Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS)

CEIGS — Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme

Backs research teams and institutions for CEIGS Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme in climate technology, manufacturing, and materials science.

The Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS), administered by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and processed through Community Foundation Ireland, funds practical circular economy innovation projects by Irish small businesses, social enterprises, and community and voluntary organisations. Each annual round draws on a total budget of €650,000 and awards grants of €40,000–€50,000 per project, yielding approximately 13 to 16 awards per cycle. Eligible project themes include food waste reduction, plastics recovery, packaging redesign, construction material reuse, and textile circularity. Applicant organisations must have fewer than 50 employees; universities and pure research bodies are not eligible.

The scheme has run annually since 2023, with the 2025 round closing in October 2025. Based on this cadence, the 2026 round is expected to open approximately September 2026, though the specific call date has not been confirmed by DCEE as of mid-2026. Applications are submitted through Community Foundation Ireland's online portal rather than directly to the Department. Each funded project must deliver a circular economy outcome — not general environmental or climate activity — and remain grounded in the applicant's operational context.

Competition is significant given the fixed pool: approximately 13–16 awards from a national field of eligible organisations. Strongest applications will document a specific waste stream being addressed, quantify the expected diversion or resource recovery, and demonstrate organisational capacity to deliver within 12 months. Social enterprises and community organisations with lived connection to a particular material stream have historically performed well in this scheme. Applicants should register interest with Community Foundation Ireland ahead of the expected September opening to receive call notifications promptly.