Submit a Proposal
Do you have a great idea to make UNC Charlotte more sustainable? The Charlotte Green Initiative (CGI) invites all members of the university community to submit proposals for funding sustainable projects on campus. Students, faculty, and staff are eligible to apply.
Please use the appropriate form:
- For projects less than $500, please complete the Small Grant Proposal Form.
- For projects above $500, please complete the Large Grant Proposal Form.
Once you’ve completed the appropriate proposal form, please email it to charlottegreeninitiative.cgi@gmail.com.
Scope
CGI has funded a wide range of projects, from small-scale events to larger, more comprehensive efforts. Historically, project proposals have request funding amounts ranging from as low as $50 to as high as $40,000.
Small Grants (<$500)
Examples of smaller proposals include:
- Student organizations hosting events on campus (movie screenings, student gatherings, volunteer activities)
- Small project supplies (repair tools for student gardens, funding Adopt-a-Spot signs on campus)
Large Grants (>$500)
Larger projects often involve permanent additions to campus or more extensive initiatives. Examples include:
- Bike-share racks
- Hammock stands on campus
- Water bottle fillers
Note: For large grants, you must identify a campus partner (an official university department or office) that can assist with planning and, if applicable, maintain any permanent additions to campus. Examples include official departments or offices staffed by the university.
Example partnerships include the CGI investments in bikeshare racks (now maintained by PaTS), hammocks (maintained by the Grounds Department), and water-bottle filling stations (maintained by Facilities Maintenance and Operations). Please make sure any partners you have named are aware of your proposal!
The committee will not use funds to:
- Buy carbon offsets
- Support animal research
- Implement facilities deferred maintenance
- Reinvest into previously accepted negligent projects
Marketing materials for funded projects should include the CGI logo.
Proposal Tips
Click the buttons below for tips on crafting a CGI proposal. These tips can help proposers craft stronger, more complete proposals that clearly communicate their ideas.
Project Descriptions
- Use detailed and succinct project descriptions that describe the project goals, how the project will benefit UNC Charlotte students, and a general overview of how the project will be implemented
- Spend time researching current relevant campus practices to ensure your proposal does not overlap with an existing initiative
- Define the need that your proposed project is filling at UNC Charlotte
- Address potential long-term issues like maintenance, replacement costs, disposal, or storage needs
Justification
- Ensure your justification is short (1-2 sentences) and clearly explains how the project aligns with the university’s sustainability goals and definitions
- Describe why the project matters and the intended positive outcomes and impacts
Partners (for large grants)
- Clarify roles and partner responsibilities
- Ensure you list the proper campus partner whose job role covers the needs to maintain your project
- Ensure all listed partners are aware and approve their involvement
Budgets
- Include a budget table and/or the explanatory budget text
- Remain accurate and complete with budget information. Include the following when applicable:
- Material and labor costs
- Appropriate costs based on materials that meet needs and university standards
- Include food costs and follow all campus food policies for event proposals
- Identify specific vendors for purchasing items
- Use vendors that follow university branding and logo guidelines, where appropriate
Timelines
- Include a timeline or statement outlining project steps and proposed schedule
- Remain realistic about how quickly a project can be implemented
Other Tips
- Adding 1-2 graphics, diagrams, and/or photos that are relevant to your proposal can greatly help an application. Ensure any graphics and/or photos support the proposal text
- PNG or JPEG image files are preferred
- Ask peers to review your proposal before submission to catch mistakes or areas for improvement
- Submit your proposals as early as possible before your project is scheduled to begin. This will give the committee ample time to review, and will avoid last-minute planning.
Examples and Resources
Need inspiration or guidance? The projects page has examples of ideas funded.
We challenge students to propose innovative green projects for UNC Charlotte! We look forward to working with you towards a greener future.