Successful implementation of circular systemic solutions (CSS) requires access to a critical mass of investments. With the growth in circular awareness, public and private financiers have introduced dedicated programmes or have added circular economy as a focus to their existing instruments. This increase in ‘circular funding’ is good news for cities and regions that want to implement a CSS. However, getting access to this funding is still not straightforward and can be a major hurdle for implementation. 
 

This 5th CCRI webinar explored the funding landscape to get a better understanding of its diversity. The webinar started with an introduction of different funding/financing instruments and their applicability for different circular economy projects. This first part also introduced the various types of funders that are active and discussed the differences among them. 
 

In the second part of the webinar, the focus shifted to the perspective of the funder. Three different funding organisations (European Commission with the EU Cohesion Policy and LIFE programme; EIB; Intesa Sanpaolo) talked about the objectives of their funding programmes and explained how they look at (circular economy) projects. What assessment and evaluation criteria do they apply and why? What are their objectives and within what constraints do they operate?

The content of the webinar can support cities and regions in understanding what type of funding and/or financing instruments is relevant for their CSS project or its specific components.