How to Apply for Funding

Applying for Funding

The SSC uses a comprehensive evaluative process to ensure that every funded project incorporates student involvement, positive environmental impact, and an ability to spark change. We receive more proposals than we can fund and typically award approximately 40% of the applications we receive.

To schedule a 1:1 consultation for a potential project or for general questions regarding the application process, please email sustainability-committee@illinois.edu.

Student-Led Projects Under $10,000.00

Student-Led Projects with requested allocated funds of $10,000 or less require the submission of a Student-Led Application. The application process is as shown below:

1. Attend a Working Group Meeting
   The SSC requires applicants to attend a working group meeting to receive feedback and to accept project proposals. These meetings occur regularly and are posted on our calendar.
2. Submit a Student-Led Application
   Download and complete the SSC Supplemental Budget & Timeline (xlsx).
3. Then complete the SSC Funding Application Student Led Under $10,000.00 form. There will be a section in the form to submit the downloaded Budget and Timeline Excel sheet, the application will automatically submit after completion. Applications are accepted during Spring or Fall academic semesters.
4. Sign the Funding Agreement with Terms and Conditions & Request a CFOP
   If the SSC approves the project application, then the SSC Coordinator will generate an Adobe Sign document with terms and conditions. It will be sent to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs first, followed by the iSEE’s representative. After both parties approve, it is sent to the project's stakeholders, the project leader, and then the project advisor for final approval. The project's financial manager from the sponsoring department will receive an email with directions and an FPI (Fund, Program, Index) code form to request a new CFOP from UAFR (University Accounting and Financial Reporting). The funding will remain in the self-supporting CFOP for the duration of the project. SSC funding is available for a maximum of two years after initial approval.
5. Submit a Semesterly Report
   Each semester, project leaders are required to submit an SSC Semesterly Project Report no later than 11:59 p.m. on the last day of each academic semester.
6. Submit a Final Report
   Once the project is completed, project leaders will submit an SSC Final Project Report.
7. Example Student Led Projects Under $10,0000.00
   • Example SSC Student Led Projects under $10,0000 Application #1 (pdf)
   • Example SSC Student Led Projects under $10,0000 Application #1 (xlsx)
   • Example SSC Student Led Projects under $10,0000 Application #2 (pdf)
   • Example SSC Student Led Projects under $10,0000 Application #2 (xlsx)

Faculty/Staff/Student-Led Project over $10,000.01

Projects with faculty, staff, or students as the primary project leader require the submission of two applications with two distinct deadlines. This application process is semester-long. Therefore, it is critical that those interested in this type of funding plan accordingly to the application requirements at each point of the funding cycle. This application process follows the sequence below:

1. Attend a Working Group Meeting
   The SSC requires applicants to attend a working group meeting to receive feedback and to accept project proposals. These meetings occur regularly and are posted on our calendar.
2. Submit the Funding Application – Step I
   Download and complete the SSC Supplemental Budget & Timeline (xlsx). Then complete the SSC Funding Application Step I. There will be a section in the Step 1 form to submit the downloaded Budget and Timeline Excel sheet, the application will automatically submit after completion. The application will not be accepted later than 11:59 p.m. on the designated due date.
3. Receive a Decision from SSC
   The SSC will decide to approve or deny the Step 1 Funding Application. If approved, the application will be moved on to the Step 2 application process. If the committee denies an application, no further action should or needs to be taken.
4. Submit the Funding Application – Step II & Supplemental Budget
   Download and complete the SSC Supplemental Budget & Timeline (xlsx), this form must act as the finalized version of the budget and timeline. Then complete the SSC Funding Application Step 2 form. There will be a section in the Step 2 form to submit the downloaded budget and timeline Excel sheet, the application will automatically submit after completion. The application will not be accepted later than 11:59 p.m. on the designated date.
5. Sign the Funding Agreement with Terms and Conditions & Request a CFOP
   If the SSC approves the project application, then the SSC Coordinator will generate an Adobe Sign document with terms and conditions. It will be sent to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs first, followed by the iSEE’s representative. After both parties approve, it is sent to the project's stakeholders, the project leader, and then the project advisor for final approval. The project's financial manager from the sponsoring department will receive an email with directions and an FPI (Fund, Program, Index) code form to request a new CFOP from UAFR (University Accounting and Financial Reporting). The funding will remain in the self-supporting CFOP for the duration of the project. SSC funding is available for a maximum of two years after initial approval.
6. Submit a Semesterly Report
   Each semester, project leaders are required to submit an SSC Semesterly Project Report no later than 11:59 p.m. on the last day of each academic semester.
7. Submit a Final Report
   Once the project is completed, project leaders will submit an SSC Final Project Report.
8. Example Projects Over $10,000.01

