How Not To Get Funded by the NSF

Courtesy of the NSF Division of Astronomical Sciences (special thanks to Frank Winkler)

Every year, the Division of Astronomical Sciences receives over 800 proposals. Of these, about 1 in 4 will be awarded. So, how do you write something that will review well? Just about anyone can give you advice on that... Here, we’ll give you some tips on how to do poorly.

Sponsor Application Forms

The days of making multiple paper copies of your proposal and shipping them to the sponsor are fast coming to an end! As sponsors adopt electronic submission, they increasingly require electronic forms, and requirements are still in flux. Forms are often combined with or posted alongside the guidelines for applying. This page has links to application forms and guidelines for several programs and resources.

Forms

Grant-related forms fall into two general categories: internal forms, required by Middlebury College, and donor application forms, required by the funding entity.

Middlebury College Forms are used to document grant-related institutional issues.