The Southern Company Foundation
Sustainability Professorship
Supported by The Southern Company Foundation
The HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative (HBCU SCI), is creating a broader impact through a Sustainability Professorship, funded by the Southern Company Foundation. The Sustainability Professorship aims to increase the capacity of HBCUs to develop student offerings in the areas of environmental studies, climate change, sustainability studies, energy policy, economic development, urban planning, and related areas. The goal is to equip students with the necessary lens to identify and potentially address economic and environmental issues in their communities.
Opportunity
Four selected HBCUs in the Southern Company’s geographic footprint will receive a $500,000 grant after raising $500,000 in matched funds. This will establish $1 million endowments at each institution, expected to yield $50,000 per year towards the salary of a professor in sustainability.
Eligibility:
- HBCU must be located in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, or Virginia
- Ability and commitment to raise $500,000 in matching funds
- Submit a fully completed application by March 25, 2025.
Sustainability Professorship Grant Application
Click the link to download/print Sustainability Professorship
overview and application instructions, or start the application.
For additional information on the Endowment Fund or submission of proposals, contact [email protected]
Timetable
Deadline for submission of proposals: March 25, 2025; 11:59 PM local time
Announcement of Awards: 2025
Grant Funds Released to Awardee: Upon verification of matching funds.
Past Professorship Awardees
Our past Sustainability Professorship Grant awardees include Clark Atlanta University and Stillman College.
Clark Atlanta University was recognized for being a recipient of the HBCU SCI Endowed Professorship Grant during HBCU SCI's Annual Ignite back to school event.
INROADS' President and CEO Forest Harper is photographed with Clark Atlanta University leadership at their 2023 homecoming game. Harper presented them their professorship check on the field.
