NSF grants
NSF funds research and education in science and engineering, mostly at colleges and universities. Startups developing new technology can apply to NSF's SBIR/STTR program, known as America's Seed Fund.
Most NSF programs take proposals through Research.gov on fixed deadlines or windows posted in each solicitation.
- Open now
- 109
- Upcoming
- 0
- Next deadline
- October 21, 2026
Open and forecast NSF opportunities
From Grants.gov, soonest deadline first.
- Closes21 OCT
Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MSPRF)
NSF · Others
The purpose of the Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MSPRF) is to support future leaders in mathematics and statistics by facilitating their participation in postdoctoral research environments that will have maximal impact on their future scientific development. There are two options for awardees: Research Fellowship and Research Instr
- Closes03 NOV
Geometric Analysis
NSF · Anyone eligible
The program in Geometric Analysis supports research on differential geometry and its relation to partial differential equations and variational principles; geometric methods in modern mathematical physics; symplectic geometry; geometric group theory; geometric data analysis; aspects of global analysis, including convex, complex, integral, and information geo
- Closes03 NOV
Topology
NSF · Anyone eligible
The Topology program supports research on algebraic topology, including chromatic, equivariant, motivic, and (un)stable homotopy, homology and cohomology theories; bordism and K-theory; topological manifolds; knots and links; geometric topology; differential topology; transformation groups; topological quantum field theories; contact and symplectic structure
- Closes04 NOV
NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs: A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation
NSF · Others
NSF invests in scientific discoveries, technological breakthroughs, and transformative innovations that strengthen economic growth, enhance security, and improve the lives of Americans and people around the world. Our ability to support that mission requires a robust scientific and engineering (S&E) enterprise in the United States that allows scientists to i
- Closes04 NOV
SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (SPRF)
NSF · Others
The Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) offers Postdoctoral Research Fellowships to encourage independence early in the fellow's career by supporting his or her research and training goals. The research and training plan of each fellowship must address important scientific questions within the scope of the SBE directorate and the s
- Closes04 NOV
U.S. National Science Foundation State and Regional Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Hubs:
NSF · Others
The NSF State and Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs program aims to expand access to the compute required for AI-enabled scientific discovery and to transform the research, education, and training opportunities offered by institutions of higher education. AI Infrastructure Hubs will connect researchers to new compute infrastructure that leverages contributions
- Closes04 NOV
Unlocking Dataset Value for AI-Enabled Scientific Discovery (AI Datasets)
NSF · Others
This program will advance scientific community datasets to enable scientific discovery and innovation using artificial intelligence (AI) and other methods. Its goal is to increase the value that can be derived from existing scientific datasets by leveraging novel methods and artificial intelligence (AI). This will unlock new AI-driven insights. It can enable
- Closes10 NOV
PFE: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF)
NSF · Others
The PFE: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) program has two goals: 1) Support research in the Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE), and 2) Increase the community of researchers conducting PFE research. PIs are expected to have little or no experience conducting social science or education research. PFE: RIEF is not intended for est
- Closes16 NOV
Applied Mathematics
NSF · Anyone eligible
The Applied Mathematics program supports mathematics research motivated by and contributing to the solution of problems arising in science and engineering. Successful proposals must demonstrate mathematical innovation, as well as breadth and quality of impact on applications. Projects that additionally provide opportunities for rigorous mathematical training
- Closes16 NOV
Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants
NSF · Anyone eligible
The Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants (AAG) Program is an inclusive and flexible funding opportunity to support research in the astronomical sciences. The Program provides individual investigator and collaborative research grants for observational, theoretical, laboratory, and archival data studies in astronomy and astrophysics. The Program also con
- Closes16 NOV
Plasma Physics
NSF · Anyone eligible
Proposals in the area of plasma physics submitted to the Division of Physics that are not governed by another solicitation (such as CAREER), should be submitted to the Division-wide solicitation: Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects . The Plasma Physics program participates in multiple NSF meta-programs such as the ECosytem for Leadi
- Closes17 NOV
National Science Foundation Translation to Practice (NSF TTP)
NSF · Others
The U.S. NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) partners across sectors to advance three primary focus areas – accelerating technology translation and development, fostering regional innovation and economic growth, and preparing the American workforce for future high-wage jobs in STEM fields. The translation of research to prac
- Closes18 NOV
National Science Foundation Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry (NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY)
NSF · Others
The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program supports collaboration among K-12 educators, technologists, and researchers to develop innovative solutions to persistent challenges in learning and workforce development. These challenges are identified by K-12 students, families, and educators. The program aims to create and scale evidence-based practices, tools, and technol
- Closes01 DEC
Archaeology Program Senior Research Awards
NSF · Others
The Archaeology Program supports anthropologically relevant archaeological research to increase understanding of past behaviors. This means that the value of the proposed research can be justified within an anthropological context. It is the responsibility of the investigator to explain convincingly why the focus of their research is significant and has the
- Closes01 DEC
Archaeometry (AMTRY)
NSF · Others
