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

Proposals accepted anytime

$30,000–$500,000 per award; ~$11.7M total annually; 40–50 awards/year

Supports research to understand the deformation and tectonic processes of the terrestrial continental lithosphere.

--- ## Description The Tectonics Program from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) funds a wide range of field, laboratory, computational, and theoretical research aiming to understand the deformation of the terrestrial continental lithosphere (above the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary). Supported projects investigate deformation processes and tectonic drivers at any depth within the continental lithosphere, across timescales from decades to geologic eras, and at spatial scales from microstructures to entire orogenic belts. Research may cover: - Structural expression of deformation at the surface or at depth - Geological records of continental lithosphere deformation - Rheological properties of lithospheric materials - Plate movements and continental reconstructions The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, innovative methodologies, and projects that address inclusivity in the geosciences. Proposals for community conferences and workshops are also welcome, as are projects involving international collaboration. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time; there is no fixed deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Awards typically range from $30,000 to $500,000. - Estimated total program funding is ~$11,700,000 annually. - Approximately 40–50 awards are made each year, subject to availability of funds. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - U.S.-based institutions of higher education (two- and four-year, including community colleges) accredited in the U.S. and acting on behalf of their faculty. - Non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies in the U.S. directly associated with educational or research activities. Special instructions apply for international branch campuses of U.S. institutions: proposals involving such campuses must justify the necessity of conducting activities abroad. **Who May Serve as PI:** No restrictions. **Limits:** - Each investigator (as PI, co-PI, or subawardee) may submit up to four proposals per calendar year to the Tectonics Program. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must 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. - Proposals must adhere to the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) or the [NSF Grants.gov Application Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide). - Proposals should include a data management plan in accordance with the [EAR Data Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=ear). - For projects involving international work, collaborations must be well justified and documented. - Supplemental funding for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), Teachers (RET), or Research Opportunity Awards (ROA) should be included in the main proposal where possible. --- ## Additional Information - No cost sharing is required or permitted. - Equipment requests within research proposals should generally not exceed $50,000; larger equipment requests should be submitted separately to the Instrumentation and Facilities Program. - Proposals may be co-reviewed with other NSF programs for interdisciplinary projects. - All proposals are evaluated using NSF’s standard merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Page: Tectonics](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/tectonics/13673) - [NSF Solicitation 22-515 (PDF)](https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/solicitations/pubs/2022/nsf22515/nsf22515.pdf?VersionId=_xcVzAq_N2f9HG.uNMplEWIo8dJPFYkt) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359299) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) - [EAR Data Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=ear) --- ## Contact Information | Topic | Contact | |---|---| | Programmatic Questions | Tectonics Program
Phone: (703) 292-8550
Email: [tectonics@nsf.gov](mailto:tectonics@nsf.gov) | | Research.gov Help Desk | Phone: 1-800-673-6188
Email: [rgov@nsf.gov](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) | | Grants.gov Support | Phone: 1-800-518-4726
Email: [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) | | NSF Information Center | Phone: (703) 292-5111 | ---

Tectonics

Sign in to see full grant listing