2026 Circular Solutions CSO Grants (Philippines)

Deadline: 03-Jul-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, is offering grants of $90,000–$100,000 to civil society organizations in the Philippines to implement circular economy initiatives. The program supports sustainable consumption and production, waste reduction, climate action, green local governance, and the empowerment of informal waste workers and other GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) groups.

UNDP Green LGUs 2026 Circular Solutions CSO Grants for Circular Economy Initiatives in the Philippines

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting grant applications under the SO2 Green LGUs 2026 Circular Solutions CSO Grants to support circular economy initiatives that contribute to sustainable development, environmental protection, and inclusive local governance in the Philippines.

Funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership aims to accelerate the country’s transition toward a resource-efficient, low-carbon, and circular economy.

Program Overview

The grant program supports civil society organizations working to promote circular economy solutions, sustainable consumption and production practices, waste reduction, climate resilience, and social inclusion.

Projects are expected to help local government units (LGUs), communities, businesses, and vulnerable groups adopt circular economy approaches that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and generate sustainable economic opportunities.

Funding Information

• Grant size: $90,000 to $100,000 per project
• Total projects expected: 10
• One grant will be awarded in each participating local government unit
• Funding supports project implementation and administration

Budget allocations may cover:

• Circular economy initiatives
• GEDSI empowerment activities
• Capacity-building programs
• Education and awareness campaigns
• Behavioral change interventions
• Project management and administration

Program Objectives

The EU-PH Green Economy Partnership seeks to achieve four major objectives:

• Improve circular economy and climate policies while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Strengthen circular economy practices among local government units.
• Increase private-sector and financial-sector engagement in circular economy initiatives.
• Expand energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption.

The program contributes to broader goals related to:

• Sustainable development
• Climate change mitigation
• Climate change adaptation
• Waste management improvement
• Green economic growth
• Biodiversity conservation
• Pollution reduction
• Inclusive economic participation

Focus Areas

Applicants must design projects under one of the following two focus areas.

Focus Area 1: Empowerment of the Informal Waste Sector and GEDSI Groups

Projects may focus on:

• Mapping and identification of informal waste workers.
• Capacity building for waste sector participants.
• Skills development and training.
• Circular economy entrepreneurship.
• Circular business model development.
• Inclusion of marginalized groups in circular value chains.
• Recognition and integration of informal waste workers into local systems.
• Economic empowerment initiatives.
• Livelihood enhancement programs.

Focus Area 2: Behavioral Change and Circular Economy Education

Projects may focus on:

• Circular economy awareness campaigns.
• Community education initiatives.
• Sustainable consumption promotion.
• Waste segregation education.
• Plastic reduction campaigns.
• School-based circular economy programs.
• Youth engagement activities.
• Strategic behavior change interventions.
• Public communication campaigns.
• Monitoring and evaluation of behavior change outcomes.

Key Thematic Areas

The program supports initiatives related to:

• Circular economy.
• Green economy transition.
• Sustainable consumption and production.
• Waste reduction.
• Plastic pollution prevention.
• Resource efficiency.
• Material efficiency.
• Renewable energy.
• Climate change mitigation.
• Climate adaptation.
• Biodiversity conservation.
• Natural capital protection.
• Pollution reduction.
• Social inclusion.
• Gender equality.
• Youth engagement.
• Community resilience.

Why This Grant Matters

The transition to a circular economy is essential for addressing environmental degradation, climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality.

This program supports local solutions that:

• Reduce waste generation.
• Improve resource recovery.
• Create sustainable livelihoods.
• Empower marginalized communities.
• Strengthen local governance.
• Promote environmental stewardship.
• Encourage sustainable consumer behavior.
• Advance climate action goals.

