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On 21 September, as the world observes World Gratitude Day, the IEEE Foundation takes a moment to reflect on the immense power of gratitude. This day offers an opportunity to express our deepest thanks to the volunteers, donors, and supporters whose dedication drives IEEE’s mission to advance technology for the benefit of humanity.

The IEEE Foundation’s core values—Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, and Stewardship—come to life through the tireless work of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors. Their efforts through IEEE programs foster innovation, support education, and champion humanitarian efforts. Gratitude is deeply embedded in these endeavors, serving as both a driving force and a reflection of our shared successes.

The Origins of World Gratitude Day

World Gratitude Day was first celebrated in 1965 when the United Nations Meditation Group envisioned a global day dedicated to expressing gratitude. Since then, this day has served as a powerful reminder to appreciate the kindness and support that enrich our lives and communities. For the IEEE Foundation, gratitude is not merely an annual observance; it is a continuous thread that runs through every project, initiative, and partnership.

Gratitude and Stewardship

Gratitude goes beyond recognizing what has been donated; it also inspires further generosity and action. Ralph Ford, IEEE Foundation President, emphasized this connection, stating, “The successes of our donor-funded projects are a testament to the power of our donors’ generosity and the transformative impact we can achieve together.” The impact stories from IEEE’s projects motivate others to contribute, knowing that their support can create lasting change. This spirit of gratitude fosters a cycle of giving, where each act of kindness inspires another, building a stronger, more connected community.

Fostering Innovation

Innovation is at the heart of our work, and it is powered by the generosity of our donors. For example, IEEE-HKN’s Chapter Support Grants, funded by donors, have empowered student chapters to tackle ambitious projects that benefit their communities. Ryan Bales, President of IEEE-HKN, reflected, “I have spoken with many recipient chapters at the annual Student Leadership Conference; they are always incredibly grateful for the support, and enthusiastically share stories of how these funds helped them grow as a chapter, establish new traditions, and increase participation. The impact of each individual’s contribution is amplified by the support of the team. The magnitude of what we’re able to accomplish as a group is inspiring to me.”

Supporting Education

Education is a cornerstone of IEEE’s mission, and through programs like EPICS in IEEE and TryEngineering, the next generation of engineers and technologists are inspired. Dr. Rabab K. Ward, VP Educational Activities for IEEE, expressed her gratitude by saying, “I am so incredibly grateful when I see all of the grants go to fund the projects from students and IEEE volunteers. Young people make a difference and inspiring them can change our world.” The impact of these programs is felt not only by the students and communities they serve but also by the donors whose contributions make these educational opportunities possible.

Rajendra K. Asthana, Chair of the Life Members Committee, echoed this sentiment, noting, “IEEE is grateful to donors for their support. Your contributions enabled vital projects like the IEEE STEM outreach program, providing resources, scholarships, and hands-on experiences in engineering and technology.” These efforts empower individuals and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the initial act of giving.

Championing Humanitarian Efforts

Gratitude is central to IEEE’s humanitarian initiatives, such as IEEE Smart Village, which brings renewable energy and internet connectivity to underserved communities. IEEE President, Tom Coughlin, expressed his appreciation for this life-changing project, saying, “The Smart Village project helps people to be more productive and better informed, enables better education for the children, improves access to healthcare and other services, and generally helps make them part of the worldwide empowered community.” This transformative work would not be possible without the generosity of those who believe in the power of technology to change lives.

Stories of Impact: Gratitude in Action

Around the world, IEEE initiatives have touched countless lives, each one a testament to the power of gratitude. Stephanie Gillespie, Chair of EPICS in IEEE, highlighted the impact of donor support on students: “When visiting multiple EPICS in IEEE project sites, I have heard from students regarding the learning they do, which builds empathy and professionalism. These are skills every student should have the opportunity to develop, and it is because of donors to the IEEE Foundation that EPICS in IEEE is able to provide these opportunities.”

Celia Shahnaz, Chair of the IEEE Women in Engineering Committee, also shared the transformative impact of donor generosity: “The IEEE Women in Engineering Family Cares Grant Program not only empowers professionals in technology but champions inclusivity by recognizing and supporting the diverse caregivers within the global community.” This initiative, made possible by donor support, exemplifies how gratitude and generosity lead to innovative solutions that address real-world challenges.

A Call to Action

On this World Gratitude Day, we invite you to join the IEEE Foundation in celebrating the power of gratitude. Whether through volunteering your time, making a financial contribution, or simply sharing your stories of impact, your involvement helps us continue our mission to advance technology for the benefit of humanity.

We also encourage you to share your own stories of gratitude related to IEEE’s work. Whether you are a volunteer, a donor, or a beneficiary, your experiences are a vital part of our collective story. Share your stories on LinkedIn and help us spread the message of gratitude far and wide.

Thank you to all who support the IEEE Foundation. Your contributions make a world of difference, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Together, we can continue to inspire innovation, support education, and champion humanitarian efforts that transform lives.