About Funding

The National Science Foundation funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. It does this through grants, and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal science organizations and other research organizations throughout the United States. The Foundation accounts for about one-fourth of federal support to academic institutions for basic research.

NSF receives approximately 40,000 proposals each year for research, education and training projects, of which approximately 11,000 are funded. In addition, the Foundation receives several thousand applications for graduate and postdoctoral fellowships.

The agency operates no laboratories itself but does support National Research Centers, user facilities, certain oceanographic vessels and Antarctic research stations. The Foundation also supports cooperative research between universities and industry, US participation in international scientific and engineering efforts, and educational activities at every academic level.

NSF FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES/PROGRAMS

Most NSF funding opportunities are divided into broad program areas:

Biology
Computer and Information Sciences
Crosscutting Programs
Education
Engineering
Geosciences
International
Math, Physical Sciences
Polar Research
Science Statistics
Social, Behavioral Sciences

Program deadline and target date information can be found on the Upcoming Due Dates list. It also appears in individual program announcements and solicitations. These publications can be found through the Funding page. To receive rapid notification of new program information by email you may subscribe to National Science Foundation Update.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Additional funding opportunities may be found in these special program areas:

For Undergraduate Students
For Graduate Students
For Postdoctoral Fellows
For K-12 Educators
Small Business Programs