We know how important federal research funding is for making new discoveries and growing scientific knowledge. Getting these grants can be tough, especially with the changing rules from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). But don’t worry, this guide is here to help you through the 2024 updates in the NIH/NSF grant application process.
If you’re new or experienced in grant writing, the 2024 changes will affect how we apply for funding. There are new rules on registration, software, proposal instructions, and compliance. Knowing the latest will help us stand out in the competitive world of research funding.
We’ll explore the main updates and give you tools and strategies to improve your grant proposals. We’ll cover everything from Grants.gov and Research.gov to the Research and Related (R&R) forms. Don’t worry about budgeting, compliance, and managing your project, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s start this journey together, fellow researchers. With the right mindset, knowledge, and determination, we can confidently go through the 2024 NIH/NSF grant application process. We can get the funding we need to make our innovative ideas come to life. Are you ready to take your research to new heights? Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
- The NSF Grants.gov Application Guide has been updated to align with changes to the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) effective May 20, 20241.
- New requirements for individuals serving as administrators, Authorized Representatives (ARs), PIs, or co-PIs, who must have an organization-approved role affiliated with an NSF-registered organization1.
- Updates to the requirements for Senior/Key Personnel when an application transitions from Grants.gov to Research.gov1.
- A new type of supplemental funding request called Research Opportunity Supplemental Funding Requests for Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (ROA/PUI)1.
- Revised guidelines for attaching Biographical Sketches, Current and Pending (Other) Support, and Synergistic Activities for PD/PIs and Senior/Key Persons1.
Introduction to Grant Application Process
The NIH and NSF are the biggest federal research funding agencies in the U.S. Getting grants from them is tough but key for new projects and progress in many areas2. This part talks about the goal and main aims of applying for NIH/NSF grants. It also explains who this guide is for.
Background and Purpose
The main goal of applying for NIH/NSF grants is to help researchers, small businesses, non-profits, new scientists, and teams get the federal research funding they need for their projects2. You must show how strong your team is, what resources you have, and how your research fits with what the agencies want2.
Intended Audience
This guide aims to help many types of applicants with the NIH/NSF grant process. It’s for researchers, small businesses, non-profits, new scientists, or teams. The guide ensures your proposal meets the latest rules and needs of NIH/NSF234.
Knowing the NIH/NSF grant process helps you improve your chances of getting funding. This lets you support innovation in your field234.
“Securing grants from the NIH and NSF is key for leading-edge research and a big impact in science.”
Registration and Software Requirements
To submit an NIH/NSF grant application, you must follow a few steps. First, register with Grants.gov, the main site for federal grant applications. You’ll need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and to fill in your organization’s details5.
Next, you need to get into Research.gov, the NSF’s online system for proposals. This is where you’ll send your proposals to the NSF. Make sure to sign up and create an account to use its tools5.
After registering, make sure you have the right software for your grant applications. You’ll need the latest Adobe Reader for forms. Also, consider using Cayuse software for easier grant submission. It helps by checking for errors and organizing your proposal for Grants.gov5.
For NSF applications, the FastLane system gives you a live check of possible errors and warnings. This helps you fix issues before you send your application5.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Grants.gov Registration | Get a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and fill in your organization’s details to register with the main federal grant application site. |
| Research.gov Access | Sign up and create an account on the NSF’s online system to send proposals. |
| Application Software | Install the latest Adobe Reader and think about using Cayuse or FastLane to make submitting grants easier. |
By meeting these requirements, researchers can submit their NIH/NSF grant applications smoothly and successfully5.
“Starting May 20, 2024, biographical sketches submitted to NSF should no longer include information on synergistic activities, with these details moving to a separate Synergistic Activities document.”6
NSF’s new rules also say you must use SciENcv for biographical sketches. This makes sure your submission is in the right format6.
NSF also wants to know about all your current and pending projects. They want to know the funding, goals, and how much time people are spending on them6.
Using the Collaborators and Other Affiliations Excel Template helps the review process. It makes it easier to list important relationships and affiliations6.
The steps for registering and getting software for NIH/NSF grants make sure your application goes smoothly. They help researchers focus on their proposals5.
