Division of Chemistry: Disciplinary Research Programs: No Deadline Pilot
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for fundamental chemistry research proposals in three NSF programs: Chemistry of Life Processes (CLP), Chemical Structure and Dynamics (CSD), and Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods (CTMC).
Two-year and four-year institutions of higher education (including community colleges) accredited in the US may apply on behalf of faculty members. Non-profit, non-academic organizations directly associated with educational or research activities—such as museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies—are also eligible if located in the US.
Principal investigators submit proposals through their home institution. Faculty Career Development (CAREER), Research Undergraduate Institutions (RUI), and Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) follow separate pathways with their own deadlines and requirements.
International branch campuses of US institutions require specific justification for activities conducted outside the US campus.
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Program description
With this solicitation, the Division of Chemistry is piloting the removal of deadlines for the submission of proposals to the CLP, CSD and CTMC Programs.
The no-deadline pilot seeks to assess the benefits and challenges of removing deadlines in proposal submission for the chemistry research community: the removal of deadlines on proposal submission is intended to allow principal investigators (PIs) more flexibility and better facilitate interdisciplinary research. It may, however, have unanticipated consequences for PIs, reviewers, and institutions.
This solicitation applies only to the Chemistry of Life Processes (CLP), Chemical Structure and Dynamics (CSD), and Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods (CTMC) programs. Other than the following exceptions, all proposals submitted to the CLP, CSD, and CTMC programs 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). In addition to the requirements of the RUI program, proposals should follow the guidance in this solicitation. Proposals submitted through the RUI/ROA solicitation to the CLP, CSD, and CTMC programs can be submitted at any time starting September 1, 2022.
- 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
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NSF Cover Sheet (SF-424)
- Project Narrative/Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Current and Pending Support
- Biographical Sketches
- Proposal Summary
- Program Officer consultation documentation (for EAGER, RAPID, RAISE)
Program contact
- 👤 National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4261
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
-
$415,151,013
-
$277,033,094
-
$236,459,999
-
$190,969,692
-
$166,510,578
-
$156,947,247
-
$144,261,921
-
$133,000,000
Top States by Funding
- VA 5 awards $964.0M
- DC 4 awards $909.1M
- AZ 8 awards $600.4M
- CA 12 awards $598.6M
- 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
Can I submit a proposal anytime during this pilot?
Yes, the no-deadline pilot allows rolling submissions for standard CLP, CSD, and CTMC proposals. CAREER and RUI proposals follow separate solicitations with their own deadlines.
What types of institutions are eligible?
US accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, and non-profit research organizations like museums and professional societies may apply through eligible institutions.
What research areas does this cover?
Chemistry of Life Processes, Chemical Structure and Dynamics, and Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods. CAREER and RUI proposals have separate tracks.
Are there any cost-sharing requirements?
No, cost-sharing is not required for standard submissions under this pilot program.
How should international branch campus work be handled?
Proposers must explain the benefit and justify why work cannot be performed at the US campus. This requires prior consultation with the NSF Program Officer.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Submit through this solicitation unless your proposal qualifies for CAREER, RUI, EAGER, RAPID, RAISE, or conference tracks—otherwise it will be returned without review.
- Consult the cognizant NSF Program Officer early before submitting EAGER, RAPID, RAISE, or supplemental funding requests, which can be submitted anytime.
- If your proposal involves an international branch campus, build in time to justify the activity location and seek Program Officer approval before submission.
- Take advantage of the rolling deadline by submitting when your project is fully developed rather than rushing to meet a fixed date.
- Review the specific requirements for your discipline (CLP, CSD, or CTMC) carefully—eligibility rules differ from other NSF programs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting CAREER proposals through this solicitation instead of the CAREER track and missing the CAREER deadline. Failing to consult with the Program Officer before submitting EAGER, RAPID, or RAISE proposals. Not following the no-deadline pilot requirements and submitting through an outdated solicitation, resulting in automatic return without review.
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