CARE Collective Fund
By GOT BAG
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Quick Answer
The CARE Collective Fund provides global impact grants of €10,000 (approx. ₹9 lakhs) to grassroots initiatives, social enterprises, and organizations dedicated to ocean health, plastic pollution, and climate action, with a focus on low-barrier access to funding.
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 5 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by GOT BAG. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The CARE Collective Fund is a flagship global impact grant initiative spearheaded by GOT BAG, a German company renowned for its commitment to sustainability through products made from recycled ocean plastic. This fund is specifically designed to empower individuals and organizations globally that are engaged in critical work addressing ocean health, plastic pollution, and broader climate action. Recognizing the challenges faced by smaller, community-led projects, the fund prioritizes low-barrier funding, aiming to be accessible to grassroots initiatives that often struggle with traditional funding avenues. GOT BAG envisions building a robust global network of partners, ranging from local community groups deeply rooted in their environments to larger organizations driving systemic environmental change. The fund supports innovative solutions and dedicated efforts to protect and restore marine ecosystems, reduce plastic waste, and combat climate change, fostering a collaborative ecosystem of environmental stewardship.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
GOT BAG is a bag and luggage maker founded in 2018 that turns recovered ocean-bound plastic into backpacks, travel luggage, crossbody and tote bags, wallets and accessories, including a lightweight nylon made from recycled fishing nets. It is a certified B Corp with more than 70…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹9 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The CARE Collective Fund offers a non-repayable grant of €10,000 (approximately ₹9,00,000) to each approved applicant. This funding is designed as low-barrier capital, empowering grassroots initiatives and social enterprises to execute their vital work without the burden of equity dilution or repayment. Funds are disbursed around August 2026 and must be strategically utilized within a 12-month period to maximize impact. Beyond financial support, recipients gain access to GOT BAG's expanding global network of partners, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and potential for amplified influence within the ocean health, plastic pollution, and climate action communities. This holistic support aims to accelerate the growth and effectiveness of impactful projects worldwide.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Duration
- 12 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for the CARE Collective Fund undergo a rigorous multi-stage selection process. Initially, submitted proposals are screened for eligibility and alignment with GOT BAG's core mission of ocean health, plastic pollution, and climate action. A dedicated review committee, comprising experts in sustainability, environmental science, and social impact, evaluates each application based on the project's potential impact, innovation, feasibility, and the applicant's capacity to deliver. Special consideration is given to initiatives demonstrating a strong grassroots presence or operating in priority regions like the Global South, Southeast Asia, and coastal Africa. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for virtual interviews or to provide further details before final selections are made and grant recipients are announced.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your project proposal and detailed application through the official GOT BAG website portal.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of initiatives does the CARE Collective Fund support?
The fund supports a wide array of initiatives focused on ocean health, reducing plastic pollution, and broader climate action. This includes grassroots projects, social enterprises, activist campaigns, and research efforts that demonstrate a clear commitment to creating positive environmental impact globally.
Is the €10,000 grant equity-free and non-repayable?
Yes, absolutely. The CARE Collective Fund provides a pure grant of €10,000, which is non-repayable and requires no equity stake from your organization or project. This ensures that beneficiaries retain full ownership and control over their impactful work.
What are the geographic priorities for this fund?
While the fund is global, GOT BAG prioritizes initiatives operating in the Global South, Southeast Asia, and coastal regions of Africa. Applicants from other regions with strong alignment to the fund's mission are also considered, but those in priority geographies may have an advantage.
Can individual activists or research projects apply, or only registered organizations?
The fund is explicitly open to a broad range of applicants, including individual activists, research projects, social enterprises, NGOs, foundations, and grassroots groups. The low-barrier approach aims to be inclusive of diverse change-makers regardless of their formal organizational structure.
What is the timeline for fund disbursement and utilization?
Funds are typically disbursed around August 2026. Once received, the approved applicants are expected to utilize the €10,000 grant within a 12-month period. This allows for focused project execution and impact generation within a defined timeframe.
Beyond funding, what other support does the CARE Collective Fund offer?
In addition to financial aid, the fund aims to connect beneficiaries with GOT BAG's expanding global network of partners. This provides opportunities for mentorship, collaborative projects, knowledge exchange, and increased visibility, helping to amplify the impact of supported initiatives.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