“Date of implementation for federal agencies’ public access plans: by Dec. 31, 2024. Timeline for federal agencies’ public access plans to go into effect: no later than one year after publication.”7
Changes coming to the NIH/NSF grant process highlight the need to stay updated and ready7.
NSF-Specific Instructions for Grants.gov
Applying for a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) requires following their specific rules and guidelines. The NSF uses Grants.gov for some proposal submissions, like the CAREER program8.
NSF’s Implementation of Grants.gov
New users must register for an NSF account 21 days before the deadline, by July 3, 20248. Senior/key personnel documents should be ready 14 days before the deadline, by July 10, 20248. Make sure your organization is registered in SAM.gov 12 days before the deadline8.
The CAREER proposal must be submitted through Grants.gov 9 days early, by July 15, 20248. But, the final submission goes through Research.gov 7 days early, by July 17, 20248.
Components of an NSF Application
An NSF grant application has several important parts, like the SF 424 (R&R) form and biographical sketches9. It’s crucial to follow the NSF’s format and page limits in the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG)9. The PAPPG 24-1, released on January 22, 2024, has the latest on these rules10.
The biographical sketch now has no page limit and includes a new Common Disclosure form, made with the SciENcv tool9. There’s also a new one-page Synergistic Activities Document9. And, a Mentoring Plan is needed, covering graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with a one-page limit9.
It’s important to keep up with the latest NSF guidelines and use resources like the NSF Table on Pre-award and Post-award Disclosures and the updated PAPPG 24-1 for a successful grant application10.
Grant Application Workspace Instructions
Learning how to use the Grants.gov Workspace is key to applying for NIH/NSF grants. This platform helps you prepare and send your grant proposal. Let’s go through the steps to make applying easy.
First, check your grant details in the Workspace for accuracy. Then, fill in your application with things like your project title and abstract. Grants.gov Workspace makes it easy to fill out the forms you need.
Uploading your documents is a big part of the process. You’ll need to send in things like your project story, budget, and extra materials. Make sure these files are in the right format and size for the agency.
- Verify grant information in the Workspace
- Enter application details
- Open and complete forms
- Upload attachments
- Submit the final application
Finally, send your application through the Grants.gov Workspace. Check everything over and make sure you’ve filled in all the needed parts and uploaded your files. Remember, the deadline is important, so plan ahead and don’t wait for technical problems.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Requests for Reasonable and Accessibility Accommodations | NSF requires individuals with disabilities needing accommodations during the proposal process to contact the Disability Program Manager at least 30 calendar days before the deadline11. |
| Violations of Pre- and Postaward Disclosures | NSF states that violators of pre- and postaward disclosures may face consequences such as disqualification11. |
| Budget and Budget Justification | NSF outlines detailed budget components including salaries, fringe benefits, travel expenses, participant support, direct and indirect costs11. |
| Senior/Key Personnel Documents | Specific requirements include providing biographical sketches, current and pending support, collaborators’ information, and synergistic activities11. |
| Special Information and Supplementary Documentation | Mentoring plans, data management sharing plans, and documentation of collaborative arrangements are essential11. |
| Requests for Reasonable and Accessibility Accommodations | Requests for reasonable and accessibility accommodations must be made at least 30 calendar days prior to the proposal deadline date12. |
| Deviations from NSF Proposal Preparation and Submission Requirements | Deviations from NSF Proposal Preparation and Submission Requirements are strictly enforced unless authorized in advance by the cognizant NSF Assistant Director/Office Head12. |
The Grants.gov Workspace is your key to a successful NIH/NSF grant application. By following these steps, you’ll be ready to apply with confidence.
Research and Related (R&R) Forms
The Research and Related (R&R) forms are key to the NIH/NSF grant application. They help you share important details about your project, like the13 research and training activities. These forms make it easy to give the funding agencies all the info they need to review your application well.
Overview of R&R Forms
The R&R forms include many different documents, each focusing on certain parts of your proposal. From the SF 424 (R&R) to the R&R Other Project Information form, they all work together. They show your research plan, your skills, and the support your institution gives you13. Knowing how to fill out the R&R forms is key to a strong grant application.
