New Ideas — Request for Applications is sponsored by Simons Foundation. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

SFARI | New Ideas — Request for Applications You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. SFARI Data and Biospecimen Repository Monday–Friday 9:00 a.

m. –5:00 p. m.

Eastern Time SFARI Data and Biospecimen Repository Monday–Friday 9:00 a. m. –5:00 p.

m. Eastern Time The mission of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is to advance the basic science of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). To this end, we solicit applications for a new grant mechanism, the New Ideas Award, from individuals who will conduct bold, imaginative, rigorous and relevant research.

Objective of the New Ideas Award The goal of the New Ideas Award is to provide early stage support for bold, exploratory research that tests novel hypotheses and opens new conceptual or experimental directions in the study of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).

This program is intentionally broad in scope and is designed to encourage ideas, approaches and perspectives that may differ substantially from those previously supported in the field or by SFARI. Proposed research may draw on any scientific discipline, methodology or experimental system (including humans) and may operate at any scale or level of analysis.

Applicants are encouraged to propose work that challenges existing assumptions, introduces new frameworks or applies new tools and insights to advancing the basic science of autism and related NDDs. All projects should include a compelling case for the relevance and potential of the proposed experiments to SFARI’s mission: to advance the basic science of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).

Applicants are encouraged to consult this perspective piece for more detail on this RFA and SFARI’s scientific perspectives for context on the foundation’s guiding principles. Applicants are strongly encouraged to think beyond existing frameworks and to articulate new directions that could reshape the field.

We also strongly advise applicants to familiarize themselves with the currently funded projects and resources that SFARI supports to avoid duplicating efforts. Projects that represent extensions/continuations of ongoing work (whether funded by SFARI or other funders) are not appropriate for this mechanism.

Given the RFA’s emphasis on new ideas, preliminary data are not required; however, sufficient information to demonstrate feasibility should be included. Applicants to this RFA do not need to have worked on autism previously; investigators who have not previously been funded by SFARI are especially encouraged to apply.

We encourage those new to the field to consult with experts in autism research to ensure their projects are relevant to the human condition. To accelerate research on autism and related NDDs, SFARI generates and shares essential data, tools and resources with scientists across academia, industry and nonprofits.

We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with the resources SFARI makes available and make use of them in their applications as appropriate. In particular, given the heterogeneity and multifactorial causes of autism, SFARI has invested in the establishment of well-characterized and sufficiently powered cohorts of individuals with autism ( SPARK ) and associated NDDs ( Simons Searchlight ).

In order to facilitate recruitment from these cohorts into investigator-initiated studies SFARI has developed the Research Match program . RFA applicants proposing work in humans with autism/NDD are strongly encouraged, though not required, to use Research Match as part of their participation recruitment strategy.

Level and Duration of Funding New Idea Awards may be supported for up to two years, with a maximum budget of $300,000 per year, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs (see grant policies ). This funding mechanism is also designed to support smaller projects and shorter-term efforts. Budgets will be evaluated for their appropriateness relative to the proposed work and the level of commitment required.

Proposals requesting larger budgets will undergo increased scrutiny. SFARI reserves the right to request budget modifications at any stage of the review process. Allowable indirect costs to the primary institution for subcontracts are not included in the total budget threshold (see our grant policies ).

Funds are expected to be expended as requested during each annual budget period. Please note that in the event of budgetary or other considerations, The Simons Foundation, Inc. (“the Foundation” or “SF”) reserves the right to refer an application to The Simons Foundation International, Ltd. (“SFI”) for consideration and funding.

SFI and SF have entered into an agreement pursuant to which SF provides program operations and grant administration services, including payment processing, to SFI. All applicants and key collaborators must hold a Ph. D.

, M. D. or equivalent degree and have a faculty position or the equivalent at a college, university, medical school or other research facility.

We encourage both applicants who have long been working in autism research and those new to the field. Applications may be submitted by public and private institutions, such as colleges, universities, hospitals, laboratories, units of state and local government and eligible agencies of the federal government.

