This webpage provides resources for applying to the National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent federal agency that promotes the progress of science to advance national health, prosperity, and welfare and to secure the national defense. The NSF is a major funder of research at the UO. Please use the tools and resources below to help you design, write, and meet the requirements for proposals to the NSF.
Proposal Templates & Checklists
The buttons below will direct you to a page featuring a checklist and templates tailored to the NSF guidance for each component of a specific NSF grant mechanism. Use the templates to begin writing each element, and use the checklist to keep track of timing and what parties at UO are responsible for various pieces of an application.
Guidance & Resources
Before Beginning Your Proposal
Connecting with an NSF program officer is the best way to determine whether your project is a good fit for the program to which you want to apply. Developing a one-page summary and talking about it with a program officer can save you a lot of time if you find their program is not the right fit. The resources below can help you plan and prepare.
- NSF 101: 5 tips on how to work with an NSF Program Officer
- Preparing Your Proposal
- Email template for contacting an NSF Program Officer
- 1-pager Project Summary guide and template to solicit feedback from an NSF Program Officer
Developing Your Proposal
Targeted Support for Proposal Components
Ways to Improve Proposal-Writing Skills
Specialized Proposal Prep Resources
Research Development Services Training Video
How to Write a Competitive NSF CAREER Proposal video (15 min): Learn 10 tips for applying to the NSF CAREER program as well s common mistakes to avoid. Overview of how to write a CAREER proposal (MSWord)
NSF Workshop Videos
The NSF's Virtual Grants Conference (2024) has videos on many aspects of proposal preparation and applying to the NSF.