€100,000 Grant Scheme Launched for Cork Groups Promoting Sustainable Living

Cork groups can win up to €5,000 for sustainable living projects. Apply by 7 Nov at circular.ie.

€100,000 Grant Scheme Launched for Cork Groups Promoting Sustainable Living

A new €100,000 grants programme has opened for Cork community groups working to promote circular economy initiatives, with more than 40 grants available nationwide ranging from €1,000 to €5,000 per successful applicant.

The Circular Communication Grants scheme, launched yesterday by Circular.ie, Ireland's national platform for circular economy communications, aims to support local organisations that champion sustainable living through activities like repair cafés, upcycling workshops, and community sharing initiatives.

Cork groups can apply for two funding levels: the €1,000 Circular Communications Core grant for marketing and communications activities, or the €5,000 Circular Communications Connections grant, which includes expert mentorship alongside the funding.

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD said:

"This grant programme will help raise awareness of the innovative initiatives happening across Ireland and of those working to build a more sustainable future. We are proud to recognise their work and help them to increase the visibility of their activities and the significant role they play in building circular communities."

Community groups, voluntary organisations, non-profits, and small businesses with a community mission in Cork are all eligible to apply if they're working in areas like reuse, repair, waste prevention, or sharing economies. Think of the local Men's Shed fixing bicycles, the community group organising clothes swaps at the parish hall, or the initiative teaching furniture restoration skills; these are exactly the types of projects the scheme wants to support.

Claire Downey, CEO of The Rediscovery Centre, which leads the Circular.ie project, said: "At Circular.ie, we have been mapping the incredible work taking place in communities across the country in reuse, repair, refilling, swapping and much more, including in Cork. With these Circular Communication Grants we want to help communities and organisations to spread the word about all of their great work, and to encourage more people in Cork to get involved in these initiatives."

For those needing more information before applying, Circular.ie is hosting a free online information session this coming Thursday, 28th August, at 10.00am. The session will be delivered by Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, community liaison at Circular.ie, who will explain the application process, eligibility criteria, and terms and conditions.

The circular economy concept focuses on keeping items in use for as long as possible, maximising their value whilst minimising waste generation. It's about moving away from the traditional "take, make, dispose" model towards one where products and materials are continuously reused, repaired, and recycled.

Applications remain open until 7th November 2025, giving Cork groups just over two months to prepare their submissions. The scheme is funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment through the Circular Economy Fund.

Groups interested in the Thursday information session can register at www.circular.ie/circular-communication-grants, where full application details are also available.