Humanitarian Technology Fund

The IEEE Foundation has established a new fund which will provide unique opportunities for engineers to make a real difference in the developing areas of our world.

The Humanitarian Technology Fund was created to support the development and application of innovative uses of technology for humanitarian causes and to support IEEE’s activities in working to benefit humanity. In regions of the world, where technology is sparse and where the need is not for high technology but for basic needs like clean water, power, and communication, the IEEE has an opportunity to serve people and improve their quality of life.

Through the awarding of grants, The Humanitarian Technology Fund supports projects that provide technological solutions to problems including health services, disaster relief, micro financing, interactions with government, disaster relief, economic development, clean water, energy and communication. Grants may be awarded to IEEE units or outside organizations.

This fund is so important in aiding in the transfer of technology to those who need it, that it has attracted the support of the IEEE President and two IEEE Past Presidents. 1984 IEEE President and current IEEE Foundation President Richard (Dick) J. Gowen seeded the fund along with John R. Vig, IEEE President and Lewis M. Terman, IEEE Past President. Two staff members have also contributed to the fund thus far.

“This fund will give IEEE members the opportunity to receive funding to bring together industry and the needs of the developing world,” said Richard Gowen, IEEE Foundation President. “I was a proponent for the establishment of this fund recognizing that IEEE has a significant opportunity to assist and bring necessary technology to people in developing areas and improve their existence, which is part of IEEE’s mission.”

“I am honored to be a founding contributor to this fund in celebration of the IEEE 125th anniversary,” said John Vig, IEEE President. “We hope the Humanitarian Technology Fund will inspire individuals and organizations to contribute to the fund and to develop innovative technologies that will benefit humanity, globally.”

Reflecting the IEEE mission to foster technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity, the Humanitarian Technology Fund is accepting donations for this purpose. Contributions to this fund will be dedicated to supporting humanitarian project grants awarded by the IEEE Foundation that use technology to improve the quality of human life. You may direct your questions to donate@ieee.org.