Proposal Tools

Proposal Samples

Proposal Narrative Samples

• NSF BCS Human-Environment and Geographical Sciences Program

Complete Proposal Samples

• NSF Proposal (Biological Sciences - DBI)
• NSF Proposal (Geosciences - AGS)
• NSF Proposal (Geosciences - AGS)
• NSF Proposal (Geosciences - AGS)
• NSF Proposal (Geosciences - OCE)
• NSF Proposal (Geosciences - DUE - IUSE)
• NSF Proposal (Physical Sciences - DUE - IUSE)
• NSF Proposal (Social Sciences - DUE - ATE)
• NSF Proposal (Social Sciences - DUE - ATE)
• NSF Proposal (Social Sciences - DUE - ATE)
• NSF CAREER Proposal (Geosciences - EAR)
• NSF EAGER Proposal (Social Sciences - BCS)
• NSF EAGER Proposal (Social Sciences - HRD - Core Research)
• NSF RAPID Proposal (Geosciences - DEB)

• NIH R01 Proposal
• NIH R01 Proposal
• NIH R03 Proposal
• NIH R21 Proposal
• More NIH Proposals (nih.gov)

• NEH Proposal
• More NEH Proposal Narratives (neh.gov)

• ACLS Proposal

• NASA Proposal

Cover Page Samples

• FastLane
• Grants.gov

Biographical Sketches

NSF implemented a revised version of the Biographical Sketch format for consistency with the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 23-1). The requirement to use the revised format is effective for proposals submitted or due on or after January 30, 2023. 

The revised format is now available in SciENcv and on the NSF Policy Office website. As a reminder, the mandate to use SciENcv only for preparation of these senior personnel documents (to include Current & Pending Support) will go into effect for new proposals submitted or due on or after October 23, 2023. 

NSF recommends both Mac and Windows users open and fill in the blank PDF document using Adobe Acrobat Reader for an optimized experience. The completed and saved PDF can then be uploaded via Research.gov or Grants.gov. 

NSF Fillable PDF - Current
NSF Fillable PDF - Effective for proposals submitted or due on or after January 30, 2023

Current & Pending Support Descriptions

NSF implemented a revised version of the Current and Pending (Other) Support format for consistency with the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 23-1). The requirement to use the revised formats is effective for proposals submitted or due on or after January 30, 2023. 

The revised format is now available in SciENcv and on the NSF Policy Office website. As a reminder, the mandate to use SciENcv only for preparation of these senior personnel documents (to include the Biosketch) will go into effect for new proposals submitted or due on or after October 23, 2023. 

NSF recommends both Mac and Windows users open and fill in the blank PDF document using Adobe Acrobat Reader for an optimized experience. The completed and saved PDF can then be uploaded via Research.gov or Grants.gov. 

NSF Fillable PDF - Current
NSF Fillable PDF - Effective for proposals submitted or due on or after January 30, 2023

Facilities & Equipment Descriptions

• Facilities & Equipment Description 1
• Facilities & Equipment Description 2

Data Management Plans

• NSF DMP (Biological Sciences - DBI)
• NSF DMP (Geosciences - DEB)
• NSF DMP (Physical Sciences - DUE - IUSE)
• NSF DMP (Social Sciences - HRD - Core Research)
• NIH DMP

NSF CAREER Post-Doctoral Mentoring Plans

• NSF CAREER Post-Doctoral Mentoring Plan

Graphics & Captions

• Samples that demonstrate how graphics and captions propel proposals forward.

USF CAS Core Facilities Descriptions & Available Equipment

• CAS Core Facilities Descriptions & Available Equipment