Circular Economy grants — page 12
658 listings tracked right now · page 12 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 VentureSouq Management Ltd, Flat6Labs, Verra, 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, AFRICA, SOUTH-ASIA, EUROPE, LATAM. 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.
5 of these close within the next 30 days. Deadlines are taken from the source listing and re-checked on every refresh, but the originating funder remains the authority — always confirm against the official notice before you submit.
ClimateTech Fund
••••• organisation
ClimateTech Fund is an active venture investment fund backing early-to-growth stage companies across nine climate and sustainability sectors including carbon economy, energy storage, alternative proteins, and circular economy. The fund targets global ClimateTech startups and scale-ups with proven business models and market traction.
Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator Project (GGJAP)
••••• organisation
An acceleration program for early-stage startups in green economy and sustainability sectors across Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and Morocco. The program supports job creation and business growth in clean energy and climate-tech ventures.
Plastic Waste Reduction Standard
••••• organisation
The funder's Plastic Waste Reduction Standard provides a credible framework for measuring, verifying, and scaling plastic waste collection and recycling activities. It is designed for organizations implementing plastic waste reduction projects who need standardized methodology and verification to generate credits or demonstrate impact.
Funding from a major Nordic foundation
••••• Foundation
The funder provides grants and investments to organizations addressing vulnerable populations and environmental causes in BESTSELLER's operating communities, with emphasis on job creation, female founders, and circular economy solutions. The foundation funds humanitarian relief, climate resilience, health and livelihood improvements, and circular economy acceleration across Africa and South Asia.
Engineering Environmental Resiliency (EER)
••••• organisation
NSF's Engineering Environmental Resiliency program funds fundamental research to advance resource and energy conservation, waste reduction, circular economy, and environmental protection through chemistry, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and AI-driven solutions. The program targets university and research institutions developing technologies for sustainable manufacturing, critical mineral recovery, contaminant detection, and life cycle assessment.
Environment governance
••••• organisation
This is a callable funding programme supporting environment governance projects under the EU's LIFE initiative, with a focus on circular economy and quality of life outcomes. Eligible applicants can submit Standard Action Projects addressing environmental governance challenges across the EU.
Design Generators round two
••••• Council
This grant funds design-led interventions combined with arts and humanities research methodologies to advance the green transition, with a total fund of £1,000,000. Applicants must be based at UK research organisations eligible for AHRC funding.
Experimental local action for EU missions: knowledge institutions as focal points of transdisciplinary research and innovation activities with European outreach
••••• organisation
This EU grant funds experimental local action projects where knowledge institutions (universities, research centres) act as focal points for transdisciplinary research and innovation addressing sustainability challenges, with European outreach and citizen engagement. It targets community-driven solutions to environmental and sustainability problems through collaborative research networks.
Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance
••••• organisation
This USDA grant funds cold storage infrastructure equipment and related improvements within the food supply chain to enable food banks, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits to store and distribute nutritious food to low-income populations. The program operates as a subaward mechanism where primary recipients manage and distribute funds to eligible food assistance organizations.
UK Research Funder: Bioscience Translation Grant 2026
••••• Council
BBSRC Proof of Concept funding translates bioscience research into commercial innovations (products, services, solutions) with economic, societal, and environmental impact. Eligible applicants must be based at UK research organisations funded by BBSRC.
Co-Funded Partnership: Driving Urban Transitions to a sustainable future (DUT)
••••• organisation
Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Call 2026 funds co-funded partnerships focused on sustainable urban development and transitions. The grant targets organizations working on urban sustainability challenges, though specific intervention areas are not detailed in the available description.
Advanced manufacturing for key products (IA) (Made in Europe partnership)
••••• organisation
This is a Horizon Europe Innovation Action call funding advanced manufacturing technologies for key strategic products under the Made in Europe partnership, with €6–8 million per project. The call targets consortia developing cutting-edge manufacturing processes, digital integration, and AI-driven production to strengthen European industrial competitiveness and supply-chain resilience.
Innovative models for collective community investment and ownership
••••• organisation
This grant funds innovative models for collective community investment and ownership that integrate sustainability, inclusiveness, and beauty in neighbourhood development. It targets projects demonstrating participatory governance, social inclusion, and sustainable real-estate or community-led local development approaches, with awards up to €3.5M per project.
Mentorship Programme
••••• organisation
A selective mentorship programme offering 240 hours of bespoke coaching in finance, sustainability, business models, pitching, and social innovation to twelve top teams identified through roadshows. Designed to support early-stage ventures in bioeconomy and circular-economy sectors.
