Algebra and Number Theory
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and research institutions seeking funding for fundamental mathematical research in algebra and number theory. The program typically supports proposals from faculty members at colleges and universities (including HBCUs, HSIs, and tribal colleges), as well as researchers at independent research organizations. Eligible recipients must be U.S. institutions or U.S.-based researchers. The geographic scope is nationwide. Funded activities include theoretical research, computational investigations, collaborative projects, and conference organization related to algebra and number theory. Proposals should advance knowledge in these mathematical fields and may support graduate student training and research dissemination.
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Program description
The Algebra and Number Theory program supports research in algebra, algebraic and arithmetic geometry, number theory, and representation theory.
Conference proposals
The Algebra and Number Theory program also provides support for conferences, workshops, summer/winter schools, and similar activities. Proposals should be submitted to PD 20-1264 using the “Conference” proposal type in research.gov.
Proposals with budgets not exceeding $50,000, which in accordance with NSF policy can be reviewed internally, should be submitted:
- in May for events that will take place in January through April of the following year
- in October for events that will take place in May through December of the following year.
In order to allow time for external review, proposals with budget requests exceeding $50,000 should be submitted nine to twelve months before the event is scheduled to take place.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF Cover Sheet (SF 424 R&R)
- Project Narrative (typically 15 pages maximum for single-investigator grants)
- Biographical Sketch for each senior personnel and key graduate students
- Current & Pending Support documentation
- Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
- Data Management Plan (describing how research data will be managed and shared)
- Facilities, Equipment & Other Resources documentation
- Letters of Collaboration (if applicable, from partner institutions)
- Mentoring Plan (if supported students or postdocs are included)
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
-
$411,651,013
-
$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 $960.5M
- DC 4 awards $907.5M
- CA 12 awards $589.6M
- AZ 8 awards $566.5M
- NY 7 awards $319.9M
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 apply for this NSF Algebra and Number Theory grant?
Faculty members at U.S. colleges and universities (including community colleges, tribal colleges, HBCUs, and HSIs), researchers at nonprofit research institutions, and postdoctoral researchers can apply. Individuals must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents working at eligible U.S. institutions.
What types of projects does this grant fund?
The program funds fundamental research in pure algebra and number theory, including theoretical work, computational investigations, collaborative research across institutions, and research conferences. Graduate student support and research dissemination are also eligible activities.
What are the application deadlines?
The standard submission deadline is October 9, 2026 (with applications opening October 6, 2020). NSF typically operates on fixed deadlines; check NSF.gov for any program-specific deadline variations.
How competitive is this grant and what should I expect for funding?
NSF Algebra and Number Theory grants are highly competitive. Typical award sizes range from $100,000 to $300,000 over 2–3 years, depending on project scope and institution type. Success rates are typically 15–25% for mathematics programs.
What is the review process and timeline?
Proposals undergo peer review by external experts in the field. The review process typically takes 4–6 months, and funding decisions are communicated with feedback. Successful applicants receive award notifications and have time to finalize budgets before project start dates.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Frame your project as fundamental research that advances mathematical knowledge in algebra and/or number theory, clearly articulating the intellectual merit and potential impact on the field.
- Include a detailed and realistic budget that justifies all costs (personnel, equipment, travel for conferences, graduate support) with clear budget narrative explaining how funds enable the proposed research.
- Build collaborative relationships with researchers at other institutions; NSF values interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects that strengthen the national research ecosystem.
- Emphasize broader impacts such as graduate student mentorship, involvement of underrepresented groups, public engagement, or integration of research into teaching at all levels.
- Submit your proposal early and have colleagues review your narrative for clarity; common rejections result from poorly explained significance, vague methodologies, or failure to demonstrate broader impacts beyond the immediate research.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications frequently fail because they lack a compelling narrative connecting the proposed research to fundamental questions in algebra and number theory, or they underestimate the significance of the work. Reviewers often criticize proposals that provide insufficient detail on the research methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes. Additionally, many applications inadequately address broader impacts—such as education, training, and societal benefits—which is now a critical NSF evaluation criterion; proposals that treat this as an afterthought rather than integral to the project design are at a disadvantage.
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