NSF Letter of Collaboration Template
When to use it
- Any NSF proposal with an unfunded collaborator who is not listed as senior or key personnel.
- Partners providing access to facilities, equipment, data, field sites, or materials described in the proposal.
- Future NIH applications, once NIH's switch from letters of support to letters of collaboration takes effect.
Template preview
Highlighted text is a placeholder to replace. The download has the same content, ready to edit.
Use the collaborator's letterhead. Fill in the brackets and do not add endorsements or other text.
NSF letter of collaboration
[Date]
To: National Science Foundation
If the proposal submitted by Dr. [Full name of the Principal Investigator] entitled "[Proposal title]" is selected for funding by NSF, it is my intent to collaborate and/or commit resources as detailed in the Project Description or the Facilities, Equipment and Other Resources section of the proposal.
[Signature] [Full name, title] [Organization]
NIH version (after the change in NOT-OD-26-094 takes effect)
If the application submitted by [Organization name, with PD/PI name] as Program Director/Principal Investigator entitled "[Application title]" is selected for funding by NIH, it is my intent to collaborate and/or commit resources as detailed in the application.
[Signature] [Full name, title] [Organization]
Tips
- Keep to the single sentence. NSF asks that letters state intent to collaborate only, with no endorsements or evaluations of the project.
- Describe what the collaborator will actually do in the Project Description or in Facilities, Equipment and Other Resources, and make the two consistent.
- Upload letters as supplementary documents in Research.gov.
- Many institutions advise leaving dollar amounts out of letters of collaboration; check with your sponsored programs office.
- Collaborators who are on the budget or listed as senior or key personnel do not need a letter of collaboration.
Frequently asked questions
What is an NSF letter of collaboration?
A short letter in which an unfunded collaborator states their intent to collaborate or commit resources if the proposal is funded, using the single-sentence format in the PAPPG.
Can I add a paragraph about the collaborator's enthusiasm or qualifications?
No. NSF letters of collaboration should not include endorsements or evaluations of the project. Put details about the collaboration in the Project Description or Facilities section.
Does NSF accept letters of support?
Only when a program solicitation specifically requires or allows them. Unauthorized letters of support can lead to a proposal being returned without review.
Is NIH adopting letters of collaboration?
Yes. Under NOT-OD-26-094, NIH plans to replace letters of support with letters of collaboration of up to 100 words in a future forms update, expected before the end of FY2028. The NIH sentence format is included in this template.
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