2019 Student Engagement Finalist: University of California, Berkeley, USA

#ThankGoodnessIt’sFunded: The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) at UC Berkeley

The Green Initiative Fund, also known as TGIF, is UC Berkeley’s campus green fund. TGIF provides funding, via grants, for projects that improve and support UC Berkeley’s campus sustainability efforts. TGIF allocates funds to projects that promote sustainable modes of transportation, increase energy and water efficiency, restore habitat, promote environmental and food justice, and reduce the amount of waste created by UC Berkeley. Portions of the fund also support education & behavior change initiatives, student financial aid (via return to aid), and student internships. Students, faculty, and staff may submit project proposals, which are selected for funding by the annually-appointed TGIF Committee, consisting of students, faculty, and staff, on which the students have the majority vote. Since its inception in 2007, TGIF has funded close to $3 million in grants to over 215 projects and over 360 student internships.

Top 3 learnings:

1. We learned the power of student voices, engagement, and ideas in shaping campus sustainability culture
2. We recognize the importance of investing in green practices, education, and behaviour change initiatives
3. We have discovered the challenge of and exciting attempts to address institutionalizing environmental justice principles

What it means to win

“Winning this Award is an incredible honour and means elevating sustainability and environmental justice at UC Berkeley. We are proud of The Green Initiative Fund’s impact on our student population and campus sustainability culture. TGIF definitely deserves recognition for its historic contributions to the lives of students in advancing progressive and equitable solutions to environmental detriments and harms, and providing access to environmental benefits.”

Stephen Sutton
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs