Circular Economy Fund
What is the Circular Economy Fund?
The Circular Economy Fund is intended to support communities to make a move from the traditional linear ‘take-make-use-dispose’ model towards a ‘circular economy’ where resources are reused or recycled as much as possible, and the generation of waste is minimised.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants in the Cork County Council Administrative area include:
- Schools
- Community Groups and Sports Clubs
- Festivals and Events
Ineligible applicants include:
- Commercial, for-profit bodies
What is the theme of the 2025 fund?
The focus of the 2025 fund is on the reduction of Single Use Plastics (SUPs) in communities. Only applications from this theme will be assessed.
We invite applications from the above organisations who wish to reduce Single Use Plastics in their communities e.g. reusable cup schemes, reusable container schemes, installation of permanent water refill stations, provision of temporary water stations at events etc.
This fund builds on the successful engagement between Cork County Council and community groups which has seen 40+ water refill stations installed in schools and community buildings and mobile hydration stations piloted at events across the county.
Projects that are not eligible for funding include:
• Installation of water refill stations on public owned land
• Water refill stations connected to a water supply that does not meet the regulatory drinking water standard.
How to apply?
Applications can be made online only.
Please note there is no guarantee of funding for projects. The fund is limited and eligible applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis. An equity/fairness approach will be taken by Cork County Council and as a result, successful applicants may be awarded less funding than they applied for.
Quotes must be sought in advance of applying to the fund and must be uploaded to the application form.
This is the only opportunity for organisations to apply for funding for projects related to the reduction of Single Use Plastics through Cork County Council’s Environmental Awareness Office. Applications will not be accepted outside of this fund.
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 14th February 2025. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
What is the deadline for project completion?
The grant will be paid in one instalment on completion of the project and submission of a report to Cork County Council including photographic evidence of the completed project and proof of payment.
Deadlines for submissions of reports are as follows:
• Schools /Community Groups / Sports Clubs – 1 October 2025
• Events / Festivals - 30 days after festival date
Who can I contact about the Circular Economy Fund?
Questions can be directed to the Cork County Council’s Environmental Awareness Office at [email protected] or (021) 453 2700.