Targeted Grants to Institutes – 2027 Request for Applications: FAQs

The PI/applicant is typically the director of the institute; although, this is at the discretion of the institute.

Yes, current awardees whose grant will end before June 1, 2027 (including the no-cost extension period) are welcome to apply for continued or new funding. The proposal will be competitively reviewed with the other applicants.

For institutes in developing countries, the foundation will also consider how the grant can help stimulate the progress of science in those countries and how it can help connect developing countries to the scientific mainstream.

Yes, centers and institutes within larger universities are eligible, as long as their main purpose is to support a field by strengthening contacts within the scientific community. Centers and institutes whose primary purpose is to provide a focal point for the research of local faculty at that university are not appropriate for this program.

Chemistry is outside the purview of the program and the MPS division, which focuses on mathematics, theoretical physics and theoretical computer science.

Yes, there is no limit to the number of times an institute can apply.

Yes, there is no limit to the number of applications per institution.

No, this would not be an allowable cost.

No. Please be advised that all deadlines are in Eastern time. We recommend registering early and submitting with ample time for corrections prior to the deadline hour. Site traffic can slow page-load times. You will not be able to submit after the deadline has passed.

No changes are allowed on the application after submission. Applications can only be changed prior to the deadline by clicking on the Revise button. For full proposals, once revised, the application must be sent for sign-off and signed by the Signing Official again in order to resubmit — this must happen before the deadline. No extensions will be provided for revisions.

For assistance navigating SAM, please refer to the SAM frequently asked questions and instructional videos webpage.

Please note that in the event of budgetary or other considerations, The Simons Foundation, Inc. (“the Foundation” or “SF”) reserves the right to refer an application to The Simons Foundation International, Ltd. (“SFI”) for consideration and funding. SFI and SF have entered into an agreement pursuant to which SF provides program operations and grant administration services, including payment processing, to SFI. SFI grant recipients are subject to SF policies and procedures.