The Commonwealth Foundation is offering grants of £15,000 to £30,000 per year for eligible civil society organisations and £15,000 to £20,000 per year for collective action projects. Apply by 26 October 2026.
Background & Grant Description
The Commonwealth Foundation has opened its 2026–2027 Open Grants Call, inviting eligible civil society organisations, creative organisations and civil society networks across qualifying Commonwealth countries to apply for project funding.
The programme supports initiatives that promote meaningful social, cultural and political change through engagement with governments and decision-makers or creative advocacy.
This year’s call introduces two funding streams: Individual Organisation Grants for standalone projects and Collective Action Grants for networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives working together.
Applications must address at least one of the Foundation’s priority areas: climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion, or freedom of expression.
The application deadline is 26 October 2026 at 1:00 pm GMT.
Grant Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funder | Commonwealth Foundation |
| Funding call | 2026–2027 Open Grants Call |
| Funding streams | Individual Organisation Grants and Collective Action Grants |
| Individual Organisation Grants | £15,000–£30,000 per year |
| Collective Action Grants | £15,000–£20,000 per year |
| Maximum duration | Two years |
| Eligible applicants | Qualifying civil society organisations and collectives |
| Application deadline | 26 October 2026, 1:00 pm GMT |
| Expected project start | 1 August–30 September 2027 |
| Official information | Commonwealth Foundation Open Grants Call |
| Application portal | Apply online |
Available Funding and Priority Areas
1. Individual Organisation Grants
Eligible not-for-profit civil society and creative organisations can request between £15,000 and £30,000 per year for standalone projects lasting up to two years.
2. Collective Action Grants
Eligible networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives can request between £15,000 and £20,000 per year for up to two years. This stream is intended to strengthen participation, collaboration and collective action.
Proposals must address one or more of the following priority areas:
- Climate and environmental justice: Supporting environmental rights, climate accountability, community participation and fair transitions to clean energy.
- Economic inclusion: Advancing more inclusive economic opportunities and decision-making.
- Freedom of expression: Supporting people’s ability to express themselves and influence public discourse and policy.
Applicants must also explain how gender equality and intersectionality will be integrated into project design and implementation. Projects involving young people and eligible organisations in Commonwealth small states are encouraged.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The grants are intended for eligible organisations and organised collectives, not for individuals applying for personal funding.
Applicants should meet the relevant requirements for their chosen funding stream, including:
- Registration in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation member country.
- At least three years of operation and demonstrable experience relevant to the proposed project.
- Significant experience working with the communities where the project will be implemented.
- A project that advances at least one of the Foundation’s three strategic priority areas.
- A clear commitment to gender equality and intersectionality.
- An average annual income below £2.5 million over the previous two years.
- A requested grant that does not exceed 70% of the applicant’s average annual income over the previous two years.
Projects must be implemented at least in the applicant organisation’s country of registration. Multi-country projects may be considered where they demonstrate meaningful local participation in each country.
Unregistered networks or collectives must nominate an eligible registered member organisation to serve as the lead applicant. Organisations currently implementing a Commonwealth Foundation grant, or awaiting a final payment after completing a grant, are not eligible under the stated rules.
Applicants should confirm their country’s eligibility and review the specific guidance for their funding stream before applying.
Additional Information and How to Apply
Applications close on 26 October 2026 at 1:00 pm GMT. Projects are expected to begin between August and September 2027.
To apply:
- Check your country’s eligibility and complete the Foundation’s eligibility quiz.
- Read the guidance documents for the relevant funding stream.
- Register or sign in to the online application system.
- Complete the application form and provide the required supporting documents, including a logic model and registration and governance documentation.
- Submit the completed application online before the deadline.
Apply here: Commonwealth Foundation Grants Application Portal.
The Foundation expects to contact shortlisted applicants by the end of February 2027, with successful applicants expected to be informed by the end of June 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Commonwealth Foundation Open Grants Call 2026–2027?
It is a funding opportunity supporting eligible civil society organisations and collectives working to promote social, cultural and political change across qualifying Commonwealth countries.
2. How much funding is available?
Individual Organisation Grants offer £15,000–£30,000 per year, while Collective Action Grants offer £15,000–£20,000 per year. Both streams support projects lasting up to two years.
3. Can individuals apply directly?
No. The call is designed for eligible organisations and collective initiatives, rather than individuals seeking personal grants.
4. What types of projects are supported?
Projects must focus on climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion, or freedom of expression. They should promote constructive engagement with decision-makers and/or creative advocacy.
5. What are the main eligibility requirements?
Applicants generally need at least three years of operation and relevant project experience, registration in an eligible Commonwealth country, qualifying income levels and a clear commitment to gender equality and intersectionality.
6. When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 26 October 2026 at 1:00 pm GMT.
7. When should funded projects begin?
Projects are expected to start between 1 August and 30 September 2027.
8. How can organisations apply?
Review the requirements on the official open grants page and submit the application through the online grants portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Commonwealth Foundation’s 2026–2027 grants call may be particularly relevant to established civil society organisations and collaborative networks with a strong track record in advocacy and community engagement. Applicants should select the appropriate funding stream and carefully demonstrate how their proposed project will create measurable change.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares funding opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Commonwealth Foundation and does not award grants. Applicants should confirm eligibility and all application requirements through the official funding page.
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