Social Enterprise Investment & Support
••••• Fund
USVF provides financial and non-financial support to social enterprises in Ukraine to develop sustainable business models and maximize social and environmental impact. The fund offers business expertise, technology adoption, product quality improvement, and scaling assistance.
24YOU: A gap year program for under-21-year-olds to develop strengths, explore career paths through mentorship, and create innovative solutions to sustainability challenges
••••• organisation
A gap year program for under-21-year-olds to develop personal strengths, explore career paths through mentorship, and create innovative solutions to sustainability challenges in cohorts of 20. Eligible participants are young people seeking structured development and exposure to sustainability entrepreneurship.
Sector Catalysts – Beyond BioTech
••••• organisation
Sector Catalysts – Beyond BioTech is a portfolio-building initiative by UVU Africa that seeds innovation ecosystems across CreativeTech, Agritech, GreenTech, and SpaceTech sectors expected to drive Africa's economic future. The programme supports early-stage ventures and ecosystem builders in these high-impact sectors across the African continent.
Rural Development
••••• Foundation
This grant supports sustainable development initiatives in the Nansa Valley rural area of Cantabria, Spain, leveraging natural, landscape, economic, and cultural resources. It funds projects that advance rural sustainability through the Nansaemprende programme and related interventions.
Community Projects
••••• organisation
This grant supports community-based projects addressing poverty through education, health, small economic development, and environmental protection. It targets vulnerable populations including families in extreme poverty, children with health needs, migrants, and seniors.
Inclusive Projects
••••• organisation
Proyectos Inclusivos funds specific projects executed with partner organizations that advance financial inclusion, gender equity, supply-chain resilience, and climate adaptation in regional value chains. The grant targets organizations working at the intersection of economic development and sustainability outcomes.
Transylvania Authentica
••••• Foundation
This operational programme promotes authentic Transylvanian heritage, culture, and sustainable community development through funding that integrates environmental stewardship with cultural preservation. It targets community-based organizations and local stakeholders working to balance heritage conservation with sustainability outcomes in the Transylvania region.
Planet Goal – Local development
••••• organisation
Planet Goal – Local development funds sustainable local economic development and territorial competitiveness initiatives. The grant targets organizations seeking to advance economic growth while improving environmental and social outcomes at the local/regional level.
Call for Proposals – Environmental Movement 2020
••••• organisation
A joint call for proposals from the Lebanese Environment Forum and Lebanese Eco Movement seeking projects that advance environmental sustainability and ecological protection in Lebanon. The grant supports organizations and initiatives working on environmental conservation, restoration, and sustainable practices.
Practice and Action Projects (實踐及行動項目)
••••• Fund
This grant funds projects that translate public environmental aspirations into individual sustainable behaviours and long-term green habits. It targets practical, action-oriented initiatives that drive behaviour change toward sustainability.
Direct Investments
••••• organisation
The funder offers direct equity investment opportunities for retail investors seeking both financial returns and positive impact, with holdings in sustainability-focused consumer companies like Lemonaid. This is a portfolio investment platform rather than a traditional grant, targeting impact-conscious investors rather than project applicants.
A food-industry corporate venture arm investing in food innovation and sustainability
••••• organisation
Bimbo Ventures invests in early-stage startups aligned with the funder's strategic priorities in food innovation, nutrition, sustainability, and supply chain optimization. The fund targets entrepreneurs building solutions that advance the baking and food industry's environmental and operational performance.
a Japanese construction-sector venture fund
••••• organisation
A corporate venture fund operated by the funder that makes strategic investments in companies aligned with construction, real estate, sustainability, and technology. The fund targets early-to-growth stage ventures but specific investment thesis, ticket size, and sector priorities are not publicly disclosed.
A European beverage company's venture capital arm investing in sustainability-aligned companies
••••• organisation
CCEP Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of the funder, investing in companies whose products and business models align with the parent company's beverage, sustainability, and consumer goods strategy. The fund targets portfolio companies at various stages, though specific investment criteria and stage preferences are not publicly detailed.
Impact Investing
••••• organisation
Mondelēz International's impact investing initiative funds cocoa sustainability, sustainable sourcing, and social impact projects across its supply chain, aligned with its Snacking Made Right strategy. The programme targets suppliers and partners working on agricultural sustainability and supply-chain resilience in cocoa-producing regions.
SnackFutures Open Innovation Portal
••••• organisation
SnackFutures is Mondelēz International's corporate innovation portal that invests in startups developing better-for-you snacking products, sustainable ingredients, and novel food formats. The programme targets early-stage food-tech and sustainable snacking innovators, though specific investment cheque sizes and stage preferences are not publicly disclosed.
