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.

Piloted by Pitt’s Student Government Board in 2010, the Pitt Green Fund was formally created in 2011 with student activity fee-based funding as the “Green Fund Advisory Board.” Run entirely by students, the Green Fund Allocations Board (GFAB – a.k.a. 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 Student Director is typically chosen from applicants who have previously held a position on the GFAB Board. Both the process for selecting the Student Director and for selecting student 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 Student Director, the GFAB Advisor (Student Affairs Sustainability staff lead) and the Student 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.

Starting in 2021, Pitt Green Funds hosts the sole application portal for student-led sustainability projects; any project applying for funding from the Pitt Green Fund, the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (MCSI), and/or the University’s Office of Sustainability applies for funding via Pitt Green Fund. Applicants may be eligible for sole or collaborative funding from these sources based on project type and details. Applicants are interviewed by the GFAB board to determine eligibility for funding sources – and the Green Fund Student & Financial Directors review projects falling into this category with MCSI and the Office of Sustainability monthly or on demand (if time is of the essence).

From 2018 through Fall 2022, Pitt Green Fund invested $34,249 in 56 projects including, but not limited to, menstrual equity; solar picnic tables; composting programs; e-cycle programs; and internships and conferences focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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 the Student Activities Fee via the Student Government Board. The Pitt Green Find also receives regular donations from the Bring Your Own Bag [BYOB] fund (administered through the University Stores), from participation in the annual Pitt Day of Giving, and from the University of Thriftsburgh (Pitt's student-managed thrift store and only during the pandemic).
• GFAB Charter - https://www.pittgreenfund.com/uploads/1/0/1/1/101174114/gfab_charter.pdf
• Recently Funded Projects
o 2022-23, https://www.pittgreenfund.com/2022-2023.html
o 2021-22, https://www.pittgreenfund.com/2021-2022.html
o 2020-21, https://www.pittgreenfund.com/2020-2021.html
o 2018-20, https://www.pittgreenfund.com/funded-projects.html