Circular Economy grants — page 11
658 listings tracked right now · page 11 of 14
Circular economy funding has moved from a niche industrial-decarbonization sub-theme to a top-line priority in the EU (Circular Economy Action Plan, Horizon Cluster 6), the UK (DEFRA Resources & Waste Strategy), and a growing list of MDB programmes. The 2024–2026 wave concentrates on textiles, electronics, plastics, and battery materials. Listed below are the open circular economy grant calls in that landscape, taken from each funder's own notice and re-checked on every refresh.
Industrial grants are capital-heavy and correspondingly slow. The recurring large pots are the EU Innovation Fund, the US Industrial Demonstrations Program, and the UK Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, all of which expect a named site, a credible counterfactual for emissions saved, and matched investment already committed. Smaller circular-economy and waste calls come through EU LIFE, national environment agencies and local authorities, where the eligibility is broader and the cheques are far smaller.
This page lists open circular economy grants currently tracked by Raise Lens — 658 of them right now, sorted with the soonest deadline first. Every listing has been classified against the sustainability taxonomy rather than matched on keywords, so what appears here is circular economy work rather than anything whose description happens to mention it.
The funders publishing circular economy grants here include Katapult, Diamond Challenge, Bpifrance, among 2 others. Who is funding matters as much as what: eligibility, reporting burden and the realistic timeline to a decision vary far more between funders than between individual calls.
Geographic coverage on this page spans GLOBAL, GLOBAL-SOUTH, SUBSAHARAN-AFRICA, AFRICA, EUROPE. Eligibility is usually tied to where the work happens or where the applying organisation is registered, and the two are not always the same — worth checking before investing time in an application.
A Blue Economy Venture Fund
••••• organisation
The funder Ocean is an active impact investor backing founders building ocean and blue-economy technologies across transportation, circularity, ocean data, energy, and food/water sectors. The fund provides equity investment to early and growth-stage companies advancing ocean sustainability and blue-economy solutions.
Waste & Recycling Innovation Prize
••••• organisation
This is a topical innovation prize awarded by the funder to teams developing advancements in waste management or recycling that promote sustainability. It targets entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators working on waste and recycling solutions.
Green Loan
••••• organisation
The funder's Green Loan finances ecological and energy transition projects for French SMEs and mid-sized companies, supporting process innovations, renewable energy integration, zero-carbon mobility, and circular economy initiatives. Loans range from €50,000 to €5,000,000 with fixed rates and no collateral required.
Plan plasturgie
••••• organisation
Plan plasturgie is a French government-backed support programme for SMEs and ETIs in the plastics and rubber processing sector, offering consulting, diagnostics, and a 12-24 month accelerator to help companies optimise operations and transition to lower-carbon, resource-efficient business models. The programme combines strategic business support with ecological transition tools including energy audits, carbon accounting, eco-design, and supply chain resilience.
Specialized Funds – Industrial Project Companies
••••• organisation
SPI is a specialized investment fund by the funder that provides minority equity investment and technical expertise to companies scaling innovative industrial technologies, particularly during the industrialization and production phase. The fund targets technology-driven industrial transformation including Industry 4.0 redesigns, with a commitment to ESG and energy/environmental transition.
Specialized Funds – FIEE
••••• organisation
FIEE is a €100M specialized investment fund by the funder targeting operational companies in renewable energy, circular economy, and environmental sectors across Europe. The fund invests via equity and quasi-equity instruments in energy producers, project developers, and technology suppliers—not project-specific infrastructure vehicles.
Specialized Funds – Wood3
••••• organisation
The funder's Fonds Bois & Eco-Matériaux is a €75M specialized investment fund providing equity and quasi-equity financing to SMEs and mid-sized enterprises in the French wood and bio-sourced materials sector. The fund supports productive investments, market recapture, and international expansion across eight sub-sectors including wood transformation, construction, furniture, and bio-sourced innovation.
