Topology
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for mathematical research in topology, offered by the National Science Foundation. Eligible applicants include individuals with research doctorates in mathematics or related fields, faculty members at research institutions, and postdoctoral researchers. Funding supports fundamental research investigations in topological mathematics. Applications must come from academic institutions or researchers affiliated with NSF-eligible organizations in the United States.
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Program description
The Topology program supports research on algebraic topology, including chromatic, equivariant, motivic, and (un)stable homotopy, homology and cohomology theories; bordism and K-theory; topological manifolds; knots and links; geometric topology; differential topology; transformation groups; topological quantum field theories; contact and symplectic structures; infinity and model categories; and topological data analysis.
Conferences
Topology proposals for conferences, workshops, summer/winter schools, and similar activities must be submitted to PD 22-1267 using the “Conference” or “Travel” proposal type in research.gov.
The program’ssubmission windows for conference/travel proposalsare September 1-30 and April 1-30. Proposals with budgets not exceeding $50,000 should be submitted during a submission window that occursat least six months prior to the event. Proposals with budget requests that exceed $50,000 should be submitted during a submission window that occursat least eight months prior to the event.
Principal Investigators should carefully read the relevant sections of the PAPPG to obtain important information regarding the substance of such proposals and note the additional requirements for travel support requests for international events.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project Narrative (15 pages max, typically)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical sketches of all key personnel
- Letters of support (if collaborative work)
- Current and pending support statement
- Facilities and equipment description
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
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$570,618,065
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$497,001,346
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$434,119,438
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$236,459,999
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$190,969,692
-
$181,482,100
-
$156,947,247
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$145,000,000
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$144,261,921
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$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
Who is eligible to apply for this topology grant?
Faculty mathematicians, postdocs, and PhD-holding researchers at U.S. universities and research institutions can apply. Typically you must have a research doctorate or equivalent experience in mathematics or a closely related field.
What types of research does this grant support?
The grant funds fundamental investigations in topology and related areas of pure mathematics. Applied work or commercialization is generally not supported under this program.
How competitive is this grant?
NSF mathematics grants are highly competitive. Successful proposals typically include novel theoretical contributions, clear research plans, and strong track records of publication.
What is the typical funding range?
Individual investigator grants typically range from $100,000 to $400,000 over three years. Team projects may request higher amounts depending on scope and institution type.
When are applications due?
This program has a fixed deadline in November. Check NSF.gov for the exact submission cutoff time, as submissions close at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Develop a clear, compelling research narrative that explains the significance of your topology questions and their broader impact on mathematics.
- Include detailed preliminary results or theoretical frameworks that demonstrate feasibility and originality of your proposed work.
- Address how your research contributes to the field beyond your immediate institution or research group.
- Work with your institution's research office early to understand NSF Grants.gov requirements and prepare budget justifications.
- Build a timeline showing specific milestones and deliverables (publications, presentations, student training) over the grant period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lack clear significance or positioning within current topology literature. Applicants underestimate NSF's emphasis on broader impacts beyond academic research. Budgets are poorly justified or don't align with the proposed research scope and timeline.
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