Instant Impact Fund | ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Do you need immediate and uncomplicated support in realising a sustainability idea?

The Instant Impact Fund is for small, impactful projects - whether you’re organising an inspiring event, launching an awareness campaign or setting up a pop-up repair shop. If you have a great idea, let’s make it happen!

CHF 2’000 for your small and effective sustainability project at the ZHAW!

There are no fixed deadlines for applications - projects are reviewed on an ongoing basis and funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

We can fund 10 projects per year.

Prerequisites

The project leader is employed or enrolled at the ZHAW until the end of the project.
Your project relates to a short time frame (less than one year).
Your project promotes sustainable development in at least one of the three dimensions environment, society or economy and relates to one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Your project will take place on the ZHAW campus or in the region.

Submit your project!

Do you have any questions? Send us an email to sustainable@zhaw.ch

Evaluation process

After project submission, ZHAW sustainable carries out a formal review of the applications received.
Evaluators from the SIP Board are randomly assigned applications, which they evaluate according to the following criteria:
- Impact (incl. social impact): Potential of the project to contribute to a sustainable transformation at the ZHAW (in particular through the implementation of Agenda 2030 and the 17 SDGs) and to promote a culture of sustainability at the entire university and in the region.
- Dissemination: Dissemination and communication of the project internally and externally via the channels relevant to the target groups.
- Feasibility and efficiency: feasibility of the project and its management as well as the use of the budget.
ZHAW sustainable decides on funding based on the evaluation and feedback from the SIP Board.
The project leads will be informed of the decision within one month of the project submission.
After completion of the project, a short final report with the most important information on the results and the use of funds must be submitted.

FAQ

Question	Answer
Who can apply for the Instant Impact Fund?	All members of the ZHAW are eligible to apply (students and staff).
What happens if my project is selected?	hen comes the exciting part! After you have received an email from ZHAW sustainable with practical information, you can start your project and secure funding according to your project plan.
What is included in the financing?	The grant covers all project costs, from the pen for the project plan to the train you take to an important meeting. All we ask is that you are transparent and responsible and keep us informed about the progress of your project. Without exception, flight costs will not be covered.
What is considered a sustainability issue?	Sustainability has a broad spectrum: we accept submissions for all environmental, social and economic projects - and any combination in between. We like to be surprised!
Can I resubmit my project after it has been rejected?	Yes, you can apply again. However, make sure that you have taken into account the feedback you received with your first application.
I have a larger and longer-term project idea, what should I do?	The ZHAW has many different offers to promote sustainability initiatives - Find out here which offer is best suited to you.
Can I submit several projects?	Yes - as long as the projects you submit are different from each other, you can submit as many applications as you have ideas for!