SF 424 (R&R) Instructions
The SF 424 (R&R) is the main form for NIH/NSF grant applications. It asks for a lot of important info, like the13 type of submission and details about the applicant. Following the SF 424 (R&R) instructions closely makes sure you give all the needed13 documents and fill out every field correctly13. Getting this right can help your application succeed.
Understanding the R&R forms, especially the SF 424 (R&R), helps grant applicants submit their work better. Learning how to use these forms is a big step in getting NIH/NSF funding.
Navigating the NIH/NSF Grant Application Process: 2024 Updates
We’ve looked at the main parts of the NIH/NSF grant application process. Now, let’s focus on the changes and updates for 2024. This section will summarize the key points covered earlier and introduce the new things researchers should know. The material provides an overview of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grant application. It includes resources, advice, samples, webinars, and guidance on proposal writing, peer review, grants management, and data sharing policy14.
For 2024, a big update is the rise in proposals to the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF looks at over 46,500 proposals every year. They make about 12,900 awards, with around 10,800 being new research grants and the rest cooperative agreements14. Also, the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program gives about 2,500 fellowships each year. This supports the next generation of scientists and engineers14.
Another big change is NSF’s wider funding reach. They give grants and cooperative agreements to about 3,000 institutions in the U.S14. This shows the big impact NSF has on research and innovation. They fund about one-fourth of Federal support to higher education for basic research14.
Looking into the 2024 updates, it’s key to know about the changes in NIH funding and NSF’s proposal guidelines. These updates will help researchers navigate the changing landscape. They ensure grant applications meet the latest needs15
“Staying informed about the NIH/NSF grant application process is crucial for researchers seeking funding to support their groundbreaking work. By understanding the 2024 updates, we can better position ourselves for success in securing the necessary resources to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact.”
Key Updates for 2024 NIH/NSF Grant Applications
As we move forward, it’s key to keep up with the latest in NIH and NSF grants for 2024. These updates touch on many areas, like funding priorities and how applications are reviewed. They also cover proposal structures and rules we must follow. Let’s look at the big changes that applicants need to know about.
Changes in NIH Funding Opportunities
The NIH has made some big changes for 2024. They’re focusing more on new research areas that tackle big scientific challenges and healthcare needs. They’ve also made the review process simpler to make sure funding is given out fairly and efficiently16
Updates to NSF Proposal Guidelines
The NSF has updated its proposal rules and what you need to submit for 2024. Now, you can list up to 10 products in your Biographical Sketch without page limits. They’ve also made a new Mentoring Plan rule for graduate students and postdocs to ensure they get the support they need.17
Also, the NSF has new compliance rules, like not allowing people involved in certain recruitment programs to be on NSF projects. They also want institutions to report any big gifts or contracts from certain countries. These new rules help make sure NSF proposals are secure and trustworthy.16
Knowing about these changes helps grant applicants get ready for the 2024 process. It makes it easier to succeed in applying for NIH/NSF grants.
Tips for Successful Grant Applications
When applying for grants, reviewers look closely at the resources and support you have. It’s key to show you have the right equipment, facilities, and support to do the project. This is especially true for new researchers starting their programs18.
Highlighting Your Research Infrastructure
Give a clear list of the research tools you have, like special equipment and lab space. Show how these research resources will help you do the work well and with confidence18.
Showcasing Institutional Commitment
Explain how your project is backed by your institution, mentioning the support and resources you get. This includes shared equipment, help with admin tasks, training, and any extra funding. Showing strong institutional commitment tells reviewers your institution believes in you18.
Emphasizing Early-Career Investigator Support
If you’re a new researcher, talk about the mentorship and support you get. This could be advice from experts, career development tools, or special funding for young scientists. Highlighting these early-career investigator support options will make your application stronger and show you’re set for success18.
By clearly sharing the research infrastructure, institutional commitment, and early-career investigator support you have, you can make your grant application stand out. This can help you get the funding you need to make your project happen. Understanding the grant application process is key to success18.
