Planet Blue Student Innovation Fund

“We are launching the Planet Blue Student Fund, with $50,000 a year for the next three years. It will support the best ideas to improve our work in the greenest ways. It is entirely in the hands of students to develop.” — President Mary Sue Coleman

The Planet Blue Student Innovation Fund (PBSIF) offers grants of up to $50,000 for student-initiated projects that promote environmental sustainability at the University of Michigan. This fund encourages projects of a larger scale and impact than those covered by the Student Sustainability Initiative's small-scale grant funding.

President Coleman announced the creation of PBSIF on September 27, 2011 when announcing the University’s sustainability goals. President Coleman guaranteed PBSIF $50,000 worth of funding per year for the next three years. Available grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with priority given to projects that are of an innovative, visible, and transformative nature. Other criteria include factors such as student involvement and interest, economic payback, and partnerships facilitated within the U-M community of students, staff, and faculty.

What will it pay for?

PBSIF will fund large-scale projects that enhance campus sustainability by reducing U-M’s ecological footprint on campus or by promoting a culture of sustainability at U-M. For more information on criteria, click here.

What will PBSIF NOT fund?

PBSIF will not award funding for anything the university is required by law or policy to implement. It also will not fund carbon offsets, Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), travel, or conference attendance.

Who can apply for PBSIF funding?

Students, student organizations, faculty, and staff are eligible to submit project proposals and are encouraged to work together on project teams. To learn more, visit Apply for Funding.

Who oversees the fund?

The PBSIF Review Board oversees all grant activities, including deciding what projects receive funding, as well as supervising current grantees. The 2012-2013 Review Board consists of five undergraduate and graduate members, and three non-voting advisory members from the Graham Institute and the Office of Campus Sustainability. Click here for PBSIF Review Board.

What is the timeline for PBSIF submissions?

Letters of Interests were due by October 15, 2012 to pbsif-board@umich.edu. (Thanks to those who submitted.)
Final Proposals were due in November 19, 2012

How can I learn more?

PBSIF fact sheet available here. You may also e-mail the board at pbsif-board@umich.edu.

Where should I start?

The first step is applying for funding is to submit a letter of interest, a document of no more than one page describing the project for which you intend to apply for funding. This is recommended, though not mandatory, and a key step if you'd like feedback from the PBSIF Review Board on your project concept.

Important Dates

Final Proposals are due November 19, 2012 at 5 p.m. (NOTE: The deadline was extended to this new date.)

Questions?

Email pbsif-board@umich.edu