Dillard University, a UNCF-member institution located in New Orleans, received a $6,000 Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate Grant, according to a university press release. These university affiliates receive funding from the program and state recognition demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability and environmental issues. 

The award will support campus sustainability initiatives including litter prevention, waste reduction and reduction of single-use plastics. It will fund the purchase and distribution of reusable cups, refill stations, student education and sustainability programming.

The grant supports ongoing campus efforts to expand bottle-filling stations across campus, encourage a refill culture and support Dillard’s environmental goals.

“This grant helps us turn sustainable habits into everyday practice for our students,” said project manager Simeon Benjamin in the press release. “It aligns with Dillard’s mission to cultivate ethical, courageous leaders who improve their communities.”

Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate Grants are funded in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Trash Free Waters Initiative. The grants promote student environmental stewardship and engagement.

Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), another UNCF-member institution also located in New Orleans, is also a Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate.

Dillard has received several environmental recognitions over the years. In October 2024, the university was selected as one of the winners of the HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize Partnerships Track Phase 2, which recognizes HBCUs that are making significant strides in developing innovative clean energy partnerships and programs. And the EPA awarded Dillard a $19.94 million Community Change Grant last August, which will allow the university to build resilience hubs, expand bike sharing and electric vehicle charger access, retrofit buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, launch non-degree training programs in clean energy and climate resilience and enhance community resilience in Orleans, St. Tammany and Washington Parishes.

To learn more about Dillard University, visit UNCF’s website.

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