The Simons Centers of Excellence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities program from the Simons Foundation supports up to two Centers of Excellence (“CoEs”) at HBCU institutions in mathematics, physics, and ecology & evolutionary biology. The program aims to foster research excellence and collaboration, and to provide pathways for students to successfully enroll in graduate STEM programs.
The CoE must be anchored at a single HBCU institution, which will serve as the lead applicant and host of the center. However, CoEs are strongly encouraged to engage nearby institutions and establish partnerships with leading research institutions. Collaborative arrangements with other institutions should be described in the proposal. Each Center of Excellence (“CoE”) must be established in an accredited Historically Black College and University as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, or an academic institute that is part of an HBCU.
The funding provides up to 1.5 million USD per year over five years, inclusive of 20% indirect costs. Up to two Centers of Excellence will be selected for funding.
Letters of Intent submissions open on October 1 and close on November 12, 2026. Full Proposals close on February 8, 2027.