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Sustainability

Mini-Grants, Big Impact: NC State Sustainability Fund Awards FastTrack Grants

January 13, 2025
Architecture student Jacob Fremderman works at the Agroecology Education Farm, where he and 14 other students are constructing a building they designed. The new facility will help advance the productivity of the farm, which grows sustainable farm-to-fork produce for university dining halls.

The student-led NC State Sustainability Fund has awarded FastTrack mini-grants to six student-led projects set to be implemented during the Spring 2025 semester. These grants will empower students and campus groups to advance sustainability initiatives and include:

Bird Habitat Restoration at the Agroecology Farm
This project will enhance habitat for native and migratory birds at the campus Agroecology Education Farm. By boosting biodiversity, it supports sustainable farming practices and provides hands-on educational opportunities for students and visitors.

Campus Nature Rx (CNRx)
Launched in Fall 2024, NC State’s CNRx chapter promotes student mental and physical well-being through nature-based initiatives. With grant funding, the program will offer wellness walks, meditation and other stress-reducing activities, supporting the university’s commitment to sustainable development and student health.

Feed the Pack Compostable Containers
In collaboration with the Hindu Society of North Carolina, Feed the Pack Food Pantry will provide culturally responsive halal and vegan meals in compostable containers. This grant offsets packaging costs, allowing for 60 biodegradable meal containers weekly to better serve South Asian and Middle Eastern patrons.

Food for Thought Cooking Class
The Sustainability Stewards will focus on creative ways to reduce food waste while cooking. Students will learn to make recipes like apple scrap jelly and carrot top pesto while exploring campus resources such as nutrition counseling and the Feed the Pack Food Pantry.

Red and White Garden 

Aiming to reduce reliance on imported flowers, this project will encourage the use of locally sourced blooms for campus events. Plans include publishing a guide for buying local flowers and creating a “Red and White” cut flower garden to engage and educate the campus community.

Sustainable Suds
The Sustainability Department of Student Government strives to cut plastic waste laundry by providing free biodegradable laundry detergent sheets in the Feed the Pack Food Pantry and hosting education workshops to promote sustainable laundry practices.

The Sustainability Fund is now accepting applications for its Fiscal Year 2026 grants through February 9, supporting projects planned for the 2025-2026 academic year. Approximately $155,000 is available for selected sustainability projects, which can be submitted by students, faculty or staff. Learn more and apply at go.ncsu.edu/sustainabilityfund.