The Circular Future Fund: The Million Pound Challenge

Posted on 22 November 2021 by Christie McAlpine in Funding Grants Environment

In partnership with Hubbub, the John Lewis Partnership is launching a £1 million fund to support trailblazing ideas and innovations that can accelerate the transition towards a more circular economy.   

The Partnership would like to fund projects which will have a measurable impact (now or in the future), and a clear legacy. They are looking for innovators with pioneering new approaches to challenge the outdated 'take, make, dispose' model. Examples include rethinking waste with new products or materials, finding creative ways to shift consumer mindsets or developing new business models and services.s

The three focus areas for the fund are:

• Textiles
• Household products, technology and services
• Food

What is a circular economy?

Rather than taking, making and disposing, the idea of a circular economy is to design out waste and get the most value from every stage of a product's life. Not only will the circular economy help to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, it also provides opportunities to generate new economic value, jobs and more resilient supply chains.

How to apply

The fund will support a small number of high quality, innovative projects to support over one year, starting in May 2022. Grants of between £150,000-£300,000 are available and the deadline for applications is 9 January 2022.

Charities, Community Interest Companies, Social Enterprises and Academic Bodies are all eligible to apply. To find out more and to apply, visit the Circular Future Fund website.