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Frequently Asked Questions

What can the W&M Sustainability Grant fund?

The  W&M Sustainability Grant program can fund a very broad variety of projects and initiatives as long as they further sustainability efforts and experiences at W&M. 

Common questions about the W&M Sustainability Grant program and their answers.

How do I write a proposal? There are no strict guidelines to writing a W&M Sustainability Grant proposal because the projects can vary so greatly. However, this example of a proposal outline is a helpful place to start.

Do I need an advisor and what do they do? If you are a student, then yes, all student led initiatives need a faculty or staff advisor. Advisors provide guidance on projects and act as a responsible university representative, providing consistency, since even the most passionate students graduate! Projects must be affiliated with a faculty or staff advisor for the entire lifecycle of the project or risk possible termination.

How much does the W&M Sustainability Grant provide in funding? That depends on the semester call for proposals. Cost sharing with other organizations, although not required, is encouraged.  Please contact Office of Sustainability [[sustain]] with any further questions.

Examples of what the  W&M Sustainability Grant CAN fund:  student and/or faculty research events and outreach conduits resource-reducing initiatives and infrastructure improvements feasibility studies quotes from vendors registration, travel and lodging expenses related to attendance at approved conferences stipends and hourly pay if employment or services are needed much more, check out the past projects

Examples of what the  W&M Sustainability Grant CANNOT fund: recurring projects (unless falling within a COS exception) routine maintenance ongoing expenses after project completion gift cards* flowers for individuals* alcohol* salary or pay for normal duties tax on most purchases* air travel for seats above economy, travel insurance* furniture, unless purchased through Virginia Correctional Enterprises* * Program funds must be spent in accordance with state guidelines and W&M procurement policies

 W&M Sustainability Grant A-Z

1. Are pre-proposals required? No, pre-proposals are not required but are highly encouraged. Submitting a pre-proposal allows for feedback, connections, and stakeholder support so your final proposal can be as strong as possible. 
2. Procurement Please work with your purchaser to check your proposal for compliance with university purchasing policies prior to submitting.
3. Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
   Any individual (faculty, staff, administrator, or student) or group (for example, student organization, school, academic program, or administrative or auxiliary unit) within the W&M community may submit a proposal for project funding. 
4. I'm not sure if my ideas are great enough for a proposal. Should I still submit a proposal?
   No ideas and goals are too great or small. Contact [[sustain]] with help on your idea. 
5. How long will my project be supported if I receive a W&M Sustainability Grant?
   All projects are supported for up to 12 months. Extensions are not guaranteed, but can be requested in writing. 
6. What if my proposal involves a multi-phase project? 
   Submit a proposal for funding the first phase and include the additional phases for reference. 
7. Can a student be a mentor for a student-led project?
   No. Proposals submitted by students must include a faculty or staff member as a project mentor. All student-led projects are required to maintain an advisor for the duration of the project or the project is subject to termination.
8. Can I fund research or a project I am receiving academic credit for? 
   Yes. Student projects may be eligible for academic credit approved by the appropriate unit. In line with W&M policy, students can either receive course credit or payment for research, but not both.
9. I'm not sure if there were similar projects funded by W&M Sustainability Grant program in the past. What should I do?
   Please visit the History & Past Projects for more information.
10. What should I do before I submit a proposal?
    Prior to the submission of a proposal, applicants should consult with those stakeholders that their project could influence and, if necessary, seek approval. 
11. Can bottle filling stations be funded? COS is not accepting bottle-filling station proposals at this time. COS has funded bottle-filling stations in most high-traffic academic and administrative buildings on campus. Facilities Operations now has technical standards that requires that they include bottle-filling stations in new buildings and major renovations.
12. Will I receive the full amount requested if my proposal is funded by the Committee?
    Depending on the number of project proposals received, the committee may not fund the full amount requested for all projects. Cost sharing with other organizations or units is encouraged.
13. What should I include in my submission?
    All proposals should include an elaborated project summary, budgets, metrics, timeline, and a cover sheet. Read more on example proposal outline.
14. What do I have to do when I receive an award?
    

    Recipients of grant funding are required to submit a short summary paragraph about their project for publication on the website and press release. A brief or a  is also required every semester. Learn more for funded projects.