Cork Community Groups Encouraged to Apply for Share of €100,000 in Circular.ie Communication Grants

Community groups and organisations in Cork are being encouraged to apply for a share of €100,000 in funding through Circular.ie’s 2026 Communication Grants programme. Applications are open until 9 November 2026.

The programme was launched to help community-led circular initiatives across Ireland amplify their work and reach more people. The grants are aimed at groups and organisations already involved in circular activities in their communities, to help them invest in communications and marketing that will raise awareness of their work, increase participation, and encourage more people to embrace circular living.

Local upcycling workshops, community repair cafés, refill projects, and tool-sharing are among the types of initiatives that may be eligible. Applications are open to non-profit organisations, community groups and recognised social initiatives based in Ireland with a circular approach that delivers social, cultural or environmental benefits.

Three options are open to eligible applicants. A €1,000 grant will support communications and marketing activities that strengthen an initiative’s physical presence, while a €5,000 grant is for initiatives looking to expand their digital presence. A €10,000 grant will support more established initiatives looking to scale their communications and reach.

Welcoming the launch, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon said:

“Across Ireland, community groups and organisations are finding different ways to keep products in use for longer, prevent waste and make circular living part of everyday life. The Circular.ie Communication Grants provide an opportunity to help these initiatives communicate their impact and encourage more people to participate in the circular economy.”

Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, Community Manager, Circular.ie, said:

“Some of the most exciting circular activity in Ireland is happening at a community level, from renting and upcycling to repair and reuse. These grants are about helping the people behind that work tell their stories and get more engagement. We want to hear about circular initiatives from right across the country, where the funding can strengthen how they communicate and promote that work.”

Circular.ie will also host an online information webinar for prospective applicants, led by Eibhlin, to provide information on the programme, including eligibility, the application process and how the funding can be used. The webinar will take place on 22 October 2026, and you can register for the webinar here.

Winners will be announced on 7 December 2026. For more information and to apply, visit Circular.ie/articles/apply-for-a-grant. Last year’s Circular.ie Communication Grants recipients can be viewed here.