Catalyst Grants

Catalyst Grants is sponsored by Second Nature. Second Nature's Catalyst Grants provide funding for projects that jumpstart climate action activity on campuses, including reducing emissions, increasing resilience, preparing students for clean energy careers, and advancing environmental justice. At least one grant will be awarded to an HBCU or Tribal Institution, and at least one to a Community College.

The funding can be used for new projects, existing program expansion, or implementation, focusing on innovative ways to address climate action challenges. Preference is given to new applicants and institutions with more modest endowments or those that have been traditionally underfunded.

Catalyst Grants - Second Nature 2025 Catalyst Grants - Round Six We are pleased to announce that eight colleges and universities have been awarded grants of up to $5,000 , intended to be the “spark” that jumpstarts nascent projects.

The grants will provide a much-needed boost to build capacity for our member institutions’ work to reduce emissions, increase resilience, prepare students for clean energy careers, and advance environmental justice. At least one Catalyst Grant was awarded to an HBCU or Tribal Institution, and at least one Catalyst Grant was awarded to a Community College.

Catalyst Grants are awarded annually, dependent on grant funding and Second Nature’s programmatic priorities. The Application period typically opens in July and applications are due in September, with grantees announced in November.

” Applications Open: July 22 Applications Closed: September 25 Application Review: September 26 – October 24 Awards Announced: November 11 Eligibility Criteria for Catalyst Grant Campuses must be an active member of the Climate Leadership Network, including Affiliate members and campuses in the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3), or an HBCU or Tribal Institution.

If you are interested in learning more about membership, please contact Steve Muzzy . Preference will be given to schools that have been traditionally underfunded or with more modest endowments. Unrestricted use of funds to reduce campus emissions, increase resilience, and advance social equity through climate action.

Opportunity to present at the 2026 Summit in Chicago and to participate in a webinar with other grant winners. If our school is not a Second Nature member (Climate Leadership - Signatory, Climate Leadership Network - Affiliate or a University Climate Change Coalition (UC3)) can we still apply for the Catalyst Grants? Unfortunately, no, unless you are from an HBCU or Tribal Institution.

The Catalyst Grants are specifically designed to help advance the climate action goals of colleges and universities that are either a signatory of the Climate Leadership Network, a member of UC3, or an Affiliate member, and up to date with their annual reporting and dues to Second Nature . In an effort to expand access, we are making exceptions for non-member HBCU and/or Tribal Institutions.

If you are interested in learning how to join, please contact Steve Muzzy . Who from the college or university can serve as a primary applicant? Any staff, faculty, or student affiliated with an eligible college or university can apply for funding as the primary applicant.

Note that the funds will be distributed directly to the eligible college or university, not to the individual applicant. What types of projects are eligible, and which will be prioritized? The funding may be used for new projects, existing program expansion, or implementation.

The funding should support climate action initiatives. The application is intended to be uncumbersome and broad in order to support a wide variety of initiatives.

The focus of the 2025 Catalyst Grants is to advance campus projects that are forging ahead in innovative ways to address climate action challenges, despite the sector’s current challenges, including reducing emissions, increasing resilience, preparing students for clean energy careers, and advancing environmental justice.

Emphasis will be placed upon new applicants and colleges/universities with more modest endowments and those that have traditionally been underfunded. What do we have to do if we receive funding? If awarded funding, you will need to submit a short interim report at six months and a final report at the end of the funding year.

Also, you will coordinate with Second Nature’s communications team to discuss your plans for sharing with your community the news of the award and its impacts. Second Nature’s communications team can work with your school to seek local/regional publicity for projects and assist with developing materials to market your project. Can my campus submit a proposal that includes a collaborating organization?

Yes! We encourage collaborative proposals and partner organizations are broadly defined, and may include community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, city agencies, non-profit organizations, or departmental collaborations. How will my proposal be reviewed?

Proposals will be evaluated by a Review Committee comprising previous Catalyst Grant recipients, campus representatives, and Second Nature staff.

The criteria for review are : Clear articulation of project description including who would be impacted by the funding and what stakeholders are involved How the project incorporates principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice Clear articulation of how the project leverages applicants’ existing and ongoing climate action activities Clear articulation of how your campus is investing in this project with matching support, resources, or other contributions A brief budget justification Are indirect costs allowed in the budget?

Yes! Indirect costs up to 10% may be included in the budget. Can the proposal requesting funding be part of a larger project?

Yes! Catalyst Grants may be used to support components of a larger project or initiative. If my proposal is not approved, can Second Nature give me feedback on how to improve the application?

Yes! We’d be happy to share feedback from the Review Committee on your proposal after the selection process is complete. Still Have Questions?

Please contact us!