Île-de-France Regional Guarantee Fund
••••• organisation
FRG Île-de-France is a regional guarantee fund programme that finances investment programmes for SMEs and microenterprises in the Île-de-France region through bank loans covering material and immaterial investments. The programme supports business creation, transmission, development, and innovation, with particular emphasis on green and sustainable projects.
South Climate Loan
••••• organisation
The South Climate Loan is a participative debt financing product from the funder supporting SMEs in the PACA region to fund investments in energy and ecological transition, including working capital increases, compliance costs, and team development. It removes traditional barriers like asset guarantees to help close the financing gap for businesses undertaking climate and environmental transition.
AURA Region Energy Loan
••••• organisation
A preferential loan programme from the funder supporting small and micro-enterprises in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to finance energy transition and environmental impact reduction projects. Eligible investments include energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, circular economy, sustainable mobility, and green innovation with no collateral requirements.
Agricultural Biogas Loan
••••• organisation
This is an unsecured loan from the funder designed to finance farm-based anaerobic digestion (biogas/methanization) units in France, covering investment costs not met by bank debt and working capital needs. It targets agricultural enterprises seeking to deploy biogas technology as part of France's energy transition strategy.
Anaerobic Digestion Loan
••••• organisation
This is a debt-financing programme from the funder and ADEME that funds the construction and deployment of anaerobic digestion facilities for biogas injection into networks or combined heat and power generation. It targets enterprises and organisations building methane production infrastructure, covering tangible assets, intangible assets, and working capital.
Cap Rebond Transition Centre Val de Loire
••••• organisation
Cap Rebond Transition Centre Val de Loire is an unsecured loan programme for SMEs and mid-market enterprises in the Centre Val de Loire region undertaking investment programmes that advance technical, energy, and environmental transitions. The programme finances intangible investments, tangible assets, and working capital needs related to sustainability and modernisation initiatives.
Overseas Investment Subsidy
••••• organisation
This grant provides subsidies to businesses in French overseas territories for capital investments that reduce environmental impact and energy consumption, aligned with the Trajectoire Outre-mer 5.0 sustainability objectives. Eligible enterprises can fund projects addressing waste reduction, carbon neutrality, agricultural pollution, and social inclusion.
Diag Ecoconception
••••• organisation
Diag Ecoconception is a diagnostic support programme that helps SMEs improve environmental performance of products, services, and processes through ecodesign and life cycle analysis. The programme provides 18 days of expert consultant support over 10 months, with 60-70% co-financing from ADEME based on company size.
Center-Val de Loire Accelerator for Ecological and Energy Transition
••••• organisation
An accelerator programme run by the funder supporting enterprises in the Centre-Val de Loire region pursuing ecological and energy transition innovations. The scheme targets early-to-growth stage companies seeking capital, mentorship, and network access to scale climate and sustainability solutions.
Feasibility Studies Program for Biogas Projects for Thermal and/or Electrical Uses, and Biomethane for Transportation Use
••••• Institute
This grant funds prefeasibility studies for biogas and biomethane projects in Spain, helping companies and public entities assess the technical and economic viability of converting organic waste into renewable energy for thermal, electrical, or transport applications. Eligible applicants include waste-generating organizations seeking to evaluate biogas deployment before full investment.
RENOCICLA programme
••••• Institute
Programa RENOCICLA funds the establishment of recycling and second-life facilities for renewable energy equipment (solar panels, wind turbine blades, batteries) and innovation projects in eco-design of renewable energy capital goods. The grant supports circular economy advancement in Spain's renewable energy sector through non-repayable subsidies totaling €100 million.
Improvement of Maritime Pine Stands with Potential for Resin Tapping
••••• organisation
This grant funds forest management activities—thinning and natural regeneration of maritime pine stands—to revitalize Portugal's natural resin production sector and reduce import dependence. Eligible applicants can improve pine stands in priority resin-tapping areas while advancing sustainable forestry, wildfire risk reduction, and rural development.
Zero Waste Mining And Critical Minerals
••••• organisation
This grant funds research and innovation projects focused on zero-waste mining practices and sustainable extraction of critical minerals. It is targeted at organizations in Finland working on mining technology, circular economy solutions, and resource recovery.
