2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants For Civil Society Organizations | How to Apply

The 2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants is one of the most prominent funding opportunities for civil society organizations across the Commonwealth. It provides support for innovative projects that strengthen people’s participation in governance, amplify diverse voices, and influence policy on critical issues such as health justice, climate justice, and freedom of expression.

If you’re part of a not-for-profit organization with at least three years of experience in advocacy or participatory governance and are looking to scale your impact, this grant could be the perfect opportunity to bring your vision to life and drive change in your community.

---

 2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants Summary

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Study Abroad:  Study in UK
• Host: Commonwealth Foundation
• Category: Competitions 
• Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
• Reward: Up to £60,000 grant
• Deadline: October 23, 2025

---

---

 2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants Details

The 2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants is funded by the Commonwealth Foundation and aim to strengthen participatory governance by supporting civil society organizations across member states. Each year, the program provides grants of up to £60,000 to not-for-profit organizations that design projects engaging citizens and decision-makers in shaping policies and advancing justice in key areas such as:

• Health Justice
• Climate Justice
• Freedom of Expression

You don’t have to be from a specific sector, the Foundation welcomes applications from a wide range of civil society organizations, provided they have at least three years of proven experience in advocacy or participatory governance. Whether your organization is working to empower women in rural health systems, strengthen community voices in climate policy, or defend press freedom, there’s space for impactful proposals.

Each eligible Commonwealth country has its own guidelines, so applicants must carefully review the full eligibility criteria and application requirements on the official Commonwealth Foundation website.

---

Whether you’re planning to get an online master’s degree abroad, we’ve got you covered—watch our latest scholarship videos now.

---

2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the 2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants, applicants must:

• Be a registered not-for-profit civil society organisation (CSO).
• Be legally registered in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation member state.
• Have at least three years of proven experience in advocacy and participatory governance in the proposed project area.
• Ensure the requested grant does not exceed 70% of the organisation’s average annual income for the past two years.
• Ensure the project start date falls between August 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026.
• Not be a current grantee awaiting final payment from a previous Commonwealth Foundation grant.
• If applying for a multi-country project, be registered in the country where the project will be implemented (with partners permitted in other countries, including non-Commonwealth).
• For India-based applicants, comply with the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) or be in the process of securing FCRA approval.

Note: This programme upholds equal opportunity and non-discrimination, including support for applicants with disabilities.

---

Discover these Fully Funded Scholarships You Shouldn’t Miss

• Africa Europe Youth Award Scheme 2025 | How To Apply
• University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 | Fully Funded
• Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) 2026 | Fully Funded
• Mastercard Foundation African STARS Scholarship 2025/2026 (Fully Funded)
• Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Pan-Atlantic University 2025 in Nigeria | How to Apply
• Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 for Africans at the University of Gondar | Fully Funded

---

2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants Benefits

Successful applicants to the 2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants will receive:

• Grant funding of £60,000 for up to two years.
• Capacity-building support, including mentoring, training, and technical assistance.
• Increased visibility through Commonwealth-wide platforms and networks.
• Opportunities for cross-country collaboration with civil society partners and institutions.
• Access to knowledge sharing, case studies, and best practices to strengthen project delivery.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and support for marginalised groups and people with disabilities.

---

Confused About How to Apply and Start Securing Scholarships Abroad? Book a Free Consultation today with us:

---

2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants Required Documents

Applicants need to submit the following documents:

• A completed online application form (via the Commonwealth Foundation webpage).
• Certificate of registration as a not-for-profit civil society organisation in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• A clear project proposal

---

We get it, scholarship applications can feel overwhelming. That’s why we break them down clearly on YouTube, just for you.

---

How to Apply for the 2026 Commonwealth Foundation Grants

1. Visit the Commonwealth Foundation website
   Click the button below to access the official grants page.
2. Check your eligibility
   Complete the eligibility quiz and confirm that your country appears in the dropdown map of eligible countries. Only applications that meet the eligibility criteria will be considered.
3. Register with SurveyMonkey Apply
   Create an account to start your application.
4. Complete the online application form
   Fill in all required sections with details about your organisation, proposed project, expected outcomes, requested grant amount, and required additional documentation.
5. Confirm submission
   Review your application carefully to ensure all fields are complete and all documents are uploaded. Only fully submitted applications will be considered.
6. Submit before the deadline
   Ensure your application is submitted online before 23 October 2025 at 1:00 pm BST.
7. Await notification
   Shortlisted organisations will be contacted for additional information or clarification.

---

Confused About Where and How to Start Securing Scholarships Abroad:

• Top 10 LinkedIn Accounts to Follow for Scholarship Opportunities
• Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Scholarships Abroad for Beginners

---

Here is an easy-to-follow guide for starting your scholarship application and crafting a compelling personal statement:

• How to Prepare A Scholarship Application – 5 Tips to Succeed
• How to Write a Personal Statement for Scholarship | Tips and Free Template
• Tips on How to Win a Scholarship

---

---

Deadline

October 23, 2025.

---

---