Deadline: 15-Feb-2026
The IslandPlas Community Grants support grassroots, community-led initiatives that reduce plastic waste and strengthen circular economy solutions on selected African islands. Funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation and implemented by IUCN under the Great Blue Wall initiative, the program provides USD 3,000–5,000 grants to improve plastic recovery, reuse, upcycling, and sustainable livelihoods in Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Program Overview
The IslandPlas Community Grants are designed to empower local actors to design, pilot, and implement small-scale, high-impact projects that improve plastic waste management and promote sustainable livelihoods. The grants focus on practical, community-driven approaches that strengthen plastic recovery systems and reduce plastic leakage into the ocean.
The initiative targets island contexts where waste infrastructure is limited and plastic pollution poses significant environmental and economic risks.
Implementing Partners and Funding
The IslandPlas project is:
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Funded by: The Coca-Cola Foundation
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Implemented by: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
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Aligned with: The Great Blue Wall initiative
The project supports selected African islands that collectively generate approximately 2 million tonnes of municipal waste annually, with plastics accounting for around 11 percent. A large share of this plastic waste is uncollected or mismanaged, contributing directly to marine pollution.
Key Focus Areas and Eligible Activities
Funded initiatives must align with one or more of the following focus areas.
Community-Led Waste Collection and Sorting
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Establishing or strengthening local plastic collection systems
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Improving segregation and aggregation at community level
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Enhancing last-mile waste management solutions
Upcycling and Repurposing Initiatives
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Transforming plastic waste into value-added products
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Supporting small-scale circular enterprises
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Promoting innovation in plastic reuse
Refill and Reuse Models
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Community-based refill systems
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Reusable packaging solutions
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Reduction of single-use plastics
Circular Livelihoods and Skills Development
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Training programs for women and youth
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Capacity building for informal waste pickers
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Livelihood opportunities linked to circular economy activities
Indirect Recycling Community Models
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Establishing aggregation and sorting hubs
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Improving logistics and pre-processing activities
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Building partnerships with local or regional recyclers
Grant Amount and Duration
Selected applicants will receive:
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Grant size: USD 3,000 to USD 5,000
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Project duration: 6 to 9 months
Funds must be used exclusively for approved project activities that improve plastic recovery, waste systems, and community livelihoods.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria.
Eligible Organisations
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Community-based organisations (CBOs)
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Cooperatives and associations
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Women’s and youth groups
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Small social enterprises
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Organised informal-sector entities
Location Requirements
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Legally based and operating in Cabo Verde or São Tomé and Príncipe
Capacity and Experience
Applicants must demonstrate:
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Clear understanding of the local waste and plastic context
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Relevant experience in community development or environmental work
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Ability to manage grant funds transparently and responsibly
How the IslandPlas Community Grants Work
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Identify a local plastic waste challenge aligned with the program focus areas
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Design a practical, community-led solution
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Prepare a project proposal with clear objectives and activities
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Submit the application within the specified deadline
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Applications are reviewed based on relevance, feasibility, and impact
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Selected projects receive funding and implementation support
Why the IslandPlas Community Grants Matter
The grants:
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Reduce plastic waste leakage into marine ecosystems
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Strengthen local waste management and recycling systems
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Promote circular economy approaches at community level
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Support inclusive livelihoods for women, youth, and informal waste workers
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Build long-term resilience in island communities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Proposing activities unrelated to plastic recovery or circular economy
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Weak community engagement or participation plans
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Unrealistic timelines or budgets
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Lack of clarity on environmental or livelihood impact
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Insufficient financial management capacity
Tips for a Strong Application
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Clearly link activities to plastic reduction and circular economy outcomes
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Demonstrate strong community involvement
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Present realistic budgets and implementation plans
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Highlight benefits for women, youth, or informal waste actors
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Show potential for replication or scaling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the IslandPlas Community Grants?
To support community-led initiatives that improve plastic recovery and promote circular economy solutions on African islands.
Who funds and implements the program?
The program is funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation and implemented by IUCN under the Great Blue Wall initiative.
How much funding can applicants receive?
Between USD 3,000 and USD 5,000 per selected project.
Which countries are eligible?
Only organisations based in Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe are eligible.
How long can projects run?
Projects must be completed within 6 to 9 months.
Are informal waste groups eligible to apply?
Yes. Organised informal-sector entities are eligible applicants.
Conclusion
The IslandPlas Community Grants provide targeted, flexible funding to empower grassroots organisations to tackle plastic pollution while creating sustainable livelihoods. By supporting circular economy solutions at the community level, the program plays a critical role in reducing marine plastic leakage and strengthening environmental resilience across island communities.
For more information, visit IUCN.