Community Impacts Toolkit
Community Impacts
Funding agencies, federal and private, are increasing their expectations for the integration of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and justice into funded research. A critical question and component in any research grant proposal today is: How does your research benefit society? Community impacts – regardless of the name it goes by and which federal agency – can encompass DEIA, energy justice, promoting inclusive and equitable research, community engagement, and workforce development. Whether your proposal requires Broader Impacts (like NSF), a Community Benefits Plan (like DOE), or something by another name, how you address community impacts can increasingly make or break your proposal. This toolkit provides resources to help PIs plan and write about community impacts within their proposal activities. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Research Development Team.
Explore the toolkit documents by clicking on the files below to find the best resources for your needs.
Full toolkit of all shared documents
J40 & Community Engagement Resources
The material in this toolkit is in no way a replacement for the value and competitiveness you bring to your proposal by adding a social scientist to your project team. Still, this toolkit is designed to help get you started and to understand the complexities of these DOE requirements for your proposal submission.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Resources
Funding agencies, federal and private, are increasing their expectations for the integration of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and justice into funded research. In order to keep the Mines research community current and provide adequate support, Dr. Amy Landis has designed this section of the Community Impacts Toolkit to provide resources to help guide PIs in better understanding these requirements and how to effectively incorporate and write DEIA proposal activities into their project. Please access the toolkit and view the recorded workshops using your Mines credentials.
Use this guide to:
- Learn about how to construct your DEIA plan
- Read up on tips on various federal agency requirements
- Connect with existing programs at Mines
- Access boilerplate language and templates
- Browse the DEIA research literature
- Find a DEIA collaborator
- Request additional help
Mines DI&A and the Office of Research and Technology Transfer collaborate on supporting the development and inclusion of DEIA efforts in grant proposals. To request support, please click the link below and fill out the form. The appropriate office will get in touch with you.
Broader Impacts Resources
The Broader Impacts discussion is a critical component of any proposal submitted to the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF expects researchers’ work to have Broader Impacts: the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes. Use the link below to access Mines resources for your Broader Impacts plan.
One suggested resource is the Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) Broader Impacts Toolkit. This Toolkit includes:
- NSF Guiding Principles as a high-level overview of societally relevant outcomes and review criteria specified by NSF
- Planning Checklist to review the key elements of an effective project proposal
- Broader Impacts Wizard that will walk you through key steps to building an effective plan
- Broader Impacts Project Rubric that will help you evaluate your plan
Mines Outreach is designed to connect with K-12 schools, school districts, community colleges, and community STEM organizations, broadening access to STEM education for all. Please see our list of possible programs you might consider for your proposal’s Broader Impacts activities. Mines K-14 (K-12 and Community College) office can also assist you in integrating outreach programs into your proposal, linking your research to Pre-Mines programs such as SUMMET and our STEM partnerships.
To request help incorporating K-14 Outreach into your proposal, please click on the button below and complete the form. Mines Office of K-14 Education and Community Partnerships will respond to your request.
