The Commonwealth Foundation Grants Programme 2027 is now open for applications from eligible civil society organisations, networks, coalitions, alliances and creative collectives across qualifying Commonwealth countries.
The programme supports projects that encourage meaningful participation in democracy and development, constructive engagement with governments and decision-makers, and creative advocacy for social change. Projects funded through this call are expected to begin between August and September 2027.
Commonwealth Foundation Grants Programme 2027
The Commonwealth Foundation has introduced two funding streams under its 2026–2027 open grants call:
1. Individual Organisation Grants
This stream is designed for eligible not-for-profit civil society and creative organisations working on projects that address the Foundation’s strategic priorities.
Successful applicants can receive between £15,000 and £30,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
2. Collective Action Grants
This new funding stream supports networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives working together to strengthen participation and collective action.
Grants range from £15,000 to £20,000 per year for up to two years.
Funding Priorities
Proposed projects must address at least one of the Foundation’s three strategic impact areas:
– Freedom of expression
– Economic inclusion
– Climate and environmental justice
Applicants must also demonstrate how gender and intersectionality have been considered in project design and implementation.
Projects may involve constructive engagement with governments and other decision-makers or use creative advocacy to influence public discussion, policy, behaviour or decision-making.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for eligible organisations and groups rather than individual applicants.
For Individual Organisation Grants, applicants must generally:
– Be a not-for-profit civil society or creative organisation.
– Be registered in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation member country.
– Have been registered and operating for at least three years.
– Have at least three years of relevant experience.
– Have significant experience working with the communities where the proposed project will take place.
– Have an average annual income below £2.5 million over the previous two years.
– Request no more than 70% of the organisation’s average annual income.
– Implement the proposed project in the organisation’s country of registration.
For Collective Action Grants, eligible networks, coalitions, alliances and collectives may apply, with an eligible registered organisation acting as lead applicant where the collective itself is not registered.
Is Nigeria Eligible?
Yes. Nigeria is included among the eligible Commonwealth Foundation member countries, meaning qualifying Nigerian civil society organisations can apply under the current programme.
Grant Benefits
Successful organisations can receive:
– Funding of up to £30,000 per year under the Individual Organisation Grant.
– Funding of up to £20,000 per year under the Collective Action Grant.
– Funding for projects lasting up to two years.
– Support for advocacy and community-focused initiatives.
– Opportunities to strengthen engagement with decision-makers.
– Support for projects addressing major social, economic and environmental challenges.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the information and documents required by the Foundation, including:
1. Completed online application form.
2. Project logic model.
3. Organisation registration certificate.
4. Evidence confirming not-for-profit status where necessary.
5. Details of board members or trustees and their responsibilities.
6. Relevant project and organisational information.
7. Supporting evidence of previous work where applicable.
Creative applicants may also be required to provide examples of previous or current creative work demonstrating their practice and its relevance to the proposed project.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the Commonwealth Foundation’s grant application system.
Applicants should:
1. Confirm that their organisation or collective meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Identify the appropriate grant stream.
3. Develop a project addressing one or more funding priorities.
4. Prepare the required supporting documents.
5. Register for an account on the online application platform.
6. Complete the application form.
7. Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Applications submitted by email are not accepted for this open call.
Application Deadline
The Commonwealth Foundation 2026–2027 Grants Call closes on 26 October 2026 at 1pm GMT.
Applications opened on 23 September 2026.
What Happens After Application?
The Foundation expects to contact shortlisted applicants by the end of February 2027. Successful applicants are expected to receive final decisions by the end of June 2027.
Funded projects are expected to begin between 1 August and 30 September 2027.
Important Note
The Commonwealth Foundation does not provide education grants or funding to individuals through this programme. The annual grants call is intended for eligible civil society organisations and related collective structures.
Conclusion
(Apply Now) The Commonwealth Foundation Grants Programme 2027 provides funding for eligible civil society organisations and collectives working on projects involving freedom of expression, economic inclusion, climate and environmental justice.
Eligible Nigerian organisations and other qualifying Commonwealth organisations should review the requirements carefully, prepare a strong project proposal and submit their applications before the 26 October 2026 deadline.