Call for Grant Applications –
the Commonwealth Foundation Grants
Application Deadline:
24 October 2024
About Organisation
The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organization that strives to advance the interests of civil society within the Commonwealth’s member states. With a mission to nurture vibrant and free societies, the Foundation works to promote active participation in governance. It supports civil society organizations (CSOs) in engaging meaningfully with government bodies and decision-makers, ensuring their voices contribute to policy development and implementation. Through its various initiatives, the Foundation champions democratic ideals, freedom of expression, climate justice, and health justice, while addressing the needs of marginalized groups and fostering societal change.
About the Grant
The Commonwealth Foundation provides grants of up to £30,000 for civil society organizations to undertake projects lasting up to two years. These grants support initiatives that foster meaningful engagement between civil society and decision-makers, specifically in the areas of Health Justice, Freedom of Expression, and Climate Justice. Projects should aim to influence policy development, implementation, and advocacy within these priority themes.
For Health Justice, grants may support initiatives promoting equitable healthcare access, addressing systemic discrimination in health systems, and advocating for marginalized groups in decision-making processes. In the area of Freedom of Expression, projects can focus on protecting the rights to free speech, advancing access to information, and supporting media freedom. Climate Justice initiatives can emphasize addressing the vulnerabilities caused by climate change, advocating for corrective justice, and enhancing the role of marginalized groups in climate policies.
Applicants are encouraged to explore intersections between these themes, potentially addressing more than one area in their proposals. Through this grant, the Commonwealth Foundation aims to empower civil society to influence governance and create meaningful change across its Member States.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit civil society organizations registered in a Commonwealth Foundation member state. Organizations must have at least three years of demonstrable experience in participatory governance and advocacy in the relevant project theme. The applicant must ensure the project facilitates change through constructive engagement between civil society and decision-makers. CSOs that are currently implementing or have recently completed a Commonwealth Foundation grant but have not yet received their final payment are not eligible to apply. Proposed projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s three priority themes and begin between 1 August and 30 September 2025.
How to Apply?
To apply, applicants must log into their SurveyMonkey Apply account and submit the online application form, including supporting documents, through the platform. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 1pm BST on 24 October 2024.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
