Chemical Mechanism, Function, and Properties (CMFP)

The Chemical Mechanism, Function, and Properties (CMFP) program supports mechanistic studies of diverse chemical processes, the discovery and development of molecular systems with emergent potential for applications, and chemical structure-property relationship studies. CMFP proposals often involve significant synthetic efforts. Computational proposals in the context of physical organic and physical inorganic chemistry are welcome, and they are typically reviewed by a mix of experimental and computational chemists. Mechanistic studies are a major component of the CMFP portfolio. These studies include (but are not limited to) mechanisms of organometallic, organic, and inorganic reactions, chemistry of reactive intermediates, mechanistic studies of charge transfer, photochemical (including photoredox), electrochemical, and catalytic processes. The development of novel molecular systems with potential applications in materials, energy, environment, biotechnology, and information sciences is also a significant part of the CMFP portfolio. Examples include (but are not limited to) chromophore development for advanced imaging and fuel cell applications, the development of innovative molecular anolytes and catholytes for flow-battery systems, ionic liquids, selective metal binders, artificial photosynthesis, new magnetic and high-spin chemical systems and molecular qubits. Under the chemical structure-property relationship studies, focus is on the properties and chemical reactivity of molecular systems. 

The CMFP program also encourages proposal submissions in the following topical areas.  In quantum information science, CMFP supports fundamental research on molecular quantum systems and their applications in quantum computing and quantum sensing. In AI, the data science and machine learning approaches in developing new molecular functions and in deriving new mechanistic insights are encouraged. In manufacturing and translational research, the development of chromophores based on earth-abundant elements, advanced electrolytes for battery technology, and new approaches to water splitting, are welcome. Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) proposals, where such advances are connected directly to industrial considerations, are also encouraged.  

The CMFP program encourages PIs to monitor current funding priorities identified by the Foundation and to highlight relevant synergies in their project summaries and project descriptions.  

Research topics that are not of interest to the CMFP program:  

• Projects involving nanochemistry and polymer chemistry should consult the Macromolecular, Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry (MSN) program.  

• Research focused on solid-state chemical processes should consult the Solid State Materials Chemistry (SSMC) program in Materials Research within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences.   

• Projects for which the primary goal is the development of catalysts are more appropriate for the Chemical Catalyst (CAT) program.   

• Projects for which the primary goal is the development of a practical device should consult the appropriate program in the NSF Directorate for Engineering. 

• Principal Investigators uncertain of the suitability of their proposals for the CMFP Program and of their synergy with other funding priorities and/or programs are strongly encouraged to contact the CMFP Program Officers. 

Proposals to the CMFP program are welcome at any time, starting September 1, 2026.  

All proposals submitted to this program (including individual and collaborative proposals, GOALIs) must be submitted to the CHE Disciplinary Research Programs solicitation (NSF 22-605), except for: 

• RUI proposals must be submitted to the Facilitating Research at Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions: (RUI and ROA-PUI) program. 

• Proposals submitted in response to another solicitation should follow the solicitation guidelines (e.g. CAREER). 

• Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), Rapid Response Research (RAPID), or Research Advanced by Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (RAISE) proposals must be discussed with a program officer before submission and then should only be submitted as instructed. 

MPS Chemistry occasionally supports forward-looking workshops to inform future research needs and directions relevant to chemical science. We are not generally able to support research symposia, including those at either special or recurring meetings and conferences. Workshop proposals must be discussed with a program officer before submission. 

 For recent awards made by the program, search NSF award database with the Program Element Code 910200.

• What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)
• Map of Recent Awards Made Through This Program