Sustainability, Equity, & Justice Fund
The Sustainability, Equity, & Justice Fund Grant Program promotes sustainability by providing grants to create and implement projects that positively impact environmental, social, health, and economic practices on our campus and in our community.
The SEJF provides grants for innovative student-focused project proposals that fit within the mission and priorities of the SEJF program. The program awards grants in a three-tier structure:
- Small Grants: Up to $5,000
- Medium Grants: between $5,001 and $35,000
- Large Grants: Over $35,000
Idea Labs
The SEJF program hosts Idea Labs for interested students, staff and faculty. Attending an Idea Lab is the first step to get to know the SEJF program and determine if your idea is appropriate for the program. At an Idea Lab, you’ll meet members of the SEJF team, learn how to navigate the grant submission process, and receive your application and toolkit.
Idea Lab Dates
- Friday 20th January from 5:00 pm to 5:45 pm in MH 113
- Thursday 26th January from 5:00 pm to 5:45 pm in MH 113
- Wednesday 1st February from 5:00 pm to 5:45 pm in MH 113
History
The SEJF was originally proposed in 2005 by a student club, Students for Renewable Energy, who wanted to see Western commit to green infrastructure on campus. Then named the Green Energy Fee, the $4/quarter student-fee was aimed solely at purchasing Renewable Energy Credits to offset 100% of campus electricity usage with green energy.
In 2010, students voted to renew the fee, change the name to the Sustainable Action Fund, and expand the program to offer grants for sustainable projects. In the spring of 2018, the SAF was renewed and renamed the Sustainability, Equity, & Justice Fund. Full-time Western students currently pay $9 each quarter into the fund. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome to apply for a grant to help make our community more sustainable.