The NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) Initiative is a comprehensive national effort to enhance U.S. leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) discovery and innovation, focused on ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in STEM fields. The initiative seeks to catalyze the STEM enterprise to work collaboratively for inclusive change, resulting in a STEM workforce that reflects the Nation’s population.

Overview

The INCLUDES Initiative aims to motivate and accelerate collaborative infrastructure building to sustain systemic change that broadens participation in STEM fields at scale. Significant advancement of the initiative’s goals is expected to produce a new generation of STEM talent and leadership to secure the Nation’s future and long-term economic competitiveness.

This solicitation supports five types of projects that connect and contribute to the INCLUDES National Network:

• Design and Development Launch Pilots
• Collaborative Change Consortia
• Alliances
• Network Connectors
• Conferences

The INCLUDES National Network is a multifaceted collaboration of agencies, organizations, and individuals working collectively to broaden participation in STEM. All funded projects must operationalize five design elements of collaborative infrastructure: shared vision, partnerships, goals and metrics, leadership and communication, and expansion, sustainability, and scale.

Funding and Benefits

Program Funding: $5,500,000

Expected Number of Awards: 15

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

Opportunity Number: 22-622

Category of Funding Activity: Science technology and other research and development

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: Miscellaneous (Other)

Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may be submitted by the following:

• For-profit organizations: U.S.-based commercial organizations, including small businesses, with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a passion for innovation.
• Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.
• State and Local Governments
• Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members. International branch campuses of U.S. IHEs may be included if the proposer explains the benefit to the project and justifies why activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus.
• Tribal Nations: An American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. The opportunity number is 22-622. For additional information, refer to NSF Publication 22-622 at the link provided below.

Closing Date: May 12, 2026

Posted Date: May 23, 2025

Archive Date: November 25, 2027

Contact Information

For questions or problems linking to this funding announcement, contact:

Email: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Additional Information: NSF Publication 22-622