SSC defines sustainability as a mindset and approach to ensure current and future resources and prosperity are equitable and accessible for all without the exploitation of people and the environment in the process.

Apply for up to $2500 through the Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) grant if you or your student organization is working on a small-scale project, event or initiative that addresses campus sustainability and enhances campus-wide student engagement with sustainability. Previous or explicit involvement in environmental sustainability work is not necessary.

SSC Social and Environmental Sustainability Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Application Criteria

• Increases environmental sustainability on the University of Michigan’s campus (examples include: improving energy efficiency, reducing consumption of single-use items, sourcing food grown with regenerative practices, etc.)
• Increases social sustainability (DEI&J) on the University of Michigan’s campus (examples include: expanding access to fresh produce, increasing affordable housing options, fostering inclusion of diverse perspectives, etc.)
• Application must be student-generated and student-driven
• Further considerations include: project durability, cross-collaborativeness, impact across multiple areas of sustainability, maximizing of impact
• Please note we do not award funding for compensating students’ time or budget items not justified as necessary.

Application Components

• Project Description
  • Please submit a description of no more than 750 words about your proposed project/initiative/event including:
    • How much money you are requesting
    • What you plan to do with the money (include each expense separately)
    • How this action will enhance environmental and social sustainability
    • How you will assess the impact(s) of your action
    • A bullet point timeline over which you plan to design, implement, and assess your project/initiative/event
• Project Leadership
  • Please provide one paragraph describing the capabilities, role(s), and commitments of the person(s) involved in the initiative.
  • Please include which student organization or faculty or staff advisors you are working with or why doing so is not necessary for your project.