NSF's Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) Initiative

The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers the Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Initiative as part of its broader strategy to enhance inclusivity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This initiative forms part of NSF’s commitment to the strategic goal of developing a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce. The initiative operates under a vision to catalyze the STEM enterprise to work collaboratively toward systemic change, ensuring a workforce that mirrors the nation's population. It supports broadening participation by targeting underrepresented and underserved groups through five core project types that contribute to a national network. The five project types under this initiative include Design and Development Launch Pilots (DDLPs), Collaborative Change Consortia, Alliances, Network Connectors, and Conferences. Each type serves a unique function in fostering inclusivity in STEM, from testing new strategies and forming collaborative networks to scaling proven approaches and facilitating knowledge exchange. Alliances, for instance, are large-scale networks addressing broadening participation on a national scale, while DDLPs focus on piloting new ideas at smaller scales. The initiative emphasizes building collaborative infrastructure characterized by shared vision, effective partnerships, measurable goals, distributed leadership, and sustainable expansion strategies. Proposals must align with four key INCLUDES principles: broadening participation in STEM, enabling sustainable system changes, scaling outcomes equitably, and building collaborative infrastructure. Applicants are encouraged to submit a one-page concept summary for feedback prior to full proposal submission. Proposals should clearly define the broadening participation challenge being addressed and include a plan to connect with the INCLUDES National Network and Coordination Hub. Submissions must be made via Research.gov or Grants.gov, adhering strictly to NSF's Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. The total anticipated funding for this initiative is $5.5 million annually, distributed across 10 to 15 awards. Specific funding limits depend on the project type: up to $300,000 per year for two years for DDLPs, up to $1,000,000 per year for five years for Consortia, up to $2,000,000 per year for five years for Alliances, up to $250,000 per year for two years for Network Connectors, and up to $100,000 for one-year Conference grants. Cost sharing is not permitted, and matching funds are not required. Eligibility to apply includes U.S.-based two- and four-year institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations with scientific or educational capabilities, state and local governments, and federally recognized Tribal Nations. Each organization may submit only one proposal per project type annually, and individuals may serve as PI or co-PI on only one proposal per year, excluding conference submissions. Applications are reviewed based on NSF's two merit review criteria—Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts—as well as specific criteria related to the five design elements of collaborative infrastructure. Additional considerations include the potential for projects to contribute to the INCLUDES National Network and the efficacy of plans for data sharing and communication. For questions or guidance, applicants can contact NSF at nsfincludes@nsf.gov or the Research.gov Help Desk at 1-800-381-1532.