Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions supporting statistical methodology, measurement science, and quantitative methods research.
Universities, colleges, and research institutions with appropriate expertise can apply. Typically, applicants must be U.S.-based or have a U.S. research presence. Individual researchers at eligible institutions may also qualify.
The program funds research projects that advance statistical theory, measurement techniques, and methodological innovations. Funded activities include research, capacity-building, and training in quantitative sciences.
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Program description
The Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics (MMS) Program is an interdisciplinary program in the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences that supports the development of innovative analytical and statistical methods and models for those sciences. MMS seeks proposals that are methodologically innovative, grounded in theory, and have potential utility for multiple fields within the social, behavioral, and economicsciences. As part of its larger portfolio, the MMS Program partners with a consortium of federal statistical agencies to support research proposals that further the production and use of official statistics.
The MMS Program provides support through a number of different funding mechanisms. The following mechanisms are addressed in this solicitation:
- Regular Research Awards
- Awards for conferences and community-development activities
- Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement (DDRI) Grants
- Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Supplements
MMS also supports Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) awards. Please see the CAREER Program Web Site for more informationabout this activity.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF Cover Sheet (SF-424 R&R or equivalent)
- Project Narrative (description of research and methods)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel
- Current and Pending Support Documentation
- Letters of Commitment (if applicable)
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
-
$8,043,354
-
$7,998,747
-
$5,500,000
-
$5,237,549
-
$5,200,000
-
$5,047,151
Top States by Funding
- MI 9 awards $94.1M
- DC 6 awards $20.0M
- AZ 7 awards $19.6M
- NY 9 awards $17.0M
- IL 4 awards $16.4M
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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
U.S. institutions and researchers with research capacity can apply. Contact NSF directly to confirm eligibility status.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects focused on statistical methodology, measurement science, and quantitative methods research. Foundation science and applied research are both supported.
What is the typical funding range?
Varies by project scope and track. Check the NSF solicitation for specific guidelines and award ceilings.
How competitive is this program?
NSF programs are highly competitive. Strong proposals require clear research significance and methodological rigor.
When is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is August 27, 2026. Submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research with NSF strategic priorities in statistical science and measurement methods.
- Include clear statements of intellectual merit and broader impacts in your proposal.
- Demonstrate how your methodology advances the field beyond current practices.
- Partner with institutions and collaborators who strengthen the research team.
- Budget realistically and justify all proposed expenditures in detail.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lack clear articulation of how the methodology advances the field. Insufficient detail on measurement validation or statistical rigor weakens applications. Weak broader impact statements fail to connect research to societal benefit.
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