[Objective] This paper identifies and analyzes the funding-oriented of basic research projects funded by the United States, and provides suggestions for improving the funding layout of science funds in China. [Methods] On the basis of literature review, the feature of funding-oriented recognition was determined from four dimensions of basic information, cooperation characteristics, project characteristics and output characteristics, and the recognition model was constructed by machine learning model. Then, the corresponding evolution analysis is carried out. [Results] SVM model recognition with RBF kernel is better. The Synthetic biology case studies show the following four characteristics. NSF gives consideration to both "free exploration" and "demand-oriented". The basic research of "free exploration" runs through the whole process. The basic research of "demand-oriented" is less in the early stage and gradually increases with the development of the field. The change and development of the two kinds of funding-oriented are closely related to the development stage of the discipline and the national strategy and policy. [Limitations] Selecting only one case for analysis is slightly underrepresented; It was only represented by NSF project data and did not include NIH, FDA and other data, so the comprehensiveness of the data source needs to be strengthened. [Conclusions] This study is a useful exploration of the identification of basic research funding-oriented. By identifying and analyzing the funding-oriented of NSF projects in synthetic biology, this study can provide suggestions for the funding layout of NSFC in China and promote the coordinated development of basic research in China.