Deadline: 03-Mar-2026
The Circular Economy Grant supports Calgary-based, community-led projects that reduce waste and advance circular economy solutions. Offered by the City of Calgary, the grant funds initiatives that promote reuse, repair, sharing, and food waste reduction, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for projects completed within one year.
Circular Economy Grant Overview
The Circular Economy Grant is a City of Calgary funding program designed to support local projects that reduce waste and promote circular economy practices. The program prioritizes community-led initiatives that increase awareness, build practical skills, and improve access to circular solutions for Calgary residents.
This grant is part of a pilot initiative running from 2023 through 2026, with annual funding allocated to test and scale effective circular economy approaches.
What Is the Circular Economy
A circular economy focuses on keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible. Instead of a “take-make-waste” model, it emphasizes reuse, repair, sharing, and regeneration to reduce environmental impact and resource consumption.
Key circular economy principles supported by this grant include:
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Waste reduction at the source
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Extending the life of products and materials
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Community-based reuse and sharing systems
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Responsible management of food and organic waste
Grant Objectives and Focus Areas
Funded projects must align with at least one of the Circular Economy Grant’s focus areas. These areas reflect practical, high-impact ways to reduce waste and build circular systems.
Eligible focus areas include:
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Share, trade, and donate initiatives
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Maintain and prolong activities that extend product life
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Reuse and redistribute programs
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Refurbish and upcycle projects
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Food and organic waste reduction solutions
Projects should also promote understanding and knowledge of the circular economy, particularly among communities with limited access to resources.
Grant Amount and Duration
The City of Calgary provides flexible funding to support a range of project sizes and scopes.
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Minimum grant amount: $5,000
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Maximum grant amount: $25,000
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Project duration: Up to one year
All funded activities must be fully completed within the one-year grant term.
Program Timeline and Funding Structure
The Circular Economy Grant is a pilot program operating from 2023 to 2026.
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Total annual funding: $150,000 per year
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Funding cycle: Annual
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Matching funds: Not required
While matching funds are not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to have contingency funding available to manage project risks.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Eligible applicants must be legally established and able to deliver projects in Calgary that benefit local residents.
Eligible organizations include:
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Alberta-registered not-for-profit organizations or societies
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Extra-provincially registered not-for-profit organizations
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Business Improvement Areas established by City of Calgary bylaw
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Community associations and community organizations
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Registered charitable organizations
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Environmental organizations
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Social recreation organizations
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Festival and events organizers
All projects must be delivered within Calgary and demonstrate clear benefits for Calgary residents.
Who Is Not Eligible
Organizations or projects that do not meet the legal, geographic, or community benefit requirements are not eligible. Projects delivered outside Calgary or primarily benefiting non-Calgary residents are excluded.
Why the Circular Economy Grant Matters
This grant supports Calgary’s transition toward a more sustainable, low-waste future. By investing in local, community-driven solutions, the program helps:
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Reduce landfill waste and environmental impact
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Strengthen local reuse, repair, and sharing systems
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Support equity by reaching under-resourced communities
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Build long-term knowledge and behavior change around waste reduction
How to Apply for the Circular Economy Grant
Applicants should follow a structured approach to prepare a strong proposal:
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Confirm organizational eligibility and Alberta registration status
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Identify a project aligned with one or more focus areas
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Ensure the project can be completed within one year
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Develop a clear budget within the $5,000–$25,000 range
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Demonstrate how the project benefits Calgary residents
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Submit the application according to City of Calgary guidelines
Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Avoid proposing projects that fall outside the listed focus areas
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Do not plan activities that exceed the one-year funding period
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Clearly explain how waste reduction will be achieved and measured
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Ensure the project is community-led and accessible
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Avoid vague outcomes or unclear budgets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Circular Economy Grant?
It is a City of Calgary grant that funds community-led projects focused on waste reduction and circular economy solutions.
How much funding can an organization receive?
Organizations can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per project.
How long can projects run?
All projects must be completed within a one-year timeframe.
Are matching funds required?
No. Matching funds are not required, but contingency funding is encouraged.
Who can apply for the grant?
Eligible applicants include Alberta-registered not-for-profits, community organizations, and Business Improvement Areas delivering projects in Calgary.
What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must focus on sharing, reuse, repair, upcycling, or food and organic waste reduction.
Is this a one-time or recurring program?
The grant is part of a pilot program running annually from 2023 through 2026.
Conclusion
The Circular Economy Grant provides vital support for Calgary-based organizations working to reduce waste and build practical, community-driven circular solutions. By funding innovative projects across sharing, reuse, repair, and food waste reduction, the City of Calgary is enabling local action that delivers lasting environmental and social benefits.
For more information, visit City of Calgary.
