The Simons Foundation is a New York-based private foundation supporting mathematics, basic science, scientific collaboration and public engagement.
The foundation supports discovery by advancing research in mathematics and the basic sciences.
The Simons Foundation was established in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons to support long-term investment in mathematics and basic science. Its work has grown from grantmaking to large-scale research collaborations, public engagement and in-house scientific research through the Flatiron Institute, launched in 2016.
The foundation supports research through grants to investigators and academic institutions, large collaborative research programs, public engagement initiatives and in-house research through the Flatiron Institute. Its approach emphasizes sustained support, collaboration, open science and fundamental research
The foundation has supported thousands of mathematicians and scientists in New York City, across the United States and globally. Its work includes support for autism research, basic mathematics, theoretical science, computational research, science communication and major collaborations such as the Simons Observatory.
The foundation collaborates with Simons Foundation International, the National Science Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Secunda Family Foundation, the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.
The Simons Foundation is guided by a board of trustees and chaired by Marilyn H. Simons. David N. Spergel has served as president since 2021. The foundation combines external grantmaking with direct research through the Flatiron Institute and emphasizes open science, cross-disciplinary collaboration and long-term support for discovery-driven research.