The Miller Foundation presented a $25 million challenge grant to PSU for sustainability-related projects in September of 2008. The gift comes with the challenge for PSU to raise an additional $25 million over the next 10 years to create a total sum of $50 million (funds will be dispersed in $2.5 million increments). This is the largest gift ever presented to Portland State University and the largest grant ever given to a university for sustainability in the United States.

The Miller Grant is intended to support activities and initiatives that promote sustainability at Portland State and within the broader community. The focus on the gift is on enhancing the student experience related to learning about sustainability, strengthening our research and curricular programs, and community engagement. PSU’s vision is to become an internationally renowned university recognized for - among other attributes - its excellence in the field of sustainability. PSU strives to serve as a leading academic laboratory for learning about sustainable approaches using multi-disciplinary approaches in partnership with businesses, government and other organizations.

Key areas of Focus within the Miller Grant:

Enhancing the student experience by broadening our curricular offerings in sustainability, supporting student success in sustainability initiatives, and connecting students with Portland State’s growing network of community partners.

Expanding faculty excellence in teaching and research by enhancing sustainability in the curriculum, developing multi-disciplinary “research groups” and supporting research capacity that address issues that are of regional relevance and national or global significance

Enhancing excellence in community engagement by promoting innovative approaches to engaging our community partners and establishing sustainability-related scholarships and internships for faculty and/or students that provide opportunities to interact with colleagues at the national and international level.

Click here to read the official announcement.