Science Events and Gatherings Program

The Heising-Simons Foundation, a private philanthropic organization committed to advancing research and public understanding in science, education, climate, and human rights, has released an open call under its Science program for the Summer Cycle. This initiative seeks to fund events that foster collaboration, discussion, and dissemination of scientific findings in the fields of astronomy, cosmology, fundamental physics, and climate change science. The Foundation's emphasis is on cultivating scientific communities and supporting basic research through meaningful gatherings such as conferences, workshops, summer schools, and other collaborative events. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to enhance the visibility and impact of research activities by enabling scientific dialogue and community building. The Foundation aims to support gatherings that generate or share new scientific knowledge, connect researchers across institutions or disciplines, and address systemic or scientific challenges. The funding particularly encourages events that promote inclusion, diversity, and accessibility within the scientific community, and gives priority to events that bring together underrepresented groups or explore ways to broaden participation in these scientific domains. Each grant will range from $20,000 to $80,000 and must be requested in $10,000 increments. A total of up to $400,000 is available for the Summer Cycle of 2025, with an overall program ceiling of $800,000 split between the summer and winter cycles. The Foundation will not consider funding for events focused on general science communication. Eligible proposals must center on in-person, hybrid, or virtual events lasting 15 days or less and must align with the foundation’s thematic priorities. Climate change events should focus on physical processes and impacts within Earth systems, and may also include adaptation or resilience topics if grounded in climate science research. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based applicants. Events must be held in the U.S. or its territories, and applicants must be tax-exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) and not private foundations, or qualify as U.S. government entities or their instrumentalities. Non-U.S. entities are ineligible. Events must be geared toward the scientific community at the undergraduate level or above. Organizations must also ensure that all activities are open and compliant with anti-discrimination laws. The total cost of the event must not exceed $500,000, and those who have received more than $100,000 cumulatively for the same event within the past four years, or already hold a grant for the proposed event, are ineligible. The application window for the Summer Cycle opens June 23 and closes August 15 at 2:00 PM Pacific Time. Notification of funding decisions will occur by September 30, with funds expected to be disbursed around October 30. Applications must include specific organizational and contact information, an event abstract, the amount requested, the total cost of the event, and the names of other potential or confirmed funders. Required attachments include a proposal narrative, event agenda, budget, and budget justification. The narrative should address the rationale for the event, its goals and expected impact, the communities served, and how the event contributes to inclusion and accessibility. Proposals will be evaluated based on their impact on the scientific community, alignment with program goals, and their approach to inclusion and diversity. Questions can be directed to the Science program via email at science-events@hsfoundation.org. Interested applicants are encouraged to subscribe for updates regarding future open calls from the Science program.

Consider including links to existing documents in lieu of duplication; clearly demonstrate alignment with program goals and diversity commitments.