SPARK Research Match Expansion Request for Applications
The SPARK Research Match Expansion RFA from the Simons Foundation supports autism research projects that boost participation from historically undersampled groups using the SPARK platform.
Funder: Simons Foundation
Due Dates: December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 per study, for participant incentives only (e-gift cards for undersampled groups).
Summary: Supports autism research projects that increase participation from historically undersampled groups using the SPARK Research Match platform.
Key Information: Funding is strictly for participant incentives; applications must be submitted via SFARI Base.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), aims to expand autism research by funding studies that increase participation among individuals whose genetic ancestries have been historically undersampled in clinical research. The program leverages the SPARK Research Match platform, connecting investigators with a large, diverse pool of SPARK participants across the United States. The overarching goal is to ensure research better reflects national demographics, accelerate discovery, and enrich the SPARK database for future studies, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and impact for underrepresented groups.
