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NSF grant proposal documents

The components listed below are common documents required for each NSF proposal submission.

Current NSF proposal preparation instructions are outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. 

Note: Requirements are subject to change depending on the specific NSF Program Solicitation. It is very important to read through the preparation and submission instructions each time.

  • Project summary (1 page)
  • Project description (up to 15 pages unless specified in the solicitation)
  • References cited
  • Budget and budget justification
  • Sr/key personnel documents
    • Biographical sketch (create/update in SciENcv)
    • Current and pending support (create/update in SciENcv)
    • Collaborators & other affiliations (COA) Information (use NSF Excel template here)
    • Synergistic activities (see HCDE template)
  • Facilities, equipment, and other resources (see HCDE template)
  • Data management and sharing plan (create via webform in Research.gov)
  • Collaboration plan (if applicable)
  • Mentoring plan (if applicable; 1 page, see HCDE's template) – as of 2024, required for proposals that request funding to support postdoctoral scholars and/or graduate students
  • Letter(s) of collaboration (if applicable; use NSF recommended format)
  • Other Supplementary documents (if applicable)

Required Training and Registration

  • Research Security Training - All covered individuals must take this course annually as required by federal sponsors
  • Financial Conflicts of Interest & Other Support Training
  • Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training
  • Grants Management for Investigators
  • NSF Registration/Request an ID - a new PI, Co-PI, or Senior Personnel who does not have an NSF ID needs to be set up with the "PI" role or the "Other Authorized User (OAU)" role in Research.gov
    • Once you are registered and have an NSF ID, log into Research.gov and go to "My profile," then to "My roles," then "Add a new role," then "Add & manage organizations to add UW by entering the UEI: HD1WMN6945W6
    • Select the appropriate role of PI or Other Authorized User (OAU). 
      • If these roles are not available, the user may select "View Only" as a role and click the "Submit" button. 
    • An auto-generated email will then be sent to the UW Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) inbox, and the appropriate role will be confirmed and assigned by OSP