Natural funds are generally distributed from November to December of the year of application.

The newly applied natural fund was received from November to early December of the year of application. In the first year, 45% of general projects, 4% of regional funds and 6% of youth funds were received.

In the early 198s, the National Natural Science Foundation was proposed by 89 academicians of China Academy of Sciences in a letter to the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, in order to promote the reform of China's science and technology system and change the allocation method of scientific research funds.