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Sustainability
Students work on paving bricks.

ISU Sustainability Fund

Selection Criteria

Projects that align with goals outlined in the ISU Sustainability Strategic Plan receive priority consideration.

Innovation: Think outside the box and get creative with your project.

Logistics and Continuity: Consider all aspects of your project and make sure all your bases are covered.

Results: Your project should have a measurable impact and further sustainability efforts on campus or in the community.

Clarity: Be clear on your vision and tell us all about your work plan.

Get Inspired

Here are some past projects funded by the Sustainability Fund:

  •  Engaging speakers on campus
  •  Solar panel picnic tables/charging stations
  •  Conference trips
  •  Fair Trade study tours
  •  Battery powered grounds equipment
  •  Electric golf cart for Fell Arboretum tours
  •  Outdoor classroom at the Horticulture Center
  •  Centralized waste stations in academic buildings
  •  TerraCycle Recycling boxes
  •  Compost Kiosks
Reggie's Watering Hole sits at an event.
Solar panels sit on the quad.
A centralized waste station.
Pumpkins overfill three composting bins.

Eligibility

Any Illinois State student, faculty, or staff member can apply. Individuals or teams can apply. Teams need to designate one main contact for the duration of the project.

Application Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the academic year (typically September-April), or until the funds are depleted.

Prepare the following for the application:

  • A brief summary of the proposed project
  • An explanation of how the project aligns to goals and/or action items within the ISU Sustainability Strategic Plan.
  • An itemized budget

 After we receive your application, a staff member will contact you with questions and/or next steps.

Do you have a sustainable project in mind?

Feel free to email us before completing the application if you have any questions or to discuss feasiblity.

Fund Allocation

Funds are allocated each year for one-time only projects through the agreed upon process. Continuing initiatives will need another permanent source of funding.

Sustainability Funds are General Revenue dollars and therefore cannot be used to pay employee or student worker salaries or for Bond Revenue funded projects within University Housing, Student Fitness Center, or Student Services.

All University policies and procedures such as procurement rules must be adhered to when allocating the resources.

When additional funds are required from other sources, all commitments for these funds must be agreed upon in writing before an initiative can be approved.

Apply for Funds