SF and SFI do not provide funding to institutions in China (including institutions in Hong Kong) or to fiscal sponsors or agents of institutions in China or Hong Kong. This includes funding to support subcontracts at institutions in China or Hong Kong or consultants residing or working for institutions in China or Hong Kong.

Simons Foundation employees who receive a W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) from the Simons Foundation, including employees of the Flatiron Institute, may not apply as a principal investigator (PI) to any Simons Foundation or Simons Foundation International Requests for Applications (RFAs) released by the Simons Foundation.

PIs and any project personnel listed on the application who will receive funding for salary, travel, support for students, postdocs or research staff, lab equipment, computing time or other individual expenses may not be employees of the Simons Foundation, which includes the Flatiron Institute. Multiple Application and Resubmission Policy Unsuccessful applications submitted to previous SFARI RFAs may not be resubmitted to this RFA.

Applicants are limited to one application to this RFA per calendar year (this applies to all applicants on a given application, regardless of role). Instructions for Submission and Review Process Letters of intent (LOI) will be accepted on a rolling basis starting on April 29, 2026. Templates will be available in SAM on April 29, 2026.

LOIs should be no more than two (2) pages. Up to three (3) figures can be included separately and do not count towards the page limit. LOIs will be internally reviewed by the SFARI science team, after which a subset of applicants will be invited to submit a full application.

Feedback may be provided in response to the LOI with changes requested for the full application. Applicants can anticipate receiving initial decisions on their LOIs within 3-4 months of submission. If invited to submit a full application, applicants will have 4 weeks to submit.

Full applications will be reviewed by the SFARI science team and most applications will be reviewed by external experts. Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science and Opportunities for All Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences.

The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants for funding without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. SFARI Data and Biospecimen Repository Monday–Friday 9:00 a. m.

–5:00 p. m. Eastern Time Create a Letter of Intent (LOI): Simons Foundation employees who receive a W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) from the Simons Foundation, including employees of the Flatiron Institute, may not apply as a PI to any Simons Foundation or Simons Foundation International RFAs released by the Simons Foundation.

If the applicant will receive funding for salary, travel, support for students, postdocs or research staff, lab equipment, computing time or other individual expenses they may not be employees of the Simons Foundation, which includes the Flatiron Institute. Letter of Intent (LOI) Submission: To submit an LOI, the following sections must be completed in SAM: The applicant’s name and institution will appear in this section.

The institution will default to the user’s primary affiliation in their SAM profile. Please ensure the listed institution is the one to which funds must be administered if selected for funding. If the institution or applicant must be changed, please refer to the SAM Frequently Asked Questions for assistance.

Applicant Details: Enter all required fields, including your ORCID iD. The applicant may edit information via the Edit Profile button as needed. To add your ORCID iD, navigate to the ORCID tab of the user profile, and select the Create or connect your ORCID iD button to link to your ORCID profile.

Applicants must complete their profiles by clicking the Complete Profile button on the user profile in order to submit. Degree(s): Click the Add/Modify Degree(s) button to provide this information. Application Details: Please enter a project title.

SFARI Cohorts Data and/or Biospecimens: Note whether any of the listed samples/phenotypic data are being requested as part of the application. If yes, please include a description of use in the application, including the type and estimate of the number of samples needed. LOI Narrative: Upload a PDF adhering to the template available for download in SAM, which includes the prompt and formatting requirements.

Personnel Biosketches: Upload a PDF of the applicant’s biosketch, as well as any key collaborators or personnel. Biosketches must be in SciENcv, NIH, or NSF-style format. Budget Justification: Upload a PDF adhering to the template available for download in SAM, which includes the prompt and formatting requirements.

Indicate the extent to which, if any, generative AI technology was used and how it was used to develop your proposal. Abstract: Please provide an abstract of your proposed project, following the instructions in SAM. Check Application Progress: Click the Check Application Progress button to verify that all required information and files have been submitted.

