Simons Foundation Science Sandbox Funding Opportunity
The Simons Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing basic science and mathematics through research funding, public engagement, and education. In addition to supporting neuroscience, autism research, life sciences, and mathematics, the Foundation's Science, Society & Culture division funds projects that connect science with art, culture, media, and public life.
Science Sandbox is the Simons Foundation's flagship public engagement and science-culture grantmaking initiative. It supports interdisciplinary projects that illuminate how science is part of culture and everyday life. Unlike traditional research grants, Science Sandbox funds creative collaborations among scientists, artists, museums, filmmakers, educators, performers, community organizations, and cultural institutions. Projects often integrate science with visual art, storytelling, film, music, performance, exhibitions, and community engagement.
Science Sandbox is one of the strongest non-research funding opportunities for NeuroArts-related work because it specifically encourages projects at the intersection of science, art, culture, and public engagement. NeuroArts projects involving neuroscience communication, brain-health exhibitions, arts-based science engagement, creative aging, cognition, perception, mental health, storytelling, or public understanding of neuroscience may be highly aligned.
Who Can Apply?
- Nonprofit organizations
- Museums and science centers
- Universities and academic institutions
- Media organizations
- Arts and cultural organizations
- Community-based organizations
- Collaborative partnerships involving artists and scientists
Projects are funded across the United States and often emphasize engagement with communities historically underrepresented in science.
Funding Amount
Science Sandbox awards vary substantially depending on project scope. Public reports indicate grants have ranged from approximately $25,000 to $250,000+, with some long-term partnerships receiving larger support.
Previously Funded Projects Relevant to NeuroArts
Science Sandbox has supported numerous science-art and science-media initiatives, including:
- Documentary film collaborations through partnerships with the Sundance Institute
- Science-focused storytelling and journalism projects
- Museum exhibitions integrating science and culture
- Artist-scientist collaborations
- Public engagement initiatives using creative media to explore scientific ideas
- Programs connecting science with identity, community, and culture
Notable supported organizations and projects include:
- Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program
- The Open Notebook
- Science festivals and community engagement programs
- Artist residency and science communication initiatives
Additional Related Opportunities
The Triangle Program
Supports artists who integrate scientific concepts into their creative work and engage public audiences through art. This is one of the Simons Foundation's most directly NeuroArts-adjacent initiatives.
The Bridge Grant
Provides long-term operational support to outstanding science-engagement organizations within the Science Sandbox network. Awards provide up to $2.5 million over five years but are available only to existing Science Sandbox awardees.
Application Process
Science Sandbox does not maintain a continuously open application portal. Instead, the Simons Foundation periodically releases targeted calls for proposals and often identifies and develops partnerships directly with organizations whose work aligns with its mission. Interested applicants should:
- Monitor Science Sandbox announcements.
- Review current funded projects.
- Contact the Science, Society & Culture team regarding potential alignment.
- Watch for future requests for proposals (RFPs).
Upcoming Opportunities
At the time of writing, there does not appear to be a broadly open Science Sandbox grant competition accepting unsolicited applications. However, the Foundation continues to support new Science Sandbox projects and periodically launches new funding initiatives through its Science, Society & Culture division.
NeuroArts Funding Fit
Relevance: Very High Best For: Artist-scientist collaborations, neuroscience exhibitions, science communication through the arts, creative aging programs, public engagement around brain health, storytelling and cognition projects, and community-based arts-and-science initiatives. Funding Type: Project grants, partnerships, science engagement initiatives, artist-science collaborations. Geographic Scope: United States.