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NSF Collections in Support of Biological Research (CSBR) - FAQs

What is the NSF Collections in Support of Biological Research (CSBR) program?

The NSF Collections in Support of Biological Research (CSBR) program is a discretionary grant opportunity in NSF Biological Sciences (BIO) (CFDA 47.074). It is designed to strengthen biological research collections that are important to the NSF BIO-funded research community by protecting and improving existing collections so they remain usable, reliable, and available for research over the long term.

What is the main goal of CSBR funding?

The core goal is to support practical, collections-centered work that addresses urgent needs in existing biological collections. This includes actions that protect at-risk specimens or cultures, improve organization and curation, and ensure that collection information can be accessed accurately and efficiently by researchers over time.

What kinds of activities does CSBR support?

CSBR supports work that directly addresses time-sensitive needs to secure and improve collections. Examples described include stabilizing at-risk specimens or cultures, improving how collections are organized and curated, and improving access to accurate specimen-related information for researchers.

What are the three main purposes CSBR funding is aimed at?

CSBR funding is aimed at three main purposes: (1) improving, securing, and organizing significant biological collections; (2) securing collection-related data so specimen information is sustained and accessible accurately and efficiently by the broader research community; and (3) supporting activities related to transferring collection ownership responsibilities when necessary to maintain responsible stewardship.

Does CSBR fund improvements to collection storage and curation?

Yes. One of the stated purposes is to support improvements that secure, improve, and organize significant collections, including enhancements to storage and curation practices that reduce risk of damage, loss, or degradation and increase the overall research value of the collection.

Does CSBR support digitization or data-management improvements?

Yes. CSBR supports efforts to secure collection-related data so specimen information is sustained over time and can be accessed accurately and efficiently by the broader biological research community. In practice, this often aligns with digitization and data-management improvements that help make specimen-related data easier to find and use while also protecting against data loss.

Can CSBR support transferring a collection to a new steward or institution?

Yes. CSBR can fund activities associated with transferring collection ownership responsibilities, particularly when institutional or organizational changes make a transfer necessary and the goal is to ensure continued responsible stewardship of important collections.

What types of biological collections are eligible for CSBR support?

The program supports a range of biological collections, including established living stock or culture collections (maintained organisms, strains, or cultures used in research), vouchered non-living natural history collections (such as museum or herbarium specimens with strong documentation and provenance), and jointly curated ancillary collections that complement primary holdings (including preserved tissues and DNA libraries).

What does NSF emphasize about the need for proposed collection work?

NSF emphasizes that proposals should clearly demonstrate a strong and time-sensitive need to secure the collection. Proposed activities are expected to directly address that specific need rather than offering general improvements without a compelling, risk-based justification.

Who is eligible to apply for CSBR funding?

Eligibility is broad for U.S.-based organizations that maintain relevant research collections. Eligible applicants include U.S. colleges and universities with research collections; natural history museums (including herbaria); and other collections administered by independent organizations or by state, county, or local governments.

Are non-profit research organizations eligible?

Yes. Non-federal and non-profit research organizations that maintain collections (and associated field stations) may apply, including marine laboratories, botanical gardens, zoological parks, and aquaria, as long as the collections are significant to the NSF BIO-funded research community.

Does the size of an organization affect eligibility?

No. The opportunity states that organizational size does not affect eligibility.

What if our collection or governance structure does not fit typical categories?

Because collections vary widely in governance and stewardship arrangements, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact CSBR program directors with eligibility questions, especially if the institutional structure or collection type does not fit neatly into common categories.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is identified as CFDA 47.074 in Biological Sciences.

What funding activity category is this opportunity listed under?

The opportunity is issued by NSF as a grant mechanism within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development funding activity category.

What was the historical funding level and number of awards for Funding Opportunity Number NSF 13-557?

The historical listing for Funding Opportunity Number NSF 13-557 indicated an estimated total funding level of about $6,000,000 and an expected number of roughly 20 awards.

When were the original proposal deadlines for NSF 13-557?

The original proposal deadlines listed were July 16, 2013 and July 14, 2014. A standing pattern was described as the second Monday in July annually thereafter.

Is NSF 13-557 still the active solicitation for CSBR?

No. NSF 13-557 has been archived and replaced by NSF 14-564. Applicants interested in CSBR should consult the newer solicitation for current requirements, deadlines, submission instructions, and any updated program priorities.

Which solicitation publication number is associated with the archived announcement?

The archived solicitation is associated with NSF Publication 13-557, but applicants are directed to rely on the updated replacement solicitation for current guidance.

Where can applicants get help accessing the full announcement through Grants.gov?

For support issues related to accessing the full announcement through Grants.gov, applicants are directed to NSF Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.