UConn Student Grant Opportunity: Environmental and Social Sustainability Grants Program
The Office of Sustainability and the Institute of the Environment are hosting a funding program to support collaborative student-faculty projects that enhance environmental sustainability and campus-wide engagement with sustainability issues at the University of Connecticut or in Connecticut communities. Projects should do so through research, authentic community engagement, campus operations, or education. Projects must increase both environmental and social sustainability at UConn, and address one or more of UConn’s strategic sustainability goal areas (climate change, energy and buildings, waste, outreach and engagement, water resources, food and dining, purchasing, transportation, or grounds, open space and conservation areas) and one or more related social challenges (fostering inclusion of diverse perspectives, addressing systematic inequalities, environmental justice, social and health inequity, community development, etc.). Project activities can occur at any campus of UConn and extend to Connecticut communities anywhere in the state. Special consideration will be given to interdisciplinary projects that advance equity and justice or incorporate the arts and humanities. Awards may be up to $10,000.
Spring 2024 Call for Proposals
Eligibility: All currently enrolled University of Connecticut undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply. Students must be full-time during the time period of the grant (Spring ’24 through Fall ’24). Applications can be submitted by a single student or by teams of students. Students can be the lead only one proposal, but can participate in no more than three proposals regardless of the status as a lead or collaborator).
Faculty/Staff Mentor Requirements: Each project must have at least one faculty or staff mentor who submits a support form with the application and will actively participate in the project. Mentors must be able to accept and manage grant funds on the students’ behalf. This includes responsibility for student hiring. The mentor is responsible for ensuring the project budget is executed according to UConn policies and procedures, adheres to the guidelines outlined in this application, and is expended by the end of the grant period (December 31, 2024). Faculty/staff members can collaborate on no more than three proposals.
Funding: Limited funding is available for proposed projects with budgets up to $10,000. Proposals should provide strong justification for all budgetary items. Awards will be announced by April 1, 2024. Funds will transfer early April 2024 and should be fully spent by December 31, 2024.
Deadlines: For full consideration, all proposal documents must be submitted by March 1, 2024 at 4:00pm. Students are responsible for ensuring that faculty/staff mentors submit support forms in a timely fashion. Projects should not extend past December 31, 2024.
How to Apply:
- Complete the Student Grant Application Form (questions are previewed on our website).
- Submit your itemized budget within the Form.
- Ensure that your faculty/staff mentor(s) submit a mentor support form.
Learn more and find application materials at https://sustainability.uconn.edu/environmental-social-sustainability-grants-program/