IEEE Seed Grant Process

The Seed Grant Process (SGP) is for funding risky and innovative projects where relatively small amounts of funding are required. Funding for seed projects is limited to projects that require US$25,000 or less.

This approach to providing funding for new projects:

shortens the approval process through the use of electronic submission and approval;
allows IEEE volunteers to initiate projects with minimal delay - target time from submission to approval of funds is no more than 45 days;
allows small-scale or high risk projects to be carried out on a pilot basis.

Projects may be self-contained or, if successful, may serve as a demonstration of feasibility for a subsequent proposal for a higher-level of funding through the New Initiative Process.

Criteria for SGP Proposals

The following criteria will be used for approval of an SGP project.

Completion of the proposed project will further the goals of IEEE.
The project is innovative, risky, and has the potential to benefit IEEE and/or its members, the technical community, or the public.
A realistic plan and schedule for completion of the project has been provided, including key milestones and objectives. In general, it is not expected that the project will run for more than one year.
A capable team of volunteers has been identified, and an initiative leader has been named.
An explanation of how funds will be used is provided including cost of materials and services needed. Funds cannot be used to pay salaries or to purchase capital equipment.

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Procedure for Submitting a Proposal

The originator of a project (normally the initiative leader) fills out the IEEE Seed Grant Proposal Form (DOC, 71 KB) and submits it to the New Initiatives Committee (NIC) using the e-mail alias newinitiatives@ieee.org.
The NIC will complete a review of the proposal, requesting further information from the initiative leader and/or team, if necessary.
The initiative leader is notified of proposal approval or rejection within 45 days of the submission date. If approved, funding for the project is available immediately.
The project team carries out the project, making progress reports at least quarterly. Project progress reports should comment on all key milestones as documented in the project proposal form.
Upon completion, a final report is due within 30 days to share results of the projects with other IEEE volunteers. Initiative leaders are also encouraged to propose possible refinement and expansion of the work based on lessons learned in carrying out the pilot project.

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Last updated: 7 January 2009