Open Call for Waste Methane and Circular Economy Grant (South Africa)

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is inviting eligible not-for-profit organizations to submit proposals for a major climate initiative supporting methane mitigation across South Africa’s waste sector. The project offers funding of up to USD 700,000 for initiatives that improve organic waste management, landfill methane capture, circular economy practices, and national Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems within a 24-month implementation period.

About the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Waste Methane Project

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) has launched a funding opportunity to strengthen methane mitigation across South Africa’s waste sector while supporting the country’s transition toward a circular economy.

The initiative responds to a request from South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to reduce methane emissions from waste through improved landfill management, organic waste diversion, resource recovery, and strengthened national monitoring systems.

The project supports South Africa’s climate commitments while helping municipalities implement sustainable waste management solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental outcomes.

Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following priority areas:

• Organic waste diversion and treatment
• Methane capture and utilization at landfill sites
• Food waste valorization
• Reduction of methane emissions from solid waste
• Municipal landfill management
• Circular economy solutions
• Waste diversion and resource recovery
• Landfill methane management
• Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems
• Engineering and feasibility studies
• Investment-ready waste projects
• Capacity building and technical training
• National waste data integration
• Climate transparency
• Sustainable waste management
• Low-emission waste systems

Programme Objectives

The project aims to:

• Reduce methane emissions from South Africa’s waste sector.
• Expand organic waste diversion from landfills.
• Improve landfill methane capture and utilization.
• Promote circular economy practices.
• Strengthen municipal waste management systems.
• Develop integrated MRV systems for methane monitoring.
• Support investment-ready waste methane mitigation projects.
• Improve national climate reporting.
• Enhance technical capacity across municipalities and stakeholders.
• Contribute to South Africa’s long-term climate goals.

Key Project Activities

Successful projects may include activities such as:

• Developing engineering studies for landfill methane projects.
• Conducting technical and financial feasibility assessments.
• Preparing investment-ready business plans.
• Supporting pilot methane capture and utilization systems.
• Improving landfill operations and management practices.
• Identifying opportunities for organic waste recovery.
• Expanding food waste diversion initiatives.
• Strengthening municipal technical capacity.
• Developing national landfill methane management guidelines.
• Integrating methane information into national reporting systems.
• Producing knowledge products and best practice guidance.

Alignment with National Strategies

Projects should support and align with South Africa’s major environmental and climate policies, including:

• National Waste Management Strategy (2020)
• Waste Economy Master Plan (2025)
• National Climate Change Response Policy (NCCRP)
• South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0 – 2025)
• Long Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS)
• Lowering Organic Waste Methane (LOW-M) Initiative

Funding Information

The programme provides:

• Maximum funding: Up to USD 700,000
• Project duration: Up to 24 months
• Funding supports implementation of methane mitigation and circular economy projects.
• Budgets must comply with CCAC funding requirements.

Expected Outcomes

Selected projects are expected to deliver outcomes such as:

• Expanded organic waste diversion.
• Improved landfill methane capture.
• Better landfill management practices.
• Investment-ready methane reduction projects.
• Stronger municipal waste management capacity.
• Integrated methane MRV systems.
• Standardized landfill methane management guidelines.
• Enhanced national climate reporting.
• Greater stakeholder collaboration.
• Scalable models for replication across South Africa.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)
• Other not-for-profit organizations

For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply directly but may participate as:

• Project stakeholders
• Co-funders
• End users

Applicants must also:

• Submit their last three audited financial statements.
• Meet all CCAC budget requirements.
• Complete the project within 24 months.

Stakeholders Involved

Projects are expected to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
• National government departments
• Municipal governments
• Municipal waste authorities
• Private waste management operators
• Waste picker organizations
• Civil society organizations
• Community organizations
• Industry representatives

Eligible Project Components

Projects may include:

• Organic waste management
• Landfill methane recovery
• Food waste reduction
• Composting initiatives
• Resource recovery systems
• Waste segregation improvements
• Technical studies
• Business model development
• Investment planning
• Capacity building
• Technical training
• MRV system development
• Knowledge sharing
• Policy support

Why This Programme Matters

Methane is one of the most powerful greenhouse gases and a major contributor to climate change. Municipal solid waste, particularly decomposing organic waste in landfills, is a significant source of methane emissions.

This programme helps South Africa:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Strengthen climate resilience.
• Improve municipal waste systems.
• Promote circular economy practices.
• Increase recycling and resource recovery.
• Reduce dependence on landfill disposal.
• Support sustainable urban development.
• Advance national climate commitments.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm organizational eligibility.
2. Review the CCAC funding requirements.
3. Develop a project aligned with national priorities.
4. Complete the official Application Form.
5. Prepare the required Excel Budget Form.
6. Gather supporting documents, including the last three audited financial statements.
7. Submit the proposal through the designated Google Form before the application deadline.
8. If shortlisted, prepare a detailed implementation plan and revised budget if requested.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Alignment with CCAC priorities.
• Consistency with South African national strategies.
• Technical quality of the proposal.
• Long-term sustainability.
• Replication potential.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Organizational capacity.
• Budget justification.
• Compliance with OECD DAC gender equality marker requirements.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve the likelihood of success:

• Demonstrate measurable methane reduction potential.
• Align the project with national climate and waste policies.
• Include realistic implementation timelines.
• Present a clear stakeholder engagement strategy.
• Develop a well-justified budget.
• Explain how project outcomes can be replicated nationally.
• Highlight technical expertise and organizational experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Submitting incomplete application documents.
• Providing weak budget justifications.
• Failing to demonstrate policy alignment.
• Ignoring stakeholder engagement requirements.
• Proposing activities beyond the 24-month implementation period.
• Omitting audited financial statements.
• Presenting unrealistic implementation plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this funding?

Eligible applicants include NGOs, IGOs, and other not-for-profit organizations. For-profit organizations cannot apply directly.

How much funding is available?

Projects may receive funding of up to USD 700,000.

How long can projects run?

Projects must be completed within 24 months.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects focusing on methane mitigation, organic waste diversion, landfill management, circular economy solutions, MRV systems, and waste sector capacity building are eligible.

Are partnerships encouraged?

Yes. Projects are expected to involve collaboration with government agencies, municipalities, waste operators, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit:

• Completed Application Form
• Excel Budget Form
• Last three audited financial statements
• Any additional supporting documentation required by CCAC

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are assessed based on technical quality, alignment with CCAC objectives and national priorities, stakeholder engagement, organizational capacity, sustainability, budget justification, replication potential, and compliance with gender equality requirements.

Conclusion

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition South Africa Waste Methane Project provides a significant opportunity for not-for-profit organizations to support methane reduction, strengthen circular economy practices, and improve sustainable waste management across South Africa. Through funding of up to USD 700,000, the initiative aims to expand organic waste diversion, enhance landfill methane management, strengthen national MRV systems, and support long-term climate action while helping the country achieve its environmental and emissions reduction commitments.