The Commonwealth Foundation Grants Programme 2025/2026 is now open! This unique opportunity offers up to £60,000 in funding to not-for-profit civil society organisations (CSOs) across the Commonwealth working to enhance participatory governance, promote social justice, and drive policy-level change.
With a sharp focus on Health Justice, Freedom of Expression, and Climate Justice, the Foundation is calling on eligible organisations to submit proposals that can make a tangible impact in their communities.
The Commonwealth Foundation, one of the three intergovernmental organisations of the Commonwealth, works to empower civil society to engage meaningfully with governments and influence the decisions that affect their lives. Their grants programme is a flagship initiative designed to bridge the gap between citizens and policymakers.
The 2025/2026 cycle offers grants of up to £60,000 per project, providing essential financial support for grassroots organisations working to elevate voices, influence policies, and demand accountability from decision-makers.
Programme Objectives
- Strengthen the voice of civil society in governance.
- Enable constructive engagement with policymakers.
- Promote inclusive and participatory policy development.
- Support work in underrepresented communities and marginalized regions.
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The Commonwealth Foundation, one of the three intergovernmental organisations of the Commonwealth, works to empower civil society to engage meaningfully with governments and influence the decisions that affect their lives. Their grants programme is a flagship initiative designed to bridge the gap between citizens and policymakers.
The 2025/2026 cycle offers grants of up to £60,000 per project, providing essential financial support for grassroots organisations working to elevate voices, influence policies, and demand accountability from decision-makers.
Funding Priorities for 2025/2026
Proposals must focus on at least one of the following core thematic areas:
1. Climate Justice
Support for local or national advocacy, education, or legal action addressing climate-related issues such as:
- Environmental degradation
- Just transitions
- Climate displacement
- Youth-led environmental advocacy
2. Freedom of Expression
Funding for initiatives that:
- Protect and promote media freedom
- Enable open dialogue and dissent
- Strengthen citizen participation in public discourse
3. Health Justice
Targeted support for campaigns and projects that:
- Improve access to quality health services
- Promote sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR)
- Tackle social determinants of health (poverty, gender inequality, etc.)
Projects must foster civil society participation in policy development and decision-making around these themes.
Name of Organizer
Commonwealth Foundation
Requirements/Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this highly competitive grant, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
1. Be a not-for-profit civil society organisation (CSO).
2. Be registered in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation Member State. (Visit the official site for a full list of eligible countries.)
3. Have at least three years of verifiable experience in participatory governance and advocacy related to the project’s theme.
4. Not currently implementing a Commonwealth Foundation Grant (or awaiting a final payment from a previous grant).
5. Submit a proposal for a project that:
- Promotes engagement between civil society and decision-makers.
- Is aligned with at least one of the three funding themes.
- Starts after August 1, 2026, and before the end of September 2026.
Note: Projects that do not focus on participatory governance will not be considered.
Price
Each successful applicant will receive up to £60,000 for their project, subject to detailed proposal evaluation.
Deadline
23rd October,2025.
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