Sustainability Fund Normal Cycle Grants (NC State University)

Sustainability Fund Normal Cycle Grants (NC State University) is sponsored by NC State University. This fund supports projects that enhance or publicize campus sustainability.

Sustainability Fund | Sustainability Creating high-impact experiences for students while advancing sustainability at NC State. The NC State Sustainability Fund offers grants to current students, faculty and staff who propose high-impact experiences for students while advancing sustainability at NC State.

These projects can range from campus facility improvements and educational programs to research initiatives and student internship opportunities. Overseen by a student-led board , the Sustainability Fund generates approximately $155,000 per year for project grants through a student-paid sustainability fee of $2. 50 per semester.

There are two application cycles for the Sustainability Fund: FastTrack Grants are for the current academic year and specific to students and registered student organizations for projects that will start and be completed in the spring semester. FastTrack Grant closed November 12, 2025 at 11:59 p. m.

Learn more about the projects selected for the 2025 FastTrack Grant her e . Normal Cycle Grants are open to the entire NC State campus community, including students, staff, organizations and departments. These projects will receive funding for projects implemented in the following academic year.

Normal Cycle Grant Proposals closed on February 8, 2026 at 11:59 p. m. Grant recipients will be announced at the Celebration of Sustainability in April 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions Students, staff, faculty and registered student organizations can apply for grants. Staff and faculty applications must display the project’s impact on students and opportunities for student involvement. Please note that applications for FastTrack Grants must be completed by students and/or registered student organizations.

What types of proposals are accepted? The Sustainability Fund is specifically looking for projects that help advance university sustainability goals and result in high-impact experiences for students, faculty and staff. The global Sustainable Development Goals highlight the various areas that Sustainability Fund Grant Projects might address.

Learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals. How long is the application? Applications can be a maximum of six pages.

An attached document section is not counted toward this maximum. Can multiple proposals be submitted? Yes, students, staff and faculty can submit as many proposals as they wish.

When does the project have to start? Why? The start date of July 1 is the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Projects are not required to start over the summer, though they are encouraged to start as soon as possible to ensure the project follows its timeline and is successful. Typically, planning should occur as soon as funding is announced, so once monies are disbursed in August, projects can quickly begin. How many people should be involved in a project?

There is no limit to the number of people on a project, though there should be one or two project leads. Students are encouraged to have a staff/faculty mentor for projects as well. Beyond completion of the project itself, what requirements do accepted projects have?

All projects must submit both a mid-year report and a final report to the Sustainability Fund Advisory Board. This provides the Board with an opportunity to learn about the impact of the project. In addition, teams must present their project, science-fair style, in April at the annual Celebration of Sustainability.

How did the Sustainability Fund get started? NC State students began contributing a sustainability fee each semester in the fall 2013 following a student-led campaign. The fee is currently assessed at $2.

50 per semester and generates approximately $155,000 per year for the Sustainability Fund. Submitting Successful Applications Can I see a proposal from a previously funded project? Review previously funded projects here .

To get more information on any project, please contact the Board Chair . Project Grant <$10,000: Med Safe Project Grant $10,000-$20,000: Solar Pack Project Grant >$20,000: Solar Scoreboards Project Grant receiving with other funding sources: Make-a-thon 2018 What types of projects does the Board prefer? The Board is looking to fund projects that will make an impact in terms of sustainability.

The Board prefers projects that can impact as many students as possible, but a project that deeply impacts 10 students can be just as important and beneficial as a project that briefly impacts 2,000 students. What is the most effective strategy for requesting funds? Successful applications typically have their project broken into phases.

This allows the Board the ability to provide some funding if they are unable to fund the entire project. How much is given to each project? Each year, the total amount of project funding grows based on the revenue earned from the Sustainability Fee.

Historically, the Board has distributed around $155,000 each year and divided that up among projects based on needs and scope. Each project receives a different amount based on what they requested in their proposal. In the history of the Fund, project grants have ranged from $1,000 to $50,000.

The Advisory Board does not require multiple projects to be funded; all of the funds could be granted for a single project. When available, FastTrack Grants are limited to a maximum award of $1,000 per project request. Will the Board partially fund a project?

Do they require matching funds? Partially funded projects occur on a per-case basis. The Board does not require matching funds, though matching funds or an outside monetary commitment can strengthen an application.

