Other Core Funding Opportunities

Another suggestion is to think creatively and seek out all funding possibilities on campus.  Many schools have special funding for positions that give initial training to existing staff or attract energetic new staff, including recent graduates or minority candidates.  You will need to plan for this well in advance of when you need to hire for the position.

A success of the Harvard Green Campus Initiative (HGCI) was to pursue a University Management Fellowship, which if awarded will pay two-thirds of a recent graduate's salary for certain central administration jobs. The funding comes from the Office of the President and the program is administered by the Harvard Center for Training and Development. Only eight fellowships are offered each year, and many departments on campus would like to have their own fellow. To help pay for its Green Living Program (GLP) coordinator and other activities, the HGCI successfully applied to this competitive on-campus program two years in a row.

Pursuing Alums and Donors

Although your GLP is in the early stages of its existence, remember that class upon class has graduated from your college or university. Many of your school's alumni are likely interested in or working with environmental issues. Reach out to them for program support. If your university has strict policies about contacting alumni, be sure to become familiar with the rules and regulations before asking for money. You may find that donors also want to see some progress on your end before they will commit a substantial amount of money. 

Involving alumni through donations—or, at least, reaching out to them—is a very good way to receive suggestions for your program, especially from those who are working on environmental issues in their own professions! It also keeps alumni updated with the progress and successes of your program, and it encourages them to back your goals if and when they are in contact with campus leaders. Even if alums are unable to donate, being in touch with them will contribute positively to your GLP in a number of ways:

  • mentor connections for program reps seeking job advice
  • heightened program profile and recognition
  • general support of your program and its goals

Considering the Endowment

If you have successfully received a donation (way to go!), consider going to your university’s endowment office (if one exists) to find out if you can create an endowment for your program. Inquire about allowing your funds to grow in the same pool as your university’s endowment. If you receive a $5,000 donation in your first year and if the money is set aside in an endowment fund, you could have tens of thousands of dollars years down the road, which would contribute to the financial sustainability of your program. Note that your school may require a minimum amount of money in order for your program to start an endowment fund.