The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense.
The Security and Preparedness (SAP) Program focuses on supporting basic scientific research that enhances understanding and knowledge on a wide array of topics related to global and national security. Grants aim to back projects that are theoretically grounded, conceptually clear, methodologically sound, and empirically driven. Areas of interest include international relations, global and national security, human security, political violence, state stability, conflict processes, regime transitions, international and comparative political economy, and peace science. The grant also encourages projects that provide research opportunities for undergraduate students and support for infrastructural activities like methodological advancements. However, it is important to note that the program does not support applied research.