Can the Sustainability Fund be used to pay student interns? Yes, the Sustainability Fund can award funds for student interns. However, funds will not be allocated for staff/faculty salary.

What is a typical timeline for spending the approved funds on projects? Funds for Project Grants will typically be available in late August following a disbursement meeting. The project will have the length of the academic year to spend its funds to finish the project by the end of the academic year.

In special circumstances, funds can be made available earlier (in July) and/or extensions given the spending deadline (into May). Any unspent funds remaining after June 15 will be forfeited. Please note, FastTrack grants will have their funds accessible after their disbursement meeting in early January.

The same deadline applies. For a project with some optional components in the budget, should I submit one application or two? If you have a project that has optional components, please include all components in one application and note in the application which components of the project are necessary and which are optional.

Please also set up the budget accordingly so the price of each component, necessary or optional, is included. This gives the Board the most flexibility in potentially funding projects in whole or in part, depending on each component. Please do not submit each component as a separate application, or separate applications with components added or subtracted.

That being said, groups and individuals can still submit multiple applications as long as they are for different projects. The Sustainability Fund Advisory Board manages the fund with the oversight of the University Sustainability Office. Operating under a constitution and bylaws, the student-led board consists of 10 voting members, which include an interdisciplinary group of NC State students, faculty, and staff.

If you have questions, please email the Fund Advisory Board Chair at sfab-sustainabilityfund@ncsu. edu. The Board’s responsibilities include: Review Project Grant proposals and identify recipients in line with available funding and the university’s sustainability priorities.

Assist potential project teams and student organizations with the development of their idea into a solid proposal by offering help sessions and connecting potential projects with past projects that have demonstrated success. Administer the finances of the sustainability student fee assessed as a part of tuition each semester. Set the dates, guidelines and requirements for the funding programs.

Monitor the progress of projects and assess the long-term impact of projects. Document the impact of the Fund and communicate the effectiveness of the Sustainability Fund on an annual basis. Participate in marketing and outreach activities for the Sustainability Fund.

Participate in an annual review the student fee used to support the Fund with the University Budget Office.

2025-2026 Fund Advisory Board Chair Noell Boling, undergraduate student, Biological Sciences Vice Chair Undergraduate Student Representative Diya Dhananjay, undergraduate student, Political Science Undergraduate Student Representative Roch Guertin, undergraduate student, Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Representative Aryan Gupta, graduate student, Computer Science Student Government Representative Kairavi Garde, undergraduate student, Environmental Science and Sociology Faculty Representative Dr. Jennifer Landin, Teaching Professor, Department of Biological Sciences Faculty Representative Dr. William Joe Sagues, Assitant Professor, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Facilities Division Representative Dave Josephus, Landscape Architect, Facilities Division Staff Representative Allison Carr, Training Program Manager, NC Clean Energy Technology Center Board Advisor Keondra Jenkins, University Sustainability Office Please direct questions regarding the Fund Advisory Board to sfab-sustainabilityfund@ncsu.

edu . A student-focused workshop on ocean sustainability and aquaculture innovation. A spring event series exploring interdisciplinary environmental challenges across North Carolina.

Hands-on student learning at NC State’s Agrivoltaics Training Site , which combines solar energy and sheep grazing. A student-led project to document plant species and support long-term conservation at Lake Raleigh. Expanding a pilot to recycle PLA waste into reusable filament for campus makerspaces.

Infrastructure upgrades and engagement activities at the student-run SOL Garden . Providing sustainable laundry sheets to students at Feed the Pack Pantry. A student-led podcast series connecting sustainability experts and ideas.

A sustainability-focused business case competition with real-world problem-solving. Recovering dining hall food to reduce waste and support campus food access. Support of the KIETS Climate Leaders Fall Symposium.

Transforming a campus pond into a living lab for biodiversity and well-being. Repurposing removed campus trees for student projects and learning. A student program to expand tours and sustainability education at the Agroecology Education Farm .

Converting turf near West Deck into a native prairie habitat for conservation and stormwater benefits. Building small aquaponics systems to boost STEM and sustainability skills for first-year students. A free, low-waste bulk spice station in Talley Student Union to support equitable and sustainable cooking.

A student role supporting the Sustainability Career Development Program .

