Commonwealth Foundation Grants 2026: Open Call for Civil Society and Creative Organisations

Organisation: Commonwealth Foundation
Location: Eligible Commonwealth countries
Funding: £15,000–£30,000 per year for Individual Organisation Grants; £15,000–£20,000 per year for Collective Action Grants
Duration: Up to two years
Project start: Between 1 August and 30 September 2027
Eligibility: Eligible not-for-profit civil society organisations, creative organisations, networks, coalitions and collectives
Application deadline: 26 October 2026, 1pm GMT

The Commonwealth Foundation invites applications for its annual grants programme, supporting civil society organisations and creative practitioners working to advance meaningful social, cultural and political change across the Commonwealth.

The programme supports projects that engage with governments and decision-makers or use creative advocacy to influence public discourse, policy, behaviours and decision-making.

This year’s call includes two funding streams, with opportunities for individual organisations and collaborative networks, coalitions and creative collectives.

Funding Opportunities

Individual Organisation Grants

Grants of £15,000–£30,000 per year for up to two years are available to eligible not-for-profit civil society and creative organisations delivering standalone projects.

Applicants must:

• Be registered in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation member country.
• Have operated for at least three years, with relevant experience.
• Demonstrate significant experience working with the communities involved in their proposed project.
• Have an average annual income below £2.5 million over the previous two years.
• Request funding that does not exceed 70% of their average annual income over the previous two years.

Organisations currently implementing a Commonwealth Foundation grant, or awaiting final payment for a recently completed grant, are not eligible.

Collective Action Grants

Grants of £15,000–£20,000 per year for up to two years support eligible civil society networks, coalitions, alliances and platforms, including creative collectives.

This funding stream aims to strengthen collaboration, participation and collective action.

Applicants should consult the official guidance for the specific eligibility requirements of this stream.

Funding Priorities

Projects must address at least one of the following themes:

• Climate and environmental justice: Addressing environmental inequalities, supporting affected communities and influencing climate policy.
• Economic inclusion: Advancing equitable access to opportunities, protecting labour rights and supporting sustainable livelihoods, including within the creative industries.
• Freedom of expression: Supporting initiatives that advance freedom of expression and participation in public discourse.

All proposals must demonstrate how gender and intersectionality inform the project’s design and implementation.

The Foundation particularly encourages applications from eligible organisations in Commonwealth small states, as well as projects involving young people and strengthening their leadership.

Opportunities for Creative Organisations

The programme welcomes projects that use artistic and creative practices as tools for advocacy and social change.

Creative advocacy may include projects that influence public narratives, policies, behaviours or decision-making through arts and cultural activities.

Creative organisations and collectives are expected to provide examples of previous or current work demonstrating the relevance of their creative practice to the proposed project.

The programme is intended to support advocacy and systemic change, rather than artistic production alone.

Eligibility and Project Requirements

Applicants must be based in eligible Commonwealth Foundation member countries and meet the requirements of their chosen grant stream.

Projects must contribute to at least one funding priority and demonstrate meaningful engagement with relevant communities.

Projects are expected to begin between 1 August and 30 September 2027.

Applicants should review the official grant guidance and eligibility criteria before applying.

Application deadline: 26 October 2026, 1pm GMT.

Image: Courtesy of Commonwealth Foundation.