The National Science Foundation (NSF) is 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 University. 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 take you to a page with a checklist and templates based on the NSF guidance for each component of a particular 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
• Tips from GEO Program Officers
• Email template for contacting an NSF Program Officer

Developing Your Proposal

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

Below are links to videos that cover various elements of the agency, proposal preparation, and merit review. 

• Introduction and Proposal Preparation (90 min): Watch this fall 2024 video to learn more about how to find funding on the NSF website, the types of proposal mechanisms available, the NSF grant policy and procedure guide, and the various parts of an NSF proposal. PDF of PowerPoint included.
• Merit Review Process (84 min): This fall 2024 video will give you an understanding of the process of grant review at the NSF, including review criteria, types of reviewers, how to become a reviewer, and how the agency makes funding decisions. PDF of PowerPoint included.
• Mock Review Panel (16 min): This video will give you excellent insight into the workings of an NSF review process, and can help you better understand what reviewers consider when they make their recommendations to program officers.