The Commonwealth Foundation Annual Grant provides Commonwealth civil society organizations with grants of up to £60,000.
The goal of these open call grants is to encourage constructive interaction between decision-makers and civil society, including civil society involvement in the formulation and application of policies.
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At least one of our three priority themes must be covered in applications. Every application must show how it will incorporate gender issues into the planning and execution of the project.
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When is the Application Deadline:
Applications open 16 September 2025.
Tell Me About The Award:
The Commonwealth Foundation offers annual grants of up to £60,000 to civil society organisations (CSOs) across the Commonwealth. The grants strengthen constructive engagement between civil society and decision-makers, supporting participation in policy development and implementation.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Projects must address at least one of the Foundation’s three priority themes:
- Health Justice
- Freedom of Expression
- Climate Justice
Type:
Grant funding (up to £60,000).
Who can Apply?
- Not-for-profit civil society organisations (CSOs) registered in an eligible Commonwealth Member State.
- Must have at least three years of demonstrable experience in participatory governance and advocacy within the project’s theme(s).
- Annual income must be under £2.5m (averaged over two years).
- Organisations already running or just finishing a Commonwealth Foundation Grant (without final payment) are not eligible.
How are Applicants Selected?
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Alignment with priority themes.
- Constructive engagement between CSOs and decision-makers.
- Gender integration in project design.
- Organisational eligibility, partnerships, and financial requirements.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Civil society organisations in eligible Commonwealth Member States (Africa, Asia, Americas, Europe, Pacific).
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Kingdom of eSwatini
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Uganda
- United Republic of Tanzania
- Zambia
⚠️ Countries marked with an asterisk (*) can only participate as partners, not as lead applicants.
Where will the Award be Taken?
Projects must be implemented in the applicant’s country of registration, but multi-country projects across Commonwealth nations are also allowed with strong local participation.
How Many Awards?
Not specified. Multiple organisations will be selected based on merit.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Up to £60,000 in grant funding.
- Support for civil society to influence and engage meaningfully with policy and decision-making.
- Opportunity to build impactful, participatory governance projects that advance health, freedom of expression, and climate justice.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Up to 2 years (projects expected to start after 1 August 2026 and before the end of September 2026).
How to Apply:
- Check eligibility via the Commonwealth Foundation eligibility quiz.
- Register on SurveyMonkey Apply.
- Complete the online application form and upload required documents (audited accounts, project proposal, logic model, etc.).
- Ensure your proposal demonstrates gender integration and constructive engagement with decision-makers.
👉 Visit the Award Webpage for Details: Commonwealth Foundation Grants
