Circular Economy grants — page 8
658 listings tracked right now · page 8 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 Enterprise Innovation Challenge Fund for the Caribbean, Techstars Ventures, Architectural Heritage Fund, 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, SOUTH-ASIA, SE-ASIA. 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.
Market Niches Grant
••••• Fund
This is a Pillar 3 grant from the funder offering up to $275,000 to unlock strategic investments in new technologies and green transformative agendas across the Caribbean region. It targets private-sector development and innovation in green economy and technology sectors.
Major Accelerator Programme for Food and Sustainability Startups
••••• organisation
Techstars accelerator programme providing up to $220,000 in funding and mentorship to early-stage food innovation and sustainability startups, leveraging Ecolab's industry expertise and Techstars' global network. Targets founders building solutions across food systems, agricultural technology, and sustainable food production.
50th Anniversary Fund
••••• Fund
This grant supports the purchase, conservation, and sustainable reuse of historic buildings in Wales for charities and social enterprises. It funds heritage preservation and adaptive reuse projects that advance community benefit and environmental sustainability.
Developing Sustainable Enterprises
••••• Foundation
This grant supports fair trade producers in developing more sustainable and resilient enterprises, with a focus on agricultural supply chains and sustainable livelihoods. It targets organizations working to strengthen producer capacity, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience in the fair trade sector.
Main Grants Programme
••••• Foundation
Open grants programme from the funder for UK-registered charities and organisations (£100k–£10m annual income) funding work on climate/nature/pollution, reducing polarisation, alternative economic models, and equity for marginalised communities. Applicants can pursue projects across these thematic areas with flexible funding amounts.
Infrastructure-focused debt and equity fund – Innovation strategy for sustainable sectors
••••• organisation
The funder provides debt, equity, and growth capital to middle-market and family-owned private companies building sustainable infrastructure and technologies in energy, agriculture, waste, and industrial sectors. The fund targets companies with hard asset collateral and emphasizes environmental and social innovation.
Ocean-Focused Circular Economy Fund
••••• organisation
The funder's Ocean Fund invests in early- to growth-stage companies and infrastructure that prevent ocean plastic pollution and advance circular economy models for plastics in high-growth markets. The fund targets South and Southeast Asia with a focus on circular plastic supply chains.
Science-Based Pathways for Sustainability (Pathways Funding Calls)
••••• organisation
This grant funds inter- and transdisciplinary research on sustainability pathways across different contexts and scales, with emphasis on diverse team composition. It is open to researchers and institutions developing science-based solutions to sustainability challenges.
Plastic Reborn: A cooperative effort to promote responsible plastic waste management and circular economy principles in…
••••• Foundation
This grant funds a four-phase cooperative programme in Indonesia to advance responsible plastic waste management and circular economy principles through behavior change, ecosystem strengthening, and youth engagement. It targets coastal communities, informal waste collectors, and educational institutions as primary beneficiaries.
Climate-Village-Lab: A project focused on ecology and sustainability addressing climate change at the community/village level
••••• Foundation
This grant funds ecology and sustainability projects addressing climate change at the community or village level, with a focus on local-scale interventions. It is open to organizations and initiatives working on climate mitigation and adaptation in their communities.
Impact Investment
••••• Foundation
The funder provides impact investment capital that generates measurable social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns. The fund is open to organizations and projects that can demonstrate dual impact outcomes and financial viability.
Climate Action: Funds projects addressing climate and environmental challenges, such as plastic-free coastlines, flood…
••••• Foundation
The funder funds projects that directly address climate and environmental challenges, including plastic pollution in coastal areas, flood resilience infrastructure, and community water protection. Eligible applicants are organizations working on these specific environmental interventions.
European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)
••••• Agency
EMFAF supports sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, maritime policy, and blue economy initiatives across Europe, managed by CINEA. Eligible applicants can seek funding for projects advancing sustainable ocean and coastal resource management.
Cartons for Good
••••• Foundation
This grant funds organizations that reduce food loss and improve nutrition access by transforming surplus food into shelf-stable packaged products using SIG carton technology, while recycling empty cartons to complete a circular supply chain. Eligible applicants work at the intersection of food security, nutrition, and waste reduction.
Sustainability Expertise
••••• Foundation
This grant supports Lundin Group partner companies in developing and implementing proactive sustainability strategies and operational practices that create local economic opportunities and community benefits. It is designed for companies within the Lundin Group ecosystem seeking to advance sustainability integration across their operations.
A European Impact Venture Capital Fund
••••• organisation
The funder Venture Capital Fund invests in European digital tech ventures (software/SaaS) that deliver measurable positive impact on planet and people alongside financial returns. The fund targets Seed to Series A stage companies in the Benelux, Nordic, and DACH regions, with initial cheques up to $2.75M.
