Targeted Grants to Math+AI 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, as long as the scope of the proposal does not overlap the scope of an existing award or application and that an application to this specific call is geared towards Math+AI.

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.

Only one application per institute can be submitted.

No, this would not be an allowable cost.

Indirect costs are allowed for this award and must follow our indirect cost policy (see our Policies and Procedures). The indirect cost rate is nonnegotiable.

The grant is awarded to the host institution.

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

No. Please be advised that all deadlines are in U.S. 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.

If changes are required to the application after submission, you must first contact [email protected]. Applications can only be changed prior to the deadline.

Only one person can edit a record at a time. A record will be locked for editing if another user already has it opened, and a gray bar will display at the bottom of the record to prevent multiple users from overwriting one another’s changes. Ask other users at your institution to close the application, then refresh your page. If this still does not correct the issue, please reach out to [email protected].

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 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.

All applications must be submitted via the Simons Award Manager (SAM). Please refer to the submission instructions for detailed steps on how to complete and submit your application. You will not be able to submit if the deadline has passed. We will not accept applications or individual application materials submitted via email or mail.