NSF Eager grants: Experience and Tips

[born_a_prof]

I am a new STEM TT prof., and interested in applying for an NSF EAGER grant. I haven't met many people who have applied. I was wondering if any folks here have any experience and could share their insight. One thing I heard is that sometimes if your "regular/unsolicited" proposal doesn't get funded due to research being "too exploratory/speculative", the program managers may advise you to submit an EAGER proposal. Is this the main mechanism for Eager, or do "stand alone" EAGER proposals stand a chance ?

Thanks

[happylittletrees]

Sometimes, yes, but it does need to be fairly exploratory. The best info will come from your program manager. You need to reach out to them and ask. They'll want you to send a summary to them and then they may invite you. Even if it's invited, it may not be funded, but you definitely won't be competitive for an EAGER if you don't even try.

[research_prof]

As far as I know, the best piece of advice I can give you for EAGER is to talk to your program manager. You need a program manager to invite you, so that you are able to submit. If you can pitch your idea to them and convince them, you should be fine.

Getting an unsolicited EAGER proposal funded will be tough.. Pitching the idea to your program manager and asking them to invite you is more likely (still not guaranteed) to get your proposal funded.