Deadline: September 26, 2025
The Circular Solutions Innovation Challenge in the Philippines invites innovative solutions that advance sustainability, promote circular economy practices, and strengthen local community engagement.
The challenge focuses on promoting Plastic Circularity by reducing and reusing plastic waste, advancing Food & Organic Circularity through sustainable management of food and organic materials, and supporting Green Tourism that encourages environmentally responsible travel and local community development.
The EU-PH Green Economy Partnership SO2 Green LGUs Circular Solutions Innovation Challenge is designed to support local government units (LGUs) in implementing sustainable solutions that address environmental challenges while promoting economic growth. Participants are encouraged to develop projects that enhance circularity in waste management, reduce the environmental footprint of local industries, and foster sustainable tourism practices.
The proposal amounts may range from a minimum of USD 35,000 to a maximum of USD 40,000 per organization, to be used for implementation in one Local Government Unit (LGU) for a duration of 10–15 months from contract signing.
The fund can be used for project management costs, including salaries of project staff (maximum of 25% of the total project proposal), technology, design, business, development, or consultancy services, advisory inputs, operations, materials, technologies, community engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and travel costs directly related to the implementation of the project (maximum 15% of the total budget).
The fund will not cover capital expenditures; interest or debt owed to any third party; expenditures and provisions for possible future losses or debts; items already financed through another similar scheme, program, or institution; financial awards; bank and currency exchange expenses, losses, fees, and penalties; or marketing, sales, and distribution costs for promoting the technology, product, or service.
Applicants are expected to propose actionable solutions that can be implemented within their respective LGUs and demonstrate measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits. The challenge emphasizes collaboration among LGUs, private sector partners, and community stakeholders to ensure the scalability and impact of proposed initiatives.
Eligibility criteria require participants to be local government units, private sector partners, or consortiums that can implement circular solutions effectively. Proposals may focus on innovative technologies, community engagement strategies, or behavior change initiatives that contribute to the Philippines’ green economy goals.
Selected projects will receive financial support to execute their proposed solutions, with guidance and monitoring provided throughout the implementation phase. The challenge also promotes knowledge sharing and the dissemination of best practices to inspire wider adoption of circular economy principles across the country.
For more information, visit UNDP.