The "Changing the World" Prize
••••• Foundation
An annual award recognising and supporting local citizen-led initiatives advancing ecological and social transition. Open to public candidature, this prize funds grassroots projects driving climate and environmental action.
Supports new economic models aligned with ecological and social transition, including solidarity finance and green finance initiatives
••••• Foundation
This grant supports the development and scaling of new economic models that integrate ecological and social transition, with a focus on solidarity finance and green finance initiatives. Eligible applicants operate in France and Africa and advance sustainable economic alternatives aligned with environmental and social goals.
Financial Support for Sustainability Projects
••••• Foundation
This grant funds practical sustainability projects that restore or reduce pressure on ecosystems, with emphasis on self-help, education, and training components. Eligible organizations must demonstrate social justice, economic stability, and ecological responsibility, with projects showing potential for self-sufficiency.
PLANT AMERICA Grants
••••• organisation
PLANT AMERICA Grants fund garden club projects that enhance community greenery and beautification across the United States, aligned with America's 250th anniversary celebration. The grants support nonprofit garden clubs and community organizations in creating more biodiverse, attractive public spaces.
Funding for Circular Economy & Plastic Waste Reduction
••••• Foundation
The funder funds civil society organizations working to transition from linear to circular economy models, with explicit focus on plastic waste avoidance and reduction. Grants support environmental organizations advancing circular-economy practices and plastic-waste solutions.
Private Equity – Environmental Impact
••••• organisation
The funder invests private equity capital in innovative businesses addressing environmental challenges, with a focus on net zero transition and resource efficiency across climate and environmental sectors. The fund targets both emerging and developed markets globally.
Venture Capital
••••• organisation
Equity investment programme from the funder targeting early-stage startups developing innovative solutions in building materials and construction. Focuses on companies aligned with Holcim's core business that are reinventing sustainable construction practices.
Accelerator Program
••••• organisation
A structured accelerator program for early-stage startups in building materials and construction, offering cohort-based mentorship, access to Holcim's global network, and resources to scale climate-tech and sustainable construction solutions. Designed for startups developing innovations in low-carbon materials, circular economy, and sustainable building practices.
Circular Economy Program
••••• organisation
This is an incubation program for entrepreneurs and startups developing circular economy solutions, including design, reuse, and resource efficiency innovations that address global challenges. The program provides support and resources to early-stage ventures in the circular economy space.
A Climate-Focused Growth Equity and Infrastructure Fund
••••• organisation
A mission-driven growth equity and project finance fund targeting climate solutions in hard-to-abate sectors including energy, industry, circular economy, food systems, and nature. Eligible for companies and projects with proven business models seeking growth capital or project financing to scale emissions-reduction technologies.
Green Fund Senegal
••••• Fund
The Green Fund Senegal supports community-led innovation projects focused on clean energy, youth tech education, women-led recycling, and circular economy initiatives. It targets grassroots organizations and social enterprises in Senegal with grants up to $10,000.
Green Fund Tanzania
••••• Fund
This grant funds green entrepreneurship, community environmental restoration, and youth-led climate advocacy initiatives in Tanzania, with awards up to $10,000. It targets early-stage entrepreneurs, community organizations, and young climate leaders driving local sustainability and environmental action.
A European Climate-Focused Mid-Cap Fund
••••• organisation
Vidia Climate Fund I is a mid-cap private equity fund investing in profitable, growing businesses that deliver built-in CO2 reduction across high-emitting sectors globally. It targets companies with sales up to €500M primarily in DACH, Italy, and the Nordics, using an operations-first approach to drive decarbonization.
A Nordic food company's corporate venture capital fund
••••• organisation
PINC is a corporate venture capital fund investing $500k–$1.1M in pre-seed and seed-stage agrifood startups focused on planetary health, novel food technologies (precision fermentation, cell cultivation), and circular food/materials systems. Startups with strategic alignment to Paulig (a food company) are preferred, though the fund is flexible on investor role.
Climate-Focused Growth Equity Advisory
••••• organisation
The funder provides advisory services to help privately held ClimateTech and Sustainable Infrastructure companies raise growth equity capital at Late Seed to Series A stages. The programme connects companies across hard-to-decarbonise sectors (advanced mobility, energy storage, food & agriculture, carbon management, circular economy) with a network of 120+ investors across the UK, Europe, and North America.
EU CERC: A European programme supporting circular economy work in collaboration with EU partners
••••• Fund
EU CERC is a European programme funding circular economy initiatives and projects developed in collaboration with EU partners. It supports organizations working to advance circular economy practices across Europe.
