Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Foundation Grants Programme 2025/2026, offering up to £60,000 in funding to support innovative and impactful civil society projects across the Commonwealth. This grant aims to strengthen constructive engagement between civil society and decision-makers, enabling organizations to shape policies and drive meaningful change.
What the Grants Support
The Commonwealth Foundation funds projects that advance participatory governance and empower citizens to influence decisions affecting their lives. Applicants must address at least one of the Foundation’s three priority themes:
- Health Justice – promoting equitable healthcare access, participation of marginalized groups, universal health coverage, and combating systemic discrimination in health systems.
- Freedom of Expression – strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks that protect free speech, supporting independent media, promoting access to information, and fostering artistic and creative advocacy.
- Climate Justice – protecting vulnerable communities from climate impacts, amplifying grassroots voices in climate policy, and advocating for fair and inclusive environmental justice solutions.
Projects that integrate gender considerations and explore intersections between these themes are strongly encouraged.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2025/2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants:
- Applicants must be not-for-profit civil society organizations registered in an eligible Commonwealth member state.
- Organizations must have at least three years of demonstrable experience in participatory governance and advocacy in the proposed project’s area.
- Organizations currently implementing or recently completing a Commonwealth Foundation grant without receiving their final payment are not eligible.
- Projects must start after 1 August 2026 and before 30 September 2026.
Applications from small and vulnerable member states, youth-led groups, and organizations using creative approaches for policy change are especially welcomed.
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Timeline for Applications
- 16 September 2025 – Call for applications opens
- 23 October 2025 – Deadline for applications
- February 2026 – Unsuccessful applicants notified
- June 2026 – Successful applicants informed
Before applying, organizations are advised to read the full guidance documents and take the Foundation’s eligibility quiz to confirm they meet all criteria.
Why Apply
The Commonwealth Foundation offers up to £60,000 in funding for projects that amplify civil society voices, influence public policy, and advance fair, inclusive, and just societies across the Commonwealth. Shortlisted applicants can also propose capacity-strengthening initiatives (up to 5% of the grant amount) to enhance their organizational effectiveness.
How to Apply
Interested organizations should submit their applications through the official Commonwealth Foundation Grants portal before 23 October 2025 at 1 p.m. BST. Only completed applications submitted via the portal will be considered.
For full details, including eligibility, priority themes, and application guidance, visit the official Commonwealth Foundation Grants Programme webpage.
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