GIFT Project Proposal Criteria
The following criteria will be used to evaluate all projects submitted for funding:
1. Connection to University: Project directly addresses environmental sustainability on the University of Virginia Grounds or in the capacity that on-Grounds activities directly influence environmental sustainability in the surrounding community.
2. University Affiliation: Project proposal is submitted by a UVA student, staff member, and/or faculty member on behalf of an individual or UVA program, organization, office, or department. Non-university affiliated Individuals and organizations may not submit proposals.
3. Innovation: Project is innovative in nature and does not include routine maintenance or code-compliant activities. Fund may support the gap between code-compliant and more sustainable alternatives.
4. Feasibility and Institutional Support: Project is feasible and has support from appropriate University individuals and entities. Individual students or student organizations must have the signature of a faculty or staff advisor who is committed to advising throughout project implementation.
5. Appropriateness of Schedule and Budget Request
6. Cost/Benefit Analysis (as applicable): Project proposal outlines project payback, lifecycle costs and savings, etc.
7. Environmental Benefits: Project demonstrates a reduction in UVA’s carbon footprint or provides other environmental benefits such as water conservation, storm water management, biodiversity conservation, waste minimization, etc.
8. Student Experience: Project includes opportunities for student involvement and/or will positively impact the student experience.
9. Outreach and Education: Project considers education and outreach opportunities and has included them as part of its implementation plan.
10. Accountability: All projects shall have a mechanism for evaluation and follow-up after funding has been dispersed. At minimum, a project plan must include a report made to the Grant Allocation Committee after successful (or unsuccessful) implementation. If a project is expected to have on-going benefits such as annual cost savings, the project plan must include a mechanism for tracking, recording, and reporting these benefits back to the Grant Allocation Committee on an (at least) annual basis.
11. Metrics: Project has a clearly-defined, measureable outcome, backed by metrics for assessment.
12. Self Sufficiency: Preference will be given to projects that can obtain matching funds from sources beyond the Green Initiative Tomorrow Fund or include a plan for sustained funding.
13. Potential for Broad Application: Project has potential to be scalable across the campus.
Alternatively, you can download the pdf file of the GIFT Project Proposal Criteria.
To apply, fill out the GIFT Application and send to Jason Truwit at jmt7c@virginia.edu.
