IEEE SIGHTSIGHT Group Activity Initiative

Mission & Overview

The IEEE Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT) is a global network of IEEE volunteers partnering with underserved communities and local organizations to leverage technology for sustainable development.

SIGHT is a member of IEEE Humanitarian Technologies (HT), a consortium of programs and initiatives—supported by a global network of volunteers and technical professionals—working together to apply technology to solve the world’s most pressing problems.

The SIGHT Committee, managed by the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board (HTB), is offering funding to established and active Groups to support their humanitarian technology activities in 2024.

 

Activity Initiative

Amount of Funding

Eligible SIGHT Groups may submit applications to receive up to US$200 per calendar year. SIGHT Groups may submit multiple applications for different activities; but only one activity will be approved per Group. 

  • $100 will be awarded to SIGHT Groups who have reported (using IEEE vTools) at least two activities over the course of the last 12 months. 
  • $100 will be awarded to SIGHT Groups who have reported (using IEEE vTools) their officers and six members (at least six members of the Group should be active IEEE members).

Terms of Funding

SIGHT Group Activity Funds should be used during the calendar year awarded. 

An IEEE OU – preferably the local Section – must act as the fiscal agent. HTB generally cannot transfer funds to a Society Chapter or Student Branch. IEEE financial requirements for funding disbursements will apply. Please see IEEE FOM 2.E -IEEE Unit Reporting (Including, but not limited to, Societies, Technical Councils, Geographic Units, and Conferences).

All proposed SIGHT Group Activities must take place locally (within 100km of the SIGHT Group’s base).

A brief report with an accounting of expenses must be submitted within 30 days of the activity’s completion.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the Online Funding Opportunities Portal. First-time users will need to create profile in order to apply.

Reviewing the blank application form in advance is recommended – discussion among the SIGHT Group members is strongly encouraged.

 

Possible Group Activities

  • Events  
    • Promote SIGHT and IEEE Humanitarian Technologies opportunities
    • Showcase project or SIGHT Group activities at a local (within 100 km) IEEE event or conference
    • Attend a local event or conference to learn more about a topic the Group is interested in (related to humanitarian technology themes)
    • Recruit new members for the SIGHT Group
    • Other
  • Training and Professional Development
    • Hold an in-person workshop (with potential virtual speaker) on developing a strong Tech4Good proposal
    • Invite a Distinguished Lecturer from an IEEE Society to speak on a topic the Group is interested in (related to humanitarian technology themes)
    • Other workshop or lecture
    • Online class for the Group’s members to take together on a topic the Group is interested in (related to humanitarian technology themes)
  • Communications/Marketing Materials
    • Professional quality photos and videos of a past-funded Tech4Good (SIGHT/HAC/HTB) project the Group has carried out
    • Professional quality photos and videos of an ongoing Tech4Good project the Group is currently carrying out (complementing Tech4Good funding)
    • Promotional materials for the Group – t-shirts, flyers, etc. NOTE: This item should not constitute the entire proposed budget for the US$200
  • Prototype Development/Project Preparation
    • Site visit and/or survey of a local community to determine their existing challenges that could be addressed through a technological solution
    • Technological prototype that could address an existing challenge of a local community – ideally this would be tested with the idea of scaling it for a future Tech4Good project 
  • Operational Needs

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • All eligible SIGHT groups must have been established for at least one calendar year (12 months). 
  • All eligible SIGHT groups must be actively reporting events & officers in vTools in alignment with the SIGHT Group Operations Handbook. 
  • All eligible SIGHT Groups must have held at least two activities over the course of the past calendar year (12 months).
  • All SIGHT Group activities must align with one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • All eligible SIGHT Groups must have at least six active IEEE members.
  • Alignment with IEEE’s mission of advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

SIGHT Group Activities and Expenses Not Considered 

  • Activities that are research or commercial in nature. 
  • Activities focused on developing medical devices or medical device prototypes.
  • Reimbursement of salaries. 
  • Food and beverage expenses should be limited to 50% of the funds awarded. 
  • Travel expenses for the Group members should be limited to 30% of the funds awarded. 

Timeframe 

  • 1 August 2024 – SIGHT Group Activity Fund Application Opens
  • 15 September 2024 – SIGHT Group Activity Fund Application Closes
  • 15 – 30 September 2024 – SIGHT Group Activity Fund Decisions by SIGHT Committee
  • 1 – 15 October 2024 – SIGHT Group Activity Fund Processing 
  • October – December – SIGHT Group Activities take place