The Simons Foundation is proud to support researchers and institutions at the frontiers of scientific discovery. Sharing these advances helps highlight the value and impact of basic research.
These guidelines are intended to help grantees and partners communicate about their work while also supporting the foundation’s mission. They explain how to reference the foundation and use its name, logo, and communications assets (e.g., photography, video footage, graphic illustrations).
For questions, usage requests, and approvals, please contact the Communications team at [email protected].
Acknowledging Support
For the duration of your grant, we ask that you acknowledge the foundation’s support as you would any other funder of research-related activities.
Grantees may refer to the Simons Foundation in plain, non-stylized text in:
- Research publications and journals, in accordance with the foundation’s funding acknowledgment requirements
- Project, laboratory, consortium, or program websites describing funded work
- Annual reports, impact reports, and other institutional materials
- Scientific presentations and research posters
- Social media posts describing the funded work
References to foundation support must be factual, accurate, and consistent with the scope of the funded project.
Use of the Foundation Name
The foundation does not require grantees to publicize or promote awards or foundation-supported activities through media or other communications channels.
If you choose to publish a press release or other public announcement, you must contact the Communications team at [email protected] for prior review and approval.
The foundation also requests advance notice of significant media coverage, embargoed research communications, and public events or campaigns highlighting foundation-supported work. This helps us ensure accurate attribution, coordinate communications efforts, and amplify the work through foundation channels when appropriate.
When sharing approved content on social media, grantees and partners are encouraged to tag official Simons Foundation accounts.
Additional Guidelines
- The foundation’s logo must not be used in grantee or partner press releases or other public announcements, except in joint announcements issued and approved by the foundation.
- The foundation’s name must not be used in a manner that implies endorsement of an organization, product, service, political position, or commercial activity.
- The foundation’s name must not appear in event titles, program names, or initiative names unless permitted under the terms of the award or specifically approved by the foundation.
- The article “the” is not part of the Simons Foundation name and should be lowercase.
- When the foundation’s name appears as part of a list of organizations, donors, or supporters, omit the article and use only “Simons Foundation.”
Use of the Foundation Logo
The foundation’s logo and other brand assets may not be used without prior approval. Receipt of a grant, sponsorship, or other support does not grant permission to use the foundation’s logo or communications assets.
Requesting Approval
Requests to use the logo should include:
- Draft or mock-up materials
- Intended use
- Distribution channels
- Publication or event date
Whenever possible, draft materials should be submitted to the Communications team at [email protected] at least 5–10 business days before publication or distribution.
Approved Uses
For approved uses, grantees and partners should visit the Brand Resources page to download the official logo files and review detailed specifications.
Approved uses should:
- Present the logo as a supporting element rather than the primary brand element
- Adhere to the foundation’s visual specifications, including proper spacing and approved colors
- Give the logo visual prominence comparable to that of other funders and supporters
The foundation’s logo must not be combined with other logos or used to create co-branded marks.
Prohibited Uses
Unless expressly approved in writing, the logo may not be used in:
- Advertising or marketing campaigns
- Commercial products or merchandise
- Social media profile images or account branding
Photography, Video, and Other Communications Assets
The foundation may make photography, video, graphics, illustrations, and other communications assets available to help highlight foundation-supported work. Use of these materials requires prior approval and may be subject to additional licensing, attribution, or usage requirements.
Approved Uses
Approved uses should:
- Accurately represent foundation-supported work
- Preserve the integrity and context of the original content
- Comply with applicable licensing and attribution requirements
- Avoid implying endorsement or partnership
- Comply with applicable accessibility requirements where feasible
Editing and Integrity
Unless otherwise authorized:
- Images and video may be edited only for minor technical purposes, such as cropping, resizing, or color correction.
- Content must not be altered in a way that changes its meaning, context, or factual representation, including through filters, overlays, or effects.
Third-Party Rights
Grantees and partners are responsible for obtaining any permissions or licenses required for third-party materials used in connection with foundation-supported work.
The foundation is not responsible for securing third-party rights on behalf of grantees or partners.