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

Proposals accepted anytime

$30,000–$500,000 per award; estimated total program funding $9,250,000 annually; ~50 awards/year

Supports research to advance understanding of deformation processes and tectonic drivers in the continental lithosphere.

Limit of 4 proposals per investigator per year as PI or co-PI.

--- ## Description This program supports a broad range of field, laboratory, computational, and theoretical investigations aimed at understanding the deformation of the terrestrial continental lithosphere, focusing on processes and tectonic drivers operating at any depth above the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. Research may address timescales from decades to geologic eras and spatial scales from microstructures to plate boundaries and orogenic belts. The program encourages interdisciplinary and innovative approaches, including new methods from any field relevant to tectonics, and supports both individual and collaborative projects. The program is especially interested in proposals that bridge disciplinary boundaries, address emerging fields, or involve international collaboration. Community workshops that help define new research directions or grand challenge questions are also encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime *There are no fixed deadlines; submissions may be made throughout the year.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical award size: $30,000–$500,000 - Estimated total annual program funding: $9,250,000 - Expected number of awards: approximately 50 per year - Awards may be standard or continuing grants --- ## Eligibility - **Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs):** Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in the U.S. and with a U.S. campus, acting on behalf of their faculty. - **Non-profit, non-academic organizations:** Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations in the U.S. directly associated with educational or research activities. - **International Branch Campuses:** Proposals including funding to international branches of U.S. IHEs must justify the need for activities at the branch and why they cannot be conducted at the U.S. campus. - **Who May Serve as PI:** No restrictions. - **Proposal Limits:** An individual may participate as PI, co-PI, or in a subaward on no more than four proposals per calendar year to this program. --- ## Application Process - **Submission Method:** Proposals may be submitted via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - **Preparation Guidelines:** Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) and the [NSF Grants.gov Application Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide). - **Letters of Intent/Preliminary Proposals:** Not required. - **Budgetary Information:** Voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited. Equipment requests generally should not exceed $50,000 unless otherwise discussed with the program officer. - **Review Criteria:** Proposals are evaluated on Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, per NSF guidelines. --- ## Additional Information - **Data Policy:** Awardees must adhere to the [EAR Data Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=ear), including a data management plan. - **International Work:** Proposals involving international research must discuss collaborations, provide justification, and include necessary permits and authorizations. - **Reporting:** Annual and final project reports are required via Research.gov. --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation and Details (NSF 17-555)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf17555) - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359616) - [NSF Tectonics Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/tectonics/13673) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|-------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------| | Stephen S. Harlan | Program Director | [sharlan@nsf.gov](mailto:sharlan@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7707 | | Steven Whitmeyer | Program Director | [swhitmey@nsf.gov](mailto:swhitmey@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8522 | | Audrey Huerta | Program Director | [ahuerta@nsf.gov](mailto:ahuerta@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8552 | | NSF Grants.gov Support| Technical Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | | NSF Information Center| General Info | | (703) 292-5111 | ---

Tectonics

Sign in to see full grant listing