UM Green Fund
The University of Mississippi Green Fund exists to increase, promote, publicize, and fund sustainability.
Supporting innovative sustainability projects on campus
The University of Mississippi Green Fund exists to increase, promote, publicize, and fund sustainability at the University of Mississippi, with the express intent to improve the quality of life for all members of the campus community. Since 2013, the Green Fund has catalyzed environmentally positive change across campus through the fulfillment of numerous unique projects spanning the university’s operations and mission. We hope to continue funding innovative projects inspired by the creative minds of our campus community. Information on how to propose projects can be found below.
Read the UM Green Fund Charter here.
Propose a Green Fund Project
Applications will be accepted through the InfoReady Portal, and proposal formatting guidelines can be found here and in the application description.
Eligibility and Requirements
All UM students, staff, and faculty are eligible and encouraged to submit project proposals. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
All proposed projects must:
- Promote sustainable practices, thinking, and development, in congruence with the goals of innovation, responsible stewardship, and a healthier campus and community.
- Have a clearly defined goal or intended outcome.
- Have a mechanism for evaluation and follow-up after funding has been allocated.
- Detail plans for publicity, education and/or outreach.
Preference will be given to projects that:
- Demonstrate the greatest reduction in the University of Mississippi’s environmental impacts for
the least cost. - Include a strong student-participation component.
- Yield cost savings to the university.
- Improve campus and community connection.
- Incorporate additional or matching funds from sources other than UMGF.
- Build university eminence and perception.
- Demonstrate innovation and/or measurable community benefit.
The UMGF will not support projects already mandated by law or The University of Mississippi policy directive (e.g., basic standards for new building construction), since University of Mississippi is already obligated to allocate funds for such projects. The UMGF will not fund projects that are solely for research purposes; however, a research component will not disqualify a project for funding.
All UMGF funds are subject to state funding laws.
Selection Process and Timeline
Upon submission of this application, a representative of the UMGF will reach out to you to schedule a project proposal presentation. Proposals that request funds over $1,000 must be presented in front of the UM Sustainability Forum for review before referral to the UMGF Committee for funding approval. Projects referred to the UMGF Committee by the UM Sustainability Forum or proposals that request under $1,000 will be reviewed and voted upon by the UMGF Committee within 14 days.
Donate to the Office of Sustainability
Help support ambitious campus efforts to promote and enhance sustainability at the University of Mississippi.
Highlighted Projects
The Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management’s student-run restaurant, Lenoir Dining, is in the process of seeking certification from the Green Restaurant Association. Prior to beginning the certification process, nutrition and hospitality management faculty worked with Facilities Management to make energy-efficient upgrades, conserve water and recycle in the facility. Additionally, all students who work in Lenoir Dining are trained on how to compost through the UM Compost Program. Lenoir Dining also features a sustainable menu at least once per semester, highlighting locally produced ingredients. Because this is a lab operated by students, all undergraduate students and some graduate students will learn firsthand what is required to achieve, maintain and improve sustainable restaurant practices on a daily basis.
Phase two of a project to incorporate more native plants into the university’s landscape was completed in 2017. In November, student volunteers, representatives from Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, and UM faculty and staff planted more than 2200 Christmas fern and wood aster on half an acre of campus near Fraternity Row. Phase one of the project was completed in April 2015, when UM ornithology students installed 142 native plants in the same area to enhance wildlife habitat and provide an educational tool on the importance of native species.
Ole Miss Market Days were a series of on-campus farmers markets intended to educate students, faculty and staff about the importance and many benefits of eating locally as well as to provide resources about where to purchase local foods in Oxford. Through the Green Fund, this event provided access to local produce, honey, bread, Gulf seafood, cooking demonstrations, free samples and more.
The UM Green Fund funded several of the campus’ first hydration stations to encourage the use of reusable water bottles. Locations funded by the Green Fund include Brevard Hall, Holman Hall, the law school and the J.D. Williams Library.