IEEE Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4,938,682 (2023)
• Total Net Assets: $74.3 million (2023)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $100,000
• Decision Time: 2-3 weeks after board meeting
• Geographic Focus: Global (IEEE organizational units worldwide)
• Eligibility: IEEE organizational units only (sections, chapters, societies, student branches, affinity groups, etc.)

Contact Details

Address:
445 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08854, U.S.A.

Phone: +1.732.562.5349
Email: donate@ieee.org
Website: www.ieeefoundation.org

For Funding Inquiries:
Patricia Cats
+1.732.562.5349
p.cats@ieee.org

Overview

Founded as the charitable arm of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the IEEE Foundation Inc operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the vision "to be the heart of IEEE charitable giving and philanthropy." As of 2023, the Foundation manages $74.3 million in net assets across 269 donor-designated funds supporting 60+ IEEE program partners. The Foundation invests approximately $400,000 annually through its competitive grants program to increase understanding of technology's critical role in meeting global challenges and improving the human condition. Under the leadership of Executive Director Karen A. Galuchie, who successfully concluded the Foundation's first comprehensive fundraising campaign raising $32.1 million by 2020, the organization provides over $6 million in total program support annually to IEEE philanthropic initiatives. In 2024, the donor community helped support 2,990 projects and deployments, leveraged 190,948 volunteer hours, and impacted 854,760 people worldwide.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

IEEE Foundation Grants Program: $5,000 - $100,000
The competitive grants program reviews applications in two cycles annually. Funding typically ranges from $5,000 to $50,000, though exceptional projects may receive up to $100,000. Projects must be completed within a 24-month performance period. Applications are submitted online through the IEEE Foundation website and are reviewed by the Senior Manager - Programs & Governance and Programs Specialist before presentation to the Programs Committee.

STEM Grants: Up to $5,000
Various IEEE societies support STEM education initiatives. For example, IEEE Oceanic Society (OES) supports grants up to $5,000, and IEEE Women in Engineering (WiE) provides grants up to $3,000 for projects focused on girls in STEM.

Diversity & Inclusion Fund: Variable amounts
IEEE Computer Society operates a separate D&I fund. In 2024, out of 124 proposals received, five programs were selected focusing on educating and empowering underrepresented groups in digital literacy and computer science.

Priority Areas

The IEEE Foundation funds projects that fit into one or more of its Five Foundation Pillars:

1. Illuminate the possibilities of technology to address pressing global challenges
2. Educate the next generation of innovators and engineers
3. Engage a wider audience in appreciating the value and importance of technology
4. Energize innovation by celebrating technological excellence
5. Future - looks beyond our lifetime to shape the destiny of future generations

Specific Focus Areas:

• Education: Expanding and enhancing engineering, science, and technology education opportunities for teenagers through mid-career professionals to positively impact workforce development
• Technology Access and Literacy: Projects that improve access to technology, enhance technological literacy, and support technology education
• Humanitarian Causes: Implementing replicable, sustainable, technology-based solutions for humanitarian issues
• History of Technology: Increasing awareness of the impact of early technology

Projects must relate to IEEE's fields of interest: Engineering, Computer Sciences and Information Technology, Physical Sciences, Biological and Medical Sciences, Mathematics, Technical Communications, Education, and Management.

What They Don't Fund

The IEEE Foundation explicitly excludes:

• Overhead costs (general & administrative/indirect costs)
• Projects or programs funded by standard IEEE organizational unit operating expenses already included in annual budgets
• For-profit activities such as conferences
• Development of prototypes and intellectual property
• Organizations outside of IEEE (only IEEE organizational units are eligible)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Karen A. Galuchie, Executive Director
Karen leads the IEEE Foundation professional team and partners with the Board of Directors to nurture strong partnerships that bring the promise of technology to individuals and communities worldwide. With over fifteen years of experience at the IEEE Foundation, she served as Acting Executive Director from August 2014 to February 2015 before promotion to the permanent role. She received the 2010 Joyce E. Farrell Staff Award and the 2016 IEEE Eric Herz Outstanding Staff Member Award from the IEEE Board of Directors. Contact: k.galuchie@ieee.org, +1.732.562.3860

On successful campaigns: Under Galuchie's leadership, "the IEEE Foundation successfully concluded its first ever comprehensive fundraising campaign called 'Realize the Full Potential of IEEE' raising $32.1 million at the end of 2020."

