Deadline: 23-Oct-2025
The Commonwealth Foundation is offering grants of up to £60,000 to civil society organisations (CSOs) across eligible Commonwealth countries.
These grants aim to strengthen constructive engagement between civil society and decision-makers, fostering meaningful participation in policy development and implementation.
This open call is anchored in three priority themes: health justice, climate justice, and freedom of expression. Projects must address at least one of these themes while ensuring gender considerations are integrated into their design and implementation. Initiatives are expected to contribute to participatory governance, advance inclusive policies, and create long-term positive change for communities.
To be eligible, applicants must be not-for-profit CSOs registered in an eligible Commonwealth member country with at least three years of demonstrable experience in advocacy and participatory governance. Newly registered organisations are not eligible. Projects must be implemented in the country of registration, though multi-country projects are also permitted if strong local participation is demonstrated. The average annual income of applying organisations must be below £2.5 million, and the requested grant amount must not exceed 70% of the organisation’s average annual income over the past two years.
Funding requests must range between £15,000 and £30,000 per year, for a maximum of two years. The minimum total request must be at least £15,000, with projects beginning after 1 August 2026 and no later than 30 September 2026. Organisations currently implementing a Commonwealth Foundation Grant are not eligible unless their project is complete and the final payment has been received.
This funding opportunity represents a significant chance for CSOs to influence governance processes and advance critical issues across the Commonwealth. By fostering collaboration between communities and governments, the grants are designed to promote sustainable solutions to pressing challenges such as healthcare equity, climate resilience, and freedom of expression.
For more information, visit Commonwealth Foundation.
