Green Fund grant funded projects include regeneration of the living wall during the past year (above) and using recycled materials to make paper at a Student Center Craft Shop workshop (below). (Photos provided)
February 20, 2025
Apply now for 2025 Green Fund grants
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Sustainability is intrinsic to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and the ongoing effort to meet that commitment is ramping up as applications are now being accepted for the 22nd round of Green Fund grants.
Those interested in submitting grant applications can participate in workshops designed to help applicants with grant writing and more. Former grant recipients will also answer questions at the sessions set for noon to 1:30 p.m. March 4 and 4-5:30 p.m. March 17 in Room 170 at the Student Services Building. Any SIU student, faculty or staff member may submit a Green Fund Grant proposal by 11:59 p.m. March 24, as can registered student organizations, offices and departments.
The university has previously awarded about $3.6 million to a total of 340 sustainability projects focusing on a wide array of goals and initiatives. A student Green Fee of about $10 per semester, adopted in 2009 as the result of a student-led initiative, funds the grants. Water bottle refill stations, motion sensing lights, bike lanes, campus lake vegetation and other projects have all been added to campus, thanks to the funding. Take a peek at previous projects.
Earth Day event will feature announcement
The grant winners will be announced during SIU’s Earth Day celebration, set for 3-4:30 p.m. April 22 at Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium.
“We are so eager to see what diverse, creative and inspiring grant applications the SIU community submits this year for the Green Fund Committee to consider,” said Aimee Lemrise, SIU sustainability director. “The theme of this year’s Earth Month is ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ and it highlights the need for collective action to reduce energy consumption to help save planet Earth. Our goal is to inspire everyone to act and move toward a more sustainable environment and planet. We will recognize and honor the commitment SIU and its people are making to a better future during our celebration, and everyone is invited to join us.”
Environmental Ambassador Awards will be presented that day to honor students who donate numerous hours toward sustainability efforts and there will be additional awards and presentations.
Activities will be held throughout April as the university commemorates Earth Month. Campus units can email sustainability@siu.edu to get involved or to add planned events to the Earth Month calendar.
SIU’s commitment and mission are critical
Grant applications get preference if they address all three sustainability pillars (environmental health, social equity and economic prosperity) in one or more of these components: energy, water, waste, buildings, transportation, grounds, food/dining, purchasing, outreach, social practices, academics and research, social equity and education.
Submissions should enhance environmental and societal sustainability and contribute to SIU’s Second Nature Climate Commitment. Applicants can use the principles of Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), within which SIU has earned a silver star ranking, as a guide in preparing applications.
The proposals must have signed approval from pertinent campus units/departments before receiving funding and have plans in place for any required local, state or federal permits that may be needed. Long-term maintenance and operations plans must be incorporated as appropriate.
Projects will receive preference if they:
- Include significant student involvement or students in leadership roles.
- Feature education, outreach and research components.
- Can obtain matching funds in conjunction with the grant support.
- Clearly articulate maximum benefits for the SIU community for the lowest cost.
- Involve multiple units and departments working collaboratively.
- Support current ongoing campus sustainability priorities.
Additional details, including frequently asked questions, project criteria, application and much more can be found on the Green Fund Grant webpage. Completed applications can be submitted to greenfund@siu.edu.
Student involvement critical
The Green Fund Committee comprises four students, one faculty member and one staff member, and they will review all proposals and make recommendations to the full Sustainability Council, which finalizes selection of the award winners.
Learn more about SIU’s nationally recognized sustainability efforts at sustainability.siu.edu. Email sustainability@siu.edu or alemrise@siu.edu for additional information.