Circular Economy grants — page 13
658 listings tracked right now · page 13 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 Arca Contal, Mondelez Snack Futures, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), 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 LATAM, GLOBAL, GLOBAL-SOUTH, ASIA, AFRICA. 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.
Corporate venture arm of a major beverage-bottling company in Latin America and the USA
••••• organisation
AC Ventures is the corporate venture arm of Arca Continental, a major Coca-Cola bottler, investing in startups aligned with beverages, food, sustainability, and adjacent sectors. The fund targets companies that can complement or scale Arca Continental's operations across Latin America and the USA.
Early Stage Disruptors
••••• organisation
The funder invests in early-stage brands and businesses advancing well-being, sustainability, personalization, and new business models within the snacking sector. The fund targets disruptive innovation adjacent to core snacking categories.
Social and Solidarity Economy Program
••••• Agency
This grant supports the establishment of social and solidarity economy systems through partnerships between profit and non-profit organizations, with the goal of poverty reduction and sustainable economic development in partner countries. Eligible applicants include consortiums combining commercial and social enterprises working on livelihood and economic inclusion.
Socio-Economic Development Grant
••••• Trust
This grant supports small black-owned businesses in South Africa through funding for agriculture, property development, and related economic projects. It aims to promote economic inclusion and entrepreneurship in underrepresented communities.
Fair Trade - Equimercado
••••• Foundation
This grant supports fair trade initiatives and equitable commerce models that promote ethical supply chains and economic development. It targets organizations working to advance equitable trade practices and sustainable economic systems.
General Project Funding (Förderantrag)
••••• Foundation
Rolling grant programme from the funder supporting sustainable non-profit projects across social welfare, environment, education, culture, and sport, with emphasis on children and youth. Projects must be located near Porsche AG company sites in Germany.
Alianzas para el desarrollo sostenible
••••• Foundation
A partnership programme by the funder that co-designs and develops projects with external organisations to scale social and sustainable development impact. The grant supports collaborative initiatives addressing community development and sustainability outcomes.
Responsible Production and Consumption
••••• Foundation
This grant programme promotes responsible production and consumption practices aligned with SDG 12, supporting community-based initiatives including inclusive purchasing fairs and sustainable consumption models. It targets community organizations and social enterprises working to shift consumption patterns and support local, responsible supply chains.
Rural Development (Nansaemprende / Rural Dynamization)
••••• Foundation
This grant supports sustainable economic and social development in the rural Nansa Valley in Cantabria, Spain, by leveraging natural, landscape, economic, and cultural resources. It targets rural communities and organizations seeking to drive economic dynamization while preserving environmental and cultural assets.
Consumer & Marketplaces
••••• Fund
The funder seeks early-stage startups developing new consumption patterns and business models that disrupt established industries in consumer and marketplace sectors. The fund supports both B2C and B2B ventures with up to $2.75M in capital.
Corporate Partnerships
••••• organisation
The funder facilitates corporate product donations to nonprofits and communities, helping companies meet ESG and sustainability goals while reducing waste and strengthening local communities. This is a partnership programme where companies donate surplus inventory to advance circular economy and community development outcomes.
Nonprofit Membership
••••• organisation
The funder offers nonprofit membership to access donated goods from major brands for distribution to underserved communities. This is a goods-in-kind distribution network rather than a traditional grant, enabling nonprofits to source free inventory for their beneficiaries.
Indigenous Handloom Artisan Empowerment Programme
••••• Foundation
This grant empowers women in Kumaon (Uttarakhand, India) to practice and enhance indigenous handloom skills while producing sustainable, high-quality local handicrafts. It combines livelihood support with gender equity and sustainable production practices.
Waste Management Training & Mentoring
••••• Foundation
This grant funds community-based training and mentoring programmes focused on improving waste management practices. It targets community groups and local organizations seeking to build capacity in waste reduction and circular-economy approaches.
Social Enterprise
••••• Foundation
This grant funds community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods through social enterprise development, targeting grassroots organizations and social entrepreneurs. The funder supports capacity-building, business model innovation, and economic resilience in underserved communities.
NYC Parks Green Thumb
••••• Foundation
NYC Parks Green Thumb funds community-led greening and environmental conservation projects in New York City, partnering with the Mayor's Fund and Mayor's Office for International Affairs. The programme supports nonprofits and community groups working on urban environmental improvement and biodiversity.
