Higher education institutions play a key role in achieving sustainable development and creating a pathway toward a sustainable future by reducing the adverse impact that campus operations have on the environment and make positive contributions to society by conducting research and teaching students, faculty, staff, and the community about sustainability (Filho, Will, et al., 2019; Tilbury, 2011). There are many barriers and challenges to implementing sustainability practices and sustainability efforts in higher education including absence of support from leadership, lack of awareness among stakeholders, insufficient financial resources, and inadequately trained personnel (Aleixo et al., 2018; Tilbury, 2011). Measuring, assessing, and reporting sustainability progress is a key factor in achieving sustainable development (Caeiro et al., 2020). The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) measures higher education institutions' sustainability performance in academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership (Schmidt & Rocconi, 2021). This study used correlational research to determine the impact that funding sources have on higher education sustainability achievement as measured by STARS. The research revealed that the amount of funding that institutions receive in federal grants has the strongest correlation with the STARS scores. Qualitative research was used to determine what elements support the successful implementation of sustainability within the university. The findings indicate that institutions with a strong correlation between federal grants and STARS scores typically have an office of sustainability, a sustainability officer, and sustainability personnel. These institutions also have a sustainability strategic plan, plans for sustainability in curriculum and research, campus engagement, operations, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]