World Circular Economy Forum
••••• Fund
The World Circular Economy Forum is an international programme supporting circular economy initiatives and sustainable economic growth, leveraging Sitra's expertise in advancing circular economy practices globally. The forum appears to convene and support organizations working on circular economy transitions, though specific eligibility and application mechanics are not detailed in the available description.
Investeringer i virksomheder (Direct Company Investments)
••••• organisation
The funder offers direct equity investments in innovative and dynamic companies across general, deep-tech, and green-transition sectors. This is a portfolio investment programme open to companies at various stages seeking growth capital.
Fund Investments
••••• organisation
EIFO acts as a limited partner investor in professionally managed funds, providing Danish state-backed capital to fund managers across deep-tech, green-transition, and general sectors. This is a fund-of-funds vehicle targeting fund managers seeking anchor investment rather than direct project applicants.
Ekspanderende (Expansion Stage)
••••• organisation
The funder's Ekspanderende programme provides financing for Danish growth-stage companies with validated business models seeking to scale production, expand teams, or achieve international market entry. The fund targets expansion-stage ventures across deep-tech, green-transition, and general sectors.
Youth-Led Grants for Plastic Pollution Solutions
••••• organisation
A youth-led funding initiative supporting innovative solutions to plastic pollution through the Global Plastic Action Partnership. The grant targets young leaders and organizations developing actionable strategies to reduce plastic waste and environmental contamination.
Fund II: Growth equity fund investing in European companies with revenues above €1m contributing to environmental or social impact
••••• organisation
Growth equity fund investing €4m–€20m in profitable European companies addressing environmental or social challenges with credible ESG business plans. Targets minority or majority stakes in companies at growth stage with strong unit economics.
Growth equity fund investing in European companies with revenues above €1m that address environmental or social challenges
••••• organisation
Growth equity fund investing minority or majority stakes in European companies with €1m+ revenue that address environmental or social challenges, targeting profitable growth. Eligible sectors include energy efficiency, circular economy, recycling, green chemistry, education, health, and social services.
Early-Stage Equity Investment Portfolios
••••• organisation
EIS funds targeting early-stage and start-up companies across cleantech, renewable energy, climate analytics, and sustainable consumer goods sectors, with sustainability practices embedded in due diligence. Eligible companies must demonstrate sustainable practices to access capital.
A German automotive-company foundation provides funding for projects related to environmental protection,…
••••• Foundation
The funder funds environmental and sustainability projects with a focus on biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental innovation. Eligible applicants can seek support for projects advancing conservation, ecosystem protection, and sustainable environmental solutions.
Early-Stage Equity Fund – Technology Track
••••• organisation
The funder provides early-stage equity investments up to $55M into technology companies advancing efficiency and decarbonisation across mining and energy transition value chains, including automation, electrification, and supply chain transparency. The fund targets seed-stage and later companies developing mining technology, critical minerals solutions, and energy transition tools.
A US venture fund (across four funds)
••••• organisation
The funder invests $500k–$1M in pre-seed and seed-stage B2B companies using AI/ML and deep tech to advance sustainable industry, human health, and workforce/education. The fund leads and co-leads rounds across four vehicles with $108M AUM.
A major mining company's in-house venture capital arm investing in breakthrough technologies for the global…
••••• organisation
The funder is a corporate venture capital fund investing in breakthrough technologies that make mining safer, more productive, and sustainable. It targets emerging technology companies across resource discovery, mineral extraction, decarbonisation, and automation/AI.
A Climate & Sustainability Venture Capital Fund
••••• organisation
Early-stage venture capital fund investing in entrepreneurs building breakthrough solutions to climate change and sustainability challenges across clean energy, circular economy, advanced materials, mobility, and food systems. Ideal for bold founders at seed and Series A stages seeking growth capital to scale climate tech.
A US investment firm's catalytic capital and private credit approach
••••• organisation
The funder deploys catalytic capital and private credit (loans up to $10M) to circular economy companies to finance equipment, expansion, and infrastructure. This targets established or growth-stage circular-economy businesses in waste reduction, composting, food-waste, and plastics-packaging sectors.
a US circular-economy venture fund
••••• organisation
Closed Loop Ventures is a venture capital fund investing in early-stage companies building circular economy solutions across plastics & packaging, textiles, food & organics, and enabling technologies. The fund targets startups and entrepreneurs developing business models and technologies that reduce waste and extend product lifecycles.
Climate-Focused Growth Investment Fund
••••• organisation
The funder invests in mid-stage, commercially proven climate technology companies across six key sectors (buildings, industrials, energy, agriculture, transportation, waste). The fund targets Series B and growth-stage companies with scalable solutions that directly reduce carbon emissions.