Simons Foundation Targeted Grants to Math+AI Institutes
Sponsor: Simons FoundationInternal Deadline: 11/16/2026Institutional Submission Limit: 1Sponsor Deadline: 12/01/2026Program Website
The Simons Foundation invites proposals from established institutes and centers for activities at the intersection of mathematics and artificial intelligence. This one-time opportunity supports workshops and related programming that enable researchers to assess AI-assisted mathematical results, develop proficiency with emerging tools, exchange insights, and establish standards for AI use in mathematics.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be established educational or nonprofit institutes or research centers with a physical location. University-based institutes and centers may apply if their primary mission serves the broader scientific community through research connections and exchange. Centers primarily organized around the research of their own university’s faculty are not appropriate for this program.
The principal investigator is typically the institute director, although the institute may designate another applicant.
Funding and Allowable Activities
Support may include visitors, postdoctoral researchers, research associates, graduate students, workshops, conferences, summer schools, and associated administrative expenses.
The program does not fund institute creation or primary operating support. Scientific leadership salaries and PI summer salary for program administration are excluded.
Application Limit: One application per institute
Submission Process
Internal Submission Requirements
Interested institutes and centers should submit the following as a single PDF to USCCFR@sc.edu by November 16, 2026.
1. Cover page: Institute or center name, project title, principal investigator, participating units, key collaborators, total request, and proposed project dates.
2. Eligibility statement — maximum one page: Describe the institute’s established operations, mission, and service to the broader scientific community. Explain how its activities extend beyond supporting USC faculty research.
3. Project narrative — maximum three pages: Address:
- Scientific goals and the Math+AI challenges to be addressed.
- Relevant background and significance.
- Proposed activities, timeline, and anticipated participants.
- Expected outcomes and benefits to the broader mathematics community.
- Leadership, collaborators, and capacity to carry out the work.
4. Preliminary two-year budget and justification: Provide annual estimates, explain major expenses, and include indirect costs within the total request.
5. Institute funding summary: Identify current and pending financial support for the institute’s research activities, including sources, dates, amounts, and potential overlap.
6. PI qualifications: Include a biosketch or CV of no more than three pages.
Questions: Jenni Asman, Senior Director of Foundation Relations, at asmanj@mailbox.com.