Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem)
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for foundational chemical sciences research conducted by academic and research institutions. Eligible applicants include colleges and universities (two- and four-year, including community colleges) accredited and located in the US, nonprofit research labs and museums directly associated with research activities, and federally recognized tribal nations. International branch campuses of US institutions may participate but must justify why the work cannot occur at the US campus. Projects should focus on foundational research in areas like chemical catalysis, synthesis, theory, or life processes—not commercial development.
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Program description
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports foundational research through multiple programs in the chemical sciences.
Programs include:
NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NSF Form 1207 (Research Project Summary)
- Project Narrative (technical proposal)
- Budget Justification
- 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
-
$497,001,346
-
$434,119,438
-
$236,459,999
-
$190,969,692
-
$181,482,100
-
$156,947,247
-
$145,000,000
-
$144,261,921
-
$116,471,167
Top States by Funding
- VA 5 awards $1,019.4M
- DC 3 awards $639.8M
- CA 13 awards $623.8M
- AZ 8 awards $620.8M
- NY 7 awards $325.3M
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
What types of organizations can apply for this grant?
U.S. colleges, universities, nonprofit research organizations, museums, and federally recognized tribal nations may submit proposals. Faculty members apply through their home institutions.
What research areas are supported?
The program funds foundational chemistry research including catalysis, synthesis, measurement, theory, nanochemistry, and chemistry of life processes. Proposals need not promise near-term commercial outcomes.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this NSF chemistry grant program.
How competitive is this program?
Extremely competitive. NSF chemistry grants receive thousands of proposals annually. Intellectual ambition and potential for transformative foundational research are key factors.
What is the typical funding range?
Award amounts vary by program within the MPS Chemistry portfolio. Check the specific program solicitation for typical grant sizes and budget limits.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Read the specific subprogram solicitation (Catalysis, Synthesis, etc.) before writing—each has distinct priorities and may differ in budget limits or page counts.
- Emphasize foundational research significance and intellectual merit over commercial applications or near-term product development.
- Include detailed experimental design and feasibility discussion. Reviewers evaluate technical rigor and the strength of your approach.
- Build a strong team with complementary expertise. Collaborations between institutions strengthen proposals.
- Start drafting early. NSF proposals are dense and require careful alignment with the program's scientific vision.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Overselling commercial potential or near-term applications—NSF chemistry values foundational science. Submitting a generic proposal without tailoring to the specific subprogram's research focus. Underestimating reviewer expertise; vague methodology or insufficient preliminary data weakens competitiveness.
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