The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Gender Grants 2026 is an initiative designed to promote gender equality and inclusiveness within higher education institutions across the Commonwealth. Each year, the ACU awards small grants to support university-led projects that aim to improve gender equity on campus through policy development, awareness programs, leadership initiatives, and research support.
These grants help universities implement meaningful projects that address gender-related challenges in academic environments. By funding initiatives that encourage inclusivity and equal opportunity, the ACU Gender Grants program plays a vital role in creating safer, more supportive educational spaces for both staff and students.
Applications for the 2026 ACU Gender Grants opened on March 5, 2026, and will close on May 8, 2026, at 3 PM UTC. Eligible staff members from ACU member universities are encouraged to apply and propose innovative initiatives that can drive lasting change in their institutions.
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About the ACU Gender Grants Program
The ACU Gender Grants are awarded annually to staff members working in universities that are part of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The program aims to support initiatives that improve gender balance, remove barriers to equality, and strengthen institutional policies that protect and empower women and marginalized groups.
Universities play a major role in shaping future leaders and creating opportunities for social change. However, many institutions still face gender-related challenges such as underrepresentation of women in leadership, gender bias in academic fields, and insufficient support systems for addressing harassment and discrimination.
The ACU Gender Grants program helps universities tackle these issues by funding small but impactful projects that encourage awareness, policy reform, and inclusive practices.
Funding Amount
The 2026 program will award five grants, each worth up to £2,000 (GBP).
These funds are intended to help universities cover the costs of organizing projects, workshops, research initiatives, training programs, or awareness campaigns that promote gender equality.
Although the grants are relatively small, they are designed to support projects that can produce meaningful outcomes and encourage long-term institutional change.
Special Partnership with the Martha Farrell Foundation
For the 2026 edition, the ACU is collaborating with the Martha Farrell Foundation, an organization recognized for its work in preventing sexual harassment and promoting gender justice.
Through this partnership, up to three of the five grants will focus specifically on developing effective anti-sexual harassment policies and strategies within universities.
These particular grants are open to staff members from ACU member universities in Africa and Asia. In addition to the financial grant, selected participants will receive:
- Online training sessions
- Expert guidance from the Martha Farrell Foundation
- Follow-up support to help implement anti-sexual harassment strategies
This partnership ensures that universities receive not only funding but also professional guidance to create safer campus environments.
Areas of Focus for ACU Gender Grants
Applicants can propose projects in several key areas related to gender equity and inclusion. These include:
Supporting Women in Leadership
Projects that help women develop leadership skills, mentorship opportunities, or pathways into senior academic or administrative roles.
Addressing Sexual Harassment
Initiatives that raise awareness about sexual harassment, develop prevention strategies, and create institutional policies that ensure safe and respectful learning environments.
Supporting Women in Science and Research
Programs that encourage female participation and advancement in science, technology, engineering, and research fields.
Developing Institutional Gender Policies
Projects that focus on creating or improving policies that promote equality and inclusion within universities.
Integrating Gender Equity into Education
Initiatives that incorporate gender equality principles into academic programs and university curricula.
Through these focus areas, the ACU encourages universities to take proactive steps toward building more inclusive academic communities.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the ACU Gender Grants 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a staff member at an ACU member university
- Propose a project that promotes gender equity or equality within the institution
- Submit a complete application through the online application system
- Provide all required supporting documents
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the official application guidance and FAQs before submitting their proposal.
Application Process
The application process is completed through the ACU’s online system.
Step 1: Create or Access a MyACU Account
Applicants must first create a MyACU account if they do not already have one. Those who already have an account can simply log in to access the application form once it becomes available.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
The application form contains several sections, including:
- Eligibility information
- Project focus and objectives
- Collaboration details
- Statements explaining the initiative
- Project implementation details
Applicants will also need to upload several supporting documents.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials as part of their application:
- Project plan timeline
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the project lead
- Confirmation of institutional support
- Any additional documentation relevant to the project
Providing clear and well-structured documentation will strengthen the application and improve the chances of success.
Application Statements
The application requires responses to seven written statements, each between 100 and 300 words.
These statements include:
- Project aims and goals – Explain what the project intends to achieve.
- Project development and delivery – Describe how the initiative will be implemented.
- Institutional impact – Outline how the project will benefit the university.
- Expected outputs – Identify the outcomes or materials that will be produced.
- Evaluation methods – Explain how the success of the project will be measured.
- Budget breakdown – Provide details on how the grant funding will be used.
- Previous gender-related work – Share past experience related to gender equality initiatives.
Applicants must ensure that their responses are original and free from plagiarism, as plagiarized applications will not be considered.
Why the ACU Gender Grants Matter
Gender equality in education is essential for building fair and progressive societies. Universities that promote inclusive environments allow students and staff to thrive regardless of gender.
The ACU Gender Grants 2026 provide an opportunity for universities to implement innovative ideas that promote fairness, safety, and opportunity. By supporting initiatives that encourage leadership, protect against harassment, and strengthen institutional policies, the program helps create campuses where everyone can succeed.
For staff members who are passionate about advancing gender equity, this grant offers the resources and support needed to turn impactful ideas into real change.
For more information, visit the ACU Gender Grants.
