NSF proposals contain several components. Below are resources and templates you can use to help you draft certain sections of your NSF proposal. Please note that some program solicitations have specific requirements that may differ from these templates; please make sure to carefully review the program guidelines.
Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
The Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) is comprised of documents relating to the Foundation’s proposal and award process for the assistance programs of NSF. The PAPPG, in conjunction with the applicable standard award conditions incorporated by reference in the award[2], serve as the Foundation’s implementation of 2 CFR §200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. If the PAPPG and the award conditions are silent on a specific area covered by 2 CFR §200, the requirements specified in 2 CFR §200 must be followed.
NSF Budget Template
Please download this template and save to your computer.
NSF Budget Justification Template
Please make a copy to edit this template.
NSF Collaborators & Other Affiliations Template
This document contains a table of an individual’s collaborators, such as their advisors, co-authors and students. NSF requires the use of this template for identifying this information. Please keep this document in the Excel format when editing and saving.
NSF Biographical Sketch Template
NSF requires a biographical sketch for each individual identified as senior personnel. See PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.h(i) for complete coverage on the content and formatting requirements for the biographical sketch.
NSF has partnered with the National Institutes of Health to use SciENcv: Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae as the NSF-approved format for use in preparation of the biographical sketch section of an NSF proposal. Proposers must use SciENcv to prepare their biographical sketches for proposals to NSF.
NSF Current and Pending (Other) Support Template
NSF requires information on all current and pending support for ongoing projects and proposals. This document contains a list of an individual’s proposed and active projects and sources of support. Refer to PAPPG II.D.2.h(ii) for the full Current and Pending (Other) Support requirements.
NSF has partnered with the National Institutes of Health to use SciENcv: Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae as the NSF-approved format for use in preparation of the current and pending support section of an NSF proposal. Proposers must use SciENcv to prepare their Current and Pending (Other) Support information for proposals to NSF.
Tips to Keep in Mind
- The NSF Pre-award and Post-award Disclosures Relating to the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support table provides helpful reference information regarding pre-award and post-award disclosure information in the biographical sketch and current and pending support proposal sections. The table identifies where these disclosures must be provided in proposals as well as in project reports.
- The NSF program officer can provide more details about how best to present your case in the proposal.
- Faculty planning to apply to NSF should thoroughly review the NSF program solicitation, along with the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). In cases where the specific program solicitation offers different guidance from the PAPPG, the solicitation trumps the PAPPG.
- Please submit drafts of your complete narrative and budget to the Office of Foundation & Corporate Relations (FCR) at least two weeks before the proposal deadline.
- Remember, the more assistance you need, the further in advance the FCR office needs to know about your project!