Budgeting and Compliance Considerations
Creating a solid budget and following the rules are key to a winning NIH/NSF grant application. It’s vital to know what costs are allowed and the rules you must follow when applying for federal research funds19.
The NSF stresses the need to follow proposal guidelines closely. Any changes must be explained and approved before they can be made19. The organization must give all needed info quickly for reviews19. Not following NSF rules can lead to your proposal being rejected or sent back without being reviewed19.
Compliance isn’t just during the application process. It covers many areas like financial management, reporting, keeping records, and buying things20. You need to know the rules at state, regional, and federal levels20.
It’s important to make your organization focus on following the rules. This means making sure everyone knows the importance of compliance and follows it every day20. Being open, honest, and making ethical choices helps everyone involved20. Checking on compliance regularly can spot problems or areas that need work20.
When you’re working on your NIH/NSF grant, keep up with new rules and changes. For instance, the NSF will ask for SciENcv for Current & Pending (Other) Support from September 2023 on21. There have also been updates on NIH rules and federal interim rules21.
By carefully planning your grant budget, understanding the rules, and keeping up with new info, you can boost your chances of getting a NIH/NSF grant.
Conclusion
This guide has given a full look at the 2024 updates for the NIH and NSF grant applications. It covered new rules for registration and software, how to use Grants.gov and Research.gov, and the latest changes in forms and guidelines. This info from MIT Research Administration Services (RAS) is key for getting through the grant application.
The 2024 updates highlight the need for Senior/Key Personnel to add their ORCID ID to SciENcv22. They also mention the Common Form for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support22. Plus, there are new rules for NIH Foreign Subawards23. Applicants should know about the increased subsidies for NIH NRSA Scholars23 and the updated NIH Grants Policy Statement23.
We suggest all those thinking about applying for grants use resources like the NIH Application Guide and NIH Public Access Policy for Authors23. Getting help from experts can make your proposal better and meet all the requirements. By keeping up and being proactive, applicants can confidently go through the grant application process and make their research a success.
FAQ
What are the key changes to the NIH/NSF grant application process for 2024?
What are the registration and software requirements for submitting NIH/NSF grant applications?
How do I navigate the Grants.gov Workspace to prepare and submit my NIH/NSF grant application?
What are the key components of an NIH/NSF grant application, and how do I properly complete the SF 424 (R&R) form?
How can I effectively demonstrate the research resources and institutional support available for my project, especially as an early-career investigator?
What are the key budgeting and compliance considerations for NIH/NSF grant applications?
Source Links
- https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/grantsgovguide0524.pdf
- https://www.osp.pitt.edu/research-development/funding-resources/nih-proposal-development-resources
- https://ovpr.uchc.edu/services/sps/proposals/proposal-preparation/era/grants-gov/
- https://www.aje.com/arc/ultimate-grant-writing-guide/
- https://aysps.gsu.edu/grant-guide-nsf/
- https://new.nsf.gov/funding/senior-personnel-documents
- https://new.nsf.gov/public-access
- https://resources.research.gov/common/attachment/Common/Career_deadline.pdf
- https://sponsoredprograms.syr.edu/develop-and-submit-proposals/the-basics/sponsor-guidance/nsf/
- https://sponsoredprojects.gwu.edu/nsf-biographical-sketch-current-and-pending-other-support-guide
- https://new.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1/ch-2-proposal-preparation
- https://new.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/23-1/ch-2-proposal-preparation
- https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/par-24-226.html
- https://new.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1
- https://www.nsfgrfp.org/
- https://in.nau.edu/osp/march-2024-sponsor-updates/
- https://sponsoredprograms.syr.edu/2024/03/27/summary-of-nsf-pappg-24-1-changes-effective-may-20-2024/
- https://www.k-state.edu/research/faculty/proposal/prepare/writing/
- https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappg22_1/pappg_2.jsp
- https://www.fluxx.io/blog/best-practices-for-ensuring-compliance-in-grant-management
- https://orsp.umich.edu/tools-resources/newsletters/rap-rapid-archives
- https://ora.jhmi.edu/training-resources/ora-news/
- https://ras.mit.edu/grant-and-contract-administration/sponsor-information/national-institutes-health-nih