   Staff/Faculty-Led

   • Example SSC Application Step 1 (pdf)
   • Example SSC Application Step 1 (xlsx)
   • Example SSC Application Step 2 (pdf)
   • Example SSC Application Step 2 (xlsx)

   Student-Led

   • Example Budget & Timeline — Coming soon
   • Example Application — Coming soon

General Funding Standards

SSC follows a set of funding standards that reflect our mission. Please review the standards below to ensure your application is eligible to receive full consideration:

General Standards

• Projects must incorporate student involvement, positive environmental impact, and an ability to spark change.
• Any marketing, including but not limited to advertising, signs, and digital ads, involving the project or events surrounding the project must include SSC’s logo and/or a statement of which fee funded the project and benefited students and the campus.
  • Projects must coordinate with SSC to ensure promotion appropriately highlights the SSC’s contributions to the project.
  • Any press releases or educational/promotional materials involving the project must acknowledge SSC funding.
• Student-Led Projects require a faculty or staff sponsor.
• Funding may only be allocated to university-affiliated projects.
• Projects must have a substantial impact on the student body.
• SSC reserves the right to partially fund the project.
• SSC reserves the right to revoke funding if the project does not comply with the terms and conditions.
• SSC, iSEE (Institute for Sustainability, Energy, Environment), and F&S (Facilities and Services) reserve the right to deny a project if it is deemed not feasible.
• The following may be funded on a case-by-case basis as determined by the committee:
  • Feasibility studies and design work that address a sustainability need on campus.
  • Wages toward positions designated for campus sustainability projects. Strong preference will be given to proposals receiving matching funding from departments and/or plans for maintaining the continuity of the position after the end of the initial grant.
  • Outreach events with a central theme of sustainability. The primary audience must be the general campus community.
  • Food and prizes with justifiable reasoning.
  • Innovative repairs and replacements to existing building systems contribute toward campus sustainability. Preference is given to projects utilizing new ideas and technologies.

Non-Eligible Projects

• Projects with a primary end goal of generating revenue for non-University entities.
• Personal lodging, food, beverage, and other travel expenses.
• Tuition or other forms of personal financial assistance for students beyond standard student employee wages.

* Updated 08/07/2023

Resources for Funded Projects

Scope Change

If a project requires a change in the timeline, budget, project direction, project advisor, financial contact, or project lead, an SSC Scope Change Application must be submitted. A Scope Change requires a detailed description and explanation of the changes being requested and must be submitted at least sixty (60) days in advance of the project’s original completion deadline.

Semesterly Report

An SSC Semesterly Project Report is required at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters for all ongoing projects in order to document progress as well as any significant updates. These must include supporting documentation (e.g., budget spreadsheets, progress photos, etc.). The submission deadline for these reports is the last day of final exams.

Final Report

An SSC Final Project Report is required upon completion of a project. Supporting documentation (e.g., budget spreadsheets, project photos, etc.) must be included. The deadline for your project is detailed in the original funding agreement that was provided upon approval for your project.

FAQs

What qualifies a project as being "Student-led"?

A Student-Led Project is one where a student is the lead figure in defining the goal and creating the design of the project. Students are still encouraged to consult faculty, staff, and/or other professionals while maintaining autonomy.

Are there specific types of expenses that the SSC will not fund?

Yes. Please refer to respective funding standards under How to Apply for Funding.

Will SSC fund multiple projects from the same applicant?

Yes, the SSC can fund multiple projects from the same applicant.

Will SSC fund my research project?

The SSC can fund research projects that have a tangible sustainability impact on the campus-wide community. Research projects that are limited to individual personal gain will not be funded.

Why would my proposal not receive SSC funding?

Below are a few of the most common reasons.

• The project was not in compliance with SSC’s funding requirements.
• The application or presentation was too vague.
• The project did not benefit the campus-wide community.
• Funding is competitive. We receive many applications for projects every semester and have a limited budget.
• Failure to comply with the Step 1 or Step 2 application procedure.
• The project was deemed not feasible.