Sustainability Fund Awards First FastTrack Grants

The student-led board of NC State’s Sustainability Fund has awarded its first grants in a new mid-year funding opportunity geared specifically for student projects.

Every fiscal year the Sustainability Fund distributes up to $180,000 annually in student fee-generated funds for sustainability projects that benefit NC State’s campus and students.

This is the first year that the FastTrack grant has been offered as a way to accelerate the completion of small projects.

Grants in the amount of $1,000 are awarded to:

• A group of NC State students in a senior design course developing an innovative tool kit to convert a vehicle from gas-powered to hybrid
• Period @ NC State, which advocates for increased use of sustainable feminine hygiene products across campus
• College of Veterinary Medicine students, who will promote sustainable dining options with reusable utensils
• Zero Waste Wolves student organization, which will introduce a pilot paper towel compost system in Bragaw and Metcalf Residence Hall bathrooms.

Additionally, the Fund’s board awarded a $150 grant to SOUL Garden and the student chapter of Engineers Without Borders, which have partnered to develop a bike-powered irrigation system.

“Our goal with the new FastTrack cycle was to give students access to funds for projects to be completed within the same academic year. This category allows us to cater to senior design projects and smaller initiatives from student organizations,” said student Maddie Macmillan, who chairs the Sustainability Fund Advisory Board. “We’re excited to see what is accomplished by the projects coming out of this pilot program and hope that the FastTrack grant will continue to grow in years to come.”

Recipients will utilize the grant funding before June 2019.