Since its inception, the NSF grant application process done right has played a significant role in American scientific research and education.
Since its founding, the NSF has supported research in a broad range of sciences and engineering, including the life sciences (biology, ecology, genetics), social sciences (anthropology), and physical sciences. This NSF Grant Application Guide will expose you to all you need to know
The National Science Foundation was established by Congress in 1950 under the National Science Foundation Act to promote scientific progress in the U.S. It is an independent federal agency, governed by commission members with extensive staff support.
The NSF’s twin goals are to advance the progress of science, engineering, and mathematics research in the U.S., and to make that research a national resource for other scientists and inventors. Funding is awarded to researchers and bureaus across the country and is restricted primarily to research that leads to practical results.
National Science Foundation NSF Grant Application Process
Step 1: Awareness
This is the first step of the NSF grant application process. NSF funding opportunities are posted on the NSF website and Grants.gov. This is also the phase in which an NSF proposal is generally announced. Prospective applicants should become aware of all of the opportunities relevant to their research.
Most announcements, especially research proposals and most likely to be funded, will have deadlines. The applicant should read the announcement very carefully and decide whether or not they are eligible to apply based on the eligibility criteria.
In some instances, however, an extension of the deadline may be given by NSF and the applicant may still be able to apply and qualify if they make a timely decision.
Step 2: Deciding where to apply
The applicant should understand the grant and which funding opportunity is most appropriate. An applicant should not only consider what they want to do but also how they plan on doing it.
The NSF program types allow applicants to do exactly what they want to do and the most appropriate funding opportunity is always the one that allows the applicant to do just that. For example, if an applicant is an engineer, they should not apply for a research proposal unless they are conducting research.
Step 3: Reviewing and revising the proposal
After deciding to apply, the applicant must read everything they can and revise any portions of the proposal if necessary. They should also carefully consider all of their grant-type options before they begin the application process. After they have decided where to apply, they should review the application requirements and make sure that they have included all of their relevant material.
This NSF grant application process is critical and the applicant should be aware of the maximum amount of funding they are seeking when they are reading the application requirements if they are eligible for more than one type of grant, they should then figure out how much funding they want to pursue. They should be careful when calculating the budget because they cannot submit a different one at the review stage.
The applicant should also make sure that they have used only the most up-to-date sources in the proposal and they should not use any primary data that is not yet published. The applicant should also review the proposal with an adviser if they are not sure of how to complete it.
Step 4: Submitting the proposal
After the applicant has revised, reviewed, and edited their proposal, they should then make sure that it is submitted online (through Grants.gov and many NSF programs require that the proposal is submitted online). The applicant must also be aware of the application submission deadlines.
If they are unsure as to whether they are submitting on time then they should contact the proper NSF program office to clear up any issues. They should also be aware that the grants office will be closed on certain holidays and that they should also make sure that it is being submitted before the deadline. They should make sure to verify the email address used during submission to ensure a speedy response from NSF.
Step 5: Review Phase
Once the proposal has been submitted and is in the initial review process, an applicant should not contact the program office or send them any additional information unless requested to do so. The applicant should wait until the deadline to receive notification from the program office. The applicant should then check the status of their proposal online and make sure that they have received an electronic tracking notice as well as an electronic acknowledgment of receipt.
Step 6: Award notification
If and when the proposal is awarded, the applicant will be notified by the program office. They should then make sure that they read through all of the letters carefully because they may have to provide additional information or may be contacted as to how they would like to receive their award.
Best Strategies: How to get an NSF grant
Writing a grant proposal is often a time-consuming process and it is important to make sure that you are prepared before you begin writing. Make sure that you are familiar with the various types of grants and the requirements. Make sure that you understand the criteria that will be used to evaluate your grant application and know how the reviews will work before you begin writing.
When writing a grant proposal it is important to make sure that you include all of the necessary information to make a complete and accurate assessment. It is also important to understand the guidance provided by NSF and consciously follow its policies.
When writing the proposal, it is important to be as organized as possible. Make sure that you have all of your research and relevant information organized before you begin writing.
Make sure that you have all of the information from your organization, including a statement of purpose, a budget, and all of your research. If this is not possible then make sure that you can get your information from an outside source. Make sure that you organize the information in an orderly fashion.
When writing a grant proposal it is important to understand the types of projects that the NSF focuses on. Make sure that you understand the various types of grants and funding mechanisms that are available so that you will know what resources to look for when you begin to write your proposal. It is also important to understand the process and timeframe with which they operate and be prepared to follow their guidelines.
Conclusion
The NSF grant application process can often be a lengthy one and requires considerable time and effort. It is important to follow this guide and be fully aware of the necessary steps to take before you begin the application process. It is also important to make sure that you are prepared to submit your proposal before the deadline. You might want to read SBIR Grant Application Guide as well.
