[Simons Foundation](https://www.simonsfoundation.org)

Rolling (Letter of Intent) | Invitation-based (Full proposal, if requested)

Flexible funding up to 5 years; no set minimum or maximum; indirect costs capped at 20% of direct costs.

Supports high-risk, high-promise theoretical research in mathematics, physics, and computer science on a case-by-case basis.

LOIs may be submitted at any time; only tenured/tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty eligible as PI/co-I.

--- ## Description The Simons Foundation’s Mathematics & Physical Sciences (MPS) division offers this program to support ambitious, high-risk theoretical projects in mathematics, physics, and computer science. The program is designed for projects of exceptional promise and scientific importance that may not fit traditional funding mechanisms. Funding levels and durations are highly flexible and tailored to the needs of each proposed project, with a maximum duration of up to five years. The program prioritizes advancing fundamental understanding in the mathematical and physical sciences. Projects supported under this program can include a wide range of direct research expenses such as personnel, travel, equipment, and conferences. The foundation emphasizes fostering a diverse and inclusive scientific community and encourages applications from researchers worldwide, except for those based in China (including Hong Kong). --- ## Due Dates - **Letter of Intent (LOI):** Rolling (may be submitted at any time) - **Full Proposal:** By invitation only, with deadline specified in LOI approval (at least 3 months after LOI approval) Applicants are notified of LOI decisions within three months of submission; if invited, full proposals are due no sooner than three months after LOI approval. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Size & Duration:** Flexible, determined on a case-by-case basis according to project needs; up to 5 years. - **Indirect Costs:** Capped at 20% of applicable direct costs. - **Allowable Expenses:** May include (but are not limited to): - Up to one month of summer salary per year for PI and co-Investigators (non-substitutional). - Salary/benefits for research staff, postdocs, graduate/undergraduate assistants. - Domestic/international travel for project personnel and collaborators. - Conference/workshop organization. - Research equipment, supplies, computing, publication costs. - Support for visitors and collaborators. There is no recommended or assumed funding level; budgets should be appropriate for the project scope. --- ## Eligibility **Personnel:** - PI and co-Investigators must hold a tenured or tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position at an eligible institution at the time of application and throughout the award. - No citizenship restrictions. - Adjunct faculty and Simons Foundation/Flatiron Institute employees (W-2) are not eligible as PIs or to receive salary/travel/equipment support. - There is no limit on the number of applications per PI or institution. **Institutions:** - Open to established U.S. and foreign public/private educational institutions and stand-alone research centers. - For-profit institutions and U.S. national labs are not eligible for salary support (though lab-based scientists may participate as unfunded collaborators). - No funding to institutions in China (including Hong Kong) or their fiscal sponsors/agents. **Project Scope:** - Must be theoretical research in mathematics, physics, or computer science. - Chemistry proposals are not considered. - Projects that would typically be funded by federal agencies at the single- or few-PI scale are generally not suitable. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Intent (LOI):** - Submit via [Simons Award Manager (SAM)](https://sam.simonsfoundation.org/); rolling deadline. - LOI includes: narrative (2 pages + 1 page references/figures), budget (1 page), and biosketches/CVs for PI/co-Is. - No institutional sign-off required at LOI stage. - Indicate any use of generative AI in proposal development. 2. **Full Proposal:** - By invitation only, following LOI review. - Deadline set in invitation (no sooner than 3 months post-LOI approval). - Requires detailed narrative (6 pages + 2 pages references/figures), updated budget, biosketches, and supporting documents. - Institutional sign-off required. 3. **Review & Notification:** - LOI decision within 3 months; full proposal decision within 3 months of submission. 4. **Submission Guidance:** - All applications must be submitted through SAM. Instructional videos and FAQs are available on the [SAM instructional page](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/funding-opportunities/sam-instructional-videos/). - For multi-PI projects, the main PI/institution submits the LOI. --- ## Additional Information - There are no limits on the number of applications or reapplications. - The grant is awarded to the applicant’s institution, not individuals. - Indirect costs, salary, and other budgetary guidelines are detailed in the [Simons Foundation grant policies](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/funding-opportunities/policies-and-procedures/). - The foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all funding activities. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Targeted Grants in MPS](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/grant/targeted-grants-in-mps/) - [Simons Award Manager (SAM) Application Portal](https://sam.simonsfoundation.org/) - [How to Apply Instructions](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/grant/targeted-grants-in-mps/?tab=how-to-apply) - [Grant Policies & Procedures](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/funding-opportunities/policies-and-procedures/) - [SAM Instructional Videos & FAQs](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/funding-opportunities/sam-instructional-videos/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Program/Admin Questions (MPS) | mps@simonsfoundation.org \| +1 212-524-6966 | | Technical Questions (SAM) | samsupport@simonsfoundation.org | | Simons Foundation General Contact | [Contact Form](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/contact/) | Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (except holidays).

Targeted Grants in MPS

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