Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme 2024

By Minister Ossian Smyth

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Creating a 'circular economy' is part of the move towards a more sustainable future, focusing on reducing and eliminating waste while keeping resources in use for as long as possible. The scale of the challenge to become circular requires change at every level of our society. The Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) is a significant support to boost this transition.

I’m delighted to announce a third round of funding of the CEIGS which will help communities to make this transition. The CEIGS has been a catalyst for innovative projects that promote sustainability and resource efficiency across Ireland and I’m really looking forward to realising the ambition of these projects and building further on their success.

This year the Department of Environment Climate Communications is delighted to be pairing up with Community Foundation Ireland to launch €650,000 in funding to support groundbreaking initiatives in the circular economy. Community Foundation Ireland is a philanthropic hub known for its success in fostering positive social change. In light of the scheme's growing success, Community Foundation Ireland will provide a dedicated team to collaborate with the Department managing the application, evaluation, and administrative processes and they will also offer support to all grant applicants.

CEIGS achievements

Before diving into the details of the 2024 call, I’d like to reflect on some of the achievements of past participants of the scheme. Since the first funding round, we have awarded nearly €1.14 million to 23 projects.

Last September, I paid a visit to one of the 2023 CEIGS recipients, the Carrickmacross Toy Library which promotes play for children aged 0-6 by enabling families to borrow quality, sustainably sourced toys. It’s like a normal library for books but you can come in and borrow toys instead. It’s a normal concept all around the world but this is the first of its kind in Ireland. With 80% of children’s toys ending up in landfill or in the sea after being used for an average of six months, Carrickmacross Toy Library has set out to address this environmental challenge through a sustainable toy lending service. Toys are difficult to recycle as they can contain materials that cannot be easily separated. Users can borrow up to four toys, puzzles or games for up to three weeks at a time. Parents pay a small membership fee that goes towards repairing or replacing broken toys. It’s good for the environment, children love it (and so do parents) and it saves money. I’m really glad the CEIGS gave the Carrickmacross Toy Library the chance to grow and expand its services allowing more families to access sustainable and affordable toys.

I also paid a visit to Integrated Materials Solutions (IMS) in North Dublin which specialises in waste management and circular economy solutions, including resource recovery and waste reduction. With over 35% of the EU’s total waste generation coming from the construction industry, IMS became the first Irish company permitted by the EPA to produce re-used aggregates, moving the Irish construction industry towards a more a more circular economy.

Thinking of applying? Here’s what you need to know!

The grant is opened for applications until Friday, the 19 July.?A total of €650,000 is available under the 2024 call.

For the 2024 funding round, we are particularly interested in proposals that can demonstrate exceptional impact in the following thematic areas:

• Plastics: Innovative solutions for reducing plastic waste, redesigning products for recyclability, and replacing virgin plastics with recycled materials.
• Construction & Demolition Waste: Projects that promote the reuse and recycling of construction materials, as well as selective demolition practices.
• Food Waste: Initiatives that offer waste prevention solutions in food production and processing or reduce food waste in commercial settings.
• Resources & Raw Materials: Efforts to extend product lifespans through repair and reuse, reduce hazardous substances in products, and recover critical raw materials.

Applications to this grant round must be aligned to at least one of the thematic areas identified above.

The maximum funding available for any individual project under this year’s funding round will be €100,000. Typical funding for CEIGS projects under the 2024 call is anticipated to be in the range of €10,000 to €50,000.

The grant round aims to support regional and national projects that are working on innovative and/or scalable solutions to ensure waste prevention. Grants between €40,000 to €50,000 will be available for non-profit organisations, social enterprises and small / medium businesses working in the area of circular economy or aiming to make their existing work more circular.

Apply here: https://www.communityfoundation.ie/apply-for-funding/

I’m really looking forward to receiving your innovative proposals and working with you to drive Ireland's circular economy forward. Best of luck!