Commonwealth Foundation Grants Programme 2026/2027 for Civil Society Organizations (£60,000 in Grants)

This year, the Foundation is expanding its funding offer to create new opportunities for civil society networks, coalitions, alliances and collectives, building on several years of support for grassroots communities and creative organisations.

Applications must address one or more of our three funding priorities. All applicants are required to demonstrate how they intend to integrate considerations of gender and intersectionality into their project design and implementation.

Grant Stream

Individual Organisation Grants

For eligible not-for-profit civil society organisations, including creative organisations, delivering standalone projects. Grants are available from £15,000 to £30,000 per year for up to two years.

Collective Action Grants

For eligible networks, coalitions, alliances and platforms of civil society actors, including creative collectives, working together to strengthen participation and collective action. Grants are available from £15,000 to £20,000 per year for up to two years.

Funding Priorities

Applications must address one or more of our three priority themes: climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion and freedom of expression.

Eligibility Requirements

Individual Organisation Grants

Open to not-for-profit civil society organisations and creative organisations registered in eligible Commonwealth Foundation member countries.

Applicants must have been registered and operating for at least three years, with a minimum of three years’ demonstrable experience relevant to the proposed project and our strategic impact areas. This may include constructive engagement between civil society and decision-makers, or using arts and creative expression to influence narratives, policy or public discourse.

Applicants should also have significant experience of working in the communities where their proposed project will be delivered.

Collective Action Grants

Open to not-for-profit networks, such as coalitions, alliances or platforms of civil society organisations (CSOs), community-based organisations (CBOs), groups, creative actors or creative collectives in eligible Commonwealth Foundation member countries.

If the network or collective is not a registered organisation, a registered civil society organisation that is a member of the collective must act as lead applicant on its behalf.

Projects are expected to begin between 1 August 2027 and 30 September 2027.

Application Deadline: 26 October 2026.