Division of Chemistry: Disciplinary Research Programs
Can you apply?
This grant is for chemistry research conducted at U.S. institutions of higher education and eligible non-profit research organizations. Two- and four-year colleges, community colleges, and accredited U.S. universities can apply. Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies also qualify if directly associated with educational or research activities. Proposals address six disciplinary areas: Chemical Catalysis, Chemical Measurement and Imaging, Chemical Mechanism/Function/Properties, Chemical Synthesis, Environmental Chemical Sciences, and Macromolecular/Supramolecular/Nanochemistry.
This grant is for chemistry research conducted at U.S. institutions of higher education and eligible non-profit research organizations. Two- and four-year colleges, community colleges, and accredited U.S. universities can apply. Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies also qualify if directly associated with educational or research activities. Proposals address six disciplinary areas: Chemical Catalysis, Chemical Measurement and Imaging, Chemical Mechanism/Function/Properties, Chemical Synthesis, Environmental Chemical Sciences, and Macromolecular/Supramolecular/Nanochemistry.
Program description
This solicitation applies to six (of the nine) CHE Disciplinary Research Programs: Chemical Catalysis (CAT); Chemical Measurement and Imaging (CMI); Chemical Mechanism, Function and Properties (CMFP); Chemical Synthesis (SYN); Environmental Chemical Sciences (ECS); and Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN).
All proposals submitted to these six CHE Disciplinary Research Programs (other than the following exceptions) must be submitted through this solicitation, otherwise they will be returned without review.
Exceptions:
- Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) proposals should be submitted through the CAREER solicitation (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503214) by the CAREER deadline date specified.
- Facilitating Research at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions: Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) and Research Opportunity Awards (ROA) proposals should be submitted through the RUI/ROA solicitation (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5518) during the window for the appropriateCHE Disciplinary Research Program. In addition to the requirements of the RUI program, proposals should follow the guidance in this solicitation.
- Proposals for Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID), Research Advanced by Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (RAISE), and conferences can be submitted anytime after consultation with the cognizant NSF Program Officer.
- Supplemental funding requeststo existing grantscan be submitted anytime after consultation with the cognizant NSF Program Officer.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for chemistry research conducted at U.S. institutions of higher education and eligible non-profit research organizations. Two- and four-year colleges, community colleges, and accredited U.S. universities can apply. Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies also qualify if directly associated with educational or research activities. Proposals address six disciplinary areas: Chemical Catalysis, Chemical Measurement and Imaging, Chemical Mechanism/Function/Properties, Chemical Synthesis, Environmental Chemical Sciences, and Macromolecular/Supramolecular/Nanochemistry.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NSF Cover Sheet (SF-424 or FastLane equivalent)
- Project Narrative/Research Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (PI and key personnel)
- Current and Pending Support documentation
- Facilities/Equipment description
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.049 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$570,618,065
-
$480,514,346
-
$406,246,554
-
$277,033,094
-
$236,459,999
-
$190,969,692
-
$159,846,534
-
$144,261,921
-
$140,880,752
-
$124,000,000
Top States by Funding
- VA 5 awards $955.1M
- DC 4 awards $907.5M
- CA 12 awards $589.6M
- AZ 8 awards $566.5M
- NY 7 awards $319.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.049). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,539,910,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,537,650,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $512,280,000 |
FAQ
Who can submit proposals?
Accredited U.S. colleges, universities, and eligible non-profit research organizations directly associated with education or research.
Are there exceptions to the submission window?
Yes. CAREER, RUI/ROA, EAGER, RAPID, RAISE, and conference proposals follow different timelines. Supplemental funding requests can be submitted anytime after consulting the NSF Program Officer.
What are the six disciplinary research programs covered?
Chemical Catalysis (CAT), Chemical Measurement and Imaging (CMI), Chemical Mechanism/Function/Properties (CMFP), Chemical Synthesis (SYN), Environmental Chemical Sciences (ECS), and Macromolecular/Supramolecular/Nanochemistry (MSN).
Is cost sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is not required for this solicitation.
Can international branch campuses be involved?
U.S. institution branch campuses can participate only if the proposer justifies the benefits and explains why work cannot be done at the U.S. campus.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your NSF Program Officer early. NSF strongly encourages preproposal communication to ensure fit and guidance.
- Select the correct disciplinary program. Proposals to non-listed programs will be returned without review.
- If eligible for CAREER, RUI, or RAPID programs, submit through those solicitations instead during their designated windows.
- Follow NSF proposal formatting rules carefully, including budget justification and research narrative structure.
- Build partnerships with collaborators early. NSF values integrated research teams and facility access across institutions.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting to wrong program or solicitation. Forgetting to contact the Program Officer before submitting EAGER, RAPID, or RAISE proposals. Weak justification of research significance and intellectual merit.
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