Question: I am the general chair of an IFAC sponsored event. Can I apply for funding?
Answer: The Activity Fund does not sponsor IFAC events. However, there may be special activities at the event that can be sponsored such as student benchmark competitions, diversity and inclusion events or community outreach workshops.
Question: I am thinking to submit a proposal for a novel format of exchanging ideas in amongst the community. Can this be sponsored?
Answer: We are very pleased to hear from you and look forward to your application.
Question: I am conducting research project that is positive for humankind – can this be sponsored?
Answer: We are very pleased to hear that your research has a positive impact. However, research projects are not sponsored by the Activity Fund.
Question: I am looking into setting up an annual sponsored prize. Can this be sponsored?
Answer: Prizes in IFAC are created through the IFAC Awards committee. The Activity Fund cannot support prizes.
Question: I am setting up a learning toolbox for developing engaging in decision-making software tools.
Answer: We are very pleased to hear from you and look forward to your application. You may also want to visit our past projects and reach out to the colleagues who have started similar projects.
Question: I recently received an IFAC Activity Fund grant. Can I apply for another one?
Answer: Grants are limited to two per individual/group/institution per year. In addition, any prior project funded must have been completed with the report submitted before another proposal by the same organizer can be supported.
Question: What is needed from the sponsoring IFAC body?
Answer: The application for the activity fund needs to be accompanied by a letter of support from an IFAC body, typically an IFAC TC or NMO. The letter should be signed by the leader of the IFAC body.
Question: A established colleagues recommends my application. Shall I submit a reference letter?
Answer: Reference letters by individuals are welcome but not required.
Question: I am a TC (co) chair and have received a request to sponsor an activity. What should I do?
Answer: If you feel the activity is useful you need to write a letter why you think this is the case. It is in your discretion to decide if you believe that the activity furthers the interest and the TC and control engineering in general. We suggest that you discuss with the TC what impact the activity has and how it can be leveraged. Also, consider how confident you are that the individual is able to execute the activity.
Question: If my application is successful, how will I paid and do I have to provide any invoices?
Answer: We will ask you to sign a gift agreement. Once the agreement is signed, and depending on the amount of the award, either the entire amount can be transfered to the recipient immediately, or the recipient organization will be given the option of (a) either receiving half the amount immediately and the remaining half on project completion, or (b) receiving the entire amount on completion. Invoices and receipts for cost incurred should be saved.
Please note that the Activity Fund cannot provide funding to individuals or to commercial entities, and funds provided cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Please also note that funds are disbursed only through bank transfers.
Question: My university charges an administration fee. Will this be paid by the fund?
Answer: We appreciate that some universities charge such fees. A maximum of 10% administration fee / overhead can be covered by the sponsorship but must be included in the total award.
