Founded in 2011 by SPEAR and VSG, this $150,000 annual fund invests in initiatives that promote sustainability at Vanderbilt University. The Green Fund drives Vanderbilt toward a more sustainable future, with projects ideated by students.

The Vanderbilt Green Fund provides up-front capital to projects with three primary focuses listed below: 
Innovation Proposals: on-campus projects that increase utility efficiency and promote sustainability efforts in an attempt to reduce utility consumption on campus.

Academic/Educational Proposals: projects and initiatives that focus on sustainability enrichment and experiential education.

Laboratory Proposals: projects that improve the sustainability of laboratory operations.

Proposal Requirements

Please upload your completed project proposal as a single PDF. Proposals should clearly outline the following components:

Problem Statement: Clearly define the sustainability issue or inefficiency your project addresses. Explain why this problem matters to Vanderbilt and provide any relevant context or data.

Proposed Solution: Describe your project and how it directly addresses the problem identified. Include key features, materials, location, and any partnerships required.

Implementation Plan: Outline how the project will be executed, including major steps, responsible parties, and a realistic timeline for completion.

Budget: Provide a detailed estimate of total project costs, including materials, labor, and any additional expenses. If applicable, include projected savings and anticipated payback period.

Anticipated Impact: Explain the expected environmental, financial, and/or community benefits. Quantify projected reductions in energy use, water use, waste, or carbon emissions when possible.

For examples of past projects, click here