Mayo groups promoting circular living urged to apply to new grants scheme

Circular.ie, Ireland’s national platform for circular economy communications, has launched a new €100,000 grants scheme to support initiatives promoting a more sustainable way of living in communities across Ireland, including in Mayo.

More than 40 grants will be awarded to different groups, with the new funding opportunity designed to empower organisations advancing the circular economy.

Organising a local upcycling or repair session, promoting community-led reuse, repair or waste-prevention drives, and championing the sharing or renting of household goods are all examples of initiatives eligible for the new Circular Communication Grants scheme.

Two options are open to eligible applicants in Mayo: Circular Communications Core – a €1,000 grant for investing directly in communications and marketing activities; and Circular Communications Connections – a €5,000 grant which, in addition to funding, includes expert mentorship from communications and marketing professionals.

Those in Mayo eligible to apply for the grants include community groups, voluntary and non-profit organisations, or small businesses with a community mission delivering social, cultural, environmental, or civic benefits in the circular economy.

Welcoming the launch of the Circular Communication Grants scheme, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Mayo native Alan Dillon, 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.”

Announcing the new funding scheme, the CEO of The Rediscovery Centre, which is spearheading the Circular.ie national project, Claire Downey, stated: “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 Mayo. 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 Mayo to get involved in these initiatives.”

For anyone in Mayo looking for more information on the Circular Communication Grants scheme, Circular.ie is hosting a ‘What is Circular?’ online event on Thursday, August 28, at 10 a.m. Delivered by Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, community liaison, Circular.ie, this information session will provide details of the grants programme, including the application process, eligibility and terms and conditions. People can register their interest for the information session at www.circular.ie/circular-communication-grants.

Applications for the Circular Communication Grants scheme are now open until November 7. The scheme is funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment through the Circular Economy Fund.