The Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026–27 are now open for eligible civil society organisations, networks, coalitions, alliances and creative collectives working on social, environmental and civic change across Commonwealth countries.
This year’s call introduces two funding streams and focuses on projects advancing climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion, or freedom of expression.
Quick Facts
- Program: Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026–27
- Host: Commonwealth Foundation
- Opportunity Type: Grant / Project Funding
- Location: Eligible Commonwealth countries
- Nationality: Applicants must be organisations or eligible collectives registered in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation member country
- Degree Required: Not applicable
- Age Limit: None
- Work Experience: The applicant organization must have at least 3 years of demonstrable relevant experience
- Funding:
- Individual Organisation Grants: £15,000–£30,000 per year
- Collective Action Grants: £15,000–£20,000 per year
- Maximum Duration: Up to 2 years
- Potential Total Funding: Up to £60,000 for an Individual Organisation Grant over two years
- Application Fee: None
- Project Start: Between 1 August and 30 September 2027
- Application Deadline: 26 October 2026, 1:00 PM GMT
Who Can Apply?
Individual Organisation Grants
Eligible not-for-profit civil society or creative organisations registered in an eligible Commonwealth country can apply for standalone projects.
Collective Action Grants
Eligible networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives can apply for projects focused on strengthening participation and collective action.
Organisations or collectives that have been registered and operating for less than three years are not eligible.
What Can You Get Funding For?
Projects must advance at least one of these three priorities:
- Climate and environmental justice
- Economic inclusion
- Freedom of expression
The Foundation also requires applicants to demonstrate how gender and intersectionality have been considered in project design and implementation.
Important Eligibility Conditions
Your organisation or collective must:
- Be registered in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Have at least 3 years of relevant experience
- Have significant experience working with the communities where the project will be delivered
- Have average annual income below £2.5 million
- Request no more than 70% of average annual income from the Foundation
- Plan to begin the project between August and September 2027
- Not currently be implementing a Commonwealth Foundation grant or awaiting its final payment.
Deadline
26 October 2026 at 1:00 PM GMT
The official application system confirms that applications opened on 23 September 2026 at 1:00 PM BST and close on 26 October 2026 at 1:00 PM GMT.
Don’t wait until the final day — the Foundation receives around 3,000 applications each year.
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