The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…"

With an annual budget of about $6.06 billion (FY 2008), they are the funding source for approximately 20 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities. In many fields such as mathematics, computer science and the social sciences, NSF is the major source of federal backing.

The agency also supports "high-risk, high pay-off" ideas, novel collaborations and numerous projects and discoveries in areas from astronomy to geology to zoology. One such area is the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program that seeks to increase the number of students successfully completing quality degree programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  Particular emphasis is placed on transforming STEM education through innovative academic strategies and experiences in support of groups that historically have been underrepresented in STEM disciplines: African Americans, Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Pacific Islanders.

(Taken from website; http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13646 ; June 12, 2008)

All grant opportunities and applications found within the NSF is administered using the Grants.gov website.

All Proposals to the NSF is submitted using Fastlane. (What is Fastlane?)

Here are the Grants and Contracts features for the National Science Foundation (NSF).

1. Find Funding
   (competitive awards, grants, and cooperative agreements)
2. Recent Funding
   (active funding opportunties - recently announced)
3. Due Dates
   (upcoming due dates of active funding opportunities)
4. Preparing Proposals
   (Preparing your proposals through Fastlane)
5. Grant Proposal Guide
   (requirements for proposal preparation)
6. Using Fastlane
   (getting started on FastLane)
7. About Funding
   (explanations on funding opportunities and programs)
8. NSF News
9. Get upcoming Dues Dates by Email
10. Search previous awards

Note: Links above open in a new window.

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Important :

We are not responsible for the management of the above external links and are simply providing other external information for your Proposal resources.