Sustainability

The Sustainability Fund is aimed exclusively at students. Funding is available to individual students or student initiatives (registered student associations or departmental student representative committees) planning a sustainability-related project on the campus of Bielefeld University. "Sustainability" is not limited to ecological sustainability, but also includes economic and social aspects.

Target group

Students

Application period

The application period runs until the end of July 2023. Applications are processed on a monthly basis. Deadlines: Jan. 31, Feb. 28, March 31, April 30, May 31, June 30, July 31.

Goal

Revitalization of student life with a special focus on sustainability (projects), promotion of projects and initiatives on campus related to sustainability.

Requirements

• All currently enrolled students, registered student associations and departmental student representative committees at Bielefeld University are eligible to apply.
• Funding is available in particular for events (e.g. honoraria) and smaller projects related to sustainability on campus, but also for justified travel expenses, for example for interviews for final theses on the topic of sustainability or other smaller student research projects (e.g. BA/MA final projects).
• Conference expenses and related travel to scientific symposia are excluded from funding, for which reference is made to the University Society's conference stipend.
• The disbursement of funding is conditional upon the submission of receipts/purchase documents for expenses incurred as well as a project report on the history and added value of your project in relation to sustainable development on campus (at least one DIN A4 page) no later than four months after receipt of a commitment.

Funding amount

The maximum funding amount is generally 300 euros gross on a one-off basis. In individual justified cases, the funding amount may be higher.

Intended use

If funding is approved, the funds must be used exclusively for the purposes specified in the funding application. A transfer to other purposes is not possible. A short report (one DIN A4 page) on the project and its history is also mandatory. For some selected projects, a publication of the report - with the prior consent of the author - on the sustainability portal (website) is intended.

Procedure

There is no entitlement to the granting of funds. The Sustainability Office of Bielefeld University will review the proposals received and make a selection taking into account the available financial resources and the planned projects. Should your project be considered for funding, we will contact you via the university email address. If the funds are approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation of the requested amount of funds. Funds will be disbursed upon presentation of an appropriate receipt/proof of purchase. If advance payment is required, this can also be arranged. Reimbursement of costs up to the amount of funds approved for your project will only be made if you submit a receipt for the costs you have incurred together with the project report within 4 months of receiving the approval.