Renewable Energy Promotion in Developing Countries
••••• organisation
REPIC funds renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resource efficiency projects implemented by Swiss organizations in developing countries, with grants up to CHF 150,000. Eligible applicants include companies, NGOs, institutes, and other Swiss entities targeting sustainable energy and resource solutions in the Global South.
Support for Early-Stage Businesses
••••• organisation
AgDevCo provides direct investment capital (minimum US$250k) to early-stage businesses with proven business models, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. The fund targets agricultural and related sectors with potential for rapid growth and regional expansion.
Green Chemistry Initiative
••••• Foundation
This grant funds research, education, and industry adoption of safer, more sustainable chemicals and chemical processes aligned with green chemistry principles. It targets researchers, educators, and companies seeking to advance sustainable chemical innovation and practice.
Sustainable Business Development
••••• Foundation
Funding for sustainable business models that address poverty and environmental challenges simultaneously. Eligible applicants can develop and scale ventures combining social impact with environmental sustainability.
Circular Economy
••••• Foundation
This grant supports circular economy initiatives focused on extending product lifespan through sharing, reuse, repair, and renovation of materials and products. It targets organizations implementing circular business models and waste-reduction strategies.
EarthON Fund: A blended capital fund combining grants and equity investments to back climate ventures creating…
••••• organisation
EarthON Fund is a blended capital vehicle combining grants and equity investments to support climate ventures that deliver both livelihood and environmental impact across proof-of-concept, go-to-market, and scaling stages. It targets entrepreneurs and climate ventures in sectors like agroecology, circular economy, and decarbonization, offering a mix of equity, debt, coaching, and grant support.
EarthON Accelerator
••••• organisation
EarthON Accelerator is a hands-on mentorship and bootcamp programme supporting grassroots entrepreneurs, NGOs, and startups working on climate and sustainability challenges through thematic competitions, expert access, and micro-grants. It targets early-stage teams across agroecology, circular economy, decarbonization, and renewable energy sectors.
Deep Demo Slovenia
••••• organisation
A place-based transformation programme in Slovenia focused on advancing circular economy practices and sustainable resource management. The grant supports organizations and initiatives working to implement circular economy models at the regional level.
Regional Roadshows & Hackathons for Bio-Economy Founders
••••• organisation
Three two-day roadshow events in France, Slovenia, and Greece connecting rural bio-economy founders with investors, corporates, and domain experts through matchmaking and pitching. This is a networking and investor-connection programme for early-stage rural bioeconomy ventures.
UK Regional Airport Community Greener Future Fund
••••• Foundation
This fund supports environmental and sustainability projects in Bedfordshire, North Hertfordshire, and surrounding areas, with grants up to $12,500 provided by London Luton Airport through the funder. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, community groups, and local organizations working on climate and environmental initiatives.
Greening our Communities
••••• Foundation
A mission-driven grant programme from the funder supporting environmental and green initiatives that benefit Norfolk communities. Eligible projects advance sustainability, conservation, and climate action at the local level.
Herts Green Impact Fund
••••• Foundation
This grant provides up to £1,000 combined with hands-on training to local VCSE (voluntary, community, social enterprise) organisations to implement sustainability and green improvements. It supports both short and long-term environmental initiatives within Hertfordshire.
A Chemical Company's Corporate Venture Fund
••••• organisation
The funder's €250M evergreen fund invests in early-stage startups (seed to Series B) developing technologies aligned with BASF's strategic priorities: CO2 reduction, circular economy, new materials, biotechnology, AI, and software. The fund targets companies with proven technology and market traction globally.
Solutions and Impact
••••• Foundation
This grant funds projects inspired by nature that deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits, supporting nature-based solutions and sustainable initiatives. It is open to organizations and projects that broaden societal participation in sustainability and conservation.
