Are you a community-based organization or social enterprise in Nigeria tackling plastic pollution in innovative ways? Here’s your chance to scale your impact. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a powerful new Call for Proposals: Reimagining Nigeria’s Plastic Crisis Through Grassroots Innovation—a funding opportunity aimed at empowering local change-makers driving grassroots innovation in the circular plastics economy.
This post breaks down everything you need to know to apply successfully and stand out.
About the Call for Proposals
This UNDP initiative, under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP), seeks to identify and support early-stage, community-rooted innovations that aim to reduce plastic waste and foster circular economy practices in Nigeria. The grant supports organizations working at the intersection of plastic pollution, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered non-profits, CBOs, and social enterprises based in Nigeria.
- Organizations led by women, youth, or working with marginalized communities.
- Initiatives that are innovative, impact-driven, and locally grounded.
Grant Details
- Grant Amount: USD $10,000–$20,000 per project
- Application Deadline: June 13, 2025
- Duration: Projects must be ready to implement immediately and show measurable results within 12 months.
What Types of Innovation Are Supported?
Your idea should address one or more of the following:
- Material Innovation: Biodegradable or alternative packaging materials.
- Design Innovation: Products that minimize plastic use or encourage reusability.
- Business Model Innovation: New approaches such as refill or reuse systems.
- Tech/Data Innovation: Platforms that monitor, track, or educate on plastic use.
- Governance/System Innovation: Policies or community frameworks addressing waste.
- Financing Innovation: Creative funding models like EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility).
Application Process & Required Information
To apply, you must provide detailed responses to questions related to:
1. Organizational Overview
- Name, registration number, and mission
- Key team members and relevant expertise
2. Innovation Pitch
- What is your big idea?
- What innovation category does it fall under?
- How have community insights shaped it?
- Any moments of failure or learning?
3. Targeted Problem & Impact
- What specific plastic-related issue does your project tackle?
- Who benefits from your solution?
- How will you include underserved groups?
4. Implementation & Timeline
- Outline your 12-month roadmap
- Provide a clear, itemized budget within $10k–$20k
- Mention any co-funding or partnerships
5. Monitoring & Learning
- How will success be measured?
- What documentation and reporting tools will be used?
How to Apply
Interested organizations can apply by visiting the official call here:
👉 UNDP Nigeria: Call for Proposals – Reimagining Nigeria’s Plastic Crisis Through Grassroots Innovation
🧠 Expert Opinion: How to Strengthen Your Proposal
According to the Grants Database Review Team, here are five expert tips to improve your chances:
1. Start with the user: Frame your idea around real people and problems on the ground. Include quotes, community surveys, or visual evidence if possible.
2. Focus on impact: Use numbers to back your potential—tons of plastic diverted, number of jobs created, households reached, etc.
3. Keep it simple and bold: Your idea should be clear in 2–3 sentences. Avoid jargon.
4. Be inclusive: Explicitly outline how you will include women, youth, and people with disabilities in both design and implementation.
5. Align your budget: Make sure your cost estimates match your activities, and don’t exceed the $20,000 cap.
Need Help Drafting or Refining Your Proposal?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for professional proposal drafting, refining, and review services. Our grant experts can help you:
- Craft compelling narratives
- Design feasible budgets
- Optimize your impact framework
- Align with donor language and priorities
Summary Checklist
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | June 13, 2025 |
| Grant Size | $10,000 – $20,000 USD |
| Eligible Applicants | Nigerian non-profits, CBOs, social enterprises |
| Focus Areas | Plastics innovation, circular economy |
| Gender & Inclusion Focus | Strongly encouraged |
| Application Link | Apply Now |
| Support Services | Contact grantsdatabase.org |
Final Thoughts
The Call for Proposals: Reimagining Nigeria’s Plastic Crisis Through Grassroots Innovation is a powerful opportunity to bring local solutions to life. Whether you’re designing a circular packaging system or organizing community-led clean-ups, this grant can provide the launchpad you need.
Be bold, be clear, and be ready to act. And if you need expert support—contact grantsdatabase.org today for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
