Apply for the Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026 and secure up to £60,000 in funding for innovative civil society projects. This opportunity supports organizations across the Commonwealth driving social change through advocacy, participation, and inclusive policy development.
Background & Grant Overview
The Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026 offer a powerful opportunity for civil society organizations (CSOs) across the Commonwealth to access up to £60,000 in funding for impactful projects.
These annual grants aim to strengthen the role of civil society in shaping policies, influencing decision-making, and promoting social justice through constructive engagement with governments and institutions.
Each project must address one or more of the Foundation’s three core themes — Health Justice, Freedom of Expression, and Climate Justice — while ensuring gender equality and inclusion are central to their design and implementation.
Although the 2025 call is closed, the next open call for applications begins in September 2026. Organizations are encouraged to prepare early by reviewing eligibility requirements, gathering documentation, and signing up for grant alerts on the official Commonwealth Foundation website.
Funding Priorities
The Commonwealth Foundation supports projects that empower communities, amplify citizen voices, and promote participatory governance across multiple focus areas.
1. Health Justice
Projects under this theme focus on:
- Advocating for universal health coverage and equitable access to healthcare.
- Strengthening the right to health by improving quality, accessibility, and accountability in health systems.
- Addressing social determinants of health and tackling discrimination in healthcare delivery.
- Encouraging marginalized groups’ participation in health-related decision-making.
2. Freedom of Expression
This theme supports projects that:
- Enhance freedom of information, media independence, and digital rights.
- Promote free speech, civic participation, and access to credible information.
- Foster inclusive dialogue between civil society, media, and policymakers.
3. Climate Justice
Projects may focus on:
- Supporting climate adaptation and resilience in vulnerable communities.
- Promoting inclusive climate governance and the participation of marginalized voices in climate action.
- Advocating for equitable climate policies across Commonwealth countries.
Who Can Apply for Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026
Before applying, organizations must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. Only applications that fulfill all requirements will be considered.
To qualify for the Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026, applicants must:
- Be a not-for-profit civil society organization (CSO) registered in an eligible Commonwealth Member State.
- Have at least three years of demonstrable experience in advocacy or participatory governance.
- Submit a project that facilitates constructive engagement between civil society and decision-makers.
- Request a total grant amount between £15,000 and £60,000 for a period not exceeding two years.
- Ensure that the requested amount does not exceed 70% of the organization’s average annual income (over the past two years).
- Have an annual income below £2.5 million on average over the past two years.
- Integrate gender equality considerations in all project stages.
🔹 Note: Organizations that are currently implementing a Commonwealth Foundation Grant or have not received their final payment from a previous grant are not eligible to apply.
Eligible Countries
Grants are open to civil society organizations in eligible Commonwealth member countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, and the Americas.
Organizations in countries marked with an asterisk (*) may not apply as lead applicants but can participate as partners in eligible projects.
Applicants can take the eligibility quiz available on the Commonwealth Foundation website to confirm their eligibility before applying.
How to Apply
Interested organizations can apply online through the SurveyMonkey Apply platform once the call opens in September 2026.
Steps to Apply:
- Check Eligibility: Complete the eligibility quiz and confirm your country’s status.
- Register: Create an account on the SurveyMonkey Apply portal.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required materials, including audited accounts, project proposals, and gender integration details.
- Complete Application: Fill in all sections of the online form accurately.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Required Documents Include:
- Grant application form
- Project logic model
- Organization’s audit report and annual accounts
- Guidelines for applicants
Timeline for 2026 Grant Cycle
- 16 September 2025: Call opens for applications
- 23 October 2025: Deadline for submission
- February 2026: Shortlisted applicants contacted
- June 2026: Successful applicants announced
- August–September 2026: Projects commence
Assessment Criteria
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Eligibility compliance and organizational track record
- Clarity of the problem and feasibility of the solution
- Evidence of community consultation and engagement
- Gender integration and inclusivity
- Relevance, timeliness, and potential for sustainable impact
What Happens After Applying
After submission, applications undergo a multi-stage assessment. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Successful applicants will receive confirmation by June 2026 and funding disbursement before August 2026.
Monitoring and evaluation reports are required throughout the project to ensure accountability and measure long-term impact.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
1. How much funding can my organization receive from the Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026?
You can apply for up to £60,000 in total funding, spread over a maximum period of two years.
2. Who is eligible to apply for these grants?
Only registered not-for-profit civil society organizations from eligible Commonwealth member countries with at least three years of experience in advocacy and participatory governance may apply.
3. Can partnerships be included in the proposal?
Yes. Collaborative projects are encouraged, and organizations in non-eligible countries may participate as partners if the lead applicant is from an eligible country.
4. When will applications open for the 2026 cycle?
The next open call for applications will begin in September 2026. Applicants can sign up for grant alerts to be notified when the call opens.
5. Are government entities or businesses allowed to apply?
No. Only independent civil society organizations are eligible. However, partnerships that engage government stakeholders are acceptable if the CSO leads the initiative.
6. What themes are covered by the Commonwealth Foundation Grants?
Projects must address Health Justice, Freedom of Expression, or Climate Justice while ensuring gender equity and inclusivity.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026 are an excellent opportunity for civil society organizations committed to driving social progress and influencing policy across the Commonwealth.
With funding of up to £60,000, this initiative empowers changemakers to advance human rights, climate action, and participatory governance — making a lasting difference in communities worldwide.
Prepare your proposal early, review all eligibility criteria, and be ready when applications reopen in September 2026.
Official Application Link:
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