The Strengthening American Infrastructure (SAI) grant from the National Science Foundation aims to support research that can improve the infrastructure in the United States. This involves understanding how people make decisions, how societies are governed, and how cultural processes work, all to build better infrastructure. The goal is to create projects that combine social sciences with other fields like technology and engineering to make significant improvements.
Who it's for: This grant is for researchers and institutions that can combine social, behavioral, or economic sciences with other disciplines to conduct fundamental research aimed at improving infrastructure. It's open to a wide range of applicants, as eligibility is unrestricted.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of integration between social sciences and other disciplines
- Proposals not focused on infrastructure
- Projects without a fundamental research component
- Applications exceeding the award range
- Lack of human-centered approach
What You May Need
- Detailed research proposal
- Budget plan within $50,000 - $750,000
- Evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration
- Institutional support documentation
- CVs of key personnel
- Proof of eligibility
- Project timeline
- Letters of support or collaboration
- Data management plan
- Compliance with NSF guidelines
Cautions
- Ensure the project is human-centered and use-inspired
- Must involve fundamental research
- Integration of multiple disciplines is crucial
- Adhere to NSF guidelines and requirements
- Stay within the specified budget range
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
The grant is open to a wide range of applicants as it is listed as 'UNRESTRICTED'. This means that any organization or individual that can propose a project meeting the grant's requirements may apply. This typically includes universities, research institutions, and possibly private sector entities capable of conducting the required research.
Overview
This grant is for researchers and institutions that can combine social, behavioral, or economic sciences with other disciplines to conduct fundamental research aimed at improving infrastructure. It's open to a wide range of applicants, as eligibility is unrestricted.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of integration between social sciences and other disciplines
- Proposals not focused on infrastructure
- Projects without a fundamental research component
- Applications exceeding the award range
- Lack of human-centered approach
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for conducting fundamental research that integrates social sciences with other fields to improve infrastructure. This includes expenses related to research activities, personnel, materials, and possibly equipment necessary for the project.
Total Program Funding
$9,600,000
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Oct 5, 2026
- Archive Date
- Oct 6, 2026
- Est. Application Due (AI estimate)
- Winter 2026
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- Spring 2027
Application Checklist
- Register with NSF's FastLane or Research.gov
- Prepare a detailed project proposal
- Develop a comprehensive budget plan
- Gather CVs and biosketches for key personnel
- Secure letters of support from collaborators
- Draft a data management plan
- Ensure compliance with NSF guidelines
- Submit proposal through the appropriate NSF portal