Revised May 2005
The Whitaker Foundation supports conferences that enhance the field of biomedical engineering. No new applications for funding are being considered.

The following guidelines were used in selecting which conferences and meetings were supported.

1) What types of conferences are supported?

The conference must contribute to the development of the field of biomedical engineering in a significant way.

The conference or its supported component must have high intrinsic scientific value. The timeliness and importance of the topic, the soundness of the plan, and the qualification of the organizers are all considered. The application must address how Whitaker support would enhance the conference, and how the field of biomedical engineering would benefit.

The conference should go beyond the communication of research results. Fostering cross disciplinary activity and new opportunities for collaboration are highly desirable. Policies and educational issues dealing with biomedical engineering are of special interest. Participation of biomedical engineering students is encouraged.

2) How does Whitaker's closing affect the guidelines?

Whitaker support of conferences will terminate in 2005. Applicants are asked to consider how this might influence their planning for the conference.

All applications should explain how the conference or its supported component will further the development of biomedical engineering. Applications that request support for one of a series of conferences should address how the applicant organization might plan to support the proposed activity in future years. For example, if student support is requested, how will be such support obtained in the future? If there will be no attempt to secure long-term support, what is the compelling reason for the foundation to consider this one-time funding?

3) What expenses are allowed?

All reasonable direct expenses associated with a conference are considered. Administrative expenses, however, are typically not provided, and travel support is typically restricted to travel in the United States and Canada. The foundation often has supported the participation of students.

Indirect costs will not be included in conference grants.

4) Are international conferences eligible?

The foundation will not support international conferences held outside the United States and Canada. Exceptions may be considered only when the international conference specifically targets biomedical engineering education. Scientific conferences with an auxiliary educational function do not qualify.

5) What is the maximum budget?

There is no restriction on the size of awards. Typically, the awards have ranged between $5,000 and $20,000. It is generally expected that the conference would be supported by multiple sources.

6) How many applications may be made for support of a conference?

Only one application will be considered for the support of a conference even though the conference may have multiple sessions or workshops.

7) What should be in the application?

There is no form or prescribed format for applications for conference support. The typical application consists of a cover letter and a few pages describing the conference and the request. The description should explain the rationale for the request, explicitly addressing the expected impact on biomedical engineering. The application should also address the impending end of Whitaker support, as described under question #2 above. The conference should be described in sufficient detail to allow assessment of its scientific value. If the request is to support specific sessions of the conference, details should be restricted to those sessions. Prospective topics and speakers should be included. The request should include a budget, clearly explaining the use of funds. Support sought from other organizations and the expected income from registration fees should be estimated.

Applicants who have not received previous grants from the foundation should include a two-page curriculum vitae.

8) Who may receive grants?

The foundation restricts its grants to organizations that have been certified by the Internal Revenue Service as charitable organizations. If the grant recipient is not an academic institution and is not a previous grantee of the foundation, applicants should submit a copy of the letter from the Internal Revenue Service certifying that the intended recipient is a 501(c)(3) organization. Applicants should clearly state the recipient organization and where any award should be sent.

9) Is a final report required?

After the conclusion of the conference, a brief final report must be submitted to the foundation. If the grant supported the participation of individuals, the report should include a list of those supported, together with their titles and affiliations.