Spring Grant Application Process

Spring Grants

The Spring TGIF Grant program gives preference to larger and more complex projects that center climate change, environmental justice and sustainability topics. It is a two-stage application process and occurs during each Spring Semester. 

The 2025 TGIF Spring Abstract cycle is open between Monday, December 9th, 2024 - Friday, February 14, 2025.

All UC Berkeley students, staff, and faculty are able to submit an Abstract for consideration. Granted projects should be active between May 2025 - April 2027, though most TGIF projects are completed within one academic year. TGIF funds cannot be used to reimburse project costs incurred before the grant is awarded (May 2025). Grant requests must be more than $5,000.

2025 Spring Grant Timeline

Phase 1

  • Phase 1 Abstract Open - December 9, 2024
  • TGIF Info Sessions - 
    Friday, January 24, 2025 - 11 AM (Zoom - Register here)
    Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 5 PM (SERC Space - RSVP here)
    Monday, February 10, 2025 - 5 PM (SERC Space - RSVP here)
  • TGIF Abstract Assistance

    • TGIF 1:1s - online or in-person during entire grant period, get project advice, ask questions or clarification, or receive advice on your project (Make Appointment here)

    • TGIF Walk-In Abstract Review - in-person between February 3rd - February 13th, 2025, talk to the TGIF Team in-person and get personalized feedback on your Abstract (exact days and times confirmed in late January 2025)

  • Abstracts Due - Friday, February 14, 2025 at 5 PM PST.
    All projects must submit an Abstract to be eligible for Spring funding. Late or incomplete applications, or applications who did not attend a mandatory 1:1 or info-session will not be accepted or reviewed. 
  • Abstract Decision - Monday, February 24, 2025 by 5 PM PST.
    Please note that not all projects will be invited to submit a final application. 

Phase 2 (Invitation Only)

  • Final Application Open - Monday, February 24, 2025
  • Application Workshops - TBD
    Two in-person application workshops will be offered between March 3rd and March 20th, offering a combination of final application information, resources, and personalized advice.
  • Final Applications Due - Friday, March 21, 2025 at 5 PM PST.
    Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted or reviewed

Grant awardees will be publicly announced at the Spring TGIF Celebration on April 25, 2025.

Hives at Haas: Two students wearing beekeeper hoods look at an open beehive frame covered in bees with a professional beekeeper

Questions or need help?

Book a 1:1 with a TGIF Team member or join our office hours!

2025 Spring Grant Application 

Steps to Apply 

Phase 1 

Complete a three-page Abstract - utilizing the Abstract Submission Guidelines - providing a summary of your intended project scope, information about your planning progress, as well as any permissions your project will require to succeed. Abstracts are due Friday, February 14, 2025 at 5 PM PST. All applicants must attend an info session or TGIF 1:1 in order to be considered for funding.

All Abstracts will be reviewed by the TGIF Committee and only certain applicants will be invited to submit a Final Application.

Phase 2 (Invitation Only)

If you are invited to submit a Final Application, you will have between February 24, 2025 - March 21, 2025 to prepare your Final Application materials. The Final Application aims to collect specific and actionable information about your project, demonstrating that your Project team has all of the necessary permissions, organization, and support to achive your stated goals. 

The Final Application is comprised of four documents, which must be submitted via email by the application deadline - Friday, March 21st 2025 at 5 PM PST. Project leaders must (1) ensure that all project materials are viewable, meaning that sharing settings have been properly updated to allow the TGIF Committee to review your application. 

Final Application Materials

Coming Soon

Application FAQs

Planning Your TGIF Project

TGIF has funded over 350 innovative and forward-thinking sustainability and environmental justice projects since 2008, providing over $5 million in direct funding to 106 registered student organizations, 226 campus departments, and provided over 650 paid student internships. 

If you are thinking about applying for a TGIF Spring Grant, please browse our Funded Project Archive, which can provide guidance and support for applicants as to what kind of projects TGIF has funded in the past, as well as archival project applications. Please note that the TGIF Application has changed through the years, as have the needs of our campus community around sustainability and environmental justice.

TGIF projects are all unique, however most projects can be organized within the following themes:

  • Agriculture & Food Justice
  • Energy Efficiency & Conservation
  • Environmental and Climate Justice
  • Environmental Education & Behavior Change
  • Habitat Restoration & Native Landscaping
  • Transportation & Urban Development
  • Waste Diversion & Reduction
  • Water Conservation & Efficiency 

As you are thinking about your project, these questions can help narrow your focus and ensure you are a good fit for TGIF

  • Does this project meaningfully address an sustainability, environmental or climate justice issue that affects the UC Berkeley community?
  • Has this been attempted before? Are other groups doing this? Is there a benefit to making something new or should I collaborate with existing programs?
  • Who are my co-collaborators? Who can support me in getting this project completed, and are there campus permissions that I'll need to finish my project?
  • How does this project meaningfully involve students? How will I bring attention to my project outside of my campus department/student organization? Is this project a responsible use of student fees?