Addressing Broader Impacts in NSF Funding Applications
This guide can help you complete the "Broader Impact" sections of the National Science Foundation (NSF) applications.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) requires broader impacts to be addressed in several specific sections of an application for funding. The information provided here is based on official NSF information and the experience of OVPR Research Development. It is designed to be a guide to addressing broader impacts. It does NOT replace the detailed information provided in specific program announcements and within the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). While this information is specific for NSF requirements, it may be helpful in addressing societal impact requirements of other funding agencies.
FAQs on NSF Broader Impacts Plans
- How does the NSF define “broader impacts”?
The NSF PAPPG (2024) states that the Broader Impacts criterion encompasses the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes. Broader impacts may be accomplished through the research itself, through the activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are supported by, but are complementary to the project. Such outcomes include, but are not limited to
- Full participation of women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- Improved STEM education and educator development at any level
- Increased public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and technology
- Improved well-being of individuals in society
- Development of a diverse, globally competitive STEM workforce
- Increased partnerships between academia, industry, and others
- Improved national security
- Increased economic competitiveness of the US
- Use of science and technology to inform public policy
- Enhanced infrastructure for research and education
Broader impacts should be feasible, clearly described, and measurable. While their assessment does not necessarily have to be part of the proposal, a brief description of how the impacts will be measured should be provided.
- What are some examples of broader impacts activities?
- How do you start developing a broader impacts plan?
Consider the following:
- How your proposal might accomplish specific activities that are relevant to broader impacts
- How existing university programs and resources might support your proposed broader impacts activities
- How your proposal might contribute to existing university programs and resources that support broader impacts
- What Tufts programs and resources support broader impacts activities?
OVPR Research Development has compiled a list of university programs and resources that might be able to support your proposed broader impacts activities. Please contact Research Development at researchdevelopment@tufts.edu for assistance in locating appropriate programs and resources.
Related Resources
- NSF Perspectives on Broader Impacts
- National Alliance for Broader Impacts (NABI) is a national NSF-funded organization to foster broader impacts. Membership is free and has many benefits. Links include Broader Impacts Summit presentations, notices of workshops, and membership. Also see NABI Broader Impacts Guiding Principles and Questions for NSF Proposals.
- Ocean Scientist Broader Impact Wizard is an 8-minute informative video.
- UMass Amherst Broader Impacts Resources
- Iowa State University Broader Impacts offers links to BI Evaluation, Resources, and STEM-FIT Workshops and Presentations.
- University of California-Berkeley has links for Examples of BI Activities and Suggestions for Developing a BI Plan.
Please contact researchdevelopment@tufts.edu if you have specific questions on addressing NSF’s broader impacts requirements.
Source: OVPR Research Development, Tufts University
Last updated: July 2020