Submit a Proposal

Examples of smaller proposals include small project supplies (repair tools for student gardens, funding Adopt-a-Spot signs on campus)

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!

Event grants are new in the 2024-2025 academic year. CGI has funded sustainability-focused on-campus events in past years, including Party for the Planet, Earth Month movie screenings, and nature-focused trivia nights.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Include a timeline or statement outlining project steps and proposed schedule
• Remain realistic about how quickly a project can be implemented

• 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.