Projects

CGI has approved funding for the following projects:

( ^s =student-led or inspired proposals)

2021-2025 small Grants

Small grants (<$500) require lower long-term investment from the applicant and coordination with campus partners relative to large grants.

Examples of small grants (<$500) include supplies for small projects (such as repair tools for student gardens and funding for Adopt-a-Spot signs on campus) and small-scale behavior change campaigns.

2021-2025 Event Grants

Event grants fund any on-campus events that benefit UNC Charlotte students. These grants also require low long-term investment and coordination with campus partners relative to large grants. 

Examples of event grants include events hosted by student organizations, campus departments or offices, individual staff and faculty members, and individual students. The CGI committee introduced event grants during the 2024-2025 academic year

2021-2025 large grants

Large grants (>$500) and large-scale projects typically require the highest level of investment, campus collaboration and partnership, and long-term planning for maintenance and care. These projects require a campus partner to assist with planning and maintenance. However, there is some variability within the large grant category to consider.

The average grant size submitted for funding consideration is $3,000. Student organizations or individuals could successfully submit large grants falling in the $500-$3,000 range with less coordination with campus partners. Examples of these smaller large grants include behavior change campaigns, campus improvements, and waste management equipment.

Since the first CGI grant proposal was submitted in 2010, the committee has only received 10 grants over $25,000. Projects at this scale are rare and require strong support, well-established campus partnerships, and clear explanations of intended fund use. The committee will dedicate many hours of thought and discussion to funding these proposals.

Examples of these largest grants include bike-share racks (now maintained by Parking and Transportation Services), hammock stands on campus (maintained by the Grounds Department), and water bottle fillers (maintained by Facilities Management Maintenance & Operations).

pre-2021 funded Projects

• Bottle Filling Stations indoors (multiple grants $51,803)
• Charlotte Wheels Bike Share Stations ($44,500)
• Bottle Fillers at Stadium ($30,053)^s
• Sustainability Studies – Capstone Projects ($28,000)
• Composting Toilets at the Low Ropes Course ($23,998)^s
• Hammocks (multiple grants $22,655)^s
• Zero Waste Stadium Bins (2012) ($22,330)^s
• Bike Parking at EPIC and Grigg ($18,637)^s
• Battery monitoring for Electric Vehicles ($14,969)
• Weird Recycling Stations (multiple grants $12,100)
• Recycling and Trash Bins for Building Exits ($10,978)
• Groundwater Well Testing ($9,200)
• Reusable Automotive Oil Filters ($9,298)
• Green Restaurant Association Certification ($8,016)
• E-Waste Fashion Show ($7,750)
• Van Landingham Glen Stream Repairs Phase II ($7,500)
• Recyclebot Project ($7,378)^s
• PV Array at Storrs Design ($6,213)^s
• Temporary Bike Racks for Special Events ($5,438)
• Swinging Benches ($5,332)^s
• Pizza Box Collection Bins ($5,697)
• Joulebug App Pilot Program ($5,000)
• Party for the Planet 2019 ($4,708)^s
• Bridge for Van Landingham Glen ($4,490)
• Butterfly Highway Site ($4,350)^s
• Erosion Prevention Lot 27 ($4,215)^s
• Amazon Box Recycling Bins ($4,041)
• Swipe Out Hunger Program Pilot ($4,000)
• Jamil Niner Student Pantry Food Plot ($4,000)^s
• Human-Powered Ice Cream Bike ($3,852)
• Water Bottle Campaigns (multiple grants, $3,762)
• Refrigeration Controller Study ($3,566)
• Party for the Planet 2018 ($3,416)^s
• Bee Hives ($3,154)
• Habitat for Humanity Student Project ($3,026)^s
• Skateboard Racks at Student Union ($2,948)^s
• Signs for Public Electric Car Chargers ($2,598)
• Shed & Tools for the Student Garden ($2,367)^s
• Bike lane markings on Cameron Blvd ($2,163)
• Recycled Meals Equipment ($2,099)^s
• “Turn Off the Lights” Sticker Campaign ($2,000)
• Replace Outdated Red and Yellow Recycling Bins ($2,000)
• Niner Hunger Relief ($1,900)
• Composting Equipment for Student Garden ($1,585)^s
• Party for the Planet 2017 ($1,458)^s
• Orbis Grille Compost Bins ($1,272)
• Green Residence Hall Demo ($1,066)
• Invasive species removal tools ($1,060)
• Statement Making Fashion Show E-Waste Art ($1,043)
• “These Come From Trees” Sticker Campaign ($979)
• Kiosk for Student Garden ($723)^s
• Small Grants for Adopt-A-Spot Signs^s, Get Out the Vote Campaign^s, Student Garden Tools^s, Graduation Gown Recycling, Garden Club Event^s, Earth Month films^s, 3D Print Recycling^s, Mason Bee Habitat, Succulent Houseplants^s, Sustainability Week Student Gatherings.