The Commonwealth Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2025 Open Grants Call, offering civil society organisations across the Commonwealth the opportunity to secure grants of up to £60,000. The programme supports projects that strengthen the relationship between civil society and decision-makers, with a focus on participatory governance, policy engagement, and advocacy.

Applications are open until 23 October 2025 at 1pm BST.

What the Commonwealth Foundation Funds

Grants support initiatives that promote constructive engagement between civil society and governments. Projects must align with one or more of the Foundation’s priority themes:

1. Health Justice

Projects can focus on:

• Advancing universal health coverage

• Ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare

• Promoting accountability and participation in health systems

• Tackling communicable and non-communicable diseases

• Addressing systemic discrimination in healthcare

2. Freedom of Expression

Projects can support:

• Legal and regulatory reforms that protect free expression

• Strengthening civil society and media independence

• Expanding access to information and transparency in governance

• Using art and creativity as advocacy tools

3. Climate Justice

Projects may address:

• Protecting the rights of communities most vulnerable to climate change

• Advocating for policy reforms and accountability in climate justice

• Amplifying youth voices in climate decision-making

• Ensuring access to remedies and justice for environmental harm

Key Funding Considerations

• Cross-cutting Gender Lens: All applications must show how gender considerations are integrated into project design and implementation.

• Partnerships: Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with local or international partners, including youth groups, artists, and advocacy networks.

• Creativity for Change: Projects using arts and creative advocacy to drive policy change are strongly encouraged.

• Youth Engagement: Youth-led organisations are particularly welcome.

• Small and Vulnerable States: Proposals from small island states and vulnerable Commonwealth countries are prioritised.

• Capacity Strengthening: Shortlisted applicants may request up to 5% of the grant for organisational capacity development.

Exclusions

The Foundation does not fund:

• Academic research or standalone publications

• Pure service delivery (e.g., building facilities or distributing medicines)

• Capacity building for government officials or private sector actors

• Projects already in progress

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a not-for-profit civil society organisation (CSO) registered in a Commonwealth Foundation member state

• Have at least three years of demonstrated experience in advocacy or participatory governance

• Propose projects beginning between August 2026 and September 2026

• Request between £15,000 and £30,000 per year, for a maximum of two years

• Have an average annual income below £2.5 million

Organisations registered in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom cannot apply as lead applicants but may participate as partners.

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility

   • Use the eligibility quiz and review the list of eligible countries.

2. Register with SurveyMonkey Apply

   • Applications are only accepted via the online portal.

3. Complete the Online Form

   • Submit the required information and supporting documents, including:

     • A logic model (using the Foundation’s template)

     • Registration certificate and proof of non-profit status

     • Audited or annual accounts (not older than December 2022)

4. Submit by the Deadline

   • Applications close on 23 October 2025 at 1pm BST.

Timeline

• 16 September 2025: Applications open

• 23 October 2025: Applications close

• February 2026: Shortlisted applicants notified

• June 2026: Final funding decisions announced

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

• Eligibility and track record in advocacy

• Clarity in defining the problem and approach

• Evidence of consultation with beneficiaries

• Feasibility and timeliness of proposed solutions

• Integration of gender equality considerations

• Organisational capacity to deliver the project

How to Apply

Visit the Commonwealth Foundation’s grants portal to access:

Ready to apply? Take our eligibility quiz and see if your organisation qualifies!

[Apply Now]