I've searched everywhere for more information on what exactly should be in the Intellectual Merit and Broader Impact sections of the NSF proposals. So far I have found two valid explanations, one from the University of Arizona and one from the research director of the Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University. The first states that: Broader implications have been considered when considering the merits of proposals since Article 11. The criterion has become a separate part of the NSF proposals. The purpose of the broader impact review criterion is to show that a proposed project has the potential to benefit society and contribute to achievement. The National Science Foundation, NSF, supports basic research in the social, behavioral, and economic SBE sciences. Broader impacts: This criterion encompasses the potential for benefit to society. The intellectual merit we see in NSF-funded SBE research is substantial. This manifests itself in increasing rigor, new data and. These examples of socially relevant outcomes should not be considered exhaustive or prescriptive. Proponents may include appropriate outcomes not covered by these examples. Dear Colleague: A Broader Impact Framework for Proposals Submitted to the NSF Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences,