ING Fund for a more circular economy

With this call for projects, the Fund is making 250,000 euros available for initiatives that either extend the life of objects, or avoid the creation of waste. With a particular focus on the early stages of the Lansink ladder, the initiatives must reinforce and enhance the skills and professions of locally-based people who are far from employment. Each project may receive between €25,000 and €50,000.

Proposals are invited from non-profit associations, social economy organizations, small businesses (start-ups, one-person businesses, etc.), individuals, groups, neighborhood committees, schools and other educational establishments, training centers. Partnerships are essential between these players, and can also be formed with public authorities and commercial companies. The latter (public authorities and commercial companies) are not directly targeted by this call for projects, but are encouraged to contribute to circular economy projects carried out and led by the other players mentioned above.

The call is aimed at proposals that eliminate or reduce as far as possible the creation of waste. Ecodesign and reuse will play a key role in this prevention stage, both qualitatively and quantitatively. In this respect, reuse, sharing, repair, the economy of functionality, reconditioning, remanufacturing, collection, dismantling, sorting, cleaning, quality control, inventory management, fitting out, sales and transport in particular will be necessary to extend the life or intensify the use of goods and their components.

The Fund also encourages applicants to contact their local region to find out how they can benefit from support from organizations specializing in the implementation and success of this type of project. Suggestions for such organizations in the three regions can be found in the selection criteria document.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Non-profit organizations, the social economy sector, small businesses (start-ups, one-person businesses, etc.), individuals, groups, neighborhood committees, schools and other educational establishments, training centers. Partnerships are strongly encouraged between these players, as well as with public authorities and commercial companies. Public authorities and commercial companies are not directly targeted by this call for projects, but as partners.