Your NSF grant was terminated? Now what?

Tips Following Termination of NSF Grant:

Has your organization or institution had an NSF grant terminated? In addition to information you can find here: https://www.savensf.com/take-action, we would like to illuminate the pathway for which you should embark.

(1) Submit a reconsideration following the NSF PAPPG guidance, even if your letter states that you cannot appeal. Please see below for detailed steps following the PAPPG (https://www.nsf.gov/policies/document/proposal-award-policies-procedures-guide-pappg-24-1)

(2) In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), request a copy of all documentation, communications, and comments including those archived in "eJacket" related to both the decision to award and the subsequent decision to terminate your organization or institution's NSF funding. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the National Science Foundation (NSF) is required to respond to a properly submitted request within 20 business days from the date the request is received and deemed perfected.

(3) Create a sharable document outlining the impact/output of this project thus far, the potential that was lost, and the human/community impact. It is critical that this be written in a manner that is publicly accessible. Please see tips below for how to do this. This document should be shared,  at minimum, through LinkedIn and other social media sites, to your US Representative and both US Senators. Also consider a press release or tailoring the information for an Op-Ed.

(4) If you are comfortable, please share your information with Illumin (we will sign a NDA). As we tell the story, we are synthesizing the information and seeking patterns for how to best craft the next steps. Again, we will not share specifics about your project.

⚖️ Navigating NSF Grant Terminations: Reconsideration & Appeal Process

If your NSF grant has been terminated or declined, it's essential to understand your rights and the procedures available to contest the decision. The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides a structured process for reconsideration and appeal, as outlined in their Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

🔄 Reconsideration of Declined Proposals

Eligibility for Reconsideration:

  • Applicable Cases: You may request reconsideration if you believe your proposal was unfairly reviewed or not handled reasonably.
  • Inapplicable Cases: Reconsideration does not apply to:
  • Preliminary proposals that received a “discourage” decision
  • Proposals for Fellowships, Travel, Planning, RAPID, EAGER, RAISE, and Phase I SBIR/STTR programs
  • Proposals returned without review due to non-compliance with submission requirements

Procedure:

  1. Initial Discussion: Engage with the cognizant NSF Program Officer or Division Director to discuss your concerns.
  2. Formal Request: If unresolved, submit a written request for reconsideration to the Assistant Director of the relevant NSF Directorate within 90 days of the declination notice.
  3. Further Appeal: If dissatisfied with the Assistant Director’s response, your organization may request a review by the NSF Deputy Director within 60 days of the Assistant Director’s decision.

🚫 Appealing Award Terminations

Grounds for Appeal:

You may appeal an award termination if:

  • New information, previously unavailable, is now available
  • There was an error in fact or application of NSF policy
  • Improper procedures were followed during the termination

Procedure:

  1. Written Appeal: Submit a letter detailing your disagreement, reasons for the appeal, and any supporting materials. Address the letter to:
  • Division Director, Division of Grants and Agreements (DGA)
  • Division Director, Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support (DACS)
  • National Science Foundation
  • 2415 Eisenhower Avenue
  • Alexandria, VA 22314
  1. Deadline: The appeal must be postmarked or received by NSF within 30 days of the termination notice. This deadline is strictly enforced with no extensions.
  2. Review Process: NSF will determine the appropriate division to handle the dispute and review the appeal based on the grounds above.

What information should you include:

(1) Your project was awarded following the strict merit review process as specified by the National Science Board and outlined in the PAPPG, as well as the specifications of the awarding program.

(2) Your organization has managed the funding and advanced the project as required by the granting agreement with NSF and as per the program and PAPPG. (Provide a few points of specific details.)

(3) Though you appreciate that NSF has a right to revision it's mission, this project still falls directly in line with NSF's mission and vision as specified in the current Strategic Plan found here: https://www.nsf.gov/about/performance/strategic-plan.

(4) Though you appreciate that NSF has a right to redefine their priorities, your project is still in line with those policies in these specific ways. To find the updated priorities: https://www.nsf.gov/updates-on-priorities.

(5) Conclude this a statement regarding the illegitimate nature of this termination, tied into the language they specify, and explicitly request that the grant be reinstated.

📝 Additional Considerations

  • Mutual Termination: If both NSF and the recipient agree that continuation is not beneficial, the award may be terminated by mutual agreement. Either party must respond in writing within 30 days.
  • Immediate Termination: NSF may suspend or terminate an award without notice if such action is deemed necessary to protect the government’s interests.

Communicating to a Larger Audience about a Terminated Grant

Other scientists, Principal Investigators, and Program Officers already understand. You are writing to a different audience.

Here are some websites to assist you in your efforts of effectively communicating science:

* https://www.aaas.org/resources/communication-toolkit

* https://www.ascb.org/science-policy-public-outreach/science-outreach/communication-toolkits/best-practices-in-effective-science-communication/ 

* https://graduate.northeastern.edu/knowledge-hub/tips-for-effective-science-communication/

It is imperative to articulate the hope this project had and the negative impact that will result from the termination of the grant. Make your point as concrete as you can, and focus on the human story, including (when appropriate) the number of people and dollar amounts while avoiding language identifying race and ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability status, socioeconomic and other marginalized identities.

🛡️ Save NSF: Protecting Research Equity & Opportunity

The recent wave of National Science Foundation (NSF) grant cancellations has raised concerns about transparency, equity, and due process in research funding particularly in the context of NSF's validated merit review process. Many projects—particularly those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion—have been abruptly defunded, leaving researchers without clear recourse or next steps. In response, the #SaveNSF initiative is mobilizing institutions, investigators, and communities to demand accountability and protect the integrity of the scientific process.

You can find additional resources on how to navigate this process at:

Illumin Analytics stands in solidarity with impacted researchers. We offer consultation and support to navigate the NSF’s formal reconsideration and appeal process—outlined below—so your work can be reviewed fairly and your rights as a PI or institution are protected.

📚 Resources

💡 Need help drafting a reconsideration or appeal letter?
 Illumin Analytics is available to assist you with consultation including reconsideration, data analysis, proposal defense, communications, and policy navigation during this critical process. Reach out to explore how we can support your case.