The Archaeology Program administers an annual Archaeometry competition with a target date of December 1. The goal is to fund projects in two main categories: To develop or refine anthropologically relevant archaeometric techniques. Examples include the development of methods to identify specific types of organic residues on ceramics or development of field a
- Closes01 DEC
Computational Mathematics
NSF · Anyone eligible
Supports mathematical research in areas where computation plays a central and essential role, emphasizing analysis, development, and implementation of theoretically justified and efficient algorithms. The combination of these elements resulting in innovative computational methods is a hallmark of the program. Proposals ranging from single investigator to int
- Closes04 DEC
Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST)
NSF · Others
CREST Center awards provide support to enhance the research capabilities of Minority-serving institutions (MSIs) through the establishment of centers that effectively integrate education and research. CREST Center awards promote the development of new knowledge, enhancements of the research productivity of individual faculty, and an expanded presence of stud
- Closes09 DEC
IUSE: Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC)
NSF · Others
The National Science Foundation (NSF) plays a prominent role in the improvement of undergraduate STEM education at the Nation’s colleges and universities. Through the IUSE: Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC) program, the agency seeks to extend this effort by making an intentional investment in the country’s two-year institutions of higher e
- Closes15 DEC
Arctic Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (Arctic DDRIG) Arctic Social Sciences, Arctic System Sciences, and Arctic Observing Network (DDRIG)
NSF · Others
The National Science Foundation (NSF) invites investigators at U.S. organizations to submit proposals for Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DDRIGs) to the Arctic Sciences Section, Office of Polar Programs (OPP) to conduct dissertation-level research about and related to the Arctic region. The Programs that are currently accepting DDRIG propo
- Closes15 DEC
Statistics
NSF · Anyone eligible
The Statistics Program supports research in statistical theory and methods, including research in statistical methods for applications to any domain of science and engineering. The theory forms the base for statistical science. The methods are used for stochastic modeling, and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. The methods characterize unce
- Closes11 JAN
Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support
NSF · Others
Oceanographic facilities and equipment are supported by the Integrative Programs Section (IPS) of the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE), Directorate for Geosciences (GEO). These awards are made for the procurement, conversion and/or upgrade, enhancement, or annual operation of platforms in the ocean, coastal and near-shore waters, and Great Lakes. Awards are
- Closes11 JAN
Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP)
NSF · Others
The Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) provides awards to federally recognized 1 Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native-serving institutions, and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions to promote high quality science (including sociology, psychology, anthropology, linguistics, economics and bioeconomics, statistics, and other social and b
- Closes14 JAN
Human Networks and Data Science (HNDS)
NSF · Anyone eligible
The Human Networks and Data Science program (HNDS) supports research that enhances understanding of human behavior by leveraging data and network science research across a broad range of topics. HNDS research will identify ways in which dynamic, distributed, or heterogeneous data can provide novel answers to fundamental questions about individual or group be
- Closes15 JAN
Antarctic Research Not Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Field Support
NSF · Others
Through this solicitation, the Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) funds cutting-edge research that: Improves understanding of interactions among the Antarctic region and global systems. Improves understanding of the dynamic linkages among processes operating in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and linkages to global Earth
- Closes15 JAN
Arctic Research Opportunities
NSF · Others
The National Science Foundation (NSF) invites investigators at U.S. organizations to submit proposals to the Arctic Sciences Section in the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) within the Geosciences Directorate, to conduct research about the Arctic region. The goal of this solicitation is to attract research proposals that advance a fundamental, process, and/or s
Showing 25 of 109, soonest first. The grant finder lists the rest.
Where NSF grant money went in 2025
Awards from October 2024 to September 2025, from USAspending.gov.
| Program (Assistance Listing) | Awarded |
|---|---|
| Mathematical and Physical Sciences 47.049 | $1.7 billion |
| STEM Education (formerly Education and Human Resources) 47.076 | $1.4 billion |
| Computer and Information Science and Engineering 47.070 | $1.1 billion |
| Geosciences 47.050 | $1 billion |
| Biological Sciences 47.074 | $805 million |
| Engineering 47.041 | $744 million |
| Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.084 | $632 million |
| Integrative Activities 47.083 | $473 million |
| Recipient | Awarded |
|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin | $215 million |
| Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, INC. | $168 million |
| University Corporation for Atmospheric Research | $151 million |
| Associated Universities INC | $137 million |
| The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York | $136 million |
| Regents of the University of Michigan | $135 million |
| Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution | $129 million |
| Cornell University | $124 million |
Questions
When is the next NSF grant deadline?
The next deadline is October 21, 2026 for Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MSPRF). 2 programs take applications at any time.
How do I apply for an NSF grant?
Register your organization in SAM.gov to get a Unique Entity ID, create a Grants.gov account, then find the opportunity and submit before its deadline. Some agencies finish the application in their own system, such as JustGrants, eRA Commons or Research.gov.
Can individuals get NSF grants?
Rarely. Federal grants go mostly to organizations: nonprofits, local governments, tribes, schools, colleges and, in research programs, small businesses. Help for individuals usually comes through state and local agencies.
Do I have to pay to apply for a grant?
No. Real grant programs never charge to apply or to receive an award. Anyone asking for a fee before you get grant money is running a scam.