California Polytechnic State University
IN-40: Sustainability Projects Fund

The Green Initiative Fund IRA provides funding for students to work on an annual sustainability-related project. Students develop cutting edge ideas on how to reduce waste, improve building efficiency, and conserve water all while prioritizing diversity and social justice across campus. The Green Initiative Fund assists students in identifying budgets and timelines, as well as embodying sustainability leadership skills to promote a greener campus.

Plan for the Management of The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF)
Responsibilities of active project managers
Project Manager Report (PMR): write and design a visually appealing and informative report containing project information, achievements, budget use, and pictures. Due by April 27th each year.

Responsibilities of faculty advisor (Tom Di Santo)
Review applications and select project by May 10th each year. Project(s) selected according to “applicant prioritization” section below

At the beginning of the active project phase, send written communication to the project manager on approved
expenditures and methods of purchase (ie. materials are purchased on a Pcard, student pay is delivered through a TBD
method approved by the IRAAC, contracted services need to go through the Office of Contracts and Procurement, etc.)

Revise PMR(s), make any edits necessary, and compile into TGIF Annual Report
Complete forms (IRA Budget Proposal Form and IRA Proposal for Continuing Recognition Form) each year
Turn in materials to the IRA Advisory Committee each year by May 10th (Annual Report, IRA Budget Proposal, IRA Proposal
for Continuing Recognition, and application for the following year’s project)
Hire a student to assist with faculty advisor responsibilities if necessary. Paid with TGIF funds
Find a new faculty advisor if unable to continue in the following academic year
Project applications
Where: Google Forms
When: every year at the end of Winter Quarter. Application goes live by February 25th
What:
- Applicant name, Cal Poly email, ID number
- Name of organization and/or advisor affiliated with the project
- Project description: 50-word elevator pitch and 1000-word project description
- Line-item budget
- Description of project manager responsibilities and place for applicant to agree or disagree with meeting them

How: Advertise in EDES 408 course and send application to college and department offices
Applicant prioritization

Eligibility requirements: Project must have direct student involvement and project manager must agree to create a PMR.

Priority: Student or group of students completing EDES 408 in Winter quarter and looking to complete an EDES 410 project.

Priority after EDES students: The project from any college that is expected to have the greatest environmental achievement, has a reasonable budget, and feasible plan to get work done. For project topics outside of the knowledge of the advisor, applicants may be asked to locate an experienced professional in their field to discuss the feasibility of their project with and return their project plan to the TGIF advisor with the signature of the experienced professional.