Be the Change Project Grant

The Sustainability Department is awarding grants of up £1000 to support student-led sustainability projects. We are looking for curious and experimental ideas that connect with our Be the Change campaign, departmental Climate Action Plans, Sustainability Policy or support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

So, whether your initiative aligns with our circular economy principles, will help the university to cut greenhouse gas emissions, or will help engage more staff and students in climate change conversations, we want to hear from you.

How it works:

The Be the Change sustainability grant runs throughout the year - there is no application deadline.
The funding limit per project is £1000. However, we may consider additional funding for an exceptional project proposal and the final value awarded will depend on the project’s scope.
The project must be student-led. University of Bristol students can partner with staff, the University’s schools and departments, as well as local communities in the city.
You can apply anytime between September and February each year. We aim to review entries within six weeks of submission and make funds available within a further six weeks.
Entries will be judged by the Sustainability Team and a cross-University panel.

Need inspiration?

The University is on a journey to reduce its carbon footprint to net zero. Here are just two initiatives you may wish to link your project to: .

Be the Change

We’re encouraging staff and students to try six lifestyle challenges to reduce their carbon impact. As part of the campaign we’re hosting regular talks and events to open up discussions and focus on aspects of sustainability and the University’s Sustainability strategy.

Departmental Climate Action Plans

We coordinate and support each department to develop and implement bespoke climate action plans (CAPs). Our online CAP tool helps to set out the specific carbon reduction activities that directly impact Scope 1 and 2 emissions, before the associated CAP Committee, consisting of staff and students, tailor to their particular needs.

For more inspiration and details of projects and initiatives, including information around our connections with the local community, check out our Get involved pages and sustainability reports.

Application Process

Email your proposal to the Be The Change Team. Provide an overview of your project and team members, explain how you plan to spend your grant and how your project links to the Sustainability Strategy, SDGs, Climate Action Plans or Be the Change campaign.
Record a video pitch. The video should be between 2 to 5 minutes long. The video format is flexible; you can use Zoom to record your screen or record it on your phone. We ask all team members to participate in the pitch.
Application assessment. The judging panel will assess the entries and respond to applicants within six weeks. The judges’ decision is final, and we will provide you with feedback.
Receive the grant. Successful entries will receive the funds and keep us updated on progress at agreed intervals. We’re asking all successful applicants to provide us with a project review at the end of the project timeline. You should also be prepared to create promotional content such as blogs, videos and images that we can share with the wider University.

Need inspiration?

The University is on a journey to reduce its carbon footprint to net zero. Here are justtwo initiativesyou may wish to link your project to:

Be the Change

We’re encouraging staff and students to try sixsustainable lifestyle challenges to reduce their carbon impact. As part of the campaign we’re putting on monthly talks and events to open up discussions and focus on different aspects of sustainability and the University’s sustainability strategy.

Departmental Climate Action Plans

We coordinate and support each department to develop and implement bespoke climate action plans (CAPs). Our online CAP tool helps to set out the specific carbon reduction activities which directly impact Scope 1 and 2 emissions, before the associated CAP Committee tailors actions to their particular needs. Both staff and students participate in plan delivery and official signoffs by Schools Heads.

For more inspiration and details of projects and initiatives, including information around our connections with the local community, check out our Get involved pages and sustainability reports.

Terms and Conditions

Read the Be the Change Grant (PDF, 135kB) docuement, providing more detailed information on selection criteria and application process.