An Overview of NSF and the Division of Astronomical Sciences

The National Science Foundation is the lead Federal agency for the support of ground-based astronomy in the US. The NSF Division of Astronomical Sciences funds a wide range of astronomical research and instrument development though grants programs to individual investigators and small groups. It also supports the development and operation of the national optical/IR and radio observatories: NOAO, NSO, NRAO, NAIC and the US share of the Gemini Observatory. NSF receives its funding by direct appropriation from Congress, through an annual process that determines the funding outlook for much of astronomy. This session will provide an overview of NSF and an introduction to the Astronomy Division, and review the budget cycle that sets the resources available to the astronomical community.