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National Science Foundation

The Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) is the source for information about NSF's proposal and award process.

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NSF 2024 PAPPG.pdf
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This page highlights key guidance you'll need to follow as you prepare your proposal to the U.S. National Science Foundation. 

You must include the four documents outlined here for each of the senior/key personnel involved in your proposal to the U.S. National Science Foundation.

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NSF Synergistic Activities Template.pdf
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NSF COA_Template.pdf
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Proposals to NSF can typically include several categories in their budget.  
 
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NSF Budget Justification Template.pdf
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The two-page data management and sharing plan is a required part of a proposal to the U.S. National Science Foundation. It describes how a proposal will follow NSF policy on managing, disseminating and sharing research results.
 
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Data Management Plan Template.pdf
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As of 2024, the mentoring plan has been expanded to include postdoctoral researchers and graduate students. While you will find many templates online, NSF does not endorse a prescriptive format and encourages researchers to lead the way in creating unique strategies for supporting their mentees.

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NSF Sample Mentoring Plan.pdf
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The U.S. National Science Foundation's policy is to foster safe and harassment-free environments wherever science is conducted.

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VT NSF Safe Inclusive Work Environment Plan.pdf
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The 1-page project summary provides an overview of the proposed activity, a statement on its intellectual merit, and a statement on its broader impacts.  

The Project Description should provide a clear statement of the work to be undertaken and must include the objectives for the period of the proposed work and expected significance; the relationship of this work to the present state of knowledge in the field, as well as to work in progress by the PI under other support.

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NSF Facilities and Resources Template.pdf
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If your project involves live vertebrate animals, the U.S. National Science Foundation requires that one of the following must be in place before it issues an award:

  • Approval from an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Public Health Service (PHS)-approved Animal Welfare Assurance. Or:

  • A determination by an organization's IACUC that the project is exempt from IACUC oversight.

If a research project involves human subjects, the U.S. National Science Foundation requires that a responsible body has certified the project complies with the federal government's "Common Rule" for the protection of human subjects.