Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Foundation Grants Program 2027, an annual funding opportunity for eligible civil society and creative organisations working to promote democratic participation, development and social change across Commonwealth countries.
The programme provides funding for standalone projects that seek to influence public discussion, government policy, behaviour or decision-making through constructive engagement with governments and other decision-makers, creative advocacy, or a combination of both.
Projects can be implemented at national, sub-national, regional or international level, provided they meet the programme’s eligibility and participation requirements.
Grants Overview
The Commonwealth Foundation Grants Program supports not-for-profit organisations, networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives developing projects that contribute to meaningful social, political, cultural or economic change.
Applicants may propose projects lasting one or two years. However, every project must be implemented at least in the country where the applicant or lead applicant is registered. For projects covering multiple countries, applicants must demonstrate meaningful local participation in each country where project activities will take place.
The programme has three strategic impact areas: climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion, and freedom of expression.
Gender and intersectionality must also be incorporated into the design and delivery of every proposed project.
Grants Details
Programme: Commonwealth Foundation Grants Program 2027
Funding Organisation: Commonwealth Foundation
Grant Type: Individual Organisation Grants and Collective Action Grants
Geographical Scope: National, sub-national, regional or international
Expected Project Start: Between 1 August 2027 and 30 September 2027
Project Duration: One or two years
Application Deadline: 26 October 2026 at 13:00 GMT
Application Method: Online through the Commonwealth Foundation Grants Online Application System
About the Commonwealth Foundation
The Commonwealth Foundation is an international organisation that supports civil society across the Commonwealth. Its funding programmes support organisations and groups working to strengthen participation in democracy and development.
Through its grants, the Foundation supports civil society organisations, networks and creative actors working with communities to promote social, cultural and political change and improve people’s participation in decisions that affect their lives.
About the Commonwealth Foundation Grants Program 2027
The 2027 grants programme is designed to fund projects that use constructive engagement, advocacy and creative approaches to achieve meaningful change.
A proposed project must address at least one of the Foundation’s three strategic impact areas:
1. Climate and environmental justice
2. Economic inclusion
3. Freedom of expression
The programme also identifies small states as a cross-cutting priority. Projects that provide meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in leadership are encouraged.
Applicants must demonstrate how gender and intersectionality will be considered throughout project design and implementation.
Available Grant Types
The Commonwealth Foundation Grants Program 2027 provides two categories of grants:
1. Individual Organisation Grants
Individual Organisation Grants are available to eligible not-for-profit civil society and creative organisations implementing standalone projects.
Eligible organisations must meet the following requirements:
-Grant funding ranges from £15,000 to £30,000 per year.
-Projects may run for a maximum of two years.
-The organisation must have been legally registered and operating for at least three years.
-The organisation must have at least three years of demonstrable experience relevant to the proposed project and selected strategic impact area.
-Applicants must have significant experience working within the communities where the project will be implemented.
-The organisation’s average annual income must have been below £2.5 million during the previous two years.
-The amount requested from the Foundation must not be more than 70% of the organisation’s average annual income over the previous two years.
-Organisations currently implementing a Commonwealth Foundation grant are not eligible for this grant type. Organisations that recently completed a Commonwealth Foundation grant but have not yet received the final payment are also excluded.
2. Collective Action Grants
Collective Action Grants are intended for eligible networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives working to improve participation and collective action.
The requirements include:
-Grant funding ranges from £15,000 to £20,000 per year.
-Projects may run for a maximum of two years.
-Eligible applicants include networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives.
-An unregistered network or collective must nominate an eligible registered member organisation to serve as the lead applicant.
-The network, collective or lead applicant must have at least three years of demonstrable experience relevant to the proposed project and strategic impact area.
-Applicants must have significant experience working with the communities where the project will take place.
-The collective or lead applicant’s average annual income must be below £2.5 million over the previous two years.
-The requested grant must not exceed 70% of the collective’s or lead applicant organisation’s average annual income over the previous two years.
-Networks, collectives and lead applicants that are currently implementing a Commonwealth Foundation grant, or recently completed one without receiving the final payment, are not eligible.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants for the Commonwealth Foundation Grants Program 2027 must satisfy the programme’s eligibility conditions.
Key requirements include:
1. Applicants must be based in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation member country.
2. The proposed project must focus on climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion, freedom of expression, or a combination of these areas.
3. Projects must pursue change through constructive engagement with governments and other decision-makers, creative advocacy, or both.
4. Gender and intersectionality must be meaningfully incorporated into project planning and implementation.
5. Projects must be implemented at least in the applicant’s or lead applicant’s country of registration.
6. Multi-country projects must demonstrate strong local participation in every country where activities will be carried out.
7. An organisation, network or collective can participate in only one application under this funding call, either as a lead applicant or partner.
8. Applicants must identify potential safeguarding risks and explain how those risks will be addressed.
9. Shortlisted applicants may be required to submit safeguarding policies or procedures or establish appropriate safeguarding measures as a condition of receiving funding.
10. Creative organisations and creative collectives must provide a small selection of previous or current work demonstrating their creative practice and explaining its relevance to the proposed project.
Required Application Materials
Applicants should prepare the required documentation before beginning the online application.
The application requires:
1. A completed online application form
2. A logic model prepared using the Commonwealth Foundation’s template
3. Registration documentation
4. Proof of not-for-profit status
5. Governance information showing board members or trustees, including their roles, responsibilities and contact details
6. Shortlisted applicants may also be asked to provide additional documentation, including a detailed project budget.
Monitoring, Reporting and Selection
Successful grant partners will be expected to monitor their projects and provide both narrative and financial reports according to the terms of their grant agreement.
For one-year projects, applicants will be required to submit a narrative report and financial report at the end of the project.
For two-year projects, narrative and financial reports will be required at the end of the first year and again when the project is completed.
Shortlisted applicants are expected to be contacted by the end of February 2027, while final decisions are expected to be communicated by the end of June 2027.
Applicants who are unsuccessful will not receive individual feedback.
The Commonwealth Foundation typically receives approximately 3,000 applications during its grants call, so applicants should ensure that their proposals and supporting documentation meet the stated requirements.
How to Apply
1. Eligible organisations and groups interested in the Commonwealth Foundation Grants Program 2027 should submit their applications online.
2. Review the eligibility requirements and determine which grant category applies to your organisation or collective.
3. Prepare the required application documents, including the online application information, logic model, registration documents, proof of not-for-profit status and governance details.
4. Access the Commonwealth Foundation Grants Online Application System.
5. Complete the application form and provide the required project information and supporting documents.
6. Submit the completed application online before the deadline of 26 October 2026 at 13:00 GMT.
7. Applications submitted by email or post will not be considered.
Important Note
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, grant category requirements and application instructions before submitting their proposals. Ensure that all information and supporting documents are accurate and complete, and submit the application before the stated deadline.
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