Sustainable Development Grant
Create a more sustainable campus with the York SU's Sustainable Development Grant.
The University of York Students’ Union Sustainable Development Grant is designed to fund staff and student projects aimed at improving sustainability at York. Funded by the University’s Latte Levy, it helps York SU deliver on the commitments they set out in their Declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency.
Important information
Who can apply for the grant?
The grant is open to students, student groups, the Students’ Union, and university staff, with priority given to student-led projects.
What kind of projects are funded?
Projects aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are eligible for funding. Those that benefit the wider University of York community have a higher chance of success.
Application deadlines 2024/25
The Sustainable Development Grant will be accepting applications every semester, so you can apply for funding at any point during the academic year. Applications are reviewed at the Sustainable Development Grant Administration Group meeting which take place on a bi-monthly basis.
The remaining review dates for the 2024/25 academic year are:
- 20 March 2025
- 16 May 2025
- 21 July 2025
For your application to be considered please ensure you have submitted your application at least a week before the review deadline.
Current and past projects
The Grant can be used to fund a really wide range of student and staff projects. Here’s just a few examples of past projects that have been awarded Grant funding:
Sustainable theatre operations
The Technical Theatre Society has been awarded funding to roll out the use of rechargeable batteries in their operations - reducing the waste generated by their activities.
Beekeeping hives and equipment
The Beekeeping Society has been awarded funding to invest in hives and PPE equipment to kickstart their activities.
Schools' Climate Action Support Event
The grant is also sponsoring the Schools' Climate Action Support Event and the KS3 and KS4 York Sustainable Cities workshop run by staff at the Department for Education.
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A climate board game
A PhD student created a climate action board game to help students explore climate action decision making in their day to day life. The funding allowed the student to produce physical versions of the game that have since been distributed and played across the University.
Talks on gender issues
The Feminist Society has received funding for a series of Lunch and Learn events throughout the year. These events are aimed at raising awareness of gender issues and offering students a space to explore these issues with guest speakers.
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‘From Waste to Growth’
The Green Chemistry Sustainability Team’s ‘From Waste to Growth’ initiative aims to use coffee waste to make compost for use in the Green Chemistree Garden.
Health Science herb garden
The University’s Department of Health Sciences cultivated a small herb garden to serve as a site for education and wellbeing.
Creatures on Campus
Student volunteering group Creatures on Campus set up three new trail cameras to expand on how biodiversity on campus is monitored. With more access to seeing campus' wildlife, the aim is to encourage more students to engage with wildlife on campus.
A campus allotment
The University’s Executive Operations Department created a campus allotment to foster sustainability, community, and staff wellbeing.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the SU Sustainable Development Grant or have difficulties filling out the application form, please contact Connor Briggs, York SU's Community Manager via c.briggs