By supporting both environmental and social outcomes, the initiative helps create more resilient and inclusive communities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Civil society organizations (CSOs).
• Community-based organizations.
• Indigenous Peoples’ organizations.
• Peoples’ organizations.
• Social movements.
• Volunteer organizations.
• Mass-based membership organizations.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Academic and educational institutions.
• Youth organizations and youth-led groups.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be legally registered with the appropriate government authority.
• Maintain a bank account under the organization’s official name.
• Have operated in the target local government unit for at least two years.
• Maintain a local office or active operations within the target area.
• Demonstrate implementation experience in relevant circular economy activities.
• Have completed at least two related projects, campaigns, or initiatives within the previous two years.
• Possess sufficient staffing and management capacity to implement the project successfully.

Eligible Activities

Potential activities include:

Circular Economy Development

• Waste reduction projects.
• Recycling and recovery initiatives.
• Circular business model development.
• Resource efficiency programs.
• Sustainable production systems.

GEDSI Inclusion Initiatives

• Training programs for marginalized groups.
• Inclusive livelihood development.
• Women’s economic empowerment activities.
• Disability-inclusive circular economy initiatives.
• Indigenous Peoples’ participation programs.

Education and Awareness

• Environmental education campaigns.
• Circular economy workshops.
• School-based learning programs.
• Youth leadership initiatives.
• Public awareness events.

Research and Assessment

• Baseline studies.
• Community assessments.
• Ethnographic research.
• Waste sector mapping.
• Endline evaluations and impact assessments.

How to Apply

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm that the organization meets all registration, operational, financial, and experience requirements.

Step 2: Select a Focus Area

Choose one of the two designated focus areas:

• GEDSI and informal waste sector empowerment.
• Circular economy education and behavior change.

Step 3: Conduct Community Analysis

Identify local challenges, stakeholder needs, and opportunities related to circular economy adoption.

Step 4: Develop a Project Proposal

Prepare a detailed proposal that includes:

• Problem statement.
• Project objectives.
• Activities.
• Target beneficiaries.
• Expected outcomes.
• Monitoring framework.
• Sustainability strategy.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Develop a realistic budget within the funding range of $90,000–$100,000.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Submit all required documents and supporting materials according to UNDP application guidelines.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are likely to be assessed based on:

• Relevance to program objectives.
• Technical quality of the proposal.
• Community impact.
• Innovation.
• Inclusion of GEDSI principles.
• Organizational capacity.
• Sustainability.
• Partnership and stakeholder engagement.
• Monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Budget effectiveness.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of circular economy principles.
• Show how the project benefits local communities and vulnerable groups.
• Include measurable environmental and social outcomes.
• Present strong partnerships with local stakeholders.
• Explain how project results will continue after funding ends.
• Incorporate youth engagement where relevant.
• Use evidence-based approaches and data to support project design.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals outside the designated focus areas.
• Providing insufficient evidence of organizational experience.
• Weak monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Unclear beneficiary targeting.
• Unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Lack of sustainability planning.
• Failure to integrate GEDSI considerations.
• Incomplete documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much funding is available per project?

Selected projects may receive between $90,000 and $100,000.

How many grants will be awarded?

A total of 10 grants are expected to be awarded, with one project selected in each participating local government unit.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include NGOs, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, youth groups, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and other nonprofit entities.

What are the two priority focus areas?

The focus areas are:

• Empowerment of the informal waste sector and GEDSI groups.
• Circular economy education and behavior change.

Is previous experience required?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate experience implementing at least two relevant activities related to circular economy awareness, education, campaigns, or knowledge development during the previous two years.

Can Indigenous Peoples’ organizations apply?

Yes. Indigenous Peoples’ organizations are explicitly eligible under this funding opportunity.

What types of outcomes are expected?

Projects should contribute to waste reduction, resource efficiency, social inclusion, circular economy adoption, environmental sustainability, and community resilience.

Conclusion

The UNDP Green LGUs 2026 Circular Solutions CSO Grants provide a significant opportunity for civil society organizations in the Philippines to advance circular economy solutions that deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits. Through grants of up to $100,000, the program supports innovative initiatives that empower communities, strengthen local governance, reduce waste, promote climate action, and create more inclusive and sustainable development pathways.

For more information, visit UNDP.