University of Pittsburgh
IN-40: Sustainability Projects Fund

The mission of the University of Pittsburgh's Green Fund Allocations Board (GFAB) is to encourage, finance, and support student-initiated projects and programs that make Pitt’s operations more environmentally sustainable, socially equitable, and energy efficient. These outcomes are accomplished not only by providing students with ideas for projects, but also through funding and connecting participating students into Pitt's wide network of resources to better implement their sustainability-focused projects.

Run entirely by students, the Green Fund Allocations Board (GFAB -- aka Pitt Green Fund) exists to promote sustainability at the University of Pittsburgh by funding initiatives created by and for the University community. GFAB seeks to promote the themes of stewardship, exploration, community, and culture, as outlined in the Pitt Sustainability Plan.

The GFAB Director is typically chosen from applicants who have previously held a position on the GFAB Board. Both the process for selecting the Director and for selecting board members is codified in the GFAB Charter. The GFAB Board accepts self-nominations for open positions in both the Spring and Fall semesters every year. Applicants are invited to interview with the GFAB Director, the GFAB Advisor (Student Affairs Sustainability Coordinator) and the Co-Director of the Student Office of Sustainability.

The GFAB funding cycle begins in late September and ends in mid-April. During that time period, the Green Fund Allocations Board meets weekly to discuss proposals and hear from project applicants. Applicants must complete the entire process, show that their project is tied to the Pitt Sustainability Plan, and that the project will have long-term positive impact on the Pitt Community.

Once a project is awarded, they receive assistance from Board members and the GFAB Advisor to fund and activate the project. Projects that are not funded are offered technical assistance and mentoring on how to craft their project to be in accordance with the GFAB's sustainability objectives and are encouraged to resubmit.

The Pitt Green Fund receives its budget from Student Activities Fee via the Student Government Board. The Pitt Green Find also receives sizable donations from the Bring Your Own Bag [BYOB] fund (administered through the University Stores) and from the University of Thriftsburgh (Pitt's student-managed thrift store).