Green Fund Grant Program

The Committee adheres to the following guidelines, set forth in the Sustainability Council's Operating Papers:

Green Fund projects should:

• Advance sustainability on the SIU campus.
• Contribute to campus sustainability by utilizing the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) as a guideline.
• Contribute to aspects of our Second Nature Climate Commitment.
• Enhance environmental and societal sustainability in one or more of the following areas: energy, water, waste, buildings, transportation, purchasing, grounds, food and dining, social equity, social practices, academics and research, and education and outreach.
• Show proof of signed approval by relevant campus department(s) prior to receiving funding, and include plans for local, state, or federal permitting if applicable.
• Include a plan for long-term maintenance and operations, as appropriate.

Preference will be given to projects that:

• Have significant student involvement or leadership role(s).
• Have education, outreach, and research components.
• Are able to obtain matching funds. (Matching/additional funding refers to projects that have acquired other funds to support the project, in addition to what is being requested from the Green Fund.)
• Clearly articulate the greatest benefit to the SIU community for the least cost.
• Are collaborative in nature, involving multiple units and departments.
• Support existing campus sustainability priorities.

Once applications are received, all Green Fund Committee members evaluate the applications using our approved green fund rubric as a guide. The Committee then meets to discuss specific funding awards. Projects may be funded in full, partially, or not at all by the discretion of the Committee. See our FAQ page for more information on filling out the application, or contact us at greenfund@siu.edu.

Examples and a listing of projects that have been funded in the past can be found on our Green Funded Projects page.

The proposal deadline for the 2025/2026 funding round is March 23, 2026. 

• Click to download the Green Fund proposal form.
• View the green fund rubric the Green Fund Committee follows.
• Completed proposals should be emailed to greenfund@siu.edu.

At least one representative from each awarded project must attend a mandatory workshop.

Find out more information, including how to submit an application, with the Green Fund Application FAQs.

In fall 2019, the Sustainability Council opened a pilot pre-screening period for Green Fund project proposals. The purpose of the fall semester pre-screening period was to provide an opportunity for idea development and dedicated feedback, especially for larger, more complex projects.

The pre-screening period was open to all students, faculty, and staff. In order to participate, applicants completed the first five sections of the Green Fund proposal form, and submitted it to greenfund@siu.edu by October 22, 2019. At that time, the Green Fund Committee reviewed proposals and planned an idea development workshop, which was scheduled for November 18, 2019. This workshop included campus stakeholders who provided specific feedback crucial to project success.

This process was optional and not a requirement to participate in the spring funding round. Those who participated in this special pre-screening period were still required to submit a full Green Fund proposal by the deadline in order to be eligible for Green Fund project funding in spring 2020. 

The Sustainability Council is seeking feedback from participants as a part of their assessment of the value of this program and will determine whether or not it will be offered in future years.