Computational Mathematics
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers conducting mathematical research where computation is essential. Eligible applicants include academic researchers, faculty, and research teams at institutions. Projects may be single-investigator or interdisciplinary teams. The program supports algorithm development, implementation, and application to real-world problems. Junior mathematician training through research involvement is encouraged.
Conference proposals must follow separate submission guidelines. Domestic conferences require 6 months advance notice. International group travel requires 8 months advance notice. Budgets exceeding $50,000 must be submitted during the annual program window.
Program description
Supports mathematical research in areas where computation plays a central and essential role, emphasizing analysis, development, and implementation of theoretically justified and efficient algorithms. The combination of these elements resulting in innovative computational methods is a hallmark of the program. Proposals ranging from single investigator to interdisciplinary team projects that not only create and analyze new computational mathematics techniques but also implement them to model, study, and solve important application problems are strongly encouraged, as is providing opportunities for rigorous mathematical training of junior computational mathematicians through research involvement.
Conferences
Proposals to the Computational Mathematics Program for conferences or workshops must be submitted through the program solicitation “Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences” (link below). Principal Investigators should carefully read the solicitation to obtain important information regarding the substance of proposals for conferences, workshops, and similar activities.
Unless an exception from the program is granted, to facilitate timely notification of the availability of support, the following requirements are in effect:
- Proposals for conferences, workshops, etc., to be held in the US must be submitted at least 6 months in advance of the conference start date;
- Proposals to support group travel to meetings outside the US must be submitted at least 8 months in advance of the meeting start date;
- Proposals for conferences, workshops, etc., whose budget request exceeds $50,000 must be submitted during the annual Computational Mathematics Program submission window.
Conference proposals to the Computational Mathematics Program whose submission dates do not conform with the requirements described above will be returned without review.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG Form (SF-424 or equivalent)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Current and Pending Support (if applicable)
- Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel
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 apply to this program?
Academic researchers, faculty, and research teams at eligible institutions. Both single-investigator and interdisciplinary team projects are supported.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects developing new computational mathematics algorithms, analyzing their theoretical properties, and implementing them to solve real-world problems. Training opportunities for junior mathematicians are encouraged.
Are there special requirements for conference proposals?
Yes. Domestic conferences need 6 months advance notice, international group travel needs 8 months notice. Budgets over $50,000 must be submitted during the annual window.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards range from $1 to $1,200,000 depending on project scope and duration.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on the computational aspect as central to your research, not peripheral. Show how algorithms and implementation drive the work.
- Include specific real-world applications or problems your methods will address. Theoretical work alone is less competitive.
- Consider involving junior mathematicians in your research team. The program values training opportunities.
- For conference proposals, plan ahead and submit well before minimum deadlines to avoid automatic rejection.
- Demonstrate both theoretical rigor and practical efficiency in your proposed computational methods.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that treat computation as a tool rather than central to the research. Applications lacking clear real-world applications or implementation plans for proposed methods. Late conference submissions that miss the required advance notice periods will be rejected without review.
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