Section V. Special Programs


D. International Travel Grants

Proposals for travel support for U.S. participation in international scientific and engineering meetings held abroad are handled by the NSF organizational unit with program responsibility for the area of research interest. Group travel awards are encouraged as the primary means of support for international travel. A university, professional society or other non-profit institution may apply for funds to enable it to coordinate and support U.S. participation in one or more international scientific meetings abroad. Group travel grants may include as compensation for the grantee a flat rate of $50 per traveler for general administrative costs of preparing announcements, evaluating proposals, and handling travel arrangements customarily associated with this type of project. (See GPM 730 International Considerations). Group travel awardees are required to retain supporting documentation that funds were spent in accordance with the original intent of the proposal. Such documentation may be required in final reports and is subject to audit.

Awards to individuals will be considered only in those circumstances where a group travel grant or a supplement to an existing award is not possible or appropriate. Individual travel grants will not be made for meetings supported by group travel awards. Some Directorates and Divisions encourage group travel grants exclusively; individual travel grant proposals may be returned without review. Inquiries concerning policies and guidelines should be referred to the NSF Program with responsibility for the area of research interest.