CARE COLLECTIVE FUND

The CARE COLLECTIVE FUND is a global impact grant launched by GOT BAG, a German company known for creating products from recycled ocean plastic waste. This initiative addresses the urgent need for accessible, low-barrier funding for grassroots initiatives worldwide. It aims to empower individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving ocean health and combating climate change. The fund supports projects that align with at least one of three strategic pillars: Community of Care and Climate Resilience, Plastic Life Cycle, and Maritime Ecosystem. Whether you are a social enterprise, an activist, or a researcher, the grant seeks to combine strengths to amplify impact. It reflects GOT BAG's commitment to environmental stewardship, extending beyond sustainable products to direct funding for global change-makers.

• Funding of €10,000 (~₹10.91 lakh)
• Focus on ocean health and climate action
• Worldwide applications accepted
• Project duration up to 12 months
• Preference for Global South initiatives
• Open to NGOs, social enterprises, and activists

The fund welcomes applications from a diverse range of partners, including NGOs, foundations, grassroots initiatives, activists, academic research projects, social enterprises, impact startups, and sustainable enterprises with a proven impact project. Ineligible applicants include conventional businesses, individuals without a track record in activism, and projects primarily focused on greenwashing. The initiative seeks genuine, impactful projects that align with its core mission.

CARE COLLECTIVE FUND is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for CARE COLLECTIVE FUND closed on 5 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected applicants will receive a fixed grant of €10,000 (~₹10,91,000) to support their local ocean and climate initiatives. This funding is disbursed as a lump sum in August 2026, marking the commencement of the project. A kick-off call in July will provide initial guidance, followed by a project period of up to 12 months. Grantees are required to submit a progress report in December 2026 and a final report by the project's conclusion or by July 2027 at the latest, ensuring clear impact measurement and reporting of outcomes.

CARE COLLECTIVE FUND is offered by GOT BAG, a corporate programme. It is delivered directly by GOT BAG as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection process uses 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 (ability to track, quantify, or qualitatively measure project impact), Value Match (alignment with GOT BAG's values and code of conduct), Scalability and Longevity (potential to create value beyond immediate scope and duration), Budget Assessment (realism of expected impact relative to 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.

Before you apply to CARE COLLECTIVE FUND, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

CARE COLLECTIVE FUND is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10.9L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.