The NSF's Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) Initiative is a funding opportunity provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This initiative aims to enhance U.S. leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by broadening participation and fostering inclusivity in STEM fields. The program supports systemic approaches to addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM through innovative, collaborative infrastructure models. The INCLUDES Initiative aligns with the NSF’s broader goal of ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in STEM education and workforce development.

The funding opportunity supports five project types, each with a distinct purpose: Design and Development Launch Pilots (DDLPs), Collaborative Change Consortia, Alliances, Network Connectors, and Conferences. These projects are expected to contribute to a National Network focused on broadening participation in STEM. The initiative particularly encourages proposals that address underrepresentation in STEM by advancing scalable, evidence-based solutions that promote inclusivity. The initiative requires funded projects to demonstrate a strong collaborative infrastructure based on shared vision, partnerships, measurable goals, leadership, communication, and strategies for sustainability and scalability.

The funding amount for the INCLUDES Initiative is $5.5 million annually, with 10-15 awards expected per competition year. Individual awards vary by project type: up to $300,000 per year for DDLPs, up to $1 million per year for Collaborative Change Consortia, up to $2 million per year for Alliances, and up to $250,000 per year for Network Connectors. Conference grants are capped at $100,000 per year. Awards are structured as standard grants, continuing grants, or cooperative agreements.

Eligible applicants include Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, state and local governments, and tribal nations. Each proposal must align with NSF’s principles for broadening participation in STEM, demonstrating a clear plan for addressing systemic barriers and expanding opportunities for historically marginalized groups. Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov and adhere to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

The proposal deadline follows a structured schedule, with full proposals due annually on the fourth Tuesday in October and every other year thereafter. The next target deadline for full proposals is May 14, 2024. Submission windows remain open from October 31 to October 30 annually. While Letters of Intent are no longer required, applicants are encouraged to submit a one-page project description for preliminary feedback at least two months before the full proposal deadline.

The evaluation process considers intellectual merit and broader impacts, emphasizing projects' ability to scale and sustain impact in broadening participation in STEM. Proposals undergo peer and panel review, and NSF may conduct site visits before final decisions. Award notifications are provided through NSF’s Division of Grants and Agreements, and recipients must submit annual and final reports detailing project outcomes.

For inquiries, applicants can contact nsfincludes@nsf.gov or refer to the program page for updates. The initiative represents a significant investment in diversifying STEM education and workforce participation through evidence-based, collaborative efforts.