Norad Norwegian Development Programme to Reduce Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter

Expired International · Found: 2026-03-11 13:01

1 billion NOK program (Phase 2: 2025-2028) funding projects to reduce plastic pollution in developing countries. Call for proposals process, supports circular economy jobs, waste management, plastic waste-to-value conversion. Funds NGO partnerships.

Source: https://www.norad.no/en/for-partners/guides-and-tools/calls-for-proposals2/2025/call-for-proposals-for-the-norwegian-development-programme-to-reduce-plastic-pollution-and-marine-litter--stage-1

Funding Details

Funder

Norad (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation)

Funding Goal

Reduce plastic pollution and marine litter in developing countries by supporting end-to-end waste management systems, circular economy transitions, and behaviour change

Funding Amount

NOK 50-80 million per year (~EUR 4.5-7M/year); programme total NOK 1 billion (~EUR 90M) for 2025-2028; individual grants typically 3-4 years (1.000.000 € – 7.000.000 €)

Deadline

Stage 1 concept notes closed September 26, 2025. Stage 2 active by invitation from November 2025. Next round expected 2026/2027. (periodic)

How to Apply

Two-stage process: Stage 1 - submit a 4-page concept note via Norad Grants Portal (grants.mfa.no). Stage 2 - invited organisations receive formal invitation letter in November 2025 and submit full application.

Target Region

Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania; regional proposals also considered

Contact

hav@norad.no

Official Page

https://www.norad.no/en/for-partners/guides-and-tools/calls-for-proposals2/2025/call-for-proposals-for-the-norwegian-development-programme-to-reduce-plastic-pollution-and-marine-litter--stage-1/

Last Checked

2026-04-20 16:05

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Lead applicant must be a legally independent NGO
• Consortia encouraged - for-profits, government institutions, multilaterals can be consortium members

Project Scope

• Projects must target Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Ghana, or Tanzania
• Preferred project duration 3-4 years
• Must demonstrate engagement of private sector in circular economy

Required Documents

• Stage 1 concept note max 4 pages, submitted via Norad Grants Portal
• Proposals submitted in English only

Constraints

• Stage 1 deadline was September 26, 2025 - next round expected 2026/2027

Summary

The Norwegian Development Programme to Reduce Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (Phase 2, 2025-2028) is a Norwegian government initiative managed by Norad with a total budget ambition of NOK 1 billion (~EUR 90 million) over four years. The programme aims to prevent and reduce marine litter and plastic pollution and their negative effects on people and the environment in developing countries. Annual allocations of NOK 50-80 million (~EUR 4.5-7M) fund a portfolio of NGO-led projects. The programme targets five outcomes: strengthened policy frameworks against plastic pollution; reduced plastic consumption and demand; improved waste management infrastructure and systems; private sector job creation within circular economy value chains; and mitigation of health and environmental damage from plastic pollution for vulnerable communities. Geographically, the programme prioritises Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania as target countries, with regional proposals also considered. These countries are among the largest contributors to marine plastic pollution globally. Priority is given to projects demonstrating direct benefits to local populations, engagement of the private sector, and contribution to national and international plastic pollution commitments. Eligible activities include infrastructure investment in waste collection and sorting; recycling capacity building; training and operational support for waste management actors; private sector engagement and enterprise development; policy implementation support; awareness campaigns with measurable waste-flow outcomes; and circular economy pilots with proven livelihoods impact. Only NGOs may serve as lead applicants. Consortia are actively encouraged, and for-profit companies, foreign government institutions, multilateral agencies, and intergovernmental organisations may participate as consortium members. Typical grants run 3-4 years. Applications are submitted in English via the Norad Grants Portal. Stage 1 concept notes (max 4 pages) were due 26 September 2025; successful applicants were invited to Stage 2 in November 2025. The next programme round is expected in 2026-2027. Phase 1 ran 2018-2024.

Historical Context

Phase 1 ran 2018-2024. Phase 2 launched 2025-2028 with NOK 1 billion commitment. Norad also funds FAO GloLitter Partnership (India as lead partner) and UNEP/UNDP marine litter initiatives. Consistent thematic focus on ocean-bound plastic and coastal waste management in Norad priority countries throughout the programme history.

Why it was added

Major bilateral funding specifically for plastic pollution with NGO partnership focus and active call for proposals

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