SEED Funding Research Grant Program

The SEED Funding Research Grant Program seeks to support research on issues at the intersection of business and sustainability (e.g., what is the economic impact of environmental catastrophes? How does a commitment to sustainability elevate profits? What is the environmental impact of digital technology? How can consumers be persuaded to adopt sustainable lifestyles? etc). In particular, the program seeks to support research that engages students. Because many Regis students do not have the financial resources to offer their assistance for free, many are unable to conduct research with professors, as they must prioritize paid work. I would like to have enough grant money to support not only the research itself but also student stipends so that students can gain the research experience necessary for graduate school or their careers and enhance their experience while at Regis. In fact, student research with faculty has been shown to enhance retention, and it can be used to attract prospective students (Gen Z is particularly passionate about sustainability). Such research is also in line with Pope Francis' 7-Year Journey Towards Integral Ecology a commitment to which Regis has signed on. Outward-facing copy, further explaining the program, is below:

Climate change has increasingly been labeled an existential threat by both climate scientists and major world leaders. Given that business is one of the most powerful institutions on earth, some business leaders and educators have called for business educators and practitioners to realign the systems, tools, and assets of business with the tenets of social and environmental sustainability in order to protect our planet and advance environmental justice. While there is a significant business case to be made for such realignment in terms of reducing operational costs, attracting talent, and courting customers, little conclusive research exists to support more sustainable business operations. This lack of data has meant that many business leaders have thus far been disincentivized to change their practices for more environmentally friendly ones. Moreover, while many consumers express positive attitudes toward sustainable brands, actual consumption behavior often does not reflect these professed attitudes.

Enter the SEED Funding Research Grant Program. This responsible business-focused program aims to provide financial support for faculty/student-led research, exploring sustainable business practices and consumer behaviors that can inform current business practice, business education, and policy. Your gift on Regis Gives Day will help to fund student stipends to conduct this important research. For Regis students, this represents an incredible opportunity to engage in innovative sustainable business research, which may help these students find career paths in the corporate sustainability field or gain access to top MBA or other graduate school programs. Moreover, it will help them to develop close relationships with faculty, which has been shown to increase academic success.
Help Regis do more for our planet by funding student research on sustainable business practices this Regis Gives Day. Your gift of any size could help support the research needed to save our planet and provide our students with a life-transforming education.