IEEE Data Competitions Fund Matching Program

1. PurposeThe IEEE Dataport Competitions Subcommittee seeks to encourage Sections, Sectional Organizational Units (OUs), Student Branches (SBs), Student Branch Chapters (SBCs), and Affinity Groups (AGs) to organize innovative competitions that leverage IEEE Dataport datasets and promote technical excellence, member engagement, and visibility of IEEE Dataport.This program offers matching funds to help organizers scale the impact of their competitions. 2. Available FundsTotal Pool: USD 20,000 (4 cycles with 5000 USD) Funding Type: Matching funds (Organizers must secure an equivalent amount from other sources such as Section funds, external sponsors, registration fees, etc.) 3. Funding Categories and LimitsNote: A Section may apply for multiple events in different OUs, but each event must be distinct, and total awarded funding to a single Section cannot exceed USD 4,000 in a funding year.4. Matching Fund RequirementFunds will be granted on a 1:1 matching basis.Example: If an SB raises USD 800 from a local sponsor, IEEE Dataport Competitions Subcommittee will match it with up to USD 800 (maximum USD 1,000).Proof of matching funds must be provided in the application (e.g., commitment letter from sponsor, Section funding approval).5. Application ProcessSubmit an Online Application including:Competition details (theme, objectives, target audience)Expected dataset(s) to be used (preferably from IEEE Dataport)Estimated budget and sources of matching fundsPlanned timeline and promotional strategyEvaluation Criteria:Relevance to IEEE Dataport datasetsInnovation in competition designPotential for member engagement and public visibilityFeasibility and budget soundnessApproval Notification will be sent within 2\u20134 weeks of the application.6. Post-Event ReportingFund recipients must submit a Final Report within 30 days of event completion, as per the IEEE Dataport Competition Report Submission Request requirements, including:Overview of the competitionParticipation and geographic reachTechnical details and dataset usageFinancial report (including receipts and proof of matching funds)Impact and outcomes (feedback, publications, media coverage)7. Important DatesApplication Opens: January 1, 2026 Application Deadline: applications will be reviewed on rolling basis, for application to be considered in the quarterly funding budget, applications must be considered atleast 60 days before the start of quarterReport Submission Deadline: Within 30 days post-event8. ContactIEEE Dataport Competitions SubcommitteeLakshan [e-mail] - Co-Chair of Matching Funding Program, IEEE DataPort Competition Sub-Committee Alok [e-mail] - Co-Chair of Matching Funding Program, IEEE DataPort Competition Sub-Committee Yongfu [e-mail] - Chair of IEEE DataPort Competition Sub-Committee