Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes
Can you apply?
This grant is for mathematical sciences research institutes and centers that conduct advanced research and training in mathematics and statistics. Eligible applicants are typically institutions of higher education, including universities and colleges, that can host and operate a research institute with a strong track record in mathematical sciences. The institutes must demonstrate national and international significance, promote collaboration among mathematicians and statisticians, and provide training and career development for researchers at all levels. Applicants must show institutional commitment through cost-sharing and describe how the institute will advance knowledge in mathematical sciences, support workforce development, and engage in outreach and public understanding of mathematics.
Program description
Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes are national resources that aim to advance research in the mathematical sciences through programs supporting discovery and dissemination of knowledge in mathematics and statistics and enhancing connections to related fields in which the mathematical sciences can play important roles. Institute activities help focus the attention of some of the best mathematical minds on problems of particular importance and timeliness. Institutes are also community resources that involve a broad segment of U.S.-based mathematical sciences researchers in their activities. The goals of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes program include advancing research in the mathematical sciences, increasing the impact of the mathematical sciences in other disciplines, and expanding the talent base engaged in mathematical research in the United States.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF Form 424 (R&R) - Project Narrative
- Detailed Project Description and Research Plan
- Organizational charts and management structure
- Curriculum vitae of Director and Key Personnel
- Institutional commitment letter with cost-sharing commitment
- Letters of support from collaborating institutions
- Detailed budget and budget justification
- Facilities and equipment description
- Data management plan
- Biographical sketches of senior personnel
- Current and pending support documentation
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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
Institutions of higher education (universities and colleges) with established strengths in mathematical sciences. Consortia of institutions may also be eligible. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to operate a research institute with national and international reach.
What is the typical application deadline and when does it open?
This grant typically opens in mid-July with a deadline in mid-March of the following year, allowing several months for preparation. Check NSF's website for the most current deadline and any changes.
What activities and programs does this grant support?
The grant supports research institutes that conduct cutting-edge mathematical sciences research, provide postdoctoral and graduate student training, host workshops and conferences, facilitate collaborations, and conduct outreach to broaden participation in mathematics.
How competitive is this funding and what is the typical award amount?
This is a highly competitive program. NSF typically funds a limited number of institutes nationally. Award amounts vary but are substantial multi-year grants to cover operational costs, personnel, and programming of research institutes.
What documentation should I prepare before applying?
Prepare your institution's commitment letter, organizational charts, CVs of key personnel, descriptions of existing research strengths, plans for training and outreach, a detailed budget with cost-sharing, and letters of support from collaborating institutions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start early: gather institutional commitment, secure leadership buy-in, and begin drafting your vision at least 6-8 months before the deadline. NSF reviews demonstrate organizational readiness carefully.
- Emphasize diversity and inclusion: clearly articulate plans for broadening participation in mathematics, including support for underrepresented groups, first-generation students, and women in STEM.
- Showcase collaboration infrastructure: highlight existing partnerships with other universities, national labs, or international institutions. NSF values institutes that serve as hubs for the research community.
- Align with NSF priorities: review the latest NSF strategic documents and describe how your institute addresses key research areas such as computational mathematics, data science, or foundational theory.
- Budget for sustainability: include plans for external funding, industrial partnerships, or revenue generation to demonstrate long-term viability beyond the NSF award period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they lack sufficient evidence of institutional commitment, inadequate cost-sharing, or unclear plans for how the institute will sustain itself after the initial funding period. Additionally, proposals that don't clearly articulate a unique research vision, fail to demonstrate collaboration and outreach infrastructure, or underestimate the operational complexity of running a research institute frequently receive lower scores.
Similar grants
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Rangeland Resource Management – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN Infertility Training Center — Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
- OPEN Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions — National Institute of Food and Agriculture