TGIF – Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this funding coming from?

In April 2010, 93.8% of students voted in favor of a referendum establishing The Green Initiative Fund at Hunter College (TGIF). TGIF at Hunter is based on a successful model for a recurring environmental project fund that has been established on campuses across the country. The referendum at Hunter reallocated approximately $43,000 annually from the Student Activity Fee – $2.00 per undergraduate full-time student per semester and $0.80 per undergraduate part-time student per semester – toward TGIF, in order to advance sustainability on campus.

Who can apply for funds?

Project applicant must be a Hunter College undergraduate student in good standing, because the fund draws from undergraduate student activities fees. However, all CUNY students, faculty, staff, as well as members of outside organizations may be included as project personnel.

How were the funds spent last year?

The 2011-2012 will be the inaugural year for TGIF.

How much money can I apply for?

There are no minimum or maximum requirements for grant applications. However, each grant application must include a detailed budget and timeline.

What types of projects are likely to get funding?

The fund has a broad mandate and has been established to “reduce Hunter College’s negative environmental impact, create environmental education opportunities, and/or empower Hunter students to implement solutions to environmental challenges” (see TGIF By-Laws). As this is the first year that specific project proposals will be submitted, it is unclear exactly what campus community members will propose. It is likely that projects will focus on the following thematic areas: Energy, Transportation, Waste Management, Food/Agriculture, and integrating sustainability into teaching, research, and service at Hunter College.

Here are some examples of projects funded by programs similar to TGIF in other universities.

Who decides what projects get funded?

The Grant Making Committee (GMC) will review grant applications and decide the allocation of funds to proposed projects by a majority vote of the full Committee membership.

What is the Grant Making Committee (GMC)?

The Grant Making Committee (GMC) has authority over TGIF and all of its functions. The duties of the Grant Making Committee are to promote TGIF and solicit proposals, review project applications, and to determine the allocation of funds to eligible projects.  The Chairperson of the Hunter College Sustainability Council (HCSC) appoints 1 student, 1 faculty-member, and, 1 administration/facilities representative to GMC. The Director of CUNY Institute for Sustainable Cities (CISC) appoints 1 non-faculty staff member of CISC. The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) appoints 1 USG E-Board or Senate member and 1 non-USG student. The Graduate Student Association (GSA) appoints 1 GSA Commissioner.

When are applications due?

All materials must be submitted by Monday October 17^th, 2011. You can find the application here.

When will applicants be notified?

All applicants will be notified of GMCs decision regarding their application by the end of November.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the application process?

Please review the application materials and on-line content carefully, including the Project Criteria, FAQ, the Timeline Template and Budget Template. Someone may have already asked the same question you have! If you still have questions, please email tgif@hunter.cuny.edu with your specific question.

I’m not ready to submit an application but would like to join up with others who are working to make the campus more sustainable. How do I do that? CISC can help you find an environmental internship and offers a few sustainability focused courses through the Department of Geography. There are also a number of student groups working to green the campus. Visit the College Association website for a list of student groups.

Do I get to keep all the things I bought for the purposes of project completion?

No, any purchase of supplies, materials, clothing, etc., remains the property of TGIF and may not be retained by any individual. All items purchased with TGIF funds have to be given to the GMC at the end of the project.

Will GMC publicize my project?

The GMC does not have the capacity to publicize any ongoing TGIF projects. You should factor in all publicity related expenditures (printing costs, web and design costs) into your project. However, we will feature all TGIF projects on our website.

Can I apply for a grant that will make physical changes to the Hunter Campus (a roof garden, a composting station, new hand dryers in bathrooms, etc)?

You can, as long as you have a feasible and clear plan for your project. Important things to consider as you map out your project: how will these changes will be made; will it cost Hunter more money to maintain the new physical changes; will an outside company be brought in to make the changes or can it be done by a department within Hunter, etc. Project feasibility and creativity will be an important deciding factor for which projects will receive TGIF funds.

Can I apply for a grant that will require continuing maintenance (a roof garden)?

You can, as long as you have a feasible and clear plan for your project. In this case, it is important to clearly describe in your timeline who will be responsible for maintaining your project after the TGIF grant runs out and after you graduate.

Can I apply for a stipend or a salary as part of my project? You cannot pay yourself a stipend or a salary as part of a TGIF project. You also cannot pay a Hunter faculty member with TGIF funds. You can hire outside advisors, but only 20% of your total budget can be spent on outside advisors.

Can I get credit for my TGIF project? It may be possible to get independent study or internship credit for your TGIF project, however you would have to arrange this with your department.