Any missing requirements will be listed at the top of the screen and must be corrected before the application can be submitted. Submit Application: Click the Submit Application button. A confirmation page will appear once the application is successfully submitted.

You will also receive an email confirming its submission. The submitted LOI will appear in the Submitted tab of the Applications and Awards table. Please note that institutional sign-off is not required at the LOI stage for this program.

Once your application has been submitted, the Simons Foundation staff will be in touch if we require any additional information or revisions to your application. LOI Approval: A submitted LOI will appear in the Submitted tab of the Applications and Awards table on your SAM home page. If an LOI is approved, the status will change to In Progress and appear in the Draft column of the Applications and Awards table.

A notification will be sent to the PI listed on the application, inviting them to submit a full application in SAM. The full application can be found in the ‘Drafts’ tab of the Applications and Awards table on your SAM home page. Full Application Submission: Please adhere to any additional guidelines that may be included in your LOI Approval notification.

The following sections must be completed in SAM: The applicant’s name and institution will appear in this section. The institution will default to the user’s primary affiliation in their SAM profile. Please ensure the listed institution is the one to which funds must be administered if selected for funding.

If the institution or applicant must be changed, please refer to the SAM Frequently Asked Questions for assistance. Applicant Details: Enter all required fields. The applicant may edit information via the Edit Profile button as needed.

Applicants must complete their profiles in order to submit. Degree(s): Click the Add/Modify Degree(s) button to provide this information. Enter a start and end date.

Start dates must occur on the first of the month, and end dates must be on the last day of the month. Please refer to the RFA guidelines for any restrictions on award period lengths and dates. If you are submitting a multi-site application, please make sure that all Multi-Site Principal Investigator (PI) applications have the same title, start and end dates as the Spokesperson PI’s application.

Additional instructions on how to generate a multi-site application can be found below. Specific Aims: Upload a PDF adhering to the template available for download in SAM, which includes the prompt and formatting requirements. Proposal Narrative: Upload a PDF adhering to the template available for download in SAM, which includes the prompt and formatting requirements.

Resources and Research Environment: Upload a PDF adhering to the template available for download in SAM, which includes the prompt and formatting requirements. Human Participants Study Information Sheet (optional): Investigators proposing human participant/clinical studies must complete the Human Participants Study Information Sheet using the template provided and upload a PDF version.

Other (optional): Please upload any additional application materials that were specifically requested. Indicate the extent to which, if any, generative AI technology was used and how it was used to develop your proposal. Indicate if the PI or any project personnel listed on this application are affiliated with the Simons Foundation or the Flatiron Institute as visiting scholars, independent contractors or employees.

Data & Renewable Reagents: If applicable, indicate your plan for generating and sharing data and/or renewable reagents. Contacts & Personnel Tab: Institution Administrative Contacts: At least one Signing Official and one Financial Officer must be added to this section.

Project Personnel: All project personnel, including, but not limited to, additional PIs, co-Is, collaborators, consultants and postdoctoral research associates, must be added to this section. Please do not add the applicant to this section .

Multi-Site Applications: Applications with multiple PIs from different institutions that would like to be paid separately must be added to the Project Personnel section, as follows: Will there be multiple sites? : Indicate “Yes” Click the Add/Modify button to add each individual PI, excluding the Spokesperson PI, in the role Principal Investigator (Multi-Site).

Each PI will receive a notification informing them that they have been added as a Multi-Site PI. Please click the Save Draft button in order for the newly added personnel to display in the table. Separate full applications will be created for each PI, and they are responsible for submitting their completed application to the Spokesperson PI.

A Principal Investigators tab will appear on the application, displaying the list of all Multi-Site PIs and the record IDs of their individual applications. Subcontracts: Applications with multiple PIs from different institutions that would like to be paid directly by the main institution must be added to the ‘Project Personnel’ section, as follows: Will there be a subcontract?

: Indicate “Yes” Click the Add/Modify button to add the Subcontract PI. If the Subcontract PI should be given access to the application to complete their own budget, please add them in the role “Subcontract Lead – With Application Access. ” This will send an email to the Subcontract PI notifying them that they have been granted access to the application, and a subcontract budget will be created for them in the Budget tab.

If the Subcontract PI should not be given access to the application, please add them in the role of “Subcontract Contact – Without Access. ” Once added to the table, click the Add more Details button and select the role “Subcontract Lead” from the dropdown. In this case, a subcontract budget will be created for them in the Budget tab; however, they will not receive a notification.

The main PI will be responsible for completing the subcontract budget on behalf of the Subcontract PI. Please click the Save Draft button in order for the newly added personnel to display in the table. Budget Tab: Click the Edit/Modify button to complete a budget for the proposed project.

Please adhere to all budget guidelines listed in the RFA, your LOI Approval notification and the detailed instructions provided within the budget window. You must first enter the start and end dates in the Proposal tab to open the budget window. If there is a subcontract, you must first add the subcontract lead to the Project Personnel section of the Contacts & Personnel tab.

Once added, a subcontract budget will be created and must be completed. If including personnel costs, you must add the relevant personnel to the Project Personnel section of the Contacts & Personnel tab. If personnel have not been hired at the time of submission, you may report their costs under “TBD.

” Abstract: Please provide an abstract of your proposed project, following the instructions in SAM. Keywords: Please select any scientific tags that apply to your proposed project. Publications & Other Support Tab: Publications: Please report any publications (submitted to journal, published in journal or published on pre-print server) by selecting from your profile.

Applicants can import data from other publication databases such as ORCID, PubMed or OpenAlex. Other Support: Please report any current or pending funding sources via a PDF upload or by selecting them from your profile. If selecting from your profile, applicants can import data from other publication databases such as ORCID.

Other Funders: Please indicate if there are currently any other funders of the proposed project. If you select “Yes,” please list the funders in the text box. Organization Assurances Tab: Indicate if organizational assurances are required for the project, such as IRB and/or IACUC.

If yes, you will be prompted to provide additional information. Check Application Progress: Click the Check Application Progress button to verify that all required information and files have been submitted. Any missing requirements will be listed at the top of the screen and must be corrected before the application can be submitted.

Institutional Sign-off and Application Submission: When the application is complete, please click the Send for Sign-off button to send the application to your Signing Official for signature. You will not be able to send the application for sign-off if any application requirements are missing. The Signing Official will receive an email from [email protected] notifying them that an application requires their signature.

The Signing Official must electronically sign the application via the Submission tab of the application. Once their signature is entered and saved, the Signing Official must click the Submit Signature button. This will officially submit the application to the foundation.

A confirmation page will appear for the Signing Official once the application is successfully submitted, and the application will now appear in the Submitted tab of the Applications and Awards table. The applicant, Signing Official and Financial Officer will receive an email from [email protected] when the application is signed and submitted. Please note that you will not be able to submit an application if the deadline has passed.

Multi-Site Institutional Sign-off: If you are submitting an application with multiple sites, when the application is complete, each individual PI must click the Send for Sign-off button on their respective application to send it to their Signing Officials for signature. You will not be able to send the application for sign-off if any application requirements are missing.

The Signing Official will receive an email from [email protected] notifying them that an application requires their signature. The Signing Official must electronically sign the application via the Submission tab of the application. Once their signature is entered and saved, the Signing Official must click the Submit Signature button.

A confirmation page will appear for the Signing Official once the application has been signed. For Collaboration PIs, this will move their applications to Submitted to Spokesperson PI status, and they will receive an email from [email protected] notifying them that the application has been submitted to the Spokesperson PI (SPI).

The SPI will also receive an email from [email protected] notifying them that a collaboration application has been submitted for their review. For the SPI, this will move their application to Signed – Pending Submission status, and they will receive an email from [email protected] notifying them that the application has been signed, but is still pending submission.

