Foundations

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. Through its Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate, NSF funds cutting-edge projects that advance understanding of core mathematical principles, foster innovation in theoretical foundations, and enable long-term growth in scientific capability. The Foundations program under this directorate focuses specifically on areas central to the logical and structural underpinnings of mathematics. This program supports research in mathematical logic and the foundations of mathematics, including proof theory, recursion theory, model theory, set theory, and infinitary combinatorics. These areas serve as the conceptual and structural basis for the discipline, offering essential tools and frameworks that influence computer science, physics, and other mathematical fields. The program welcomes proposals that deepen or expand these foundational areas or that integrate them with emerging methodologies. Funding is provided through competitive grants. Approximately 30 awards are expected, with a total estimated program funding of $2.3 million. Awards are discretionary and may vary based on the scope and quality of proposals received. There are no stated cost-sharing or matching requirements, and allowable costs follow NSF’s standard research grant policies, including support for personnel, materials, travel, and conferences. Principal Investigators proposing conference or workshop activities must review the program solicitation “Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences,” which includes detailed guidance on submission structure and timing. The program is open to applicants without restriction, including higher-education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit entities, and other qualified organizations. Proposals are submitted electronically via Grants.gov following NSF’s standard process. Applications are currently accepted through September 22, 2026, and must be submitted by 5 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. Conference and workshop proposals should be submitted eight months before the requested start date to ensure adequate review time. Applications are evaluated on the basis of NSF’s two core criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. Reviewers assess the proposal’s contribution to foundational mathematics, potential to advance understanding across fields, and plans for dissemination and education. Questions or access difficulties may be directed to NSF Grants.gov Support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov. Updated program details, related solicitations, and contact information are available through the official NSF program page under PD-18-1268. The program is active and recurring, continuing to support the U.S. mathematical sciences community through 2026 and beyond.