The Sustainability Institute is committed to advancing research and innovation in the interdisciplinary areas of sustainability and resilience as well as to expanding teaching and learning opportunities for students. We offer competitive funding programs to foster an academic ecosystem that transforms bold ideas into applications and knowledge that benefit communities in Ohio and beyond.
Funding
Funding
The Sustainability Institute provides financial support to catalyze and connect teams of faculty, students and staff interested in advancing innovation and scholarship in sustainability fields.
This funding program fosters interdisciplinary faculty research at Ohio State on sustainability and resilience topics to help solve pressing sustainability challenges. The average grant size is $25,000.
Contact: Kathy Jackson
The 2026 funding cycle has closed. The 2027 funding cycle is anticipated to open in autumn 2026.
Research teams representing two or more disciplines are eligible to apply for grants of $5,000 to $25,000 to assist in developing proposals for external funding for sustainability priorities. Grants are available until all annual funding is committed. Institute support is also available in the form of Research Collaboration Services.
Contact: Charlene Brenner
The 2026 funding cycle has closed. The 2027 funding cycle is anticipated to open in autumn 2026.
This unique funding program supports sustainability living labs that provide hands-on innovation and learning opportunities that also advance sustainability practices by the university or its community partners. Project proposals up to $50,000 will be considered.
Contact: Mike Shelton
These grants support student research in sustainability and resilience. Priority is given to student research that creates opportunities to use Ohio State’s campuses as living laboratories or connects the university to our local communities. Grants are capped at $5,000.
Contact: Gina Jaquet
The 2026 funding cycle has closed. The 2027 funding cycle is anticipated to open in January 2027.
Additional units at Ohio State offer funding programs that include support for sustainability-related research, learning and campus operations. Funding amounts vary by program.
Ohio State Energy Partners Academic Collaboration Awards
President's Research Excellence Competition