The Commonwealth Foundation has opened its 2026–2027 open grants call, creating funding opportunities for eligible civil society and creative organisations across Commonwealth member countries. The Commonwealth Foundation grants programme supports projects designed to create meaningful social, cultural and political change through constructive engagement, creative advocacy and collective action.
Projects must address climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion or freedom of expression. Applications close at 1pm GMT on 26 October 2026.
Commonwealth Foundation Grants at a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Commonwealth Foundation Open Grants Call |
| Status | Open |
| Deadline | 26 October 2026, 1pm GMT |
| Grant streams | Individual Organisation Grants and Collective Action Grants |
| Funding | £15,000–£30,000 per year |
| Maximum duration | Two years |
| Eligible applicants | Eligible not-for-profit civil society and creative organisations, networks, coalitions, alliances and platforms |
| Project start | 1 August–30 September 2027 |
What Are the Commonwealth Foundation Grants?
For this call, the Commonwealth Foundation is expanding its funding offer. Alongside Individual Organisation Grants, the programme introduces Collective Action Grants for networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives.
The Commonwealth Foundation grants therefore provide two routes for organisations and collaborative groups seeking financial support for projects connected to the Foundation’s strategic priorities.
Two Grant Streams
Individual Organisation Grants
Individual Organisation Grants are available to eligible not-for-profit civil society organisations, including creative organisations. Grants range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year for up to two years.
Applicants generally must have been registered and operating for at least three years, with at least three years of relevant experience. Organisations should also have significant experience working in the communities where their proposed project will be delivered.
Collective Action Grants
The new Collective Action Grants support eligible networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives working together to strengthen participation and collective action. Grants range from £15,000 to £20,000 per year for up to two years.
An unregistered network or collective can participate by nominating an eligible registered member organisation as the lead applicant.
Funding Priorities
Every proposal must address at least one of the Commonwealth Foundation’s three strategic impact areas.
Climate and Environmental Justice
Projects may address the causes and impacts of climate and environmental injustice, particularly among marginalised communities. Areas can include participation in climate policy, just energy transitions, local and indigenous knowledge, environmental accountability and access to justice.
Economic Inclusion
The economic inclusion priority supports projects addressing barriers to participation and opportunity. Applicants should explain how their activities contribute to meaningful economic inclusion and connect with the Foundation’s strategic objectives.
Freedom of Expression
The freedom of expression priority supports initiatives that strengthen participation, public discourse and the ability of people and communities to express themselves and influence decision-making.
Gender and intersectionality are cross-cutting considerations. Applicants must demonstrate how these considerations have informed project design and will be integrated throughout implementation.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is central to the Commonwealth Foundation grants application process. Individual Organisation Grants are open to eligible not-for-profit civil society and creative organisations registered in eligible Commonwealth Foundation member countries.
Applicants generally need at least three years of registration and operation and three years of relevant experience. Their average annual income over the previous two years must be below £2.5 million, and the requested grant cannot exceed 70% of average annual income over those two years.
Collective Action Grants are intended for eligible networks, coalitions, alliances and platforms. Unregistered collectives can nominate an eligible registered organisation as lead applicant.
The project must be implemented in the applicant’s country of registration, although activities can extend to other eligible Commonwealth countries when strong local participation is demonstrated.
What Projects Can Be Funded?
The Commonwealth Foundation grants can support projects involving constructive engagement with decision-makers and creative advocacy. Creative organisations and collectives may provide examples of previous or current work demonstrating their creative practice and relevance.
Projects should be planned to begin between 1 August and 30 September 2027. Applicants must also consider safeguarding and explain how risks to the safety, dignity and wellbeing of participants will be prevented and managed.
How to Apply
Applicants should first check the eligible countries list and complete the Commonwealth Foundation eligibility quiz. Only applications that satisfy the eligibility criteria can be considered.
Eligible applicants then need to register with SurveyMonkey Apply and complete the online application form. Required supporting documentation must also be submitted.
Application Deadline and Timeline
The Commonwealth Foundation grants call opened on 23 September 2026. The application deadline is 1pm GMT on 26 October 2026.
Assessment begins after the call closes. Shortlisted applicants are expected to be contacted in February 2027, while successful applicants are expected to be informed before the end of June 2027.
What Applicants Should Demonstrate
Applications are assessed against eligibility and project-quality considerations. The Foundation looks for relevant advocacy experience, a clear understanding of the problem, a credible approach, consultation with intended beneficiaries and the capacity to deliver the proposed project.
Final Thoughts
The Commonwealth Foundation grants 2026–2027 call provides funding opportunities for eligible Commonwealth civil society organisations, creative organisations and collective initiatives. Grants range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year, with projects lasting up to two years.
Organisations interested in the Commonwealth Foundation grants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare the required documents and submit their online applications before 1pm GMT on 26 October 2026.
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