Saint Joseph’s University · Meeting Prep Brief
Prepared for the 2:00 PM meeting with the new Director of Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability at Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia.
Most time-sensitive operational play. PennDOT NEVI EV charging - the Southeastern region proposal window closes August 21, 2026. Flag it first.
Clearest academic-side opportunity. The PA DEP Environmental Education Grant reopens in August 2026 - well-timed to prep over the summer.
Natural fit for ecological landscaping. PHS TreeVitalize, with a fall application deadline cycle and up to 75% of project costs covered.
Worth an eligibility check first. Approach the William Penn Foundation through its Environment & Public Space RFPs - it typically funds nonprofits and community orgs in Greater Philadelphia.
PennDOT (state / federal NEVI program)
Funds public EV charging infrastructure across Pennsylvania communities. The Southeastern region round is currently active.
Pennsylvania DEP
State program that has funded campus EV and fleet / charging infrastructure - including a prior $3.3M DEP award to Penn State for electric vehicles and charging. Worth a follow-up look for fleet and charging support.
PennDOT / DVRPC (federal funds via the regional MPO)
Funds bike and pedestrian facilities, sidewalks, bike parking, safe routes, and trail connections. DVRPC recently awarded $17.5M to 12 PA projects in March 2026, so the cycle is active - target the next call.
Resource guide (CycleSafe)
Overview of federal and state grants that can fund bike parking in 2026 (TAP, STBG, CMAQ, RAISE). A useful reference for stacking funding sources.
U.S. EPA
Funds recycling and composting infrastructure. New rounds typically open in the fall - monitor for the next funding opportunity.
Closed Loop Partners (private)
Private funder supporting composting projects and infrastructure.
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Covers up to 75% of project costs (25% match required) for tree planting and stormwater / rain-garden plantings. A strong fit for landscaping projects.
TreePennsylvania
Statewide tree canopy grants, recently around $120K+ awarded across 17 communities.
Philadelphia Water Department
A local partner for rain gardens and stormwater installations. Worth contacting for partnership funding on campus green infrastructure.
PA DCNR
Grants over $50K for tree planning and planting.
Curricular and co-curricular funding. The Director specifically wants to know what is available on the academic side.
Pennsylvania DEP
The most directly relevant state program for an academic institution - schools and nonprofits are explicitly eligible.
U.S. EPA
Federal program supporting the design, demonstration, and dissemination of environmental education practices. Universities are eligible.
A model SJU could build, not an external funder. Peer institutions like Duke (Climate & Sustainability Education Innovation Fund) and Georgia Tech (Undergraduate Sustainability Education Innovation Grants) run internal faculty grant programs SJU could replicate - a useful “what we could create” reference.
William Penn Foundation (Philadelphia-based)
Runs an RFP-based Environment & Public Space program. A current RFP, “Improvement of Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia,” fits campus walkways, landscaping, and green public space.
Caveat: WPF generally funds nonprofits and community organizations in Greater Philadelphia, so SJU should confirm eligibility or consider partnering first.