Economics
🏛 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 institutions and researchers seeking support for economic research projects. Eligible applicants include individual researchers, faculty members (submitting on behalf of graduate students for DDRIG awards), postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral students through dissertation improvement grants. U.S. institutions conducting rigorous economic research are eligible. This program supports projects across all major areas of economics and encourages interdisciplinary research that connects economics with other social sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
Geographically, this is a national program with no state restrictions. Research may be conducted anywhere, though NSF prioritizes broadening participation from underrepresented groups and regions in science and engineering.
Supported activities include individual or multi-investigator research projects, doctoral dissertation improvements, conferences, experimental research, data collection, equipment purchases, and research experiences for undergraduates. Interdisciplinary projects are strongly encouraged.
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Program description
The Economics program supports research designed to improve the understanding of the processes and institutions of the U.S. economy and of the world system of which it is a part. This program also strengthens both empirical and theoretical economic analysis as well as the methods for rigorous research on economic behavior. It supports research in almost every area of economics, including econometrics, economic history, environmental economics, finance, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics, macroeconomics, mathematical economics, and public finance.
The Economics program welcomes proposals for individual or multi-investigator research projects, doctoral dissertation improvement awards, conferences, symposia, experimental research, data collection and dissemination, computer equipment and other instrumentation, and research experience for undergraduates. The program places a high priority on interdisciplinary research. Investigators are encouraged to submit proposals of joint interest to the Economics Program and other NSF programs and NSF initiative areas. The program places a high priority on broadening participation and encourages proposals from groups and regions that traditionally have not participated fully in science, mathematics, and engineering.
The program also funds conferences and interdisciplinary research that strengthens links among economics and the other social and behavioral sciences as well as mathematics and statistics.
The Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DDRIG) funding opportunity is designed to improve the quality of dissertation research.DDRIG proposals are submitted by a faculty member on behalf of the graduate student. DDRIG awards provide funds for items not normally available through the student’s university such as enabling doctoral students to undertake significant data-gathering projects and to conduct field research in settings away from their campus. DDRIGs do not provide cost-of-living or other stipends or tuition.Outstanding DDRIG proposals specify how the knowledge to be created advances economics science.
Proposals for Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DDRIGS) in Economics should follow the directions for submissions in the PAPPG. Please contact an Economics program officer if you plan to submit a DDRIG proposal.
For additional funding opportunities, we invite you to also look at theSBE Office of Multidisciplinary Activities web site.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- PAPPG-compliant proposal narrative
- Budget and budget justification
- Biographical sketches of key personnel
- Project summary/abstract
- References and support letters (if applicable)
- Data management plan
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.075 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$38,357,018
-
$18,499,999
-
$13,999,656
-
$10,999,998
-
$8,993,747
-
$8,043,354
-
$5,237,549
-
$5,200,000
-
$5,047,151
-
$4,500,000
Top States by Funding
- MI 9 awards $94.1M
- DC 6 awards $20.7M
- MA 7 awards $18.5M
- NY 9 awards $17.0M
- CA 8 awards $14.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.075). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $292,390,000 | |
| 2025 | $219,410,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $92,200,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for Economics program funding?
Faculty members, individual researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and institutions conducting economic research. Faculty may also submit DDRIG proposals on behalf of doctoral students.
What types of projects are funded?
Individual or multi-investigator research, doctoral dissertation improvements, conferences, data collection, equipment, and undergraduate research experiences. Interdisciplinary proposals are strongly encouraged.
Are there specific deadline dates?
The program operates on a rolling deadline, meaning proposals are accepted and reviewed continuously throughout the year. Check with your program officer about optimal submission timing.
What makes applications competitive?
Strong theoretical or empirical contributions to economic understanding, rigorous methodology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to broadening participation in economics research.
What budget categories are allowed?
Typical allowable costs include personnel salaries, equipment, data collection, travel for field research, and conference costs. DDRIG awards specifically fund research costs not available through universities, excluding living stipends or tuition.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your NSF program officer early to discuss proposal fit and research approach before formal submission.
- Emphasize rigorous methodology and how your research advances economic science understanding.
- Consider interdisciplinary angles that connect to other social sciences, mathematics, or statistics for stronger competitiveness.
- For DDRIG proposals, clearly explain how funds enable research activities unavailable through the institution.
- Demonstrate commitment to broadening participation through team composition, institution partnerships, or research focus.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lacking clear articulation of how research advances economic science. Applications ignoring NSF's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and broadening participation. DDRIG submissions failing to justify why requested funds cannot come from university resources.
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