The National Science Foundation (NSF) awards grants to doctoral students to improve the quality of dissertation research. These grants allow doctoral students to undertake significant data-gathering projects and to conduct field research in settings away from their campus which would not otherwise be possible. Proposals are judged on the basis of their scientific merit, including the theoretical importance of the research question and the appropriateness of the proposed data and methodology to be used in addressing the question. 

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Why Write an NSF Proposal 

• An NSF grant may could permit you to collect data or undertake research that would not otherwise be possible. 
• Making connections with more-senior graduate students (particularly those who have received a DDRIG) and faculty scholars in your field can be a key factor in helping you strengthen your application. These conversations can also extend and strengthen your professional network.  
• The process of applying alone could improve your dissertation or other research activities. 
• Developing your grant-writing skills early in your academic career gives you more time to hone your abilities and your research story, which will likely lead to more success. 
• Securing your own funding shows that you have the capacity to be an independent researcher. 
  

Eligibility 

• Doctoral students enrolled at accredited doctoral degree granting universities and colleges in, and having a campus in, the United States
• U.S. citizenship is not required.
• The proposal must be submitted by the University on behalf of the advisor and the graduate student who is at the point of initiating or already conducting dissertation research.
• The advisor is the Principal Investigator (PI) and the doctoral student whose dissertation research will be supported must be designated as a Co-PI. The student must be the author of the proposal.

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The Decision, Risk and Management Sciences Program supports scientific research directed at increasing the understanding and effectiveness of decision making by individuals, groups, organizations, and society. Disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, doctoral dissertation research improvement grants (DDRIGs), and workshops are funded in the areas of judgment and decision making; decision analysis and decision aids; risk analysis, perception, and communication; societal and public policy decision making; management science and organizational design. DDRIG proposals are due in January and August annually. 

Economics 

The Economics Program supports research designed to improve the understanding of the processes and institutions of the U.S. economy and of the world system of which it is a part. This program also strengthens both empirical and theoretical economic analysis as well as the methods for rigorous research on economic behavior. It supports research in almost every area of economics, including econometrics, economic history, environmental economics, finance, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics, macroeconomics, mathematical economics, and public finance. DDRIG proposals are due in January and August annually.  

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1. Review the DDRIG solicitation from the applicable NSF program. If you are not sure which NSF program you should apply to, talk with your advisor. 
2. Review recent awards using the "What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)" link on the program page.  
3. Leverage your network to find successful proposal and/or peers who have been through the application process (whether successful or not). 
4. Prepare a 1-page summary of your project to send by email to the NSF program officer(s) listed in the DDRIG solicitation for your chosen program. Request a phone call to discuss your project, including its fit with the program, or feedback by email.  
5. Read carefully pertinent sections of the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Highlight or otherwise take note of important information. 
6. Draft your Project Description, Budget Justification, and other components of your application, carefully following the content and format requirements as described in the DDRIG solicitation and PAPPG. 
7. Obtain written documentation from hosting institution, collaborators, or other auxiliary resources, if applicable. 
8. Request required documents/information from your advisor/PI (see below), and mark your calendar to follow up to ensure you receive all documents/information well in advance of the submission deadline.
9. Finalize and submit your proposal and all necessary paperwork to Caroline in McMullin (cmcmulli@syr.edu) in OSP well in advance of the deadline. Caroline will review, work with you to revise as needed, and submit the application to the NSF.  

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