University offers loans, grants for sustainable project

A university effort to award grants and loans to students, departments and organizations allowing them to implement sustainable projects continues Grand Valley’s commitment to sustainability.

The Sustainable Community Development Initiative is now taking applications for projects to be awarded through its new Community Reinvestment Fund. Bart Bartels, SCDI project manager, said the fund will provide start-up capital for projects that will add value to the campus community, such as energy-saving or recycling ideas.

Details and an application are online at www.gvsu.edu/sustainability, click on “Sustainable Community Reinvestment Fund.” A committee of faculty and staff members will review applications and oversee loan and grant disbursement. Wendy Wenner, dean of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, is the committee chair.

Committee member Brian Copeland, assistant vice president for Business and Finance, said the reinvestment fund totals $35,000; he added that most projects will be funded for less than $5,000.

The deadline for applications is November 15. For more information, call the SCDI at 616-331-7366.