About the SESF
Learn about the Student Environmental Sustainability Fund and how it began at Bellevue College, as well as some examples of past approved proposals. Students, staff, and faculty can get a sustainability (environmental and/or social justice related) focused project funded, check out the funding steps below!
- Information on the Student Environmental Sustainability Fund
- Examples of Proposals Approved by the SESF Committee
- Read more about the SESF Committee
- Read more about the history of the SESF
To get more of a grasp on what sustainability is and involves:
Sustainability: Fulling the “needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987) including but not limited:
- Environmental conservation to avoid the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance;
- Social justice and equity/equality matters relating to race, ethnicity, gender, economic status, and any other aspect that may act as a barrier.
- Economic sustainability: ability to support a defined level of economic production indefinitely.
Social Justice project examples include: feminine product drive, helping homeless communities, and implementing diversity speakers in events!
How to obtain Student Environmental Sustainability Funds for your project, in four easy steps!
Step 1: Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)
The LOI is reviewed by the Associated Student Government representative for Social Responsibility. The Letter of Intent prepares the Office of Sustainability and SESF for proposals, and helps the Office provide applicants with advice and assistance for navigating the application process. Be sure to submit well in advance. The last LOIs are due TWO WEEKS prior to the committee meeting. Please click on the link below to access the Letter of Intent Form below.
After submitting an LOI, it will be reviewed by the ASG Social Responsibility representative and the Office of Sustainability. Applicants will then be sent follow-up guidance or the application materials. Application materials include the following:
- Application Form: The application asks that you explain your project, its impact on campus, and how the campus community benefits from the project.
- Budget Form: This form asks that students breakdown their spending plan.
- Letter of Support (LOS): The LOS is like a letter of recommendation. If the project alters physical space, the LOS would be from the person in charge of that resource. Otherwise it could be from an instructor or staff member.
*If you would like to set up a meeting to go over your idea before submitting your forms, email sustainability@bellevuecollege.edu to schedule a meeting.
Step 2: Present to SESF Committee
You will be informed about the next upcoming SESF meeting, usually held twice per quarter. Submitted applications will be reviewed by the SESF. The SESF Committee will ask that applicants present their project to the committee.
Step 3: Present your experience in front of the Associated Student Government (ASG) at a Board of Directors Meeting (BOD)
The ASG Board of Directors meetings occur every other week (see ASG website or visit Student Programs in C212 for their meeting schedule). In these meetings, they allocate student money to clubs and programs for events and travel opportunities. This relates to us because In order for any SESF project to be fully approved and funded, it must be voted by the majority of the ASG members in the BOD meeting after SESF approves.
Step 4: Come back and share with ASG!
Since this is student money allocated by the Board of Directors, it’s courteous to share and debrief with the committee about failures and successes. Keeping ASG in the loop is important. It shows that you (or your group) followed through and it helps ASG understand and better support you in the future. For questions, please contact asgsocial@bellevuecollege.edu or call (425) 564-5089.
Last Updated July 3, 2019