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Brittany Jansen, Mary Scher, Hayden Howard, Mia Heimbaugh
Long-term Sustainability Partners
Long-term Sustainability Partners
“At Greenprint EcoCreative Consultants, we design long-term sustainable systems for the GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) that strengthen operations, enhance resiliency, and deepen community engagement.”
Our Mission
Our Mission
As professional sustainability consultants, we tackle issues by stepping back from standard problem-solving, thinking outside the box, and moving forward with creative, rewarding solutions. We intend to work collaboratively with the SAP to strengthen the longevity of farm processes through financial sustainability, community engagement, and infrastructural improvements. True sustainability is the root of our passion, and that is what we aim to deliver.
Stakeholders & Assets
Stakeholders & Assets
There are a wide range of stakeholders and assets that could be potentially of use to the SAP. There are many possible partnerships and resources we have taken note of, including ones on-campus, as well as off-campus, local schools, and more! All of these stakeholders and assets offer a unique potential to support the SAP, and a SAP Assets Map is displayed to the right for smooth and easy access.
Research
Research
How do we create long-term sustainability for the SAP?
How do we create long-term sustainability for the SAP?
Funding
Funding
Long-term sustainability for the SAP depends on creating diverse and reliable funding streams. Strengthening alumni connections through events and volunteer opportunities can increase both donations and engagement (Dang, 2025). Forming strategic partnerships with local organizations supports shared resources and long-term financial growth (Hoglund, 2024). Additionally, using targeted grants and small-scale crowdfunding can fund infrastructure improvements while fostering transparency and community involvement (Adamska et al., 2024).
Staffing
Staffing
Dependable staffing is one of the needs of the Sustainable Agriculture Project. Due to budget restrictions, much of the staffing relies on volunteers. One challenge is finding volunteers who are available consistently. In order to meet the labor needs of the SAP, we will coordinate volunteer events that allow people to make connections with one another. Volunteers who form a community while volunteering are more likely to be engaged and loyal to the organization (Yu et al., 2025). Creating more volunteer events will promote the SAP's work and fill the labor needs of the farm.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Having the proper infrastructure to perform farm processes is one of the biggest indicators of sustainability. This includes portable equipment and permanent structures. Right now, the Sustainable Agriculture Project is in need of a new septic system, wash and pack system, and multi-use storage, event, and office facility. The septic system would be able to provide the water needed for an official wash and pack system, which would increase efficiency for the SAP employees when handling produce. The multi-use facility would provide a place to hold new events, store farm equipment in an organized fashion, and for student interns and other employees to perform clerical duties.
Sustainable Farm Practices
Sustainable Farm Practices
There are many benefits to using sustainable farming practices. On a broad scale, it boosts the overall health of the environment, but there are many smaller benefits as well. For example, farming sustainably uses your resources more efficiently and effectively. This reduces waste and uses your resources at hand to their max potential, helping the environment, but also saving money. Another benefit to farming sustainably is increases soil health. The health of the soil is crucial when it comes to farming. Improving the health of the soil is great for the environment, but is also beneficial for the health of the crops you are growing. Following sustainable farming practices help the farmer and the environment.
Prototypes
Prototypes
Alumni Engagement
Alumni Engagement
We will host events to engage with alumni like farm-to-table dinners, volunteer workshops, and mentorship opportunities. This will strengthen connections with alumni and deliver volunteer needs of the SAP.
Connecting with Local Organizations
Connecting with Local Organizations
Networking with other nonprofit and for-profit organizations will help the SAP develop connections and increase visibility within the community. Partnerships formed can give the SAP opportunities to collaborate on projects with other organizations and find new revenue streams.
Partnering with Engineering Department
Partnering with Engineering Department
Partnerships with the engineering department can be utilized to design renovations for the SAP's existing building. This will increase functionality and provide improvment for the farm's operations and long-term success.
