- When and how was the CAFES committee established?
- Where does the CAFES funding come from?
- What kinds of projects does CAFES support?
- Do other universities have similar funds?
- Who can apply for funding?
- I need funding for a different kind of project. Where can I go?
- When can proposals be submitted?
- How is the fund administered?
- What is a "p-card holder"?
- What is a “stakeholder”?
- Where can I find the CAFES logo for advertising?
- What makes a "successful" proposal?
- Want to expand upon/create a project similar to ones that have been done in the past?
1. When and how was the CAFES committee established?
In April 2014 ASWU Senate voted on a proposed Green Fund constitution and held a campus-wide referendum where a majority of voting undergraduate students supported the establishment of The Green Fund program.
Five years later in March of 2019, the 2018-19 committee voted to change the name of the program from "The Green Fund" to the "Community Action Fund for Equity & Sustainability" (CAFES) in order to better represent the overall mission of which has expanded beyond sustainability measures and has now encompassed and become centered around social justice and equity related efforts.
2. Where does the CAFES funding come from?
Willamette University's Community Action Fund for Equity & Sustainability program is supported by a $25 per student semester fee. Currently only non-ASP undergraduate students and students from the AGSM and Law Schools are charged the fee.
The fee is entirely optional, see below.
3. What kinds of projects does CAFES support?
The fund supports a diversity of proposals developed by students, staff, and faculty of CAS, MBA and LAW that advance sustainability, equity, and social justice in the Willamette community. Examples range from period product dispensers in Campus Recreaction Facilities to the P.A.I.D. fund supporting underrepresented students in professional development, to various renovations and initatives at Zena Farm. We are always looking for ideas that address various campus needs and aim to promote the betterment of the Willamette community as a whole. Since CAFES is supported by student fees (CAS, MBA, & LAW students), the Committee prioritizes proposals that provide benefits to students and the Willamette Community as a whole. We always recommend reaching out to our Proposal Consultant to discuss and develop your ideas!
4. Do other universities have similar funds?
The Community Action Fund for Equity & Sustainability Committee builds on the experience of over 150 universities that have established similar funds over the past ten years. Many are student-fee based and most put students in decision-making roles to fund projects that can be proposed by students, staff, and faculty.
5. Who can apply for funding?
The Community Action Fund for Equity & Sustainability Committee accepts proposals from students, staff, and faculty. CAS, MBA, and LAW students may apply for funding and collaborate with staff and/or faculty as needed. Students are welcome to collaborate with other students, faculty or staff from different schools at Willamette (e.g., undergraduate groups collaborating with graduate school groups). As CAFES is a student fee, faculty and staff projects are encouraged to include elements that provide benefits to students and the Willamette Community as a whole.
If applicable, those writing proposals may find it helpful to consult with non-voting members of the CAFES Committee or our proposal consultant who can help share ideas for how a proposal may fit with university policy, planning, and practice.
6. I need funding for a different kind of project. Where can I go?
Even though we are open to all kinds of ideas, there are some projects that are better suited for other types of funding. Below is a list of contacts for alternative funding sources on campus.
List of alternative funding contacts:
If you’re looking for funding for an internship or summer experience, try contacting:
Specific departments:
- Associated Students of Willamette University (ASWU)
- Willamette Events Board (WEB)
- Residence Hall Association (RHA)
- CAS Faculty Fund to Enhance Student Learning (CFFESL)
- Convocation
7. When can proposals be submitted?
The committee has three big deadlines for regular grant proposals each semester. We accept Mini Grant Proposals at anytime throughout the semester until the final regular deadline. All proposals are assessed on a first come first serve basis, and we will continue funding projects till we hit our funding limit for the semester.
For more information about this semester’s deadlines and the proposal process, please refer to the Apply for Funding page.
8. How is the fund administered?
The program is administered by a committee of voting students and non-voting advisory staff. The Willamette University Sustainability Institute is the administrative home for the program. Details about committee actions and processes can be found in the CAFES bylaws.
9. What is a "p-card holder"?
A Purchasing Card Holder, or "P-Card holder" is a staff or faculty person who has a University credit card that allows them to make purchases through the University’s accounting system. For proposals, a P-Card holder should be someone who is willing to assist the proposal authors in needed accounting related tasks such as purchasing or hiring for a project.
10. What is a “stakeholder”?
A stakeholder is someone on campus (generally an employee or faculty member) who has a vested interest in the implementation and continuation of the project. Reach out to all stakeholders early on in your proposal development to make sure they're on board, and try to find folks from different parts of the Willamette community.
When assessing proposals, the Committee looks at stakeholders to ensure that all relavent parties that either will be impacted by your project or will help you with the implementation of your project are in support and have deemed your project feasible.
For example, if you were to apply for a grant for water bottle fillers, we need the Director of Facilities to sign off as a stakeholder to ensure that this project is feasible to implement.
11. Where can I find the CAFES logo for advertising?
You can download the logos here:
12. What makes a "successful" proposal?
- Meet with proposal consultant
- Find appropriate stakeholders
- Ensure fea
13. Want to expand upon/create a project similar to ones that have been done in the past?
Reach out to us and we can get you information on past ways projects have been funded by us to ensure you aren’t wasting your time on a proposal