Please note that you will not be able to submit the applications if the deadline has passed. Multi-Site Application Submission: Once the SPI’s application and all Multi-Site PI applications have been signed, the SPI must click the Submit application package button on their application, which will submit the package to the foundation.

A confirmation page will appear for the SPI once the package has been successfully submitted, and it will appear in the Submitted tab of the Applications and Awards table. The SPI and each Multi-Site PI will receive an email from [email protected] when the collaboration package has been submitted. Please note that you will not be able to submit the package if the deadline has passed.

Once your application has been submitted, the Simons Foundation staff will be in touch if we require any additional information or revisions to your application. Please note that in the event of budgetary or other considerations, The Simons Foundation, Inc. (“the Foundation” or “SF”) reserves the right to refer an application to The Simons Foundation International, Ltd. (“SFI”) for consideration and funding.

SFI and SF have entered into an agreement pursuant to which SF provides program operations and grant administration services, including payment processing, to SFI. SFI grant recipients are subject to SF Policies and Procedures . SFARI Data and Biospecimen Repository Monday–Friday 9:00 a.

m. –5:00 p. m.

Eastern Time Am I eligible to be a principal investigator (PI) on a SFARI New Ideas Award? All applicants and key collaborators must hold a Ph. D.

, M. D. or equivalent degree and have a faculty position or the equivalent at a college, university, medical school or other research facility.

Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign nonprofit organizations; public and private institutions, such as colleges, universities, hospitals, laboratories, units of state and local government; and eligible agencies of the federal government. There are no citizenship or country requirements. See the Personnel FAQ section for more information on the responsibilities of a SFARI principal investigator.

Can postdoctoral associates apply as PIs? No, postdoctoral associates may not apply as PIs even if your institution is willing to submit an application on your behalf. Senior postdoctoral research associates who are interested in pursuing an independent career in autism research are encouraged to apply for SFARI’s Fellows-to-Faculty RFA .

The next round of Fellows-to-Faculty is expected to launch in October 2026. Can foreign institutions apply for a grant? Yes, foreign institutions may apply.

Please see Simons Foundation policies regarding international grants. SF and SFI do not provide funding to institutions in China (including institutions in Hong Kong) or to fiscal sponsors or agents of institutions in China or Hong Kong. This includes funding to support subcontracts at institutions in China or Hong Kong or consultants residing or working for institutions in China or Hong Kong.

Can PIs who are new to the autism field apply for a New Ideas Award? Yes. Applicants to this RFA do not need to have worked on autism previously; investigators who have not previously been funded by SFARI are especially encouraged to apply.

We encourage those new to the field to consult with experts in autism research to ensure their projects are relevant to the human condition. Can PIs who have previously worked in autism and/or have been funded by SFARI apply? Yes.

However, projects that represent extensions/continuations of ongoing work (whether funded by SFARI or other funders) are not appropriate for this mechanism. Unsuccessful applications submitted to previous SFARI RFAs may not be resubmitted to this RFA. What is the difference between a principal investigator (PI) and a co-investigator?

The individual(s) judged by the applicant institution to have the appropriate level of authority and responsibility to direct the project or program supported by the grant. All principal investigators (PIs) must hold a Ph. D.

, M. D. or equivalent degree and have a faculty position or equivalent at a college, university, medical school or other research facility.

The PI is responsible and accountable to the applicant institution and SFARI for the proper conduct of the project or activity, including the submission of all required reports. The PI will act as the main point of contact for SFARI and should be noted as personnel in the budget even if not requesting salary.

There is no minimum percent effort required for the PI, but it is expected that the PI will join the collaborative community of SFARI Investigators and that the PI will partake in some conferences, workshops and symposia that SFARI organizes. An individual involved with the PI in the scientific development or execution of a project. The co-investigator must hold a Ph.

D. , M. D.

or equivalent and be employed by or be affiliated with the applicant/grantee institution or another organization participating in the project under a consortium agreement. A co-investigator is considered key personnel and should be noted as personnel in the budget even if not requesting salary. SFARI does not require a minimum effort from the co-investigator.

