Session Description: The National Science Foundation funds basic research in ecology, training of the next generation of ecologists and supporting broader impacts that extend the reach of ecological research to benefit society. However, early-career scientists can find NSF’s numerous programs, detailed guidance, and merit review process to be a difficult landscape to navigate. This workshop is meant to provide those ecologists a compass for exploring that landscape. We welcome graduate students nearing completion of a PhD, postdocs, and new faculty to join us for an interactive workshop aimed at: 1) building your awareness of career-stage specific opportunities, and 2) building your capacity to leverage NSF opportunities to catalyze your research career. NSF program officers will lead participatory activities and an open-ended question and answer session. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, and/or prepare a “one-pager” before the workshop – a narrative vignette that describes their ideas for a research proposal. Identifying a particular NSF solicitation that would be appropriate for the research is encouraged, as is searching current NSF awards to consider what has been recently funded in your topical area. Participants will be provided an opportunity to discuss their one-pager with an NSF program officer one-on-one outside of the workshop. However, preparing a one-pager is not required to participate in the workshop.