Build and Broaden: Enhancing Social, Behavioral and Economic Science Research and Capacity at Minority-Serving Institutions | 25 505

Build and Broaden (B2) NSF Grant Opportunity - FAQs

1. What is the Build and Broaden (B2) program?

Build and Broaden (B2): Enhancing Social, Behavioral and Economic Science Research and Capacity at Minority-Serving Institutions is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity run through NSF's Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) Directorate. It is designed to fund strong, publishable, field-advancing SBE research while also strengthening long-term research capacity at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and expanding meaningful collaborations that include MSI scholars.

2. Which NSF directorate runs this opportunity?

The program is administered through NSF's Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) Directorate.

3. What is the main goal of B2?

The core purpose is to strengthen both fundamental research and long-term research capacity at MSIs, while broadening participation by expanding research collaborations and networks that include MSI-based scholars in substantive roles.

4. Why did NSF create this program?

NSF observed a gap in the SBE portfolio: comparatively fewer proposals have been submitted by, or in strong partnership with, MSI-based scholars. One reason noted is that institutions vary in their familiarity with NSF funding pathways and SBE programs. B2 aims to close that gap by encouraging more submissions, strengthening partnerships, and building sustainable MSI research capabilities.

5. What types of projects is NSF looking to fund through B2?

NSF is looking for projects that deliver high-quality, fundamental SBE research that advances the field and is positioned to be publishable, while also building sustainable institutional and human capacity at MSIs (for example: research infrastructure, mentoring and training pipelines, investigator productivity, and durable collaborations).

6. Does B2 support fundamental research or applied work?

Based on the description provided, B2 is framed around fundamental research within the scope of SBE, alongside goals related to broadening participation and strengthening MSI research capacity.

7. What research areas are eligible under this opportunity?

Proposals may span any research areas supported by the SBE Directorate, including single-discipline or cross-disciplinary work. The solicitation explicitly lists examples such as anthropology and archaeology; cognitive neuroscience and decision science; ecological and human-environment research; economics and geography; linguistics; law and science; organizational behavior; political science and public policy; security and preparedness; psychology; and sociology.

8. Can a proposal be interdisciplinary?

Yes. The opportunity welcomes both single-discipline and cross-disciplinary projects as long as the work fits within the SBE Directorate's scope and is framed as fundamental research.

9. What makes a proposal especially encouraged under B2?

Projects are especially encouraged if they do one or more of the following: increase students' pursuit of graduate training and research careers; enhance PI productivity in ways that persist after the grant ends; build research capacity at MSIs (such as labs, data resources, methods expertise, research administration know-how, or student research opportunities); and/or cultivate partnerships and networks that integrate MSI scholars into larger research communities.

10. What does "building research capacity" at an MSI mean in this program?

Examples described include developing labs, strengthening data resources, building methods expertise, improving research administration know-how, increasing student research opportunities, strengthening mentoring and training pipelines, and supporting changes that increase investigator productivity and can continue beyond the award.

11. Are partnerships required, or can a single MSI PI apply?

Partnerships are encouraged, but proposals can be submitted by a single PI at an MSI or by multiple co-investigators across a group of MSIs. The program supports both individual research programs and broader collaborative ecosystems.

12. Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Proposals may be submitted by US-based institutions of higher education (two- and four-year institutions, including community colleges) that are accredited and have a US campus; certain nonprofit non-academic organizations directly tied to education or research (such as museums, observatories, research labs, and professional societies); and federally recognized Tribal Nations.

13. Are community colleges eligible applicants?

Yes. Two- and four-year accredited institutions of higher education, including community colleges, are included in the eligible applicant types described.

14. Can nonprofit organizations apply?

Yes, certain nonprofit non-academic organizations that are directly tied to education or research are listed as eligible (examples provided include museums, observatories, research labs, and professional societies).

15. Can federally recognized Tribal Nations apply?

Yes. Federally recognized Tribal Nations are explicitly listed as eligible applicants.

16. Who can serve as the Principal Investigator (PI)?

The PI can be a full-time scientist, educator, or researcher at an accredited MSI, consistent with US Department of Education MSI eligibility designations. A PI from a non-MSI institution or other eligible organization may also lead, but only if the project includes one or more MSI scholars in substantive roles and makes MSI partnership/capacity-building a primary goal.

17. If the lead PI is not at an MSI, what additional requirements apply?

For proposals led by non-MSI PIs, the proposal must include MSI scholars in substantive roles (for example as senior/key personnel, co-PI, or a subaward PI), the narrative must demonstrate genuine collaboration and explain how MSI research capacity will be enriched, and more than 50 percent of the project's overall direct costs must go to the MSI or MSIs.

18. What counts as an MSI scholar being in a "substantive role"?

The description provides examples of substantive roles such as senior/key personnel, co-PI, or a subaward PI. Beyond titles, the proposal is expected to demonstrate genuine collaboration and capacity-building as a primary goal.

19. Is there a minimum budget share that must go to MSIs?

Yes, for proposals led by non-MSI PIs: more than 50 percent of the project's overall direct costs must go to the MSI or MSIs.

20. Can the project include work at an international branch campus?

It can, but if proposal funding would support work at an international branch campus of a US institution, the applicant must clearly explain why the international location is beneficial and why the activities cannot be performed at the US campus. This signals that NSF expects most work to be anchored domestically unless there is strong justification.

21. What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?

The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant program with Funding Opportunity Number 25-505 under CFDA 47.075.

22. What is the application deadline?

The original closing date listed is January 23, 2025.

23. How many awards does NSF expect to make?

NSF anticipates making around 30 awards.

24. What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is not specified in the provided information. Applicants would typically need to consult the full solicitation or related NSF guidance for typical budget ranges, allowable costs, and any limits that may apply.

25. What is the overall emphasis of B2 in plain terms?

B2 functions as both a research funding mechanism and a participation-and-capacity strategy. It supports high-quality SBE science while deliberately increasing the number and competitiveness of proposals involving MSI scholars, expanding collaborative research networks, and strengthening the institutional conditions that support sustained SBE research and student development at MSIs.