Open Call for Heising Simons Foundations Grant Opportunity 2026 for Science Events and Gatherings 2026 United States of America (USA), The Heising-Simons Foundation, through its Science program, is inviting proposals to support meetings, workshops, conferences, summer schools, and collaborative scientific gatherings that advance research and dialogue in astronomy, cosmology, fundamental physics, and climate change science. The initiative reflects the foundation’s commitment to strengthening scientific ecosystems by creating spaces where researchers, scholars, educators, and innovators can exchange ideas, build partnerships, and accelerate discovery.
Recognizing that transformative scientific progress often emerges through collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement, the program seeks to support events that foster meaningful interaction among key stakeholders. By enabling scientists and institutions to come together, the foundation aims to encourage the sharing of knowledge, exploration of emerging questions, and development of new research directions that can shape the future of science.
The program is also designed to strengthen the communication of scientific results beyond academic circles. Supported events are expected to contribute toward wider scientific awareness, encourage participation from early-career researchers and students, and create opportunities for public engagement with complex scientific topics. Through this effort, the foundation seeks to bridge gaps between research communities while promoting inclusive and impactful scientific dialogue.
The Science program expects to award up to $800,000 in total funding, with individual grants ranging between $20,000 and $80,000. Through these grants, the foundation aims to advance basic scientific research, connect diverse stakeholders, and support platforms that help translate scientific knowledge into broader understanding and collaboration.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 10th July 2026
Why events for Open Call for Heising Simons Foundations Grant Opportunity 2026 for Science Events and Gatherings 2026 United States of America (USA)
Events play a critical role in advancing science by creating opportunities for collaboration, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas among researchers, institutions, and scientific communities. Through conferences, workshops, summer schools, and research gatherings, scientists are able to communicate new findings, discuss emerging challenges, and collectively explore innovative solutions that help push scientific discovery forward.
Beyond the dissemination of research, events also serve as important spaces for building scientific communities and fostering professional networks. Meaningful interactions during these gatherings often lead to long-term collaborations, interdisciplinary partnerships, and the cross-pollination of ideas between different scientific fields and sub-disciplines. Bringing together diverse perspectives can spark creative approaches and research directions that may not emerge within isolated academic environments.
For early-career researchers, students, and individuals from historically underrepresented groups, scientific events can be especially transformative. Such platforms provide opportunities to connect with mentors, gain visibility within their fields, and develop a stronger sense of belonging and scientific identity. Inclusive and accessible events help strengthen participation in science while encouraging the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Through this open call, the Heising-Simons Foundation Science Program seeks not only to support the scientific communities and disciplines it currently funds, but also to expand its engagement with new institutions, researchers, and emerging scientific networks. By encouraging broader participation and collaboration, the foundation aims to cultivate vibrant scientific ecosystems that advance research, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the communication of scientific knowledge.
Application Review Criteria for Open Call for Heising Simons Foundations Grant Opportunity 2026 for Science Events and Gatherings 2026 United States of America (USA)
Applications to the Heising-Simons Foundation Science Program will be reviewed based on the following key criteria:
Impact on the Field or Community
The proposed event should demonstrate meaningful impact by:
- Bringing together groups or communities that have not previously had opportunities to connect
- Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of ideas
- Collecting, generating, teaching, or disseminating new scientific knowledge
- Addressing significant scientific or systemic challenges
- Supporting historically marginalized or underrepresented groups within the scientific community
- Strengthening scientific networks, partnerships, and long-term collaboration
Inclusion, Diversity, and Accessibility
Applicants should present a clear and thoughtful plan to ensure the event is:
- Inclusive and welcoming to all participants
- Accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Designed with equitable participation and engagement in mind
- Organized by committees that reflect a broad range of perspectives, identities, and expertise
- Supportive of early-career researchers and underrepresented communities
Alignment with Program Goals
The event should align with the broader priorities of the Science Program by:
- Expanding the program’s reach into new scientific communities and networks
- Building new partnerships with researchers, institutions, and organizations
- Advancing scientific research and collaboration
- Enhancing communication and dissemination of scientific findings
- Contributing to the program’s mission of strengthening scientific ecosystems and knowledge sharing
Eligibility Criteria Open Call for Heising Simons Foundations Grant Opportunity 2026 for Science Events and Gatherings 2026 United States of America (USA)
To be eligible under the Heising-Simons Foundation Science Program, applications must meet the following requirements:
Event Focus
- The proposal must support an in-person, hybrid, or virtual scientific event such as:
- Conferences
- Workshops
- Meetings
- Symposiums
- Summer schools
- Research gatherings
- Eligible subject areas include:
- Astronomy (including planetary science)
- Cosmology
- Fundamental physics
- Climate change science
- Initiatives increasing representation and retention of underrepresented groups in these fields
- Events focused primarily on science communication are not eligible.
Climate Change Science Focus
Eligible climate science events should focus on:
- Physical mechanisms and drivers of climate change
- Impacts on Earth systems
- Extreme weather events
- Droughts
- Ecosystem shifts
- Ocean dynamics
- Cryosphere changes
- Topics such as climate resilience or adaptation are eligible only if the primary focus remains climate science research.
Location Requirements
- In-person events must take place within:
- The United States
- U.S. territories
Event Duration
- The event must last 15 days or less.
Eligible Organizations
Applicants must qualify under IRC Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2), including:
- U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with valid IRS 501(c)(3) status
- Government entities under IRC Section 170(c)(1)
- Government instrumentalities linked to eligible governmental units
University Applicants
- Applicants affiliated with universities must coordinate with:
- Office of Sponsored Projects, or
- Affiliated university foundation
Non-U.S. Organizations
- Non-U.S. entities are not eligible to apply.
Funding Limits
- Grant requests must be:
- Between $20,000 and $80,000
- Submitted in increments of $10,000
- Inclusive of indirect costs
Event Budget
- Total event expenses must remain below $500,000.
Event Timeline
- Events must take place between:
- January 15, 2027
- July 31, 2028
Target Audience
- The primary audience must be:
- Undergraduate level and above
- Members of the scientific community
- Events specifically targeting K–12 educators are not eligible.
Non-Discrimination Requirement
- Events must comply with all applicable laws and remain open to participants of all:
- Races
- Genders
- Legally protected groups
Additional Restrictions for Existing Grantees
Current Science program grantees:
- Cannot already have an active grant for the same proposed event
- Must not have received more than $100,000 cumulatively from the foundation for the same event or event series within the past four years
For additional information and updates:
Heising-Simons Foundation
How to apply?
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link
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