for two years; with possibility of renewal
Description: For MSW-prepared field instructors at placement sites that are affiliated with schools of social work with health care or mental health concentrations while providing students the opportunity to concentrate in pediatric or adult oncology.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund
Amount: $500 – $1,500
Description: The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund provides applicants who volunteer on a full-time basis for progressive social justice program or project with small grants in the following areas: building a more just and egalitarian society, enhancing understanding between people, advancing nonviolence and peace activities and more.

Doris Duke Fellowships – Research to Action Grants
Amount: Up to $80,000
Description: Available to teams of Doris Duke fellow and policy or practice partners, the grant supports applied research projects that address policy or practice challenges.

Fahs-Beck Fund for Research and Experimentation Grants
Amount: Up to $5,000

Doctoral Dissertation Grant Description: Grants are awarded to support 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: Grants are awarded to support 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 alleviate major social, psychological, behavioral or public health problems affecting individuals and communities or research for the addition of knowledge about these concerns.

The Foundation for Child Development – Young Scholars Program
Amount: Unknown
Description: Encourages doctoral applicants who are scholars from underrepresented groups that have experienced economic instability and social exclusion and scholars from a variety of disciplines and methodological approaches. The program funds implementation research that is policy and practice relevant examining preparation, competency, compensation, well0being and on-going professional learning of early care and education workforce.

Jane B. Aron Doctoral Fellowship
Amount: Up to $17,900
Description: This NASW Foundation program supports social work doctoral students who are working on a dissertation related to health care policy and practice. Dissertations that have a diversity component are encouraged.

Judith Holm Memorial Student Award – EPICC
Amount: $500 – $1,000
Description: For students in their final year of graduate social work, cash prizes are awarded to those who submit a paper that recounts the process of a field placement intervention and readiness to enter the field.

National Hemophilia Foundation – Social Work Excellence Fellowship
Amount: $10,000
Description: Applicants must have earned a MSW or be a student in a DSW program with a related master’s and be licensed as a master’s level clinical social worker working in a bleeding disorders program. The proposed applicant’s project must be relevant to current practice in bleeding disorders incorporating casework, group work, organizational and public health, education and research perspective.

National Institute of Justice – Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Amount: Up to $50,000 a year for up to three years
Description: Students must be enrolled in a full-time PhD program whose dissertation proposal is a topic relevant to criminal justice.

Phi Alpha Honor Society – Chapter Grants
Amount: Up to $1,000
Description: Chapters are eligible for award to promote humanitarian goals and bonds among students in service learning.

Ruth Fizdale Program
Amount: Unknown
Description: This grant supports NASW Chapters in their research on specific issues in social policy, enhance existing human service delivery systems, and contribute to community life.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association – Research Award
Amount: Up to $3,500
Description: Any graduate student engaged in research focused on solution-focused brief therapy, post-doctoral fellows, and junior faculty members are encouraged to apply.

Society for Social Work and Research – Awards
Amount: Varies
Description: The SSWR offers several different awards for career excellence, research, and dissertation support in the field of social work.