National Science Foundation (NSF)

Introduction to the National Science Foundation (NSF)

National Science Foundation (NSF)

• NSF was established in 1950
• With an Annual budget of $7.2 Billion (FY2014), they fund approx. 24% of all federally supported basic research conducted in America’s colleges and universities.​
• The only federal agency dedicated to the support of basic research and education across all fields of science and engineering (i.e. mathematics, computer science, social sciences)
• Provides funding through grants, and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, and other research organizations throughout the United States
• Funding accounts for about one-fourth of federal support to academic institutions for basic research 

NSF Food & Meals For Participants

• NSF allows for a subsistence allowance or per diem to be paid to Participants to use for meals as Participant Support.
• Thus, if a meal is provided to a Participant at the conference or training, it can be provided as Participant Support as long as:
  • The per person cost of the meal is less than the Per Diem meal allocation for the meal and location
  • The Participant is not also receiving a Per Diem allowance OR the amount of the Per Diem allowance is reduced by the meal allocation.
• Cost for meals for non-Participants and portion of the actual meal cost that exceeds the per diem for the Participant(s) is not allowed as Participant Support on NSF Awards. Only the cost of meals for Participants up to the per diem amount are allowable as Participant Support.
• For example, the per diem allocation for lunch is $18.00.  There are ten Participants and two UW staff attending a conference. The actual cost for lunch is $20 per person so the total lunch cost is 12 people x $20 = $240.  Of the total cost, only $180 (10 Participants for a maximum amount of $18) can be charged to Participant Support.