Preference is given to projects that:

Align with the UW’s commitment to sustainability (reference the University’s Climate Action Plan) 

Strong preference will be given to projects with a clear, strong student-participation component. For the purposes of this section, postdoctoral researchers and other similar individuals are not considered students. This is evaluated at the discretion of the Committee on several factors, including: 

  • Ratio of funded student positions to funded non-student positions; 

  • Involvement of targeted student groups and organizations; and

  • Amount of student body potentially involved in project at any stage.

Preference will be given to projects that can obtain matching funds from sources other than the CSF, or to projects that are able to repay the CSF through a revolving loan fund or other mechanisms;

Preference will be given to projects impacting UW Seattle sustainability “closer to home.”

Promotes equity and engages diverse, underrepresented groups on campus.

Preference will be given to projects that are complete, comprehensive, and ready for implementation at the time of proposal rather than feasibility studies or pilot projects. Any group requesting funding for a feasibility study or pilot project must include the following components in their proposed project:

  • The proposal must include an actionable second phase. The second phase must, to the best knowledge of the group, be realistic to implement given that their study shows it to be feasible.

  • Whether or not the study or pilot shows the second phase to be feasible, the project must result in a written report that summarizes all relevant findings and is submitted to the CSF. The CSF may use this information to aid and inform future projects in whatever way they see fit.

For projects containing budget items related to student funding:

  • CSF prefers to fund time and labor expended by UW students working on CSF projects where and when that funding supports the creation of a formal internship under a Faculty member and/or Campus Unit.

  • Preference will be given to projects that clearly explain the project tasks to be completed during any paid time funded by the CSF.  In addition, it is strongly encouraged that projects include in their budgets any available information that explains and justifies the requested amount of paid time funded by the CSF.

In considering projects that are undertaken by campus departments (whether in close partnership with students or led primarily by staff), CSF prefers to use its funds strategically, investing in one-time transformational interventions in a campus operation, rather than funding routine operations or planned near-term innovations. In considering projects undertaken by campus departments, preference will be given to projects that demonstrate they are not likely to be undertaken in the near future without CSF funding, and are likely to be financially and operationally sustainable over the long term.

CSF recommends that projects over $30,000 complete a feasibility study or submit a previously completed feasibility study.

  • Projects may also justify why they do not require a feasibility study.

  • CSF reserves the right to request a feasibility study from any project.

Recurring events are eligible for funding, but such eligibility is at the discretion of the committee. Recurring events typically should show one of the following in order to be eligible for funding after the first award:

  • Innovation or improvement upon previous iteration of event; or

  • Additional funding from non-CSF sources.