IEEE Region 9 Voluntary Contribution Fund (VCF)
Empowering Students, Young Professionals, and Educational Activities across Region 9.
About the Fund
The Voluntary Contribution Fund (VCF) supports impactful IEEE initiatives across Region 9 through voluntary contributions from IEEE members and donors. Managed by the IEEE Region 9 Past Directors Council and the Regional Treasurer, the fund helps volunteers expand opportunities for local communities aligned with the IEEE mission.
An annual report on contributions and fund utilization is presented to the Regional Committee and the IEEE Foundation.
Key Highlights
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| What We Support | • Student Activities & Initiatives • Young Professionals (YP) Activities • Educational & Technical Development Projects • IEEE activities in countries facing severe economic conditions (Note: VCF provides supportive funding, not full sponsorship). |
| Who Can Apply | • Sections & Local Groups • Student Branches, Chapters & Affinity Groups • Professional Chapters & Affinity Groups |
| Funding Rules | • Maximum grant: Up to $3,000 USD per project. • VCF cannot be the sole funding source (co-funding required). • Recurring events are encouraged to aim for self-sufficiency. |
Application & Review Schedule
Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated six times per year. Submit your application by the cycle deadline that falls at least 2 weeks prior to your planned event date.
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Cycle 1: January 20
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Cycle 2: March 20
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Cycle 3: May 20
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Cycle 4: July 20
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Cycle 5: September 20
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Cycle 6: November 10
How to Apply (3-Step Process)
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Prepare Your Proposal
Ensure you have your budget, project details, and a Letter of Support signed by your Section Chair & Treasurer approving the use of their official custody account.
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Submit the Application
Complete the online request via the IEEE Region 9 VCF Application Form.
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Review & Payout
The Past Directors Council reviews proposals after each deadline. Once approved, funds are transferred directly to your Section’s custody account.
Important: Post-event reporting is mandatory within one (1) month of event completion. Entities with outstanding reports are ineligible for new funding.
Resources & Contact
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Questions? Contact Jenifer Castillo, IEEE Region 9 Past Directors Council Chair, at R9-VCF@ieee.org


