Sustainability Initiative Funds

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is Saskatchewan’s primary provider of skills training and technical education and plays a critical role in the development of the province’s labour market. In its commitment to contribute in building a new Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Polytechnic fosters applied research initiatives that create ecological awareness and/or promote social and economic responsibility.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic, through the Office of Applied Research and Innovation, will provide funding support to selected projects that will contribute to bridging sustainable development challenges with practical and innovative solutions. Project scope can be of institutional nature (Saskatchewan Polytechnic wide) and/or involve an external partner. Project partners can be industry/private sector small and medium enterprises (SME’s), other research institutions, hospitals or clinical settings and/or other government institutions. It is expected that the partner will contribute resources and expertise in a collaborative fashion for the project execution and will fully implement the project in its everyday operation.

Sustainability: Sustainable development is seeking to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations. We have to learn our way out of current social and environmental problems and learn to live sustainably.

Education for sustainable development aims to help people to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge to make informed decisions for the benefit of themselves and others, now and in the future, and to act upon these decisions. Source: UNESCO http://www.unesco.org/en/esd/

SIF grants contribute up to $6,000 per award and up to three (3) awards are available per competition year. The term of the grant is one (1) year, commencing on July 1, ending June 30.

Application will be subject to review by the Advancement of Applied Research Committee (AARC) and deadlines will coincide with SARP funding.

The sustainability initiatives fund is open to all Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s academic units. Participation from students is desirable and strongly encouraged.

SIF grants are awarded in support of projects and activities that would lead to the improvement of processes in areas such as waste management/reduction, energy saving initiatives, resources optimization, etc. The funding opportunity is open to a wide range of sustainability projects, however projects with added benefits would be considered first. (i.e. projects that promote inclusion/engagement of a wide range of stakeholders transcending organizational boundaries; advancing current initiatives to the next stage; involving faculty/students in collaborative efforts). Applications must clearly identify the subject matter and the anticipated result, as well as their fit with the concept of education for sustainable development. Projects that represent a faculty’s own research project, as part of their graduate studies program or dissertation are not eligible. 

SIF funds may be used for any operating expenses associated with the delivery of a sustainability project; however, project eligibility will be assessed on the basis of a sound implementation plan, with a specific timeframe and milestones schedule, supported by a corresponding budget. Expenses may include: direct costs such as release time stipends (Saskatchewan Polytechnic employees only), student stipends, purchase of materials and supplies, rental of specialized equipment, surveys and questionnaires design, etc. Other indirect costs may include printing of project material, reasonable travel expenses, proposal development and technical writing that may lead to a larger project, etc

Applicants will be advised of results within one (1) week of the AARC meeting in spring. If successful, funds will be available for use commencing the following July 1 each calendar year. SIF award recipients will access their funds through the establishment of a project org, under the financial responsibility of the applicant. Org set up will be coordinated by the OARI and will be communicated to the funds recipients within three (3) weeks of the award notification. 

If projects require ethics approval, such must be provided to the OARI before an org can be communicated to the recipient, and no use of funds will be allowed without a proper valid ethics protocol.

Project expenses must be incurred between July 1 and Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s year-end payable cut-off dates. SIF award holders are responsible to follow year-end financial deadlines to avoid over expenditures to their project accounts.

Awards recipients will be required to submit a brief report to the OARI's Research Support Coordinator summarizing the results and potential developing opportunities. Provision of awareness workshops at Saskatchewan Polytechnic on the research will be encouraged.

Applicants complete electronic application form, and submit to dean’s office. The dean’s office will submit on behalf of the applicant to the OARI Research Support Coordinator.

For further information and/or assistance in completing applications:
Applied Research Research Support Coordinator
Office of Applied Research and Innovation
4500 Wascana Parkway
PO Box 556
Regina, SK S4P3A3
306-775-7320