Campus sustainability grants

Funding your sustainability project

Whether you are looking to fund a sustainable campus event or a sustainability program, there is funding for you. University Sustainability Practices grants are intended to help students, staff and faculty fund projects, programs or events that highlight engagement, promote a culture of sustainability on campus or result in a small-scale improvement in infrastructure efficiency. Loans for larger-scale campus improvement projects are also available through the Sustainability Initiatives Revolving Fund.

Spark Event Grant — up to $3,000

Spark grants are intended for peer-to-peer sustainability engagement during Campus Sustainability Month in October, Earth Day Every Day Month in April, Sun Devil Athletics Green Games and for implementing approved sustainability events or workshops on campus. We seek to support innovative ideas that advance sustainability education and push positive behavior change around sustainable practices.

Catalyst Program Grant — up to $7,000

Catalyst grants are intended for larger programs or projects that support ASU’s sustainability goals and have a measurable impact on resource conservation and on reducing or eliminating waste, while providing a clear path for the campus community to engage and support. You must submit proof of support for these grants from Facilities Development and Management, a building manager or dean. 

Grants must support one or more of ASU’s sustainability goals. Funding will only be considered for the same event or project for two consecutive years. Case-by-case exceptions will be considered if the applicant can demonstrate significant growth and impact in scope of a proposed event for a third year. All grant-funded events must be certified as Sustainability Recognized Events within seven days of grant acceptance.

Applications submitted without all form fields filled will be disqualified. Budget spreadsheets must accurately reflect the dollar amounts in the application, include an LCL account number for disbursement and list an appropriate financial advisor for your team. A final report submission date within 30 days of project conclusion must be included in your application. 

Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis.

Restrictions include

• Catering, food orders, cutlery, napkins, plates, bowls and any other food-related materials cannot exceed 25% of the total budget request
• If requesting serviceware for catering, all items must be compostable 
• No plants or flowers 
• No single-use plastic material for food service or general swag
• No personal travel costs, guest speaker stipends, performance fees or conference fees 
• Giveaways or swag items may not be a sole submission
• No off-campus events

How to submit a Spark or Catalyst grant

1. Review the grant guidelines on this page to ensure that your project does not include prohibited requests.
2. Download and complete the USP grant application form and financial matrix budget spreadsheet. For your application to be considered, please ensure that:
   1. All information in the application form and financial matrix matches.
   2. All signature fields are signed by the appropriate partners, except for the University Sustainability Practices approval field.
   3. The department account number field is a valid LCL account.
3. Download and complete a final report within 30 days of project end.

Sustainability Initiatives Revolving Fund loans

Both Capital Improvement Loans — up to $1.5 million — and Major Works Loans — $1.5 million — are available for medium to large-scale projects that upgrade or renovate space to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, or to pursue strategic external and internal partnerships that reduce carbon emissions. Learn more about the Sustainability Initiatives Revolving Fund.