CSI becomes Signature Program of the IEEE Foundation
Signature Programs are IEEE-run public imperatives with which the foundation partners to proactively raise external philanthropic dollars. Signature Programs must display proven success and fit within one of the Foundation’s two areas of focus: (1) education, including the history of technology and (2) the profession, applying technology for social impact and innovation. The signature programs must be significant, have a broad impact, and inspire people to connect with the foundation and with IEEE. Signature Programs increase the impact of donations through programs that are, in the words of the IEEE’s tagline, Advancing Technology for Humanity.
The IEEE Foundation cultivates resources and relationships to advance IEEE’s core purpose to foster technological innovation and excellence to benefit humanity. The IEEE Foundation relies on donations to bring the exhilaration of scientific discovery to students, foster technological innovation, preserve history, and promote awareness of the long-reaching effects of engineering and its impact on humanity.
With contributions from generous sponsors around the world, the IEEE Foundation seeks to increase the understanding of how technologies are created and how they impact society, individuals, and the environment. Interdisciplinary in its activities and transnational in scope, the IEEE Foundation has the potential to improve people’s lives.
“Many individuals have made outstanding contributions to CSI and we thank you all,” co-founder Ray Larsen announced. “At this time we would especially like to acknowledge both the staff and Governing Boards of IEEE HQ, IEEE Foundation, IEEE NPSS and IEEE PES.”
CSI started during the 2009 IEEE Humanitarian Technology Challenge Meetings. The CSI team includes a very broad cross section of IEEE members.
“We have a Big Hairy Audacious Goal of starting up 10 NGOs each year and empowering each of them to impact the lives of 1,000,000 people,” co-founder Robin Podmore added.
Achieving the status of an IEEE Signature Program is a key step to making this goal a reality.
“IEEE is an amazing organization,” Larsen exclaimed. “This honor will allow us accomplish goals as a team that we never even dreamed of. We will now be able to extend opportunities to more and more talented men, women, boys and girls no matter what their current income level.”