Proposal Funding
Funding proposals can be submitted either to the Green Loan Fund or to the Eco-Fund.
Green Loan Fund
The University has provided the Office of Sustainability with a $2 million green loan fund for environmental improvements in campus buildings and operations, illustrating a long-term commitment to sustainability efforts.
The Green Fund is open to faculty, students, and staff. It is intended to support projects that are not directly funded by the Administration. Applicants must demonstrate that their project will incur financial savings and will have a direct impact on our sustainability indicators. The loan fund provides required capital with the expectation that the financial benefits realized by the project will repay the initial investment.
Criteria: In order to be eligible to receive funding from the Green Fund, applicants must be able to prove that their proposed project will incur financial savings and will contribute to an improvement in one or more of the following seven areas: Power Generation, Design & Construction, Waste Reduction, Procurement, Food Services, Transportation, and Water.
If a proposed project does not easily fit within one category, please submit it along with a narrative explanation of the project’s environmental benefits. Projects must be new in scope and focus. Proposed projects already scheduled or underway will not be eligible for funding unless innovative design changes are planned for the purpose of improving sustainability. Projects must have a payback period of 5 years or less.
Application Directions: Applicants must fill out the application form in order to be considered for funding. Please indicate whether your project is being sponsored by an Academic Department, Administrative Office, Student Group, or an individual. The applicant only needs to fill out the BC Summary, BC Financials, and BC Assumptions tabs located at the bottom of the Excel document. Please fill out every question with as much detail as possible; this will allow us to process your application in a timely manner.
Requirements for Eligibility: Upon completion of the application, the Office of Sustainability will evaluate each proposed project for both financial and sustainability benefits. Approval of any proposed project is based on the assumption that the preparer will agree to manage and execute the project through to its completion as stipulated in the application. To apply, complete the application and email to Erin Hafner.
Eco-Fund
The Eco-Fund was created by the Class of 2008 Senior Class Gift and continues to grow thanks to alumni donations. The Eco-Fund provides small grants for programs that enhance sustainability at Notre Dame. Only students may apply and no financial payback is required. However, applicants must demonstrate that matching funding has been obtained from another source. To apply, please email Erin Hafner with a description of your proposed program and budget.