Material Assistance
••••• Foundation
This grant funds the repurposing and redistribution of unused materials to disadvantaged communities, simultaneously reducing landfill waste and supporting social inclusion. Eligible applicants can access material assistance to support vulnerable populations while advancing circular economy and waste-reduction goals.
Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme
••••• organisation
This grant supports local community and environmental projects in areas affected by landfill waste disposal, funded by the funder. It targets waste-related environmental and community development initiatives in affected regions.
Plastic Free Campus
••••• Foundation
A free, self-directed online educational programme that mobilises students to reduce single-use plastic consumption and drive environmental action at school, home, events, and community levels. The grant funds access to this programme, available in multiple languages globally.
Startup Programs
••••• Foundation
An accelerator program providing resources, mentorship, and scaling support for early-stage startups developing solutions to social and environmental challenges. Eligible for impact-driven founders seeking capital, guidance, and network access to grow their ventures.
Made in Douar
••••• Foundation
This programme supports 20 rural cooperatives in Morocco's Taroudant province recovering from the 2023 earthquake through governance training, operational equipment, and market access via solidarity markets. It targets agricultural and rural enterprises seeking to rebuild and scale production.
SMF Projects (Small and Medium Finance)
••••• Programme
SMF Projects is a streamlined, smaller-scale funding mechanism under the Interreg Danube Region Programme that supports transnational cooperation projects across climate, innovation, social inclusion, and governance themes. It is designed for organizations in the Danube region seeking to implement collaborative, cross-border initiatives with simplified application procedures.
Leather Supporting Makers
••••• Foundation
This grant funds programmes that support makers and producers working with leather as a sustainable and versatile material. It targets creative professionals and manufacturers developing innovative leather production and design practices.
Green Opportunities Fund
••••• Foundation
The Green Opportunities Fund supports green and environmental initiatives benefiting communities, with a focus on climate and environmental outcomes. Eligible applicants can access funding to advance sustainability projects, though specific sectors and organization types are not detailed in the listing.
Conditionally Repayable Grants for Social Enterprises
••••• Fund
USVF provides conditionally repayable grants (20-50% repayment required) to social enterprises at early and existing stages, with complementary coaching and training. The fund supports ventures across social services, work integration, environment, and recycling sectors.
Major Science Collaboration Award
••••• organisation
Recognition and funding award for international research collaborations developing and scaling non-animal testing techniques and alternative methods. Targets established collaborative teams working on longer-term adoption of animal-alternative approaches across industries.
Sustainable Economic Inclusion and Development (SEID)
••••• Foundation
A programme funding sustainable economic inclusion and development initiatives across Africa, targeting organizations working on economic growth that integrates social and environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, social enterprises, and local organizations advancing inclusive economic models in African countries.
Innovation Prize
••••• organisation
An annual prize recognizing outstanding youth-led projects from Global Shapers Hubs that address local and global challenges in education, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship. The grant supports innovative solutions developed by young leaders tackling social and environmental issues.
Environment
••••• Foundation
This grant funds projects that transform public spaces and school gardens in urban environments, with a focus on environmental sustainability and community engagement. It is open to organizations working on urban greening, biodiversity, and environmental education initiatives.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE): how to be an approved exporter
••••• Agency
This is an application process for organizations to become approved exporters (AE) of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) under UK environmental regulations. It enables eligible businesses to legally export WEEE and operate under formal approval from the funder.
Form: Application for an environmental permit: part C4 vary a bespoke waste operation permit
••••• Agency
This is an application form for businesses seeking to vary (modify) an existing bespoke waste operation permit issued by the UK the funder. It is a regulatory compliance document, not a funding grant, but is classified as an opportunity because applicants can submit to request permit changes.
Individual Farm Support Programme Agriculture (RL-EFP) – Support for Investments in Diversification (FID)
••••• organisation
This is a German state-level grant and guarantee programme supporting agricultural enterprises in Hesse to diversify income through rural non-farm activities, including farm tourism, agritourism infrastructure, and value-added production. Eligible applicants are farms seeking to establish or modernise facilities for diversification, with funding up to 25% of investment costs (minimum €10,000) or loan guarantees up to 70%.
