A working tracker of real, recurring funding for the sustainability priorities at Saint Joseph’s University - prepared for Elizabeth Main, Director of Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship. Filter by focus area, scan deadlines, and jump straight to each portal.
The Foundation’s updated strategic plan centers on Environment and Public Space and Children and Families. Quarterly distributions are expected around August - September 2026, with the next major RFP cycle for 2027 worth tracking for the “Improvement of Public Spaces” and “Environmental Justice” categories.
Next distributions
Aug - Sep 2026
Major RFP cycle
2027
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Public Spaces
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Env. Justice
PennDOTState
Statewide funding to build out publicly accessible EV chargers, released in regional rounds across the next two cycles.
Why it fits SJU
Strong fit for a public-facing Level 2 or DC fast charger on a campus lot that serves both the SJU community and the surrounding neighborhood.
PECORegional
Rebates covering 50% of make-ready costs, up to $2,000 per charging port, for commercial customers in PECO territory.
Why it fits SJU
SJU is in PECO territory. Pairs well with the PennDOT round to lower the net cost of installed ports.
Federal Highway AdministrationFederal
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure formula funding for corridor and community charging, administered through PennDOT.
Why it fits SJU
Best suited if a campus site sits along a designated alternative-fuel corridor; worth confirming corridor proximity with PennDOT.
FHWA via PennDOT / DVRPCFederal
Federal funding for bike and pedestrian paths, sidewalks, ADA upgrades, and transit-alternative projects.
Why it fits SJU
Use for sidewalk connectivity, protected bike paths, or safe crossings linking campus to transit and the neighborhood.
PennDOT / DCEDState
Grants for projects that improve mobility and safety, including bike lanes, walkways, streetscape, and transit access.
Why it fits SJU
A good vehicle for larger campus-edge mobility work; typically requires a local match.
Better Bike Share PartnershipNonprofit
Funding for micromobility pilots focused on equity, access, and ridership among underserved communities.
Why it fits SJU
Fits a campus bike-share or accessibility pilot with a stated equity goal.
Clean Air CouncilNonprofit
Assistance for installing bike racks at commercial and institutional sites in Philadelphia.
Why it fits SJU
Low-lift quick win for adding secure bike parking at high-traffic campus entrances.
PA DEPState
Performance grants calculated from documented recycling tonnage and municipal population.
Why it fits SJU
Recurring revenue tied to measured diversion - reinforces the value of strong campus recycling data.
PA DEPState
Covers up to 90% of approved costs for recycling equipment, collection containers, education, and program expansion.
Why it fits SJU
Ideal for capital purchases - balers, bins, signage, or an education campaign to expand campus diversion.
U.S. EPAFederal
Federal grants supporting waste diversion, recycling infrastructure, and improved collection systems.
Why it fits SJU
Reach for substantial infrastructure ambitions; competitive and best pursued with a clear diversion plan.
PA DCNRState
Support for lawn-to-meadow and lawn-to-forest conversion, tree planting, and urban canopy projects.
Why it fits SJU
Directly funds converting maintained turf to meadow or woodland and expanding the campus tree canopy.
PA Native Plant SocietyNonprofit
Small grants supporting native plant education, restoration, and student research.
Why it fits SJU
A natural tie-in to student research and the educational story behind a campus native-plant garden.
Pennsylvania Horticultural SocietyNonprofit
Greening programs and technical support for planting, stewardship, and community green space.
Why it fits SJU
Strong local partner for greening campus-edge parcels and engaging the surrounding community.
Penn State ExtensionUniversity
Guidance and formal recognition for gardens managed as functional pollinator habitat.
Why it fits SJU
Adds credible recognition to ecological plantings and a visible milestone for campus storytelling.
U.S. EPAFederal
Annual grants supporting environmental literacy projects and community-based action.
Why it fits SJU
Well-sized for a curricular or co-curricular project pairing learning with measurable local action.
National Environmental Education FoundationFoundation
Multiple grant tracks for hands-on environmental education and stewardship programming.
Why it fits SJU
Watch for tracks aligned to higher-ed and community engagement programming.
AASHENonprofit
Resources and frameworks for establishing campus 'Green Funds' and campus-wide sustainability education.
Why it fits SJU
Use the AASHE toolkit to structure an internal Green Fund and benchmark against peer institutions.
The portals you’ll return to most, in one place. Each opens in a new tab.
Saint Joseph’s sits at City Avenue on the western edge of Philadelphia, spanning both Philadelphia and Lower Merion. That footprint shapes which programs apply: the campus is in PECO service territory, eligible for PennDOT and DCED mobility funds, and within reach of Philadelphia greening and bike partners.