Planting of a Piedmont Prairie outside the new Apiculture Research Facility A fall climate symposium hosted by the KIETS Climate Leaders Program Building of the first mass timber cross-laminated outdoor structure on campus Expansion of the aerated static pile infrastructure at the Compost Facility and Research Cooperative to increase capacity A student-led environmental education series featuring film, panels, workshops and service events Faculty-mentored student training to identify and address water quality issues across North Carolina Expansion of paper towel composting to Becton, Berry and Bagwell residence halls Evaluation of bee hotels and building of five additional bee hotels on campus Adding seating, a rain barrel system, vertical garden structure and hosting of outreach events at the student-led SOL Garden on campus Enhancement of member events and incentives for the Sustainability Career Development Program Expanded composting efforts at Carter-Finley Stadium Sustainability-themed talks and performances as part of the annual TEDxNCState event An electric cart for Wolfpack Pick Up Installation of a rooftop weather station supporting power and data infrastructure and engagement at Woodson Hall Spring 2026 FastTrack Grants A wellness-focused landscape at Brooks Hall to support outdoor learning, habitat and stormwater management A podcast and panel series connects students with sustainability leaders across research, industry and policy through interdisciplinary conversations A dining hall food recovery program to support Feed the Pack Food Pantry Access to menstrual cups and menstrual education programming Student-led symposium exploring alternative proteins Student-focused educational series led by the Sustainability Stewards Student research and growth of biodegradable mycelium bricks for sustainable design demonstrations Solar panels to power an automated irrigation system at the Agroecology Education Farm Promotion and expansion of campus pollinator habitats by student interns for the Bee Campus USA Committee Improved composting at Carter-Finley Stadium to divert more gameday organic waste Student-focused sustainability-themed events by the Eco+Pack student organization An Energy and Water Competition in residence halls to promote resource conservation A series of campus events about the environment Student internships to address water quality issues in North Carolina Microbiological research of campus compost by undergraduate and graduate students A lab glove recycling program in Engineering Building I Water bottle filler stations in Engineering Building III Mountain bike skills area at Lake Raleigh Woods Safety equipment for students in prescribed burn field training Community engagement and education efforts at the student-led SOL Garden on campus Step pools along Wolf Village Way to reduce flooding and filter stormwater runoff A TEDxNCState event focused on the global sustainable goals Spring 2025 FastTrack Grants Spring 2025 FastTrack projects included: Bird habitat restoration at the Agroecology Education Farm Campus Nature Rx ( CNRx ) programming to promote student health Halal and vegan meals served in compostable containers at Feed the Pack Food Pantry Food for Thought cooking class provided by the Sustainability Stewards Red and White Garden to encourage locally sourced blooms for campus events Biodegradable laundry detergent sheets to promote sustainable laundry practices The Upcycled Swag Initiative, coordinated by the Sustainability Stewards , will showcase how repurposed materials can be utilized in campus outreach efforts, ultimately raising awareness about the possibilities for upcycling materials.

The Eco+Pack student organization will host several large sustainability-themed events for students during Welcome Week, Earth Month and the fall semester. NC State Athletics will add composting bins in the Towne Bank Center of Carter-Finley Stadium, which will enable a significant amount of organic waste to be composted during each home football game.

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources will create an app to enable self-guided tours of campus trees. Learn more An event series coordinated by the Sustainability Stewards to raise awareness about the environment. Learn more NC State Landscape Services will expand its new greenhouse to enable more integration of organic growing practices while also growing more campus landscaping plants on-site.

Learn more NC State Energy Management will launch a Sustainable Labs Program to identify ways to reduce the energy, emissions, water and waste footprint of campus research labs. Learn more The Student Energy Club will receive funding for an NC State Energy Week series of events that engage the campus community in opportunities to advance a clean energy future.

Learn more The Student Association for Fire Ecology and Management will equip students to participate in the planning of prescribed burns on NC State’s experimental forests and respond to wildfires in collaboration with state agencies and other partners. The KIETS Climate Leaders Program will host its second Climate Leaders symposium, planned for September 2023.

The Biotechnology Program will continue the Engineering Sustainable Composting and Outreach Program, which involves undergraduate students in microbiological research at the NC State Compost Facility and Research Cooperative . Learn more Health and Exercise Studies will continue construction of mountain biking trails at Lake Raleigh Woods .

Learn more A student-led project in the College of Natural Resources will equip several campus bus shelters with a glass film designed to prevent future bird collisions.

