NSF Toolbox

Fastlane/Research.Gov

Investigators need an NSF account affiliated with Wellesley College in order to submit proposals to the National Science Foundation. Visit research.gov to register. Contact OSR for assistance if you have questions. Checklists

• NSF Proposal Checklist (PAPPG 23-1) effective January 30, 2023

Institutional Letter (RUI)

• Certification of NSF RUI Eligibility

Samples, Templates, and Guidance

• Need feedback on your idea from a Program Officer prior to pursuing an application? Submit your "Concept Outline" through NSF's ProSPCT online system, and a PO will get back to you.
• NSF Grant Proposal Guide (PAPPG--All proposals must follow, though specific program solicitations might differ and take precedence)
• NSF Off-site Research Safety Plan Template

• SciENcv Training Resources

  SciENcv is required for generating NSF Biosketches and Current/Pending Support documents as of October 20, 2023.

  • NSF Biographical Sketch video tutorial
  • NSF Current & Pending (Other) Support video tutorial
  • SciENcv help guide with NSF-specific section (includes screenshots and step-by-step instructions)
  • Using SciENcv Frequently Asked Questions
  • SciENcv demo recording from June 2023 NSF Grants Conference (demo starts at the 23:49 minute marker)

• NSF Pre-award and Post-award Disclosures Relating to the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support
• Data Management Plans
  • Data Management Plan Instructions by Directorate
  • Data Management Planning (Wellesley College Research Data Support Librarian)
• Sample NSF Budget Justification Template
• RUI Impact Statement (Instructions & Sample)
  
• Successful Proposal Library: sample NSF proposals are available by contacting OSR (Note: internal requests only)

Special Programs of Interest

• RUI Program (NSF 14-579 Facilitating Research at Undergraduate Institutions)
• REU Program (NSF 19-582 Research Experiences for Undergraduates) Note: Includes REU Supplement option to add students to ongoing projects.

Strategy/Advice/Tips

• NSF Guide for Proposal Writing
• Merit Review
• A mock review panel where panelists discuss the strengths and weaknesses of an NSF CAREER Award proposal
• "Grant Preparation Advice, NSF-Style"
• Broader Impacts guidance and Wizard
• Fastlane Help
• What has been funded in the past (and by which Directorates/Programs)?
• How to Request a No-Cost Extension for your NSF Award
• Writing Research and Evaluation Plans for NSF Grants: How are they similar and different?* by Kavita Mittapalli, Ph.D.