Comprehensive foundation profile based on the most recent IRS Form 990 filing
The Simons Foundation Inc, based in New York, is a prominent philanthropic organization with assets totaling approximately $4.6 billion. The foundation is dedicated to advancing research in mathematics and the basic sciences, with a particular focus on autism research, brain and nervous system disorders, and various scientific disciplines including astronomy, physics, and marine science. It also supports a diverse range of communities, including Middle Eastern/North African, Asian, Black/African, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous, and multi-racial/ethnic groups. The foundation funds projects in numerous cities and states across the United States and internationally. Key figures in the organization include Marilyn Simons and James Simons as Co-Chairs of the Board, and David Spergel as President. The foundation's annual expenses are approximately $565 million, with a revenue of about $124 million.
Focus Areas
Geographic Focus
Create a winning proposal for THE SIMONS FOUNDATION INC
Get AI assistance tailored to this funder's priorities, grant history, and funding patterns.
Financials
+2.6% from previous year
1962 grants awarded in 2024
Of total revenue spent on programs
Grants
| Purpose | Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,508,195 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO | SIMONS OBSERVATORY | La jolla, CA, US | 2023 |
| $23,300,000 | MATH FOR AMERICA | MFA NEW PLEDGE | New york, NY, US | 2022 |
| $20,000,000 | NEW YORK GENOME CENTER | NEW YORK GENOME CENTER 2018 "NEW GIFT" | New york, NY, US | 2022 |
| $20,000,000 | NEW YORK GENOME CENTER | NEW YORK GENOME CENTER 2018 "NEW GIFT" | New york, NY, US | 2023 |
| $20,000,000 | NEW YORK GENOME CENTER INC | NEW YORK GENOME CENTER 2018 "NEW GIFT" | New york, NY, US | 2024 |
| $19,000,000 | MATH FOR AMERICA | MFA NEW PLEDGE | New york, NY, US | 2023 |
| $12,782,220 | UC SAN DIEGO | SIMONS OBSERVATORY | La jolla, CA, US | 2024 |
| $12,500,000 | STONY BROOK FOUNDATION INC | STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS FUND GIFT | Stony brook, NY, US | 2022 |
| $11,115,491 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO | SIMONS OBSERVATORY | La jolla, CA, US | 2022 |
| $8,930,918 | STONY BROOK FOUNDATION INC | PRESIDENTIAL INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE FUND MATCHING GIFT | Stony brook, NY, US | 2022 |
People
Compensation data from most recent available 990 forms
| Title | |||
|---|---|---|---|
DS
DAVID SPERGEL
| PRESIDENT | $991,102 | 2024 |
ER
EUAN ROBERTSON
| COO | $615,795 | 2024 |
MK
MARLOW KEE
| SECRETARY (THRU 10/2023)/CFO | $495,155 | 2024 |
BD
BRETT DAKIN
| SEC. (AS OF 10/2023)/GEN. COUNSEL | $222,411 | 2024 |
PL
PETER LITTLEWOOD
| TRUSTEE | $15,000 | 2024 |
MARILYN SIMONS
CO-CHAIR OF THE BOARD
JAMES SIMONS
CO-CHAIR OF THE BOARD
DAVID EISENBUD
TRUSTEE
EMERY N BROWN
TRUSTEE
PETER LITTLEWOOD
TRUSTEE
Quick Actions in Grantable
Here are some things you can do in Grantable for every stage of the grant writing process
Needs Assessment & Community Data Analysis
Generate data-driven needs assessments that demonstrate community gaps and justify project necessity.
View quick actionLogic Model & Theory of Change Builder
Create comprehensive logic models connecting activities, outputs, and outcomes for maximum impact.
View quick actionStart Your Winning THE SIMONS FOUNDATION INC Proposal
Financial data sourced from IRS 990 forms via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
View on ProPublica Nonprofit ExplorerLast updated on August 25, 2025