Student Sustainability Grant

Overview

The WMU Student Sustainability Grant (SSG) Program offers competitive grant funding to WMU undergraduate and graduate students for their innovative sustainability ideas. Competitive proposals include projects, research or initiatives that have the potential to advance campus sustainability and benefit all WMU students. Funds are awarded twice per school year by a committee of students representing all colleges. The SSG is a collaboration between student governments, the Office of Student Engagement and the Office for Sustainability. The Program is supported by the Student Sustainability Fee.

Annual deadlines

Fall semester 2025 grant proposals are due at 11:59 p.m. December 5, 2025. Spring semester grant proposals are typically due the Thursday before Spring Break.

Application process

1. Review Previous SSG Abstracts too see examples of past grant proposals and awards.
2. Review the Student Sustainability Grant Allocations Commission (SSGAC) Bylaws (the rules for applicants and SSGAC members). Note, this Fall semester 2025 deadline is later than what is published in the SSGAC Bylaws.
3. Find a WMU faculty or staff member willing to serve as an advisor.
4. Understand that applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare an abstract and estimated budget and consult with the WMU Office for Sustainability Director (Jeff) to discuss details at least 4 weeks prior to grant deadlines.
5. Understand that applicants who intend to use any awarded grant funding to modify university buildings or landscapes, add infrastructure to campus, influence campus safety, or conduct research involving humans are required to consult with WMU Office for Sustainability Director (Jeff) to discuss details at least 4 weeks prior to grant deadlines. These types of proposals require internal WMU, "space assessments", technical reviews, approvals, and evidence of support by several campus specialists or groups before the grant deadlines. Proposed grant budgets for infrastructure projects must include funding or commitments from campus collaborators that address the costs of transport, installation, repair, maintenance, replacement, removal, and site restoration at the end of the service life of the infrastructure (e.g. covered bike shelter, rooftop solar panels, art installation, etc.). It may not be possible for infrastructure-type grant proposals to achieve approval(s) and meet the Fall 2025 application deadline. It is recommended that applicants seeking these types of grants should consider targeting the Spring 2026 application deadline in order to maximize planning time. Proposals involving animals and animal care on campus are strongly discouraged. The SSG program prioritizes new, innovative, or novel student ideas.
6. Download and complete the SSG Application. Complete, compile and submit the application package (i.e., application, multi-page narrative, letters of supports, budget, price quotes, other supporting documents, etc.) as a single .pdf file by email attachment to both wsa-directorsustainability@wmich.edu and ssg-sustainability@wmich.edu.