Applications Now Open for 2025 Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme

Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, with responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 funding round of the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS).

The CEIGS is designed to support innovative circular economy projects led by social enterprises, voluntary and community organisations, and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Since its launch in April 2021, the scheme has awarded €1.8 million to 36 projects, spanning key circular economy themes such as food waste, plastics, single-use packaging, construction, textiles, and general waste.

Following a successful 2024 call, the scheme will once again be administered in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, a philanthropic hub that connects donors, grantees, and communities committed to positive social change. The Foundation will manage the application, evaluation, and administrative processes, and provide ongoing support to successful applicants.

For the 2025 round, €650,000 in total funding is available, with individual grants expected to range between €40,000 and €50,000.

Projects should focus on priority areas for Ireland’s circular economy, including:

• Plastics: Redesigning products or packaging to replace non-recyclable or virgin plastic with recyclable alternatives
• Construction and Demolition Waste: Creating reusable construction products or enabling selective demolition for material recovery
• Food Waste: Implementing technical or behavioural interventions to reduce waste in production and commercial settings
• Resources and Raw Materials: Enhancing recovery of critical raw materials and reducing hazardous substances in products.

Full details on the application process for the CEIGS are available on Community Foundation Ireland's website and applications are open until 8 October 2025.