Prototype One: SAP Specific Website
Prototype One: SAP Specific Website
This prototype is designed to bring people together, alumni, volunteers, donors, and community partners, all in one space. It highlights the SAP as a living classroom where sustainability, education, and community come to life. Visitors can explore events, sign up to volunteer, plan gatherings at the farm, or donate directly to support the work being done. With real-time impact updates and easy ways to get involved, the page helps strengthen connections, build partnerships, and grow the reach of sustainable agriculture at Grand Valley. Every contribution, big or small, helps something meaningful grow.
(Click on image, then "Open in a new tab", to access website)
Prototype Two: Volunteer Events with Alumni Storyboard
Prototype Two: Volunteer Events with Alumni Storyboard
This storyboard showcases volunteer ideas to create long-term staffing solutions. Volunteer groups will be organized based on alumni availability and expertise. At volunteer events, alumni and other volunteers can can expect to develop farming skills, network and provide mentorship to others. Along with volunteer events, alumni, students and donors can expect consistent updates about the farm's progress and needs. This prototype offers essential staffing solutions for the SAP along with the opportunity for community growth.
(Click on image, then "Open in a new tab", to access website)
Volunteer Solutions Prototype ENS 401.pdfwashpackbrochure.pdfPrototype Three: Wash-Pack Station Design
Prototype Three: Wash-Pack Station Design
This prototype contains feasible suggestions to create a designated wash-pack station at the SAP. Doing so will free up space in the main garage for other activities and items, and make the washing and packing processes simpler and more efficient for SAP employees. The brochure contains materials that the SAP already has, ones needed, our team information, and how we plan to accomplish this task alongside the engineering department here at Grand Valley.
(Click on image, then "Open in a new tab", to access document)
Prototype Four: Connect with Local Organizations
Prototype Four: Connect with Local Organizations
This prototype is a step by step process on how to the SAP could connect with local organizations. It involves using the SAP Assets and Stakeholders Map that our team created to see potential organizations and resources that could be available to the SAP. You can pick one of the organizations, research it to see how you could help and benefit each other, and then reach out. If the connection is succesfully made, you can collaborate on a project and maintain that relationship for the future. This would be beneficial to the SAP, as it could create great relationships and amazing opportunities for the SAP.
(Link to the SAP Assets and Stakeholders Map)
(Click on image, then "Open in a new tab", to access document)
Our Team
Our Team
Brittany Jansen
Content Coordinator & Editor
Mary Scher
Team Lead & Communications
Hayden Howard
Design Strategist
Mia Heimbaugh
Research & Development Support
Sources
Sources
Adamska, J., Almpanis, A., Amon, C., Baah-Peprah, P., Fanea-Ivanovici, M., Fornalska, A., … & Shneor, R. (2024). Civic Crowdfunding: Driving Community Engagement for Sustainable Development. https://research.imc.ac.at/files/37580015/SU-CCES_report_WP2_final.pdf
Dang, J. (2025). From Giving to Doing: Factors Influencing Alumni Volunteerism. https://aspire.apsu.edu/bitstreams/3126b08d-93a7-4762-ab2e-17388901717b/download
Hoglund, J. (2024). Successful Strategic Partnerships of Nonprofit Organizations: A Case Study (Doctoral dissertation, St. Thomas University). Successful Strategic Partnerships of Nonprofit Organizations: A Case Study - ProQuest
Sharma, P., Sharma P., & Thakur N. (2024). Sustainable farming practices and soil health: a pathway to achieving SDGs and future prospects. Discover Sustainability, 5(250). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43621-024-00447-4
Yu, Y., Tan, X., & Tan, Y. (2025). Understanding Volunteer Crowdsourcing from a Multiplex Perspective. Information Systems Research, 36(1), 107–125. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2022.0290
Feedback or Suggestions
Feedback or Suggestions
Any feedback and suggestions are welcome! We are looking for insight on the feasibilty of our prototypes, the relevance to the SAP, and areas of interest from the community. Your feedback is invaluable and we will use it refine our final deliverables. Thank you!
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