Security and Preparedness
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 28, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations pursuing security and preparedness studies. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, research centers, and nonprofit research organizations. Universities of all sizes and types may apply, including community colleges and tribal institutions. Activities supported include fundamental research, educational programs, workforce development, and infrastructure projects related to security and emergency preparedness.
Funding supports both basic and applied research. Projects should align with NSF's security and preparedness priorities. International collaboration is permitted under certain conditions. Applicants must have appropriate institutional oversight and compliance capabilities.
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Program description
The Security and Preparedness (SAP) Programsupports basic scientific research that advances knowledge and understanding of issues broadly related to global and national security. Research proposals are evaluated on the criteria of intellectual merit and broader impacts; the proposed projects are expected to be theoretically motivated, conceptually precise, methodologically rigorous, and empirically oriented. Moreover, the Program supports research experiences for undergraduate students and infrastructural activities, including methodological innovations. The Program does not fund applied research. In addition, we encourage you to examine the websites for the National Science Foundation’sAccountable Institutions and Behavior(AIB), Law and Science (LS) programs, and Research Infrastructure in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (RISBS) programs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Research and Related Activities)
- Project Narrative (including research objectives and methodology)
- Budget Justification
- Current and Pending Support
- Biographical Sketches of key personnel
- Institutional compliance certifications
- Letters of commitment from partners (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
- NY 9 awards $17.0M
- IL 4 awards $16.4M
- MA 7 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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
Academic institutions, research centers, and nonprofit research organizations are eligible. Your institution must have proper federal compliance infrastructure.
What types of projects are supported?
Research projects, educational initiatives, workforce development programs, and preparedness infrastructure. Both fundamental and applied research qualify.
Are there application deadlines?
This program typically uses rolling deadlines. Check NSF Grants.gov for specific deadline dates when you're ready to submit.
How competitive is this funding?
NSF research grants are highly competitive. Strong proposals include novel research questions, qualified personnel, and detailed methodologies.
What is the typical funding range?
Award amounts vary widely based on project scope. Most NSF research grants range from $150,000 to $1 million, though larger amounts are possible.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with NSF's program solicitation document. It contains specific priorities and requirements for this funding cycle.
- Build a team with proven research expertise. Collaborations with experienced researchers strengthen competitiveness.
- Develop a clear research plan with measurable objectives. Vague or overly ambitious goals reduce funding likelihood.
- Budget realistically and justify all costs. NSF reviewers scrutinize budgets for reasonableness and necessity.
- Engage your institution's grants office early. Federal compliance and institutional review require lead time.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals fail when research objectives lack novelty or clear relevance to security preparedness priorities. Many applicants underestimate timeline needs or propose unrealistic budgets. Weak evaluation plans and missing institutional compliance documentation are frequent rejection reasons.
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