WHO WE ARE
Our Story
Our Story
A Decade of Impact, A Future of Change
10
Years in Action
20
Countries
22
Fellows
36
Communities
A decade ago, environmental advocate Felicia Davis set out to bridge the gap between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the global sustainability movement. She believed that Black institutions and communities must lead the fight for climate justice, shaping solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future. That vision became the HBCU Green Fund, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to empowering HBCUs with the resources, funding, and leadership development needed to drive meaningful change.
Over the past ten years, Felicia Davis and The Green Fund team have built a dynamic network of students, educators, and activists committed to tackling climate challenges. From funding campus sustainability projects to forging global partnerships, the movement has grown far beyond its origins. Now, as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, HBCU Green Fund is evolving into The Green Fund, expanding its impact to Black communities worldwide. The work continues, the mission grows, and the future is ours to build—together.
The Green Fund Story
10 Years Of Action
2014
The Beginning
The first HBCU Green Report is published, assessing and ranking sustainability efforts at HBCUs.
2015
HBCU Green Fund Is Born
HBCU Green Fund becomes an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, laying the foundation for a decade of climate justice leadership.
2016
Expanding the Vision
Plans for an Africa Office begin, strengthening ties between HBCU students and climate leaders across the African continent.Author Esteemed Pan African Thought Leader Morehouse Lecture Freshman Class Reads “The Beautiful Ones”
2017
Bridging Science & Justice
The HBCU Geoscience Working Group is formed, advancing research in climate science and sustainability at HBCUs.
2018
Powering a Sustainable Future
HBCU Green Fund explores solar energy opportunities at the University of the Virgin Islands, setting the stage for campus energy projects.
2019
Year of Return
Students and leaders from HBCUs travel to Ghana & Senegal, strengthening Pan-African climate collaborations.
2021
Mobilizing in a Crisis
Amid the pandemic, the first BIPOC Climate Justice Dialogue is held, bringing together environmental leaders and policymakers, including John Kerry and Shalanda Baker.
2022
Launch of the HBCU Green Fund Fellows Program, training students in energy audits and climate justice advocacy.
2023
Expanding Our Reach
A Bezos Earth Fund grant launches the West Atlanta Green Initiative, driving urban sustainability. We also introduce HBCU Eco Spring Break, sending students to Senegal and Mauritania for hands-on climate action and global collaboration. From Atlanta to Africa, the movement grows.
2024
Restoring Our Roots
The HBCU Green Fund leads the restoration of Truly Living Well Farm, launching the first Urban GreenFest to promote sustainable urban agriculture.Ten years after the historic 2014 HBCU Green Report we partnered with UNCF in a deep dive into HBCU green initiatives (2024)
2025
Power of Ten: A New Decade, A Bigger Impact
As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we are evolving and expanding—HBCU Green Fund is now known globally as The Green Fund, reflecting our broader mission to empower Black communities globally in sustainability and climate action. To mark this milestone, we’re launching the Power of Ten Campaign, raising $10 on behalf of every HBCU student to create the youth-managed Green Fund that fuels sustainability projects and climate leadership for the next decade. The future starts now!
Gallery
10 Years of Sustainable Change
