IEEE Foundation History

The IEEE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1973 in the State of New York "exclusively to support the scientific and educational purposes of IEEE." The scope and structure of the IEEE Foundation has evolved during its 41 year history. Today, it cultivates relationships to advance IEEE’s core purpose to foster technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity.

Initially, the IEEE Foundation's role was to accept and administer charitable donations for IEEE Awards. As the generous giving of the IEEE membership increased, the IEEE Foundation expanded its scope to giving grants to worthy projects. In 1989-90, the Trusts of Alfred and Gertrude Goldsmith, valued at approximately US$4 million, were bequeathed to the IEEE Foundation.

To stay true to the original spirit of Andrew Carnegie's gift that ultimately established the United Engineering Center (UEC), the IEEE Board of Directors voted to contribute the US$7.6 million net proceeds from the sale of the UEC to the IEEE Foundation in 1998.