Learn more Spring 2024 FastTrack Grants Spring 2024 FastTrack projects included: Waste reduction art contest for students to redesign a campus waste sorting guide TEDxNCState Talks to promote the global sustainable development goals Art display in Talley Student Union to raise awareness about waste reduction Raised garden beds to showcase regenerative agricultural practices Re-wilding a patch of turf grass on campus into a native prairie garden Community bike, scooter and skate ride between Centennial and Main Campus to celebrate alternative forms of transportation Gambian Girl Power mini library for a sister-school in Gambia Food for Thought cooking class aimed at reducing food waste Development of an inaugural climate leaders symposium on campus that will engage students and others in sustainable climate change solutions.

Learn more Installation of two water bottle refilling stations in the Wilson College of Textiles Building that will encourage use of reusable water bottles Addition of edible plants and other infrastructure at the student-led SOL Garden, which is located in Parents Park on West Campus.

Student internships at the NC State Agroecology Education Farm to facilitate events, workshops and other student engagement activities A project to grow perennial plants for use in campus landscapes. A research and engagement project at the campus Compost Facility and Research Cooperative to monitor microbial composition of compost and create educational and engagement activities for students to learn more about campus composting.

Learn more A hydroponics system at Interfaith Food Shuttle, which donates produce to the Feed the Pack Food Pantry and other community organizations. Learn more Development of a landscape plan to preserve a campus habitat for ground-nesting bees Construction of three hiking trails at Lake Raleigh Woods that will add additional outdoor academic and recreational opportunities on campus.

Learn more Installation of a rooftop solar array at Fitts-Woolard Hall Equipment needed to create compost tea, which will be tested by Grounds Services on campus landscapes Student project known as “ SolarPack ” that aims to create an affordable solar-powered vehicle Cooking kitchen at the NC State Agroecology Education Farm that will host classes and workshops about fruits, vegetables and healthy cooking.

Development of low-cost, high-resolution air quality monitoring on NC State’s campus. Infrastructure for increasing compost collection at Wilson College of Textiles. Additional installation of shower timers or water flow meters in West Campus residence halls.

Already timers are in Bragaw Residence Hall, where a pilot program resulted in a 20% decrease in water consumption. A sustainability-themed event for new students during NC State’s Welcome Week. Outreach and education about sustainable laundry practices in NC State residence halls.

Development of a campus waste station kiosk that helps users more accurately sort waste into composting, recycling or landfill containers. Increased education about and use of reusable cups and bottles at Wilson College of Textiles, which will install two water bottle refilling stations and promote use of fewer disposable options. These grants are in addition to $1,000 FastTrack grants that were awarded in December.

Installation of a rainwater catchment system with water storage and a solar-powered irrigation system for the Agroecology Education Farm. Advancements of the aquaponics systems to ensure food safety and setting-up mobile table-top-sized aquaponics systems in high-trafficked areas to increase awareness and educational potential.

Creation of new connections to the energy industry across the state and learning at the NC Clean Energy Technology Center through engaging field trips across the state, student internships and more. Technical and material support for Engineers Without Borders. The group plans to design and develop 18 water catchment systems that will provide a Guatemalan community with clean water.

The implementation of a study to convert cars to hybrids on some of NC State’s fleet vehicles. This will reduce the school’s maintenance and fuel costs, as well as campus carbon footprint. A pilot program to reduce single-use plastic straws on campus by providing reusable metal straws.

A concert by the Raleigh Civic Symphony and Chamber Orchestra highlighting social sustainability. The establishment of a club focused on an exciting fitness trend to pick up litter while jogging, otherwise known as plogging. Technical and material support for the solar-powered car development team on campus as the team finalizes its vehicle.

The relocation of the NC State’s SOUL Garden to Parents Park to improve student accessibility. The establishment of the Student Energy Club, which will engage students in seminars with top leaders in the energy industry and connect undergraduates with research.

The construction of sustainably-managed mini vertical ecosystems that will beautify campus and serve as a unique educational experience for students, particularly those in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department.

Spring 2019 FastTrack Grants Grants in the amount of $1,000 are awarded to: A group of NC State students in a senior design course developing an innovative tool kit to convert a vehicle from gas-powered to hybrid Period @ NC State, which advocates for increased use of sustainable feminine hygiene products across campus College of Veterinary Medicine students will promote sustainable dining options with reusable utensils Zero Waste Wolves student organization will introduce a pilot paper towel compost system in Bragaw and Metcalf Residence Hall bathrooms.