Applying for registration and accreditation as a reprocessor or exporter
••••• organisation
This is a mandatory registration and voluntary accreditation programme for waste reprocessors and exporters under UK environmental regulations. It is for businesses and organisations involved in waste management and circular-economy operations seeking formal regulatory status.
Economic and Business Development
••••• Agency
Enabel supports sustainable business opportunities and job creation by engaging the private sector as a driver of development impact. The grant funds projects that combine economic growth with social and environmental sustainability outcomes.
Innovative Environmental and Social Projects
••••• Foundation
The funder funds innovative projects with primary environmental or social impact. Applicants can propose projects across these dual themes, with funding amounts and specific deadlines available in the full listing.
Private Sector Partnerships
••••• Agency
SIDA funds private sector partnerships and companies advancing economic, social, and environmental sustainable development through Challenge Funds and Public Private Development Partnerships (PPDPs). The grant targets businesses and private organisations contributing to sustainable development outcomes.
Community Development Projects - Economic Empowerment
••••• organisation
This grant supports community-based projects that build small-scale economic cycles to reduce poverty and foster self-sustainability. It targets grassroots organizations and community groups working on economic empowerment and local development.
Girimbabazi: A project in Burundi supporting infrastructure development including construction of fired-clay brick…
••••• Foundation
This grant funds infrastructure development in Burundi, specifically the construction of fired-clay brick facilities designed for training purposes. The project supports capacity-building and local economic development through vocational training infrastructure.
SDG-Aligned Project Grants
••••• Foundation
The funder funds projects from smaller organisations and individuals worldwide that advance one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on activities benefiting people and the environment. Eligible projects span education, health, environment, livelihoods, food security, circular economy, and vocational training.
A Social Enterprise Fund
••••• Foundation
A fund supporting social enterprises in Malaysia that generate income and create jobs for vulnerable or marginalised communities. The fund prioritises enterprises with sustainable livelihoods and community development outcomes.
A Micro-Grant Programme 2026
••••• Foundation
A micro grant stream from the funder supporting smaller organisations and community-level initiatives across education, community development, environment, arts, and knowledge sectors in Malaysia. Designed for grassroots and local-scale projects with flexible funding amounts.
Planet Goal - Local development
••••• organisation
Planet Goal supports local development projects that deliver environmental and social benefits, funded by the funder. The grant targets community-level initiatives with sustainability outcomes across multiple sectors.
Collaborative Impact Partnership
••••• Foundation
A collaborative grant programme funding environmental, social and development projects that advance sustainable and inclusive growth. Eligible applicants can pursue projects across environment, social development, and sustainability sectors.
Major European Foundation Grants Program 2025
••••• Foundation
The funder Grants Program 2025 funds civil society, ecological, cultural, and artistic initiatives, with emphasis on projects at the intersection of these areas that pursue systemic change. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, charities, social enterprises, and community groups working on environmental and cultural sustainability.
Small-scale Human and Environment-friendly Projects
••••• Foundation
This grant funds small-scale, human- and environment-friendly projects worldwide using revenues from a second-hand shop operated by the 'the funder. Projects addressing environmental and humanitarian goals are eligible for grant funding on a rolling basis.
Community Social Enterprises (CSEs)
••••• Foundation
This grant funds community-based social enterprises that prioritize local ownership and sustainable development, with both financial support and technical accompaniment. It targets organizations building economic resilience through locally-rooted business models.
Africa's leading catalyst for innovation in the bioeconomy, providing open-access labs, venture support, and…
••••• organisation
UVU Bio provides open-access laboratory facilities, venture support, and skills development to advance bioeconomy innovation across Africa. The program targets scientists and entrepreneurs developing biotechnology and bioeconomy solutions in Cape Town and Kigali.
Early-Stage Biotech Pre-Seed Programme
••••• organisation
A co-founding and pre-seed investment programme for early-stage biotech founders developing solutions at the frontier of biology and engineering. Provides capital, mentorship, community, talent access, and business development support to tackle large problems in biotech, synthetic biology, and bioengineering.
Impact: Social and environmental impact investments leveraging a multinational company's global footprint across 180 markets
••••• organisation
Philip Morris International is seeking social and environmental impact investments that leverage its global presence across 180 markets. The fund targets projects aligned with sustainability and social impact outcomes, though specific sectors and stage requirements are not detailed.
Grant Cycle: Open-call grant programme supporting sustainable, high-impact initiatives addressing social, economic, and…
••••• Foundation
Open-call grant programme from the funder supporting sustainable, high-impact initiatives addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges across Africa. Eligible organisations submit initial applications during announced windows, with shortlisted applicants advancing to full proposal stage.