Circular economy grants
Overview
Circular economy grants support projects that contribute to a circular economy in the Inner West community. Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that focus on one or more of the following:
- Zero Waste
- Circular Economy
- Reuse, repair, upcycling or recycling
There is a separate funding stream available to support not-for-profit community projects that focus on climate change, renewable energy, sustainable transport, healthy waterways, water sensitive urban design, biodiversity, and zero waste. Learn more about Council's Environment grant stream here.
Key dates
The circular economy grant round opens 5 May until 4pm, 6 June 2025.
Funding available
Circular economy grants of up to $5,000 each.
Guidelines
Coming soon.
Objectives
The objectives of the circular economy grant program are to:
- Develop circular economy pathways or services within the Inner West.
- Support local new initiatives in the circular economy community to enable innovation in using materials otherwise seen as waste.
- Provide reuse, repair, upcycling and/or recycling to enable materials to be continually used in a circular economy and move away from the linear concept of ‘produce > use > dispose’. This places a value on materials and raises awareness that ‘waste’ is a mindset that needs to be viewed as valuable resources.
- Create support for community sharing of knowledge, skills and opportunities for a circular economy.
- Increase awareness, improve access, inclusion, diversity and participation in circular economy initiatives.
Assessment criteria
The following criteria will be considered in the process of assessing applications:
- Impact and quality of the project and contribution to Council’s Zero Waste Strategy 2036 and grant objectives
- Extent of the project’s reach in terms of moving materials from a linear to circular economy
- Identification of and pathways for specific wastes – priority will be given for household materials without adequate reuse and recycling opportunities/capacity in place. Demonstrated reuse, repair, upcycling or recycling of these identified materials.
- Well-designed project including clear project purpose, goals and activities
- Capacity to deliver the project, including relevant experience, skills and partners
- Clear, detailed budget that demonstrates value for money, including all sources of project income (and what is to be funded by this grant for the benefit of the Inner West community specifically) and relevant quotes
Stream-specific eligibility
Inner West Council provides grants for projects that have not yet commenced, and in limited cases, people who have not yet acquired a previous grant may be eligible to apply again. In addition:
- Applications are accepted for some capital woks where the works benefit the broader community
- Application budgets can include an auspice/project administration fee of up to 15% of the Inner West Council grant contribution
- Council may fund Parents and Citizen organisations but does not fund projects for schools.
Application support
Applicants are encouraged to speak with Helen Bradley, Resource Recovery Planning Manager on (02) 9335 2130 or helen.bradley@innerwest.nsw.gov.au before applying. One-on-one support is available to provide grant applicants with advice on your project ideas.
How to apply
Council uses SmartyGrants administration software to manage its grants program. Applications must be submitted via the Inner West Council SmartyGrants webpage. Applications must meet the eligibility requirements, and no late applications will be accepted. Hard copy applications are not accepted.
Enquiries
For circular economy grant enquiries please contact a Council officer on (02) 9335 2130.