EcoFund
The mission of the EcoFund is to foster the design and implementation of campus sustainability initiatives and to put into action one of CC’s core values, “nurturing a sense of place and an ethic of environmental sustainability." Additionally, we hope to align all projects with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
EcoFund is available to enrolled Colorado College students, staff, and faculty. The EcoFund provides financial support for projects, events, or research. The applicant will be responsible for initiating, implementing, and advocating for the project, event, or research.
Established by the Campus Sustainability Council (CSC) and maintained through the Office of Sustainability, applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year. Applications may be awarded up to $3,000 per project.
application process
The Idea
If you are interested in making CC more sustainable, we are interested in funding your idea! Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to apply as long as your idea works to advance one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) AND aligns with sustainability initiatives on campus.
The Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year and should be submitted at least one block/one month prior to the proposal’s anticipated start date. All applications may be submitted through the EcoFund Summit portal. Each application will include the following information and are required for submission:
- General Information
- Project Name
- Project Leads
- Project Sponsors (Students Only)
- Estimate Project Dates
- Detailed Budget (Find Budget Template to download under More Information)
- Written Responses (See More Information)
- Project Description
- Sustainability Alignment
- Campus Engagement
- Project Benefits
- Estimated Timeline
- All projects should plan to be completed within a one-year timeframe once approved. Projects may be extended on a case-by-case basis.
Review and Feedback
Once submitted, the EcoFund will review your application. The review process may take up to three weeks, so be sure to plan accordingly. Once reviewed, the applicant will either receive one of three responses:
- Ready for Funding: The application aligns strongly with the EcoFund mission. It is well-thought-out in regards to practicality, clearly communicating the goals of the project. The budget is accurate and reasonable, the timeline is plausible, and there are strong evidence and support for the proposal.
- Next Step: Let’s plan a kickoff meeting!
- Needs Work: The application aligns with the EcoFund mission. There are some questions regarding budget and/or timeline, and we want to review the project with the applicant prior to making a final decision.
- Next Step: Let’s revisit the application together. There may be a list of questions sent to address concerns.
- Does Not Fit: The application either loosely or does not align with the EcoFund mission. Regardless of the level of detail, the Eco Fund is not the appropriate funding source for this proposal.
Kickoff Meeting
If the application has been approved, a kickoff meeting will be scheduled with the applicant and an Office of Sustainability staff member along with any other necessary persons. The purpose of the meeting is to confirm a mutual understanding in regards to funding, project timeline and completion, communication expectations, and any maintenance.
Follow Up
A final report is asked to be submitted via email within 30 days of completion. It should include:
- A review of measurable impacts, as it benefits CC students and sustainability initiatives on-campus
- Updated budget sheet indicating the actual amount of funding that was spent. If all funds were not spent, an Office of Sustainability staff member will work with the applicant or stakeholder to transfer funds back to the Eco Fund.
- Picture or video of the in-progress or completed proposal. Each project will be highlighted on the Office of Sustainability website with a visual.
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More Information
Written Responses
You will be asked to elaborate on these three areas.
- Sustainability Alignment
- Specify how the project aligns with on-campus sustainability initiatives, nurturing a sense of place, and/or creating an ethic of environmental sustainability? Additionally, specify how the subject matter of the proposal aligns with at least one or more of the UN SDGs?
- Campus Engagement
- Specify how the project demonstrates a significant engagement with the CC community and/or the broader CO Springs community? Does this project enrich the student experience at CC? Explain how students are either directly involved in the implementation or are indirectly engaged in the aftermath of the project.
- Project Benefits
- This doesn't necessarily have to be financial, but the proposal should identify co-benefits during or after the project (financial, social, curricular, etc.) that benefit the CC community. To what extent does this proposal deepen the educational impact for students, faculty, and/or staff on campus?
Funding Guidelines & Budget Template
Please use the following template to itemize a list of anticipated costs. Explore and seek out cost quotes with the necessary parties prior to submitting an EcoFund application.
Funding Restrictions
The EcoFund does not fund the following:
- Funding for club membership, national affiliations, and/or state delegations
- After-the-fact spending, personal reimbursements, and/or repayments of debt
- Donations to organizations or entities on or off campus
- Projects aimed at building retrofits or equipment upgrades
All purchases and expenses must be approved by the EcoFund in the original proposal. Changes in funding must be approved and discussed with the EcoFund before they are made or expenses are incurred.
Other Funding Sources
If you are seeking or have received additional funding, please note that project leader(s) will be responsible for coordinating between all funding sources to ensure that funding is secured and properly recorded.
Funded Projects
Flow Green Day
Flow Green Day
Spring 2023
Project Overview
Flow Green Day on April 24th, 2024, featured interactive educational activities and free menstrual cups for students in celebration of Earth Week. Informational posters covered sustainable menstruation and menstrual cup usage. Around 90 students stopped by the event, with 66 menstrual cups distributed to students, with the remaining donated to Mesa High School and the CC Pantry. Additionally, a portion of the students were also given cup sterilizers, to sustainably sanitize the product.
SDG Alignment
Sabrina Ng '27
Independent Student
Bike To Work Day
Bike to Work Day
Spring 2022
Project Overview
Bike to Work Day aligns with Colorado College’s aim to encourage alternative transportation methods. By encouraging alternative transportation methods, such as biking - we are fostering community between staff and faculty and encouraging people to see that biking is not only more sustainable — it can also be more enjoyable.
SDG Alignment
Cormac McCrimmon '23, Charlie Lynch '23, Nicky Booth '24, & Henry Hodde '24
Office of Sustainability Transportation Team
Llamapalooza Reusable Cups
Llamapalooza Reusable Cups
Spring 2022
Project Overview
By offering reusable cups at Llama for at least 200 students, we could save up to 1,200 plastic cups from entering the bins at Llamapalooza. This is because each student can purchase 6 drinks throughout the festival... that's a lot of cups. If we have the ability to offer a reusable option, the only responsible choice is to do what we can to make that happen. Fewer one-use items being thrown out, the better.
SDG Alignment
Cass Kennemur '22
Campus Activities