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

April 29, 2026 (LOI opens; rolling submission)

Up to $300,000/year for up to 2 years (total max $600,000, inclusive of 20% indirect costs)

Supports bold, early-stage research that advances the basic science of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders through novel hypotheses and approaches.

Projects that are continuations/extensions of ongoing work are not eligible; preliminary data are not required.

--- ## Description The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) New Ideas Award is designed to catalyze innovative, exploratory research in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). This program welcomes bold, imaginative proposals that challenge current paradigms, introduce new frameworks, or apply novel tools and insights to advance the basic science of autism. The scope is intentionally broad, supporting research from any scientific discipline, methodology, or experimental system, at any scale or level of analysis. Applicants are encouraged to propose work that is distinct from their prior research or previously funded SFARI projects. Investigators new to autism research, as well as those not previously funded by SFARI, are especially encouraged to apply. Preliminary data are not required, but proposals must demonstrate feasibility. --- ## Due Dates - **Letter of Intent (LOI) opens:** April 29, 2026 - **LOI submission:** Rolling (accepted any time after April 29, 2026) - **Full application:** By invitation only, after LOI review (invited applicants have 4 weeks to submit full application) - **Decisions on LOIs:** Typically within 3–4 months of submission --- ## Funding Amount - Up to **$300,000 per year** for up to **2 years** (maximum total $600,000) - Budget includes up to 20% indirect costs - Smaller projects and shorter-term efforts are also supported - Indirect costs for subcontracts are not included in the total budget threshold - Costs for certain biospecimens (e.g., Simons Simplex Collection, Simons Searchlight, AIC) are **not** included in the budget limit --- ## Eligibility - **PI and key collaborators** must hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and have a faculty position (or equivalent) at a college, university, medical school, or other research facility - Open to both U.S. and international nonprofit organizations, public and private institutions (e.g., universities, hospitals, government units) - **Not eligible:** Institutions in China (including Hong Kong), or fiscal sponsors/agents/consultants residing or working in these regions - **Not eligible:** Simons Foundation or Flatiron Institute employees (including W-2 employees) as PIs or funded personnel - **Not eligible:** Postdoctoral associates as PIs - Only **one application per RFA per calendar year** per applicant (applies to all applicants on a given application, regardless of role) - Projects that are continuations/extensions of ongoing work (whether funded by SFARI or others) are **not eligible** - Unsuccessful applications submitted to previous SFARI RFAs may **not** be resubmitted to this RFA --- ## Application Process 1. **Register and apply via [Simons Award Manager (SAM)](https://sam.simonsfoundation.org/)** - Click the Funding Opportunities icon and select the Autism Research – New Ideas call - LOI submission is required; templates available in SAM 2. **LOI submission** - Rolling basis starting April 29, 2026 - Max 2 pages, up to 3 figures (not included in page limit) - Required: LOI narrative, biosketches, budget justification, sharing plan (if applicable), abstract - Institutional sign-off **not required** at LOI stage 3. **LOI review** - Internal review by SFARI science team - Decisions typically within 3–4 months; feedback may be provided 4. **Full application (by invitation)** - Invited applicants have 4 weeks to submit - Required materials: Specific Aims, Proposal Narrative (max 4 pages), Resources & Research Environment, detailed budget, publications & other support, organizational assurances (if applicable) - Institutional sign-off **required** at application stage - Submission via SAM; multi-site and subcontract options available 5. **Review and notification** - Full applications reviewed by SFARI and external experts - Notification provided after review --- ## Additional Information - Projects must make a compelling case for relevance to SFARI’s mission and potential impact on autism and related NDDs - Use of SFARI resources (e.g., cohorts, data, biospecimens) is encouraged but not required - Data sharing and open science are strongly encouraged; plans for sharing data/reagents must be included - Indirect costs are capped at 20% of direct costs (see [grant policies](https://www.sfari.org/funding-opportunities/policies-and-procedures/)) - For detailed instructions, see [SAM FAQs](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/funding-opportunities/sam-faqs/) and [SAM instructional videos](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/funding-opportunities/sam-instructional-videos/) --- ## External Links - [SFARI New Ideas Award RFA](https://www.sfari.org/grant/new-ideas-request-for-applications/) - [Simons Award Manager (SAM) Portal](https://sam.simonsfoundation.org/) - [SFARI Funding Opportunities](https://www.sfari.org/funding-opportunities/) - [Simons Foundation Grant Policies](https://www.sfari.org/funding-opportunities/policies-and-procedures/) - [SFARI Resources](https://www.sfari.org/resources/) - [SAM FAQs](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/funding-opportunities/sam-faqs/) - [SAM Instructional Videos](https://www.simonsfoundation.org/funding-opportunities/sam-instructional-videos/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Email | |-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Scientific inquiries | [sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org](mailto:sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org) | | Administrative/application questions | [sfarigrants@simonsfoundation.org](mailto:sfarigrants@simonsfoundation.org) | | SFARI Data & Biospecimen Repository | [sdbr@simonsfoundation.org](mailto:sdbr@simonsfoundation.org) | | Technical assistance (SAM) | [samsupport@simonsfoundation.org](mailto:samsupport@simonsfoundation.org) | Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time ---

New Ideas Award

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