Promotion of Processing and Marketing of Fishery Products
••••• organisation
This grant supports processing, marketing, and competitiveness improvements for fishery and aquaculture products in Schleswig-Holstein through investments in infrastructure, producer organisations, and promotional campaigns. Eligible applicants include producer organisations, fishing cooperatives, processing companies, and SMEs in the fisheries sector.
Regional Economic Development Programme 2021-2027 – Business Investment Support Scheme
••••• organisation
This grant supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany with funding for business investments in regional development areas, including establishment, expansion, and modernization of facilities. The programme prioritizes digitalization, innovation, sustainability, and job creation through non-repayable subsidies.
Sustainable Land Development to Create Attractive Business Locations (GL JTF Sustainable Land Development)
••••• organisation
This German state-funded programme supports sustainable land development projects that create attractive business locations, likely combining environmental stewardship with economic development. Eligible applicants include businesses, municipalities, and development entities seeking to develop or redevelop land with sustainability criteria.
State Economic Programme 2021–2027 – Remediation of Contaminated Sites and Land Revitalisation
••••• organisation
This German state-level grant funds the remediation of contaminated sites and revitalization of degraded land as part of a 2021-2027 economic programme. It targets public and private entities involved in environmental cleanup and land restoration projects.
Aquaculture and Fish Industry – Sustainability
••••• organisation
This is a German federal funding programme supporting sustainability initiatives in aquaculture and the fish industry. The grant targets organisations seeking to improve environmental and economic sustainability practices in fish farming and related sectors.
Promotion of Diversification of Activities in the Agricultural and Agriculture-Related Sector
••••• organisation
This German state funding programme supports farmers and agricultural businesses in diversifying their activities beyond traditional farming into value-added and related sectors. It targets rural entrepreneurs seeking to develop new income streams and economic resilience in agricultural communities.
Beyond Compliance
••••• organisation
IDH supports companies in agriculture, apparel, and food systems to adopt sustainable business practices that exceed regulatory requirements through expert guidance and capacity-building. The grant targets established businesses seeking to transition toward sustainability standards beyond compliance.
MADE: Programme supporting young entrepreneurs to push forward manufacturing in Egypt
••••• organisation
MADE is a programme by the funder supporting young entrepreneurs to advance manufacturing sectors in Egypt. The grant targets early-stage founders and SMEs working in manufacturing with potential for economic and industrial impact.
Scouting & Innovation Promotion
••••• Fund
This grant identifies and supports innovative ideas from rural Tanzania, providing funding for experimentation, technical testing, and market development to help local entrepreneurs scale small rural enterprises. It targets early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs in agricultural and rural sectors seeking to grow their businesses.
Scottish Land Fund
••••• Fund
The Scottish Land Fund supports communities across Scotland to acquire, own, and manage land and buildings, strengthening local sustainability and resilience. It is designed for community groups and nonprofits seeking to take control of assets for long-term community benefit.
A Regional Environmental Fund
••••• Foundation
The Somerset Environment Fund is a collective giving vehicle that supports environmental projects across Somerset through the funder. It funds a broad range of environmental initiatives but lacks specificity on sectors, eligible organization types, or application mechanics.
Priority Earth
••••• organisation
The funder Priority Earth is a grant programme funding nonprofit organizations implementing environmental and sustainability initiatives. The programme supports a broad range of environmental work but lacks specificity on eligible sectors, geographies, and application deadlines.
Community Sustainability Hubs
••••• Foundation
This grant funds the development of physical community hubs using an innovative economic model to advance local sustainability and wellbeing outcomes. Projects are located in specific sites (Finalborgo, Brè, the Pantry, Chillan) and appear to combine real-estate/space development with social and environmental impact.
Empowerment / Innovation & Entrepreneurship
••••• Foundation
This grant supports innovation-driven entrepreneurship projects that address financial, social, and environmental challenges through creative solutions. It targets entrepreneurs and innovators developing new business models and technologies across multiple impact areas.
Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme
••••• Council
This grant supports local community and environmental projects in areas affected by landfill waste disposal, funded by the funder. It targets waste-related environmental and community development initiatives in landfill-impacted regions.
FULCRUM (Erasmus+ project)
••••• organisation
FULCRUM is an Erasmus+ funded project that produces sustainability and capacity-building toolkits ('Sustainability at the Centre' and 'Make it Happen') to support socio-cultural centres in advancing their sustainability practices and organizational capacity. The grant is designed for cultural and community-based organizations seeking resources and frameworks to embed sustainability into their operations.