Additionally, the Fund’s board awarded a $150 grant to SOUL Garden and the student chapter of Engineers Without Borders, which have partnered to develop a bike-powered irrigation system. Design assessment for a solar-powered heating system at Bragaw Residence Hall. Implementation of an aerated static pile composting system that allows for closed-loop, on-campus processing of compostable materials.

Installation at the Student Health Center of a window film designed to reduce bird collisions with the building while also providing an undergraduate research opportunity to assess the film’s effectiveness. Installation of water bottle refilling stations at the College of Textiles.

Expansion of the Food Recovery Network, a student organization that addresses hunger by working with NC State Dining to recover leftover food from campus dining locations and distribute it to local nonprofit organizations. The completion of a roof-top garden on Talley Student Union, which will expand research, education and production of local food in an urban campus environment.

Story Installation of solar-powered scoreboards in University Recreation’s Method Road Field Complex. Story Creation of a composting program in Wolf Village Apartments that will reduce waste while also educating residents about composting. Story Support for the student-led development of a solar-powered vehicle prototype that would seat four people and weigh under 900 pounds.

Story Campus installation of “bee hotels,” a series of solitary bee nesting habitats, along with signs to educate the public about the importance of these pollinators Story and Video Improvements and expansion of the student-built aquaponics system that is in On the Oval restaurant on Centennial Campus Research on healthy urban trees, which will maximize campus tree health while educating the public about best practices in tree care Make-a-thon, a four-day challenge during which student teams research, design, prototype and build a new solution that addresses a sustainability challenge.

Story Installation of a campus bin for safe, responsible disposal of prescription medications at Student Health Services pharmacy. Story New vegetables and infrastructure to deter deer at the student-led SOUL Garden on Centennial Campus.

Story Installation of a water-efficient drip irrigation system for garden beds at SOUL Garden Educational campaign in NC State dining halls about food sustainability Support bringing the Nile Project to NC State in March 2017 in partnership with NC State LIVE. Story Pilot project for “floating islands” in water basins on Main and Centennial Campuses that will aid in passive water treatment and stormwater management.

Story Composting of cotton and fabric waste from the College of Textiles. Story | Photos Sustainability graduate student position to strengthen relationships and build sustainability programs that engage the campus community at NC State Athletics events Installation of a solar bus stop outside Witherspoon Student Center that will allow students to charge electronics while waiting for alternative transportation.

Story | Photos Pilot study using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) in the Biotechnology program to reduce paper usage by 70 percent while also increasing student collaboration. Story Pollinator-friendly landscaping beds at JC Raulston Arboretum. Story/Video Pollinator-friendly meadow on Centennial Campus.

Story | Photos Collaboration with the second annual NC State Make-a-Thon, a design and innovation challenge focused on addressing campus sustainability issues. Photos | Story Product development and testing of a student-created sensor that will be placed in campus waste and recycling dumpsters to monitor capacity and alert staff when emptying is needed.

Story A new Alternative Service Break (ASB) trip that involves student participants installing solar photovoltaic panels in underserved communities. Story Collection and redistribution of unwanted furniture to students in the Pack Promise program. Story Two performances by the Raleigh Civic Symphony and associated educational events focused on the celebration of nature and the National Parks Service.

Installation of water bottle refilling stations in Jordan Hall and D. H. Hill Library and a corresponding educational poster competition.

Purchase of food storage pans to support the new student-led Food Recovery Network on campus. Story Two projects to install additional solar trash compactors on campus Performance of the Great Animal Orchestra Symphony during NC State’s Earth Month 2016. Photos Reconstruction of a garden bed and installation of signage at the student-led SOUL Garden Implementation of a “BioBlitz” project that will survey campus wildlife.

Story Installation of an aquaponics system that will provide food for University Dining and local food banks. Story | Video Marketing materials for the Campus Farmers Market Installation of an outdoor solar charging station near Tucker Hall.

Story Student internship and workshop supplies for NC State’s Compost Training Facility Student internship and supplies for NC State’s Agroecology Education Farm Development of a community garden and apiary near the College of Veterinary Medicine. Story | Photos Purchase of six bikes, bike maintenance items and two smart locks to support the existing residential bike sharing program at the Quad.

Installation of a sculptural solar energy system on Centennial Campus. Story | Video Installation of a solar trash compactor, which has five times the capacity of a conventional waste bin. Story Find NC State websites, locations and people Access vital records, resources and information for students, families, faculty and staff.

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