Formerly the Student Organization Funding Program

The Salata Institute’s Climate Collaboration Grant Program (CCG) supports student organizations across Harvard University in launching joint, climate-focused initiatives. Designed to foster collaboration among groups with a shared interest in climate change, the program aims to promote interdisciplinary learning and advance innovative solutions to the global climate challenge. Selected projects may receive funding of up to $7,000.

Past Projects:  Spring 2023 | Fall 2023 | 2024-2025

Program Timeline

The Climate Collaboration Grant will run on an annual cycle. One round of funding will be awarded each fall for 1-year long projects that will be developed and executed over the full academic year.  

Program Qualifications 

• Collaboration between at least 2 university-recognized student groups. 
• A co-developed proposal for a climate-, sustainability-, and/or environmentally related project to be executed over the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Attendance from at least 1 applicant organization at a CCG Climate Connections Event (Sept. 29 or Oct. 14 | 5-7 PM). 

Program Requirements 

• Awarded project groups must participate in an award conferral meeting to accept funding, review the program expectations, and outline a detailed course of action.
• Student groups participating in an awarded project must engage in periodic check-in meetings with the program administrator and submit updates on their status when requested by the Salata Institute.
• Upon completion, project groups must submit
  • A 1 page final report
  • Project metrics
  • 2-3 photographs
• Project groups must adhere to all the programs Funding Restrictions.

Funding Criteria

The Salata Institute will make funding decisions based on the following criteria:

• Collaboration: The extent to which the project allows for meaningful and productive collaboration among two or more student organizations. 
• Connections: The extent to which the proposed initiative forges new connections among students or strengthens existing ones.  
• Impact: The degree to which the proposed initiative contributes to the Salata Institute’s efforts to strengthen research, education, and public engagement on climate change and related environmental issues.

Application Requirements for 2025-2026

• Application Opens: October 14, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 26, 2025 (11:59 PM) 

The application comprises the following sections:    

1. Organization Information: Names of participating student organizations or groups, and a primary contacts
2. Proposal Information
   • Project Details: Project title and disclosure of additional funding sources.
   • Project Description: A 650-word description of the proposed project or initiative and detailed timeline.
   • Project Responsibilities: A 200-word paragraph describing project responsibilities. 
3. Budget & Funding Request: Please review Funding Restrictions. Funding request cannot exceed $7,000.00.
4. Program Agreements

Required Documents – Templates    

• Project Description Template 
• Project Responsibilities Template 
• Budget Form Template 

Please upload your completed templates in PDF format.

Funding decisions for the 2025-2026 academic year will be announced on November 3, 2025. 

Applications Close: 11:59 PM on Sunday, October 26, 2025

   

Program Funding Restrictions

Program funds cannot be used for the following:  

• To pay for Harvard student time. 
• For the purchase of gift cards.  
• For individual student travel.  
• To fund projects that result in direct individual or personal gain. 
• To fund entrepreneurial activities, including business start-up costs, etc.  

Examples of allowable funding expenses include:

• Food and catering costs  
• Event venue spaces and rentals
• Speaker honorariums and travel costs
• Project materials and supplies
• Approved project tools 

Final budgets are approved by the Salata Institute as part of the application process. The Salata Institute reserves the right to request revisions to the proposed budget to fit within the scope of allowable expenses. All applicable Harvard University financial policies and respective School financial policies must be followed. 

Questions? Contact oona_gaffney@harvard.edu