Call for Applications for the Circular Economy Challenge Fund (CECF) – Up to €60,000 Grants – CRS, Kigoma November 2025

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY CHALLENGE FUND (CECF)

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in partnership with its country-based partner Caritas Kigoma, is implementing a four (4)-year project titled Vitalizing Opportunities in Circular Economy and Sustainable Solutions in Lake Tanganyika (VOICES), funded by the European Union.

CRS is pleased to announce the opening of the application window for the Circular Economy Challenge Fund (CECF). This fund is designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that are innovating and operating within the circular economy. The CECF provides both technical assistance through Business Development Services (BDS) and financial support to businesses that address environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities, particularly for community-based enterprises, savings groups, and women- and youth-led initiatives. The fund also aims to foster sustainable ecosystems by promoting resource efficiency, innovation, waste reduction, and inclusive growth, with a strong emphasis on empowering women and youth in circular economy ventures.

Currently, under the VOICES Circular Economy Challenge Fund (CECF), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is targeting the Early Adopters as the primary beneficiaries for this application window.

Eligibility

This Call for Funding Applications is specifically open to applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Legally registered SMEs, groups, or CBOs.
• Based or operating in the Kigoma region, specifically in Kigoma-Ujiji Municipal Council, Kigoma district council, or Uvinza district.
• Demonstrated results of circular economy initiatives; potential for scaling up.
• The business must align with at least one circular economy principle (e.g., recycling, upcycling, waste-to-energy, sustainable farming-regeneration)
• Demonstrate commitment to waste management, environmental sustainability, and social impact.
• Have been operating for at least 3 years.

Timeline

• 21 November 2025: Official Launch of the Call for Funding Applications
• 12 December 2025 (23:59 EAT): Submission Deadline
• 22^nd December 2025 – 27th February 2026: Review, selection, feedback, due diligence, approval processes

Budget

The requested amount of funding support for this window should not exceed Euros 60,000. Applicants should be willing to commit at least 20% of the requested funding support as co-financing. The co-financing can be monetary or in-kind.

Application process

The application process is as follows.

• Interested applicants should send an email to mwanjela@crs.org  or call +255 757 803 680 to request application forms or visit the CRS Kigoma office on the 3^rd Floor NSSF Building
• The applicant must submit a complete application form and send it to cecf@crs.org

Note:

• There is no fee charged to apply for this call for application. Also, CRS through VOICES will not cover any costs incurred while applying for this fund.
• Only applications that meet the above eligibility requirements and have submitted all the required documentation will be considered
• Women or youth-led businesses encouraged to apply.
• ✓ This call for applications does not establish any obligation on the part of CRS Tanzania or its agents for any services requested during the application process.