In Green Action Fund’s 13 years at UCCS, it has funded over 140 projects, totaling approximately $1.5 million.
Green Action Fund (GAF) is a student-run committee dedicated to funding sustainable projects that benefit the UCCS community and campus. According to Mountain Lion Connect, GAF has invested over $1.5 million into sustainability since its inception in 2012.
GAF is paid for by a student fee included in tuition of $6.37 for fall and spring semesters and $3.20 for summer.
According to its website, GAF has funded over 140 projects. Notable projects that have been funded by the program include water bottle refill stations and Clyde’s Cupboard’s reusable bag program.
The Clyde’s Cupboard reusable bag program was allocated $4,080 in Spring 2023 to buy reusable bags to distribute to students at the food pantry.
“This initiative not only helps us reduce single-use plastic waste but also ensures our students can utilize our services in a more sustainable and accessible way. It’s a small change that makes a big difference for our community and the environment,” said Basic Needs Coordinator Amber Gilson.
This semester, GAF funded $40,000 for a blast chiller to divert leftover food from the dining hall and catering events to Clyde’s Cupboard, according to Director of Dining Heath Wagner.
“We are always looking for ways to be more sustainable on campus and this will not only help with the reduction of food waste but with sustaining the need for more food security within our Mountain Lion community,” said Wagner.
A comprehensive list of projects that GAF has funded can be found on their website.
According to the Chair of GAF Bailey Parenteau, GAF has three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social equity and economics.
Ideally, projects meet all three pillars; however, Parenteau said projects that are exceptionally strong in two categories, particularly social equity, are also considered.
Students can apply for funding on GAF’s website and on Mountain Lion Connect. Applications must include a project sponsor, a timeline with an estimated completion date and an itemized budget.
Parenteau said GAF often hosts grant writing workshops to assist students with the application process.
Each accepted application is required to give a ten-minute presentation at GAF’s monthly meeting. Projects must receive a two-thirds majority vote to be funded according to Parenteau. GAF provides feedback on projects that are not accepted.
While GAF funds projects, it does not complete them on behalf of the project coordinator.
“People sometimes think we create the project, or if you give us the project, we’ll do it all for you, when we’re actually a grant. We love sustainability, and we’re all fairly active, but the funding is an opportunity for you to get it done,” Parenteau said.
Parenteau said GAF is looking for new voting members. Students can apply to join on Mountain Lion Connect.
Students are encouraged to attend a meeting before applying to gauge interest and commitment levels. After applying, students will be interviewed by GAF members to determine membership.
A Green Action Fund bucket hat. Photo by Anysia Hovel.