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.
Note: Medium and large grant proposals are now accepted only on a quarterly basis. The deadlines for medium and large grants are as follows during the 2023-2024 Academic Year: November 1st, February 1st, and May 1st. Small grant applications will still be accepted on a rolling basis. Please reach out to a program representative if you have questions.
The SEJF program staff is available to help project teams develop their sustainability ideas and support grant writing of all proposals that align with the mission of the program. Please email sejf@wwu.edu for more information about how you can apply for an SEJF grant.
Note: you must meet with an SEJF program representative prior to starting the application process to ensure alignment with SEJF's mission.
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
Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 @ 12:00pm in Miller Hall 113
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2023 @ 4:30pm in Miller Hall 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, and it was again renewed in spring 2022. Full-time Western students currently pay $9 each quarter into the fund.