The NSF supports research across a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines, including fundamental research in fields like physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and social sciences. USe the tool below to see where your proposal fits best.
- Program Suitability & Proposal Concept Tool: A tool for assessing whether a proposal fits with NSF funding programs and for refining proposal concepts.
Core NSF Resources:
- NSF Homepage: The main NSF website, providing an overview of the agency, its mission, and current funding opportunities.
- NSF Funding Opportunities: A searchable database of current NSF funding opportunities, allowing researchers to find relevant programs and deadlines.
- NSF News & Events: News releases, press conferences, and upcoming events related to NSF research and activities.
- NSF Awards Search: Search for information on awarded NSF grants, including project summaries and principal investigators.
For Proposal Development:
- NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG): (As mentioned) The essential guide for all aspects of NSF proposal preparation and submission.
- NSF Proposal Development Resources: A collection of resources to assist researchers in developing strong NSF proposals, including templates, checklists, and guidance on specific proposal components.
- NSF Proposal Development Workshops: Workshops and training sessions offered by NSF and other organizations to provide guidance on proposal development.
- NSF Proposal and Award Process: This page outlines the lifecycle of a proposal to the U.S. National Science Foundation, from preparation and submission to review and award processing.
NSF Directorates: Explore the specific research areas supported by each of the seven NSF directorates. Within each directorate, explore the specific research divisions and programs that align with your research interests.
- Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO)
- Directorate for Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE)
- Directorate for Engineering (ENG)
- Directorate for Geosciences (GEO)
- Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences (MPS)
- Directorate for Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBE)
- Directorate for STEM Education
- Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP)
- Office of Budget, Finance and Award Management (BFA)
- Office of Information and Resource Management (OIRM)
- Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
- Office of the Director (OD)
- National Science Board (NSB)
For Researchers at Different Career Stages:
- NSF CAREER Program Website: Information and resources for the NSF CAREER Program, which supports early-career faculty in research and education.
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP): A program that provides funding to graduate students pursuing research in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
- NSF EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research): A program aimed at increasing research capacity in underrepresented regions of the U.S. by supporting competitive research.
- NSF REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) Sites: Provides funding for researchers to mentor undergraduate students in NSF-supported research opportunities.
- NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Funding: Funding opportunities for postdoctoral researchers.
- NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program: Supports early-career faculty in research and education.
Other Research-Related NSF Resources
- CAREER Proposal Writing Tips from Successful Applicants (2007): Offers guidance from previous successful applicants on writing NSF CAREER proposals.
- NSF Policy Office: Provides information on NSF policies related to funding, research, and proposal submissions.
- FAQs on Merit Review and Broader Impacts: A resource that addresses frequently asked questions regarding NSF’s merit review criteria and broader impacts assessment.
- Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG): The official NSF guide offering procedures and policies for submitting proposals and managing awards.
- NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program: A program designed to help researchers commercialize their innovations and translate them into viable technologies.
- NSF Grants.gov Application Guide: Guidance on using the Grants.gov system to submit NSF proposals. (Released annually in May)
- NSF Help Desk: Contact information for assistance with NSF applications and other inquiries.
- NSF Public Affairs Office: News and resources for the public about NSF research and activities.
- NSF Human Resources: The U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Human Resource Management (HRM) provides human capital management support in, Staffing and recruitment, Professional and leadership development, Learning and educational opportunities, Employee awards and recognition as well as labor relations.
- NSF Science & Technology Centers: Centers that conduct cutting-edge research and engage in broad public outreach.
- NSF International Collaborations: Information on NSF programs and policies related to international research collaborations.
- NSF Broader Impacts Criterion: Detailed information on how NSF evaluates the broader impacts of proposed research.
