Applications are open for the 2026 Green Investment Fund

Up to $100,000 available for campus sustainability projects

The University of Manitoba invites the campus community to turn sustainability ideas into funded action this Sustainability Month through the 2026 UM Green Investment Fund. Applications open on October 13 and close December 23, 2026. 

Established in 2023, the Green Investment Fund is a $1-million revolving fund created to support projects across the university that advance UM's Sustainability Strategy and Climate Action Plan, and its ultimate goal of reaching net zero by 2050. 

Because it's a revolving fund, awarded projects are expected to repay the amount they receive within a maximum of 10 years, allowing the fund to support new ideas year after year.

Who can apply

The call is open to the entire UM community: students, faculty, and staff alike, and applications with representation across multiple groups are especially encouraged. Whether the idea comes from a single student or a joint effort between a department and a student club, all are welcome to apply.

What gets funded

Projects can request between $10,000 and $100,000, and proposals are evaluated on their potential to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduce energy use
• Reduce water use
• Reduce waste
• Incorporate renewable energy
• Reduce demand on infrastructure
• Demonstrate financial payback within a maximum of 10 years

Past recipients have tackled projects spanning the Climate Action Plan's four pillars: waste, energy and buildings, transportation, and land, turning everyday ideas into measurable progress toward UM's climate goals.

How to apply

Anyone considering an application is encouraged to contact the Climate Action Plan project manager with questions before getting started by emailing sustainability@umanitoba.ca . Once questions are answered, applicants can complete the online application form.

With the window now open, UM encourages anyone with an idea, big or small, to cut emissions, save energy, reduce waste, or otherwise move campus closer to net zero to submit an application  before the December 23 deadline.