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

~$4,000,000 total annually; 30–40 awards/year; typical Senior Research: up to $120,000/year for 3 years; other tracks vary.

Supports fundamental research and training in cultural anthropology to advance understanding of human social and cultural variability.

--- ## Description This program funds basic scientific research in cultural anthropology, supporting projects that generate new theoretical knowledge about human culture and society. The program welcomes proposals from all sub-fields and at any temporal or spatial scale, encouraging diverse methodologies such as ethnography, surveys, modeling, and interdisciplinary approaches. The overarching goal is to produce empirically grounded, generalizable findings that contribute to a robust anthropological science. Applied or policy-oriented research is only supported if advancing anthropological theory is central to the proposal. --- ## Due Dates - January 15, 2025: Full proposal target date - August 15, 2025: Full proposal target date - March 1, 2026: Recommended date for REU/REG supplemental funding requests - August 15, 2026: Annual full proposal target date - January 15, 2027: Annual full proposal target date - August 17, 2026: Grant listing close date For REU/REG supplements, March 1 is the optimal submission date each year, but requests may be considered at other times with prior contact. --- ## Funding Amount - Approximately $4,000,000 is available annually for all new and continuing awards (excluding DDRIGs). - 30–40 awards are anticipated each year. - Senior Research Awards: Rarely exceed $120,000 per year, for up to 3 years. - TREES (Trans-disciplinary REsearch in Environmental Social Science): Typically $200,000–$250,000/year, up to 3–4 years. - Conference support: Typically $20,000–$40,000. - REU/REG supplements: Up to $6,000 per student. - Post-baccalaureate supplements: Up to $8,000 for up to 3 months. - CAREER awards (for eligible junior faculty): Minimum $400,000 over up to 5 years. - Scholars awards (methodological training): Up to $75,000 over up to 3 years. Actual award sizes and durations may vary based on project scope and available funds. --- ## Eligibility - U.S. institutions of higher education (two- and four-year, including community colleges) accredited and located in the U.S., acting on behalf of faculty. - Non-profit, non-academic U.S. organizations directly associated with educational or research activities (e.g., museums, research labs, professional societies). - Federally recognized Tribal Nations. - No restrictions on who may serve as PI or co-PI. - No limits on the number of proposals per organization or individual. - Special requirements apply for proposals involving international branch campuses of U.S. institutions. --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov). - Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required. - Follow the current [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg). - Full proposals must address intellectual merit, broader impacts, prior NSF support, ethical considerations, research design, and data management/sharing plans. - For REU/REG and post-baccalaureate supplements, contact a program officer before submitting. - Conference proposals should generally be submitted one year in advance. - EAGER and RAPID proposals require prior program officer approval and have special requirements. --- ## Additional Information - The program encourages broadening participation in STEM and supports a wide range of broader impact activities. - Community-engaged research and interdisciplinary proposals are welcome, especially those integrating social and environmental sciences. - Projects involving human subjects must address IRB approval and ethical considerations. - Cost sharing is not required or permitted. - Indirect cost limitations and other budgetary restrictions may apply as per NSF guidelines. --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation & Details](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/ca-sr-cultural-anthropology-program-senior-research-awards/nsf25-502/solicitation) - [NSF Cultural Anthropology Program Overview](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5388) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Recent Cultural Anthropology Awards](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=1390&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF CAREER Program Information](https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/faculty-early-career-development-program-career) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Title | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|---------------------------------|------------------------------|----------------| | Jeffrey W. Mantz | Program Officer | jmantz@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7783 | | Tarini Bedi | Program Director | tbedi@nsf.gov | (703) 292-8499 | | Jeremy Koster | Program Director | jkoster@nsf.gov | (703) 292-8740 | | Cori J. Jacildone | Business Operations Specialist | cjacildo@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7388 | | NSF Information Center| General Inquiries | info@nsf.gov | (703) 292-5111 | For technical questions about Research.gov: rgov@nsf.gov For Grants.gov support: support@grants.gov or 1-800-518-4726 ---

Cultural Anthropology Program Senior Research Awards

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