Grants Insights Sharing Session

Missed the LUNCH & LEARN session where RCOE held a knowledge sharing session on applying for circular economy grants? See the presentation here!

Did you miss the Lunch and Learn session last week on applying for circular economy grants?   

We’ve got you covered! 

Here’s a quick summary on how to address those grants application questions!  

Grants question #1: How will your project incorporate the three principles of a circular economy and be driven by design?  

Consider the three core principles of the circular economy:

  • Eliminate Waste: Does your project minimise waste generation throughout its lifecycle? Think about reducing packaging, optimising resource use, or extending product lifespans.

  • Circulate Materials: Will your project keep resources in use for longer? Can products or materials be reused, repaired, or upcycled?

  • Regenerate Nature: Does your project promote practices that restore and protect the natural environment? Consider initiatives that improve soil health, reduce pollution, or support biodiversity.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • How does my project eliminate or reduce waste generation? OR

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  • Does my project create opportunities for reusing or upcycling materials within the local economy? OR

  • Will my project contribute to the health and resilience of the natural environment in the region? 

  • Check out the Circular Economy Resources page for useful information including the Online Information Session held on 20th March 2024.

Grants Question #2: Does the project qualify as an eligible activity?

  • Identify, design, apply or scale-up innovative circular economy business models and practices 

  • Validate and improve the quality and performance of local recycled materials or recycled-content products 

  • Develop new markets or expand existing markets for circular economy business models and practices or local recycled materials or recycled-content products

How?  Align with a circular economy business model - the top five are here:  https://www.rcoe.com.au/circular-economy-resources/circular-business-models

Grants Question: Will the project outcomes provide a measurable economic, environmental, or social benefit?

Demonstrate how your project can create circular value!

A great example of this is capturing value rather than just diverting waste.  Eg a project that closes the loop by directing food “waste” back to soils.  This can be measured far beyond just waste diverted from landfill - it can be measured in carbon sequestration, increased nutritional value of crops and savings for producers.  

Projects RCOE