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What is TGIF?

Established in 2009, The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) is designed to empower undergraduate students with the financial resources to fund projects regarding the 3 main aspects of sustainability:

  • Ethics
  • Environment
  • Economy
Funded by a $3.50 per quarter “sustainability fee,” The Green Initiative Fund is a student-run funding board, housed under the Internal VP Office of ASUCI, for sustainable projects at UC Irvine. It is composed of 5 board members with voting power, and several interns. About $120,000 per academic year is available in grants for undergraduate students, organizations, or collaborative between organizations to apply for in the form of project proposals. The principle goal of the Green Initiative Fund is to provide funding for projects that reduce the University’s overall impact on the environment and create a more sustainable atmosphere on campus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is TGIF?

The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) is a student-run board designed to empower undergraduate students with the financial resources to fund projects that promote sustainability on campus. TGIF is funded by a $3.50 per quarter “sustainability fee”.

What is a sustainability project?

For the purpose of TGIF, sustainability projects are defined as initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of the UCI campus. (See TGIF_UCI Policy: Bylaws: ARTICLE XII. PROJECT SELECTION)

How do I apply for a project grant?

All UCI undergraduate students are eligible to apply for project funding. Applications are available on this website: https://tgif.asuci.uci.edu/submit-project-ideas/

What if I have an idea but am not sure if it will be approved, who can I talk to?

Schedule office hours with a TGIF commissioner at https://tgif.asuci.uci.edu/contact-us/

Can I apply after a project deadline?

Yes, applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. The last date to apply is the last deadline of Spring Quarter.

What projects do not get approved?

Any project already mandated by UC Policy or Federal/State Law will not be approved. Also, projects that the Grant Making Committee decides is not sustainable or do not follow TGIF bylaws may prove to be ineffective.

Common stipulations:

Many factors are taken into consideration, but rest assured that all applications will be equally considered. (See TGIF_UCI Policy: Bylaws: ARTICLE XI. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS).

Can I apply for more than one project at a time?

Yes, you can apply for more than one project at a time.

How is the funding dispersed?

Once the grant application is approved with an itemized budget list, a contract is created and sent to the applicant. The applicant can then purchase items approved in the contract. TGIF will reimburse purchases in alignment with the contract. Applicants may also purchase items using the TGIF credit card (coordinated with the Accounting or Sustainability Commissioner).

What if my project doesn’t get approved, can I edit and reapply?

Yes, you may resubmit with edits and get approved within the same funding period. You may also apply at a different funding period. Do make sure to take the comments and criticisms made by the Committee into consideration when re-submitting projects.

My question wasn’t answered in this FAQ section, what should I do?

Please email your questions to tgif@asuci.uci.edu or schedule office hours with a TGIF Commissioner at https://tgif.asuci.uci.edu/contact-us/!