September 29, 2010
Applications due for spring Green Fund projects
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Green Fund has already provided more than $275,000 in funds for a variety of “green” projects and it is now time to submit applications for projects for the spring 2011 semester.
Any SIUC student, faculty or staff member, Registered Student Organization, department, office or campus group can apply for a project grant. Students at the University support the Green Fund through a $10 per semester fee implemented during the fall 2009 semester through a student-led initiative.
Projects seeking Green Fund monies should reduce the impact of SIUC on the environment or society, advance campus sustainability and have educational, outreach and research components. No funding goes toward faculty or staff salaries. Priority goes to projects with significant student involvement or leadership, to projects that can obtain matching funds, to those that offer the biggest benefit for the lowest cost and those that are collaborative in nature, involving multiple units or departments.
Project applications guidelines and details are online at http://sustainability.siuc.edu/greenfund. The completed applications, not to exceed 2,500 words and incorporating all of the required information, are due no later than midnight on Oct. 29 via e-mail to greenfund@siu.edu.
A variety of projects have received previous SIUC Green Fund grants awards. The funds helped install a green and growing roof on the Agriculture Building, grew vegetables on campus for University Dining facilities, encouraged recycling through installation of extra bins, continued study of a wind turbine power project for campus and much more.
The Green Fund’s current balance of about $112,000 in uncommitted funds is available for projects in the spring 2011 period. The announcement of winning projects will come before the end of the current semester.
For more information about the Green Fund and the spring 2011 grant proposal application process, e-mail greenfund@siu.edu. Or, contact Ryan Klopf, a doctoral plant biology student who is chair of the Green Fund Committee, at 618/453-3209 or by e-mail at rklopf@gmail.com.