The designation of a co-investigator, if applicable, does not affect the PI’s roles and responsibilities, nor is it a role implying multiple PIs. Is there a minimum percent effort for PIs or co-investigators? We seek applications from independent investigators who can devote a substantial portion of time to this effort.

There is no minimum percent effort required for any personnel, but we expect personnel, in particular PIs and co-investigators, to have efforts that reflect their roles in the project. Can multiple PIs apply for a grant? When relevant, the applicant organization may designate multiple individuals as PIs who share the authority and responsibility for leading and directing the project, intellectually and logistically.

Each PI is responsible and accountable to the applicant organization or, as appropriate, to a collaborating organization, for the proper conduct of the project or program, including the submission of all required reports. The presence of more than one identified PI on an application or award diminishes neither the responsibility nor the accountability of any individual PI.

The first PI listed, under whose name the application is submitted, will serve as the contact PI for administrative purposes. The contact PI must be affiliated with the institution submitting the application. The contact PI will be responsible for communication between SFARI and the rest of the leadership team.

The role type “Co-PI” will not be used by SFARI. How do I designate multiple PIs on the application? Please review the instructional video, “Generating a multi-site or collaboration application” on our website .

Where do I enter additional co-investigators and additional key personnel? You can save personnel details in the Project Personnel section on the Contacts and Personnel tab of the application. Does SFARI require letters of support or collaboration?

We do not require letters of support or letters of collaboration from co-investigators. If a letter is prepared, it can be uploaded in the Other section. Where do I submit the proposal?

Can I email or mail a proposal? No, SFARI accepts only applications submitted online through SAM. Does the PI need to sign the signature page?

No, a signature is not required at the LOI stage. At the full application stage, only the signing official may sign and submit the application. Where is the Submit button?

The Submit button is located at the bottom right of the screen. You will be unable to submit if you have not provided all the required information. Use the Check Application Progress button to check for missing requirements.

If the problem persists, please contact [email protected] . I get an error message citing a missing section when I try to submit. The Check Application Progress button reviews your application for missing sections.

The submission guidelines list the required sections and attachments. You must complete the missing sections listed. If you are still receiving error messages after completing and saving the indicated sections, please contact [email protected] .

Is there a confirmation email when I submit? A confirmation email is sent upon submission of the application. Make sure that spam filters allow emails from [email protected] .

Additionally, the application will be in the Submitted tab of the Applications in Progress table after submission. Can I make changes to the application once it has been submitted? Before you can make changes to your submitted application, you must first contact SFARI.

Please email [email protected] . I haven’t received a notification. What is the status of my proposal?

You should receive notification within 24 hours of submission. Please check your spam filter settings if you have not received notification by then. Resubmissions and Renewals Can PIs submit multiple applications for New Ideas Awards?

Applicants are limited to one application to this RFA per calendar year (this applies to all applicants on a given application, regardless of role). Can PIs re-submit unfunded applications? Unsuccessful applications submitted to previous SFARI RFAs may not be resubmitted to this RFA.

Can PIs submit applications for renewal of a previously funded SFARI award? No. Projects that represent extensions/continuations of ongoing work (whether funded by SFARI or other funders) are not appropriate for this mechanism. What materials are required at the LOI stage?

Please refer to the Submission Guidelines. At the LOI stage, the following materials are required: Data and/or Renewable Reagents Sharing Plan (if applicable) What should be included in the LOI Narrative?

The LOI Narrative should be focused on the specific aims of the project, including a rationale for the hypothesis, description of preliminary data if available, description of the experimental approach, impact on autism research, relevance to SFARI’s mission, and fit for the New Ideas RFA. What is the page limit for the LOI Narrative? The LOI Narrative should not exceed two (2) pages of single-spaced, 11-point text and 0.

5” margins. What materials are required if I am invited to submit a full application? Please refer to the Submission Guidelines.

If invited to submit a full application, the following materials are required: Resources