The "Build and Broaden: Enhancing Social, Behavioral and Economic Science Research and Capacity at Minority-Serving Institutions" (B2) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is designed to advance research and capacity-building efforts within the social, behavioral, and economic (SBE) sciences at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) across the United States. The program, with a projected total funding of $8,000,000, encourages eligible institutions to submit proposals aimed at fostering fundamental research, developing research collaborations, and enhancing workforce development in STEM. Given the increasing demand for professionals in STEM fields and the critical role MSIs play in educating and training these professionals, this initiative seeks to expand participation and funding opportunities for MSI scholars in SBE research fields.

Eligible applicants include accredited U.S.-based non-profit and non-academic organizations, two- and four-year institutions of higher education (IHEs) such as community colleges, and federally recognized Tribal Nations. Full-time faculty or researchers at MSIs may apply directly, while applicants from non-MSI institutions must demonstrate meaningful partnerships with MSIs by including MSI researchers as key personnel and directing over half of the project’s funding to support the MSI partner(s). Proposed projects may be submitted by a single PI based at an MSI or a collaboration of investigators from multiple MSIs, with an emphasis on enhancing research capacity, increasing research collaborations, and advancing educational pathways for students in SBE disciplines.

The program invites research proposals across various scientific fields supported by the SBE Directorate, including anthropology, sociology, economics, psychology, and political science, among others. Proposals should emphasize increasing MSI student engagement in graduate training, enhancing PI research productivity, and establishing long-term partnerships. Additionally, proposals that contribute to the national STEM workforce pipeline and demonstrate a commitment to sustained engagement with MSI scholars are particularly encouraged.

Applications must be submitted by January 23, 2025, and successful proposals may address any of the cross-disciplinary areas funded by SBE, provided they meet the goals of building research capacity and fostering MSI partnerships. Awards are anticipated for up to 30 recipients, and while no cost-sharing or matching requirement exists, budgets should allocate resources effectively to support the proposed activities. The NSF emphasizes that non-MSI institutions working with MSIs should focus on supporting research infrastructure and capacity at the MSI level.

For further guidance, applicants are directed to NSF’s publication 25-505 and the SBE programs page, with additional support available through NSF’s grants support email.