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?

TGIF stands for The Green Initiative Fund. The 2009 Spring quarter elections passed the TGIF fee referendum where all undergraduate students will pay $3.50 per quarter (excluding summer school) to fund sustainable projects on campus.

What is a sustainability project?

For the purpose of TGIF, sustainability projects are defined as initiatives that shall reduce the environmental impact of the UCI campus.

What if I am receiving financial aid and cannot pay the $3.50 Sustainability fee?

One-third of the money received will be returned to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship for students who receive financial aid. These students will not be affected by this fee referendum.

What is the $3.50 Sustainability Fee being used for?

The funds will be used for sustainable projects on UC Irvine’s campus. Projects include infrastructure upgrades, educational opportunities, and equality outreach.

How do I apply for some of The Green Initiative Fund money?

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

How is the funding dispersed?

The Sustainability Grant Making Committee decides on which projects are approved based on the most sustainable projects. Funding is dispersed in increments based on progress made by each project.

Do we get our money back if the money is not used?

No, the unused money will rollover to be used in the following quarter.

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

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

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 may prove to be ineffective. Many factors are taken into consideration, but rest assured that all applications will be equally considered.

What if my project doesn’t get approved, can I still apply at a different time?

Yes, you may still 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.

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

Email your idea with your name to tgif@asuci.uci.edu and we will make sure to reply in a timely fashion.

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

Please email your questions to tgif@asuci.uci.edu.