Academic and Co-Curricular projects focus on education and outreach, for example: events, pilot projects, internships, speakers, behavioral interventions, or communication initiatives. Projects in this track may include a research component but research should not be the primary outcome of the project. If any physical changes to campus are proposed, Infrastructure is the correct track.
Timeline
Proposals are accepted each fall and spring (Fall Deadline: 12pm October 17, 2025). Proposals that meet the criteria listed in the application are invited to present at a public forum open to the University community. The Sustainable Campus Fund Committee makes funding recommendations to the Vice President for Finance and Administration who makes the final funding decisions. Awards are announced at the end of each semester.
The Office of Sustainability provides support in proposal development for this track. Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out early on for support in their proposal development and submission.
Funding Criteria
Proposals are evaluated based on the following criteria:
Alignment
Proposal demonstrates strong connections to the Sustainable Campus Fund vision of enhancing a culture of sustainability, innovation and research on campus, and mission of addressing sustainability challenges to reduce the University’s impact on climate by addressing social equity, ecological health, and economic viability. Proposals aligned with existing University sustainability goals are especially compelling.
Impact
Proposal clearly demonstrates the potential for sustainability impact. Impact can be measured in many ways including greenhouse gas emissions, educational outcomes, increased engagement, behavior change, ecological function, equity/access improvements, etc.
Proposal
Proposal is well written with all elements clearly explained. The proposal demonstrates a plan for completing the proposed work. Applicants are capable of executing the proposal as described or have identified the appropriate parties to do so.
Budget
Budget is clearly explained and is appropriate for the activities proposed. Cost estimates are realistic and justified. Funding eligibility requirements are met. Proposals that include matching funds or multiple funding sources are especially compelling.
Timeline and Feasibility
The timeline is feasible, manageable, and appropriate for the proposed project, demonstrating clear understanding of the time frame for proposed activities. Achievable project goals and milestones are outlined. If necessary, protocols/approval/trainings have been secured or in the process of being secured.
Student Relevance
Because students fund the SCF, all projects must have relevance to students. This can be defined in several ways including demonstrated support from the student body, students as beneficiaries of the project, or student involvement in the idea or its implementation.
Funding Eligibility
Proposals requesting funding for over $120,000 will be subject to additional scrutiny because this amount represents over 50% of the annual SCF contribution. The SCF will contribute no more than $5,000 to the fees of any one speaker.
The SCF is not to be used for professional development for individuals, course work at other institutions, or food or drink for meetings. Neither is the SCF intended to fund faculty research. Specific, highly relevant faculty research proposals may be considered if the connection to the campus is explicit.
All student proposals require a faculty or staff sponsor as students cannot be direct recipients of SCF awards. Student wages are an eligible use of funds. The proposal budget must include the appropriate fringe/benefit rate if wages are included.
Funds are not intended to subsidize University unit budgets. Ideal proposals will be independent of University operating budgets and support projects and initiatives that currently lack adequate funding.
Proposals that include matching funds or additional funding sources beyond SCF are acceptable and encouraged.
Multiphase projects (for example, moving from feasibility study to project implementation) will be considered, but perpetual funding is not available.
Awarded funds do not expire after a set period, but inactive projects or projects with a remaining budget after completion will be closed in consultation with the awardee(s). Overspending of a project budget is the responsibility of the awardee or staff/faculty sponsor if the awardee is a student.