Sustainability Award

Community Sustainability & Behavioral Intervention Award

All Indiana University undergraduate students are invited to submit project proposals aimed at fostering environmental and behavioral shifts to enhance community well-being. This initiative seeks actionable strategies that address local environmental challenges through systemic or individual change.

This award accepts applications year-round, with a spring semester deadline of March 30 and a fall semester deadline of September 15.

Benefits

• Funding: Successful proposals will receive a minimum award of $1,500.
• Dissemination: Recipients will be granted the opportunity to present their findings at a campus-wide symposium or professional conference.
• Publication: Finalized projects will be formally published in recognized university proceedings.
  
  

How to apply

Use these elements to set up your application for success. Your proposal should be submitted as a PDF or Microsoft Word document.

Project Title: (Concise and impactful)
Lead Researcher: (Your name and email)
Academic Department: (e.g., School of Public and Environmental Affairs)
Target Community: (Define the specific demographic or geographic area)

I. Executive Summary

Provide a high-level overview (200 words or less) of the environmental issue, your proposed intervention, and the expected community impact. This is your "elevator pitch" for the reviewers.

II. Problem Statement & Context

• Current Conditions: Describe the specific environmental or behavioral challenge facing the community.
• Significance: Why does this matter now? Use data or observations to justify the need for intervention.
• Literature Review: Briefly cite existing studies or similar projects that inform your approach.
  
  

III. Project Objectives

Outline what you intend to achieve. Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).

1. Objective 1: Behavioral change goal
2. Objective 2: Environmental modification goal
   
   

IV. Methodology & Implementation Plan

This is the "how" of your project.

• Intervention Strategy: Describe the specific actions you will take (e.g., installing infrastructure, launching a social marketing campaign, or policy advocacy).
• Behavioral Framework: What psychological or sociological theory are you using to inform or educate the community toward change?
• Timeline: A phase-by-phase breakdown of the project (Discovery, Implementation, Evaluation).
  
  

V. Impact Assessment

How will you define success?

• Quantitative Metrics: Example: Reduction in waste, number of community participants.
• Qualitative Metrics: Example: Improved community sentiment, increased environmental literacy.
  
  

VI. Budget Justification

A preliminary breakdown of how the minimum $1,500 or more will be used.

• Materials/Supplies: $(Amount)
• Outreach/Marketing: $(Amount)
• Administrative/Other: $(Amount)
  
  

VII. Sustainability & Future Directions

Describe how the project’s impact will continue after the initial funding and how the findings could be scaled or presented at the required conference.

Apply now

If you have any questions, please reach out to hscholar@iu.edu.