[National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov)

Proposals accepted anytime

Estimated total program funding: $14,000,000 | ~50 awards per year | Standard or continuing grants

Supports research on the origin and evolution of Earth's climate, environments, life, and sedimentary record from the Archean Eon through the Holocene epoch, with relevance to global change and ecosystem sustainability.

No fixed deadline; proposals may be submitted at any time.

--- ## Description The Life and Environments Through Time (LET) program, offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Geosciences, Division of Earth Sciences, funds research that advances understanding of the patterns and processes related to the origin and evolution of Earth's climate, environments, life, and sedimentary record. The program supports studies at molecular, local, regional, and global scales, spanning from the Archean Eon to the Holocene epoch. LET-funded research is intended to inform predictions and planning for future global change, and to support the maintenance and security of ecosystem services and human societies. The program encourages projects that integrate geobiology, geochemistry, paleobiology, paleoecology, sedimentology, and sedimentary geology, and welcomes interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches. Example research topics include: - Origin, ecology, and evolution of life on Earth - Biological, geochemical, mineralogical, and sedimentological processes shaping the sedimentary lithosphere - Paleoclimate and climate proxy studies - Development of new proxies, tools, and models for understanding life and environments through time - Geohealth, environmental pollution, and climate change impacts on human health - Bioeconomy, carbon sequestration, bioremediation, and sustainability - Conservation paleobiology and ecological change - Geological hydrogen and related geochemical/microbial processes The program also supports community workshops, broader impacts activities (e.g., broadening participation, public engagement, infrastructure enhancement), and proposals that cross NSF program boundaries. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time; there is no fixed deadline. - Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $14,000,000 per year (subject to availability of funds) - Approximately 50 awards are anticipated annually. - Award type: Standard or Continuing Grant - Typical award size and duration vary; consult the program solicitation or contact program officers for guidance. - Equipment requests generally should not exceed $50,000 per proposal. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Institutions:** - U.S. accredited two- and four-year institutions of higher education (including community colleges), acting on behalf of their faculty. - U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies) directly associated with educational or research activities. - **Principal Investigators:** No restrictions on who may serve as PI or co-PI. - **Number of Proposals:** No limits per organization or per PI/co-PI. - **Special Note:** Proposals that have been declined are not eligible for resubmission for one year from the original date of submission and must be substantially revised. --- ## Application Process - **Submission Platforms:** Proposals may be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov). - **Required Documents:** Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg). - **Letters of Intent/Preliminary Proposals:** Not required. - **Special Requirements:** - Undergraduate student mentoring plan (if undergraduates are involved) - Field safety protocol (if fieldwork is proposed) - Data and sample management plan (see [EAR Data Management Guidance](https://new.nsf.gov/geo/ear/data-management-sharing-plans)) - Permits and approvals (if applicable) - **Budgetary Notes:** No voluntary committed cost sharing; indirect costs as per institutional policy; equipment requests generally ≤$50,000. - **Proposal Types:** Standard research, RAPID, EAGER, Planning, Conference, and supplemental funding requests (some require prior program officer approval). --- ## Additional Information - Proposals that cross NSF program boundaries are encouraged; contact program officers for guidance. - The program strongly encourages broadening participation in STEM, including proposals from and partnerships with underrepresented and underserved groups and institutions. - Proposals are reviewed using NSF’s standard merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. - For resubmissions, proposals must be substantially revised and not resubmitted within one year of a decline without prior approval. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Solicitation & Details](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/let-life-environments-through-time/nsf25-517/solicitation) - [Download Solicitation PDF](https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/nsf25517.pdf?VersionId=du3L_hc_Y_.CPZLPU7mMQn1NclnjIR7W) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) - [Research.gov Submission Portal](https://www.research.gov) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Page](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/357580) - [EAR Data Management and Sharing Guidance](https://new.nsf.gov/geo/ear/data-management-sharing-plans) - [NSF Broadening Participation in STEM](https://www.nsf.gov/od/broadeningparticipation/bp_portfolio_dynamic.jsp) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------| | LET Program Inquiries | [let@nsf.gov](mailto:let@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4725 | | Jonathan G. Wynn | [jwynn@nsf.gov](mailto:jwynn@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4725 | | NSF Information Center | [info@nsf.gov](mailto:info@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-5111 | | Research.gov Help Desk | [rgov@nsf.gov](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) | 1-800-381-1532 | | Grants.gov Support | [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) | 1-800-518-4726 | ---

Life and Environments Through Time

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