Impact Investing
••••• organisation
The 11th Hour Project invests in companies and social enterprises developing solutions to urgent social and environmental challenges. This is a broad impact-investing vehicle open to early-stage and growth-stage ventures across multiple sustainability sectors.
Minerals + Materials
••••• organisation
This grant funds projects that protect communities and ecosystems from harms caused by transition mineral mining, plastic production, and associated waste streams. It targets organizations working on circular economy, waste reduction, and environmental justice across the supply chains of these extractive and manufacturing sectors.
BEGREEN AFRICA Programme
••••• Foundation
BEGREEN AFRICA is an entrepreneurship programme by the funder that provides funding and support to African entrepreneurs launching green and sustainability-focused businesses. The programme targets early-stage founders building solutions across climate, renewable energy, circular economy, and environmental sectors across Africa.
Green Chemistry Initiative
••••• Foundation
This grant funds research, education, and industry engagement to advance the development and adoption of safer, more sustainable chemistry practices. It targets researchers, educators, and industry partners working to replace hazardous chemicals with greener alternatives across sectors.
European Climate-Focused Investment Fund and Accelerator
••••• Foundation
Norrsken Evolve is an investment fund and accelerator programme supporting pre-seed and early-seed stage founders across Europe building resilient and sustainable businesses. It combines capital deployment, in-person sprint support, and access to a global founder community focused on climate, sustainability, and resilience solutions.
Bharat Shubharambh Fund
••••• organisation
India-focused impact investment fund deploying up to $75M in growing SMEs that advance climate action, livelihood for underserved communities, and gender equity through their business models. Targets profitable, scalable enterprises demonstrating measurable social and environmental impact.
Asia Fund for impact investment
••••• organisation
Impact investment fund deploying USD 30 million across South and Southeast Asia to support ESG-committed, purpose-driven SMEs in climate, livelihoods, and gender equity. Prioritizes women-owned or women-led enterprises with focus on clean energy, food systems, waste management, and related sustainable sectors.
Conscious Scaling
••••• organisation
The funder' Conscious Scaling is a sustainability-focused programme supporting portfolio founders in building category-winning businesses through responsible scaling practices and sustainability initiatives. The programme targets early-stage to growth-stage companies with a primary focus on sustainable business models and environmental responsibility.
Construction Startup Competition
••••• organisation
Annual global startup competition funding innovative construction technology startups across green construction, productivity, supply chain, and future-of-construction verticals. Winners receive cash prizes, pilot opportunities, and investor network access.
A Sustainability-Focused Venture Capital Fund
••••• organisation
Patagonia's corporate venture capital fund invests profits into early-to-growth stage startups developing scalable solutions for land, water, air, and biodiversity crises, with focus on regenerative food systems, apparel sustainability, and natural ecosystems. Eligible companies must address systemic environmental challenges strategically relevant to Patagonia's core apparel and food businesses.
a US food-sector venture fund
••••• organisation
The funder invests in disruptive technologies and strategic partnerships advancing protein innovation, alternative proteins, and sustainable food systems. The fund targets startups and companies developing solutions that reshape the future of food production and supply chains.
Venture Capital Programme from a Chemical Materials Company
••••• organisation
Dow's strategic venture capital programme invests in early-stage and growth-stage start-ups globally that develop enabling technologies in specialty chemicals, advanced materials, plastics, catalysis, and polymer science to accelerate Dow's business growth. The programme targets companies whose innovations can be integrated across Dow's multiple business segments and markets.
Climate Tech Seed Fund III
••••• organisation
Active Impact's seed fund invests in early-stage climate tech companies that innovate in production and consumption to address supply constraints across clean energy, transportation, food, water, and circular economy sectors. The fund targets pre-revenue and prototype-stage startups in Canada with climate and sustainability solutions.
Private Equity Fund: Invests in mature, sustainable private companies that are sufficiently established to be publicly listed
••••• organisation
The funder invests equity capital in mature, late-stage private companies with strong sustainability credentials that are ready for public listing but seek long-term aligned private ownership. This is a private equity fund targeting sustainable businesses at scale.