Student Green Initiatives Fund

The Student Green Initiatives Fund Committee is composed of select students, faculty and staff.  All majors and fields of study are eligible to apply. An interest in BGSU’s sustainability future is an important qualification. The Committee meets every other week during the fall and spring semesters to review funding applications for sustainability projects which have the potential to transform BGSU’s sustainability future. Since the inception of the Fund the Committee has approved over two million dollars in sustainability projects across campus. These have included projects related to energy efficient lighting, waste reduction through composting, reuse and recycling, numerous educational initiatives, vehicle purchase, and much more! See our website for more details on past projects. You have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in grant review/approval, sustainable management, project management, interaction with student applicants and numerous university departments and will be an integral part of BGSU’s sustainability future, moving us towards our sustainability goals of emissions reduction, waste reduction and sustainability education/outreach.

Questions? Contact studentgreenfund@bgsu.edu.

The Student Green Initiatives Fund was created by students to fund sustainability projects proposed by students with a goal of making BGSU a more sustainable institution. It is funded by an opt-out $5.00 per semester fee and is only accessible to current undergraduate and graduate students. To date, close to $2 million of sustainability projects have been funded on campus, with an impact of reducing waste, reducing emissions or sustainable education. View the map with our featured green projects!

View More Green Fund Approved Proposals 

Green Fund Small

Do you have an idea for a project to make BGSU more sustainable? Check out the Green Fund application, we are willing to consult and advise potential Green Fund ideas! Submit all completed applications to studentgreenfund@bgsu.edu.

Apply for Funding!


Featured Green Funded Projects

Below are examples of successful projects categorized according to their alignment with the Sustainability Strategy.

Green Fund FAQ

Any current BGSU undergraduate student, graduate student, or groups thereof from main campus may apply for funding from the Student Green Initiative Fund.

In order to receive funding from the Green Fund, a project proposal needs to convey how it will make BGSU a more environmentally sustainable institution. All projects must fall into at least one of the three following categories from our University Sustainability Strategy: Emissions Reduction, Waste Reduction & Resource Conservation, and Education, Outreach, & Awareness. See the featured Green Fund projects below.

There is no real limit to the amount you can request, but you should consider that multiple applications for funds will likely be received, and the selection committee will endeavor to fund as many reasonable requests as possible. The amount of funds requested will not result in its outright rejection, as some partial funding decisions may be made by the selection committee.

The application can be completed and submitted online here.

All project applications must be submitted at least three weeks before the date of required funding. The Green Fund Committee meets biweekly and a committee member will be in contact with the projects' authors within 2-3 weeks of submission.

The Student Green Initiatives Fund Committee is charged with the responsibility of distributing funds. This group is made up of faculty, staff, and students from across the University.

The membership of the group includes the following:

  • Three undergraduate students
    • One student from the Undergraduate Student Government
    • Three students approved by the Department of the Environment and Sustainability
  • One graduate student
    • Member of the Graduate Student Senate
  • One staff member
    • Appointed by the President of Bowling Green State University
  • One faculty member
    • Member of the Faculty Senate appointed by the Chair of Faculty Senate

The Student Green Fee Group will have the following responsibilities:

  • Review proposals and make selections for funding on the basis of a project’s feasibility, its potential for positive impact on the environment, and its ability to be funded.
  • Assure that all accepted proposals will directly and positive affect the campus.
  • Follow up after funds are allocated to be sure such funds are being used appropriately.

If you have any additional questions about the Student Green Initiatives Fund, please contact us

Updated: 03/18/2024 04:15PM