IBM Foundation

IBM Foundation allocates resources to specific projects and programs that fit within their targeted areas of interest. The overwhelming majority of grants are initiated by IBM, do not stem from unsolicited proposals, and involve multi-year commitments. Subsequent grants will grow out of these efforts after the current grants have run their course.

While not encouraged, unsolicited proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis. If your organization chooses to submit an unsolicited proposal, please note the following guidelines and address the requirements outlined below.

Guidelines

IBM only considers requests submitted by organizations which have a tax-exempt classification under Sections 170(c) or 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Priority is assigned to requests involving IBM technology or the volunteer efforts of our employees. In making a grant decision, they also consider what other types of IBM support (Matching Grants, Fund for Community Service, United Way) an organization may already be receiving.

Application Process

Nonprofit organizations or educational institutions wishing to submit unsolicited proposals to IBM should make an initial inquiry in the form of a two-page letter. In the event that the proposal is of interest to IBM, additional information will be requested. Videotapes and other supplemental materials are strongly discouraged at this initial stage. The letter should include the following information:

1. Brief statement fully describing the mission of the organization, the amount of money requested, and the purpose of the contribution;
2. Description of the problem you wish to address, the solution you propose, and how IBM technology, and IBM volunteers, if appropriate, will be incorporated;
3. Proposed project budget with all other anticipated sources of income;
4. Plans to measure and evaluate program results;
5. Name, address and telephone number of the project contact person.

Applications should be directed to the local Corporate Citizenship manager.

It appears that we have co-located BDPA chapters in: Atlanta, Austin, Baton Rouge, Bay Area, Boston, Central Illinois, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Detroit, Gr. Birmingham, Gr. Columbia, Gr. Tampa Bay, Hampton Roads, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Lexington, Los Angeles, Memphis, Middle Tennessee, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New York, No. Delaware, No. Virginia, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Rhode Island, Richmond, Seattle, So. Florida, St. Louis, Triangle and Washington DC.

All other proposals should be sent to:


Vice President
Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs
IBM Corporation
New Orchard Road
Armonk, New York 10504


Does your chapter have any IBM employees in it? If so, this might be a funding source worth exploring. What say u?