Simons Foundation

The Simons Foundation is a prominent private foundation founded in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons, dedicated to advancing research in mathematics and the basic sciences. Based in New York City, it operates as a 501(c)(3) organization with over $5 billion in assets and annual expenditures exceeding $300 million. The foundation emphasizes funding high-impact scientific research through grants, collaborative programs, and its internal computational research division, the Flatiron Institute. The foundation supports individual researchers and large-scale collaborative projects, such as the Simons Observatory in Chile. The Flatiron Institute, established in 2016, focuses on computational science across various fields, including astrophysics, biology, and neuroscience. Additionally, the foundation funds research into autism spectrum disorders through its Autism Research Initiative and promotes STEM education in New York City through partnerships like Math for America. The Simons Foundation plays a vital role in bridging theoretical research and practical applications, contributing significantly to modern scientific philanthropy.