Applied Mathematics
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research projects in applied mathematics that solve real-world problems in science and engineering. Eligible applicants include universities, colleges, and research institutions with faculty or researchers conducting mathematics research. Proposals may be submitted by individual researchers or interdisciplinary teams. The program also supports mathematics conferences and workshops through a separate solicitation.
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Program description
The Applied Mathematics program supports mathematics research motivated by and contributing to the solution of problems arising in science and engineering. Successful proposals must demonstrate mathematical innovation, as well as breadth and quality of impact on applications. Projects that additionally provide opportunities for rigorous mathematical training of junior applied mathematicians through their involvement in research are encouraged. The proposals considered by the Applied Mathematics program may range from single investigator to interdisciplinary team projects.
Conferences
Proposals to the Applied Mathematics program for conferences or workshops should be submitted through the program solicitation “Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences” (link below). Principal Investigators should carefully read the program solicitation to obtain important information regarding the substance of proposals for conferences, workshops, summer/winter schools, and similar activities.
To facilitate timely notification of the availability of support:
- Proposals for conferences, workshops, etc., to be held in the US must be submitted 8 months in advance of the conference date;
- Proposals to support group travel to meetings outside the US must be submitted 12 months in advance of the meeting date;
- Proposals for conferences, workshops, etc., whose budget request exceeds $50,000 must be submitted during the annual November submission window.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project Narrative
- Budget Justification
- Current and Pending Support
- Biographical Sketches (NSF form)
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
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$570,618,065
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$497,001,346
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$434,119,438
-
$236,459,999
-
$190,969,692
-
$181,482,100
-
$156,947,247
-
$145,000,000
-
$144,261,921
-
$116,471,167
Top States by Funding
- VA 5 awards $1,019.4M
- DC 3 awards $639.8M
- CA 13 awards $623.8M
- AZ 8 awards $620.8M
- NY 7 awards $325.3M
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 to the Applied Mathematics program?
Faculty members, researchers, and teams at eligible institutions including universities and research centers. Graduate students and postdocs typically participate as supported personnel.
What types of projects are funded?
Mathematics research addressing real problems in science and engineering. Projects training junior researchers through involvement in research are encouraged.
Are conference proposals handled differently?
Yes. Conference proposals use a separate solicitation and have different deadlines. US conferences need 8-month advance notice; international travel requires 12 months.
What makes a competitive proposal?
Strong mathematical innovation combined with demonstrated impact on real applications. Clear connection between the math and the problem it solves matters.
When is the deadline?
November 16, 2026 for regular proposals. Conference proposals have earlier deadlines based on event date.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize both the mathematical novelty and practical relevance of your work. Reviewers want innovation that solves real problems.
- If your team includes junior mathematicians, highlight their training and mentorship opportunities explicitly.
- For interdisciplinary projects, clearly explain how the mathematics contributes to the broader research goals.
- Avoid overstating applications. Focus on feasible, well-justified connections between math and science/engineering outcomes.
- Review recent award abstracts on NSF's website to understand what the program currently funds.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals focused only on mathematical theory without clear connection to science or engineering applications often get rejected. Weak or unrealistic plans for training junior researchers undermine competitiveness. Poor explanation of how the math directly advances the target application area causes reviewer confusion.
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