The Commonwealth Foundation has officially launched its annual open grants call, offering funding of up to £60,000 for eligible civil society organisations (CSOs) across the Commonwealth.
The grants aim to strengthen constructive engagement between civil society and decision-makers, with a strong focus on participatory governance, advocacy, and policy influence. Applicants must demonstrate how their projects will integrate gender considerations in both design and implementation.
Priority Themes
Projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s three core themes:
- Health Justice – advancing universal health coverage, equitable access to health services, and combating systemic discrimination.
- Freedom of Expression – supporting civil society’s role in safeguarding and expanding democratic participation.
- Climate Justice – promoting inclusive and sustainable responses to climate change.
Eligibility
The open call is restricted to not-for-profit CSOs registered in eligible Commonwealth member states, with a minimum of three years’ experience in participatory governance and advocacy. Projects must start between August and September 2026.
Organisations currently implementing a Commonwealth Foundation grant that has not been fully closed out are not eligible to apply.
Application Deadline
Applications are now open and will close on 23 October 2025 at 1pm BST. Interested organisations are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and guidance documents available on the Foundation’s website before applying.
This funding opportunity provides grassroots and national organisations a chance to influence policies, amplify voices of marginalised groups, and advance justice across health, freedom of expression, and climate change.
For more details and to apply, visit the Commonwealth Foundation Grants Page.
