CARE COLLECTIVE FUND (2026): Results & Updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

We want to support a diverse range of partners, including: NGOs and foundations, Grassroots initiatives and activists, (Academic) research projects, Social enterprises, impact start-ups, sustainable enterprises with a proven impact project. Not eligible: Conventional businesses, Individuals without a track record in activism, Projects that are purely greenwashing.

What type of projects do you fund?

We want to support organisations and activists whose work aligns with our strategic pillars: Plastic Life Cycle, Maritime Ecosystem, Community of Care & Climate Resilience. We fund social initiatives with a specific project that fits the duration of max. 12 months.

How do you select?

We use a points-based system, where each application can receive up to 62 points. Assessments are carried out by an internal jury, striving to remain objective and unbiased, while staying aligned with our core values.

What are the selection criteria?

We want to support strategic partnerships within at least one of our systemic pillars (Plastic Life Cycle, Maritime Ecosystem, Community of Care & Climate Resilience). Evaluation criteria include: Global or local relevance, measurable impact, alignment with our values, scalability and longevity beyond the project duration, and a realistic budget assessment. Geographic considerations give preference to locally led initiatives, particularly in the Global South and high-leakage regions like Southeast Asia and coastal Africa.

What does the support look like?

The approved applicant will receive a grant of €10,000, disbursed in August 2026. A kick-off call will be scheduled in July. The project period can last up to 12 months, with impact reporting expected (progress report December 2026, final report by end of project or July 2027 latest).

Do you only fund projects in the Global South?

We follow a dual approach, believing in Climate Justice and supporting vulnerable coastal communities in the Global South. At the same time, we fund advocacy, research, and innovation in the Global North. There is no hard geographic restriction; worldwide applications are accepted, with a preference (not requirement) for Global South / high-leakage regions.

The CARE COLLECTIVE FUND, launched by GOT BAG, a German company renowned for creating products from recycled ocean plastic waste, is a new global impact grant designed to support individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving ocean health and combating climate change. This initiative addresses the urgent need for accessible, low-barrier funding for grassroots initiatives worldwide. The fund aims to empower those doing vital work on the ground for communities, oceans, and the climate, fostering real change through resource provision. Whether you are a social enterprise, an activist, or involved in a research project, the CARE COLLECTIVE FUND seeks to combine strengths to amplify impact. The program supports projects that align with at least one of its three strategic pillars: Community of Care and Climate Resilience, Plastic Life Cycle, and Maritime Ecosystem. This grant is a testament to GOT BAG's commitment to environmental stewardship, extending its impact beyond sustainable products to direct funding for global change-makers.

The selection process for the CARE COLLECTIVE FUND is based on a transparent, points-based system, where each application can earn up to 62 points. An internal jury conducts assessments, ensuring objectivity and alignment with GOT BAG's core values. Key evaluation criteria include: Global or Local Relevance (how well the project addresses global and local needs), Impact (the ability to track, quantify, or qualitatively measure project impact), Value Match (alignment with GOT BAG's values and code of conduct), Scalability and Longevity (the potential for the project to create value beyond its immediate duration and scope), Budget Assessment (realism of expected impact and outcome relative to the proposed budget), and Geographic Considerations. While global applications are welcome, preference is given to locally led initiatives, especially in the Global South and high-plastic-leakage regions such as Southeast Asia and coastal Africa, including India.

CARE COLLECTIVE FUND

CARE COLLECTIVE FUND

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