Board of Directors

Marko Delimar, President (as of 2025)
The IEEE Foundation Board of Directors includes:

• Vice Presidents for Programs and Development
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Various Directors-at-Large

The board ensures an inclusive member recruitment process resulting in diversity of thought and leadership, and conducts formal written self-assessments of its performance. Ex-officio and corresponding members have rights and privileges of directors except voting rights. Emeritus members are former directors who made extraordinary contributions through devotion of time, expertise, and service.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Eligibility Verification:
Only IEEE organizational units may apply. This includes regions, sections, societies, chapters, affinity groups, student branches, and IEEE programs, committees, and boards. External organizations are not eligible.

Application Method:
Applications are submitted online through the IEEE Foundation website at www.ieeefoundation.org/funding-requests/

Application Cycles:
The IEEE Foundation reviews grant applications in two cycles each year. Submissions are accepted until 11:59 p.m. EDT on the deadline dates. Check the website for current cycle deadlines.

Required Elements:

• Clearly defined IEEE staff and/or volunteer "champion" who will advocate for the initiative
• Funding request between $5,000 and $50,000 (up to $100,000 for exceptional projects)
• Project performance period not exceeding 24 months
• Clear and realistic plan for successful completion
• Clearly identified project beneficiaries sufficient in number to assure impact
• Alignment with one or more of the Five Foundation Pillars
• Demonstration of how project furthers IEEE's scientific and educational purpose

Decision Timeline

1. Initial Screening: The Foundation's Senior Manager - Programs & Governance and Programs Specialist review all proposals against request details and requirements
2. Committee Review: Proposals passing initial screening are presented to the IEEE Foundation's Programs Committee during the next regularly scheduled Committee meeting
3. Board Decision: Final decisions made at Foundation Board meetings
4. Notification: Funding decisions announced within 2-3 weeks after the Board Meeting

Success Rates

In 2024, the IEEE Foundation supported 2,990 projects and deployments. For the IEEE Computer Society's Diversity & Inclusion Fund specifically, out of 124 proposals received in the latest round, 5 programs were selected (approximately 4% success rate for that particular fund).

The overall competitive nature of the grants program, combined with strict eligibility requirements (IEEE organizational units only) and mandatory alignment with all evaluation criteria, suggests this is a highly selective funder.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation does not explicitly publish reapplication restrictions in available materials. However, the twice-yearly application cycle suggests unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent cycles. Projects should be revised to better meet evaluation criteria before resubmission.

Application Success Factors

Critical Alignment Requirements

Mandatory Compliance:
"Any proposal that does not meet all of the Evaluation Criteria will be automatically declined." This strict policy means every criterion must be satisfied - there is no flexibility for partial compliance.

IEEE Organizational Unit Status:
Only IEEE sections, chapters, societies, student branches, affinity groups, and official IEEE programs may apply. External organizations cannot receive funding, regardless of project merit.

What the Foundation Values

Clear and Realistic Planning:
The Foundation specifically seeks "a plan for successful completion of the initiative that is clear and realistic." Proposals must detail what can be reasonably accomplished within the scope of time (maximum 24 months) and resources provided.

Measurable Impact:
"Project beneficiaries clearly identified and are sufficient in number to assure that the project is likely to make an impact." Quantify who benefits and how many people will be reached.

Mission Alignment:
From Foundation guidance: "You'll increase chances of getting funded if your project advances the funding organization's mission, so make sure you understand the donor's history, goals, and requirements and adapt your project accordingly."

