SSC Funding Options
SSC offers two main types of funding: sustainability microgrants exclusively for Illinois student organizations and sustainability project-based grants that are available to Illinois students, staff, and faculty.
Sustainability Microgrants
Illinois student organizations that are in full compliance with University and SSC policies and procedures are eligible to apply for sustainability microgrants to support more sustainable operations. Sustainability microgrants will be piloted in Spring, 2026 and will be administered through OneIllinois. See our Microgrants: Funding Rules and Microgrants: Funding Catalogue pages for more information.
Sustainability Projects
For project-based funding, the SSC uses a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure that every funded project is feasible, incorporates student involvement, positive environmental impact, and an ability to spark change. We offer two funding pathways for sustainability projects:
- Student-Led Under $10K - This application type requires a departmental project advisor and departmental financial contact. These applications are evaluated and voted on by the SSC during their bi-weekly general meetings.
- Step 1/Step 2 - This application type is for student-led projects over $10K and for projects that are being led by Illinois faculty or staff regardless of the amount requested. A departmental financial contact is required for all projects and a project advisor is also required for student-led Step 1 applications. Step 1 applications that are approved by the SSC move on to the Step 2 application process where the SSC determines how much funding to allocate to individual projects. Step 1 and Step 2 applications are each evaluated and voted on once a semester.
We receive more proposals than we can fund; thus, this award process is competitive. Please see our Projects: Application Process page for more information.