Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026: Civil Society Organisations Can Apply for Up to £30,000 a Year. Eligible organisations can seek funding for projects supporting climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion and freedom of expression.
Background & Job Description
The Commonwealth Foundation has opened its 2026–2027 Grants Call, providing funding for eligible civil society organisations, creative organisations and collaborative networks across qualifying Commonwealth countries.
The programme supports projects that encourage constructive engagement with governments and decision-makers or use creative advocacy to influence public discussion, policies and behaviours.
Two funding streams are available:
- Individual Organisation Grants: £15,000–£30,000 per year for up to two years.
- Collective Action Grants: £15,000–£20,000 per year for up to two years.
The application deadline is 26 October 2026 at 1:00 pm GMT. <Cite refs={[“turn150127search0″,”turn150127search3”]}/>
Tasks
Funded projects should aim to create meaningful social, cultural or political change by addressing one or more of the Foundation’s priority areas:
- Climate and environmental justice.
- Economic inclusion.
- Freedom of expression.
Applicants must demonstrate how gender equality and intersectionality will be incorporated into project design and implementation. <Cite refs={[“turn150127search3”]}/>
Qualifications
Education and Certification
This is a grant opportunity for organisations and eligible networks, not an individual scholarship or employment programme. Applicants must meet the relevant registration and eligibility requirements and submit the required supporting documentation.
Experience
Individual applicants and eligible networks must have at least three years of demonstrable experience relevant to the proposed project and the Foundation’s strategic priorities. They must also have significant experience working with the communities where the project will be implemented.
For individual organisation grants, the applicant must be a registered, not-for-profit civil society or creative organisation in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation member country. The organisation’s average annual income over the previous two years must be below £2.5 million, and the requested grant must not exceed 70% of that average annual income. <Cite refs={[“turn150127search3”]}/>
Additional Information
- Funder: Commonwealth Foundation
- Funding call: 2026–2027 Grants
- Maximum individual organisation grant: £30,000 per year
- Maximum collective action grant: £20,000 per year
- Funding period: Up to two years
- Application deadline: 26 October 2026, 1:00 pm GMT
- Expected project start: 1 August–30 September 2027
Important eligibility note: The Foundation’s current list of eligible countries includes South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Kenya and other qualifying Commonwealth countries. Zimbabwe is not listed as an eligible lead-applicant country for this call. Organisations registered in Zimbabwe should review the official country list and guidance before applying; do not assume that registration in a Commonwealth country alone makes an organisation eligible. <Cite refs={[“turn150127search3”]}/>
How to Apply
Interested organisations should:
- Read the official grant guidelines and check the eligible-country list.
- Complete the Foundation’s eligibility quiz.
- Register or log in to the online application system.
- Submit the application form and required supporting documents, including the relevant logic model and registration documentation.
Applications must be submitted online. Review the requirements for your chosen funding stream before applying.
Official application page: Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026–2027
Frequently Asked Questions
1. 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. Funding can cover a maximum of two years.
2. When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 26 October 2026 at 1:00 pm GMT.
3. Can individuals apply?
No. The call is designed for eligible civil society and creative organisations, networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives—not individuals applying in their personal capacity.
4. Which projects are supported?
Projects must advance climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion or freedom of expression through constructive engagement with decision-makers and/or creative advocacy.
5. Can organisations registered in Zimbabwe apply?
Zimbabwe does not appear on the current list of eligible countries for lead applicants. Organisations should check the official eligibility guidance before preparing an application.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares funding information for public awareness and is not affiliated with the Commonwealth Foundation. Applicants should consult the official grant guidelines for complete eligibility requirements and application instructions.
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