The Commonwealth Foundation has opened its 2026 grants call for civil society organisations, creative organisations, networks, coalitions, alliances, and collectives across eligible Commonwealth countries.
However, the funding supports projects that create social, cultural, or political change. Applicants must focus on climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion, or freedom of expression. In addition, every proposal must show how it will address gender and intersectionality.
Commonwealth Foundation Grant benefits
The programme offers two funding options:
| Grant stream | Funding available | Grant length |
| Individual Organisation Grants | £15,000 to £30,000 per year | Up to two years |
| Collective Action Grants | £15,000 to £20,000 per year | Up to two years |
Therefore, an Individual Organisation Grant can provide up to £60,000 across two years. A Collective Action Grant can provide up to £40,000 across the same period.
In addition, the funding can support advocacy projects that engage decision-makers or use creative practice to influence public debate, policy, and behaviour. It also gives civil society groups a route to strengthen community participation and push for lasting change.
Funding priorities
Projects must address at least one priority area:
- Climate and environmental justice: Projects may advance community participation, climate accountability, a just energy transition, environmental rights, or Indigenous and local solutions.
- Economic inclusion: Projects may promote decent work, youth participation, fair access to resources, labour rights, inclusive policies, or creative-economy growth.
- Freedom of expression: Projects may support access to information, independent media, civic dialogue, digital rights, or legal protection for expression and association.
The Foundation encourages applications from Commonwealth small states and youth-led groups. However, the project must show meaningful participation, not token involvement.
Commonwealth Foundation Grant 2026 Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet all key conditions:
- Be a not-for-profit civil society or creative organisation, or an eligible network, coalition, alliance, platform, or creative collective.
- Be registered in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation member country.
- Have operated for at least three years.
- Show at least three years of experience relevant to the project and funding priority.
- Have strong experience with the communities involved.
- Implement the project at least in the organisation’s country of registration.
- Request no more than 70% of the applicant’s average annual income over the last two years.
- Have an average annual income below £2.5 million over the last two years.
- Plan to start the project between August 1 and September 30, 2027.
- Integrate gender and intersectionality throughout design and delivery.
Also, Applicants cannot apply if they currently hold a Commonwealth Foundation grant or recently completed one without receiving the final payment.
Application documents
Prepare the following before applying:
- A completed online application form.
- A logic model using the Foundation template.
- Registration certificate and proof of nonprofit status.
- Board or trustee details.
- Recent annual accounts or audited accounts.
- Collective structure and member list, if applying as a network or collective.
- A small portfolio of creative work, where relevant.
For grants above £15,000 per year, applicants must submit audited accounts. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants can also explore other grant opportunities on OpportunityLab.
How to apply for the Commonwealth Foundation Grant 2026
First, complete the Foundation’s eligibility quiz. Next, create an account on SurveyMonkey Apply and submit the online form with all required documents.
Applications opened on September 23, 2026, and close on October 26, 2026. Shortlisted applicants should expect contact by February 2027, while successful applicants will receive notice by the end of June 2027.