Review Past Successes:
The Foundation advises: "Review past funded projects to ensure yours is a good fit." Study previously funded initiatives to understand what resonates with reviewers.

Recent Funded Projects as Examples

2024 IEEE Computer Society D&I Fund Recipients:

• Digital Literacy for Remote and Underprivileged Communities - Three week-long workshops bringing technology access to underserved areas
• Tech for Tomorrow: Empowering Girls and the Underprivileged - Three-day event in Pakistan providing robotics and programming education to young girls and underprivileged individuals, including a robotics hack-a-thon
• TechForAll Code Camp - Training and mentoring 200 high school students/graduates in Anambra State, Nigeria, who have hearing impairments or are physically challenged in digital skills

Strategic Guidance

Demonstrate Lasting Impact:
The Foundation supports "new projects or programs that improve access to technology, enhance technological literacy, and/or support technology education" with emphasis on sustainability and replicability.

Identify Your Champion:
Projects must have "a clearly defined IEEE staff and/or volunteer 'champion' who will advocate for the initiative." Secure this champion early and ensure they are committed to supporting your proposal through the review process.

Avoid Automatic Disqualifications:

• No overhead costs
• No projects that should be covered by standard operating budgets
• No for-profit activities
• No intellectual property development

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Eligibility is absolute: Only IEEE organizational units (sections, chapters, societies, student branches, affinity groups, official programs) may apply - no exceptions for external organizations
• All criteria are mandatory: "Any proposal that does not meet all of the Evaluation Criteria will be automatically declined" - partial compliance is insufficient
• Secure your champion first: Having a clearly defined IEEE staff or volunteer champion who will advocate for your initiative is a required element, not optional
• Study the Five Pillars deeply: Your project must demonstrably fit into one or more pillars (Illuminate, Educate, Engage, Energize, Future) - generic claims won't suffice
• Budget constraints matter: Requests should be $5,000-$50,000; overhead costs result in automatic decline
• Timeline is predictable: With two annual cycles and 2-3 week notification after board meetings, plan your application timing strategically
• Impact must be quantifiable: "Project beneficiaries clearly identified and are sufficient in number to assure that the project is likely to make an impact" - vague promises of impact will not succeed

References

• IEEE Foundation Official Website - Funding Requests: https://www.ieeefoundation.org/funding-requests/ (Accessed March 2026)
• IEEE Foundation Board of Directors: https://www.ieeefoundation.org/our-supporters/board-of-directors/ (Accessed March 2026)
• IEEE Foundation Vision/Mission/Values: https://www.ieeefoundation.org/about/vision-mission-values/ (Accessed March 2026)
• IEEE Foundation Contact Information: https://www.ieeefoundation.org/contact/ (Accessed March 2026)
• "IEEE Foundation: The Heart of IEEE Charitable Giving," IEEE Technical Community Spotlight: https://technical-community-spotlight.ieee.org/ieee-foundation-the-heart-of-ieee-charitable-giving/ (Accessed March 2026)
• "IEEE Foundation 2024 Annual Report: The Heart of IEEE and Beyond," IEEE Life Members: https://life.ieee.org/ieee-foundation-2024-annual-report-the-heart-of-ieee-and-beyond/ (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - IEEE Foundation Inc: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/237310664 (Accessed March 2026)
• Karen Galuchie LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-galuchie/ (Accessed March 2026)
• "Tips for Writing a Project Proposal," EPICS in IEEE: https://epics.ieee.org/uncategorized/tips-writing-project-proposal/ (Accessed March 2026)
• IEEE Foundation Financial Information: https://www.ieeefoundation.org/about/financials/ (Accessed March 2026)
• "IEEE Computer Society Announces Recipients of 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Fund Grants": https://www.computer.org/press-room/2024-diversity-inclusion-fund-grants (Accessed March 2026)