The Sustainability Innovation Fund supports projects that advance climate action and York’s net-zero goal.
To advance York’s ambitious plans for sustainability, the Sustainability Innovation Fund (SIF) is now accepting applications for projects on the York University campuses that advance the University’s goal to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2049, as well as contribute to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action).
The fund will create opportunities for members of the York University community to actively engage in sustainability initiatives, specifically related to climate action and reducing GHG emissions and utilize the campus as a living lab, empowering individuals to be agents of change and take meaningful steps to reduce our impact on the planet. Proposals may address direct or indirect emission such as commuting, energy, food, waste, behaviour change, awareness and engagement or nature-based solutions.
This round of SIF is intended to provide funding for projects focused on identifying, accelerating, and evaluating climate mitigation solutions and strategies, specifically:
- seed funding (potentially for larger proposals in the next SIF round or external grant applications), or
- funding where there are matching funds from an academic unit or administrative office, or
- projects that can be achieved generally under $10k from SIF (although compelling requests for up to $25k may be considered).
The call for applications is now open. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27.
All proposals for the Sustainability Innovation Fund must be submitted to the Office of Sustainability by email to sustainability@yorku.ca
A selection committee made up of members of the President’s Sustainability Council will evaluate the applications using the Proposal Assessment Rubric and will make recommendations for funding to the President. Approved projects will receive funding in May 2023.
Information about the Sustainability Innovation Fund, documents, forms and criteria are available on the Office of Sustainability website.
Consultation
The Program Director, Sustainability, Nicole Arsenault, and the Chair of the President’s Sustainability Council, Ravi de Costa, are available for consultation with regards to this application process.
Nicole Arsenault: sustainability@yorku.ca
Ravi de Costa: rdc@yorku.ca
SIF Information Sessions
There will be SIF Information Sessions open to any community member who is interested in learning more about the SIF and the application process. There will be a brief presentation and an opportunity for questions.
Monday, Jan. 30, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 10, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Register here for the sessions.