The Commonwealth Foundation is inviting applications from civil society organisations, creative organisations, networks, coalitions, alliances and collectives in eligible Commonwealth countries for its 2026–27 annual grants programme.
The grants support projects that advance climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion, or freedom of expression, with gender and intersectionality integrated throughout project design and implementation.
Key Details
- Organisation: Commonwealth Foundation
- Opportunity Type: Grant Funding
- Eligible Countries: Selected Commonwealth member countries, including Kenya
- Application Deadline: 26 October 2026, 1:00 PM GMT
- Project Start: Between 1 August and 30 September 2027
- Funding Duration: Up to 2 years
- Application: Online
Funding Streams
1. Individual Organisation Grants
For eligible not-for-profit civil society and creative organisations implementing standalone projects.
- £15,000–£30,000 per year
- Up to 2 years
- Maximum potential grant: £60,000
2. Collective Action Grants
For networks, coalitions, alliances, platforms and creative collectives working together to strengthen participation and collective action.
- £15,000–£20,000 per year
- Up to 2 years
- Maximum potential grant: £40,000
Funding Priorities
Projects must address at least one of the Foundation's three strategic priorities:
Climate & Environmental Justice
- Climate and environmental rights
- Climate policy and decision-making
- Just energy transitions
- Environmental accountability
- Indigenous and local knowledge
Economic Inclusion
- Reducing socioeconomic inequality
- Labour rights
- Women's and youth participation
- Sustainable livelihoods and decent work
- Inclusive economic opportunities
- Creative industries
Freedom of Expression
- Freedom of expression and access to information
- Independent media
- Digital rights
- Online safety
- Public participation
- Transparency and accountable governance
Who Can Apply?
Individual Organisation Grants are open to eligible not-for-profit civil society and creative organisations registered in eligible Commonwealth countries.
Applicants generally need to:
- Have been registered and operating for at least 3 years
- Have at least 3 years of relevant experience
- Demonstrate experience working with the communities where the project will be implemented
- Have an average annual income below £2.5 million over the previous two years
- Ensure the requested grant does not exceed 70% of average annual income over the previous two years.
Collective Action Grants are available to eligible networks, coalitions, alliances and platforms, including creative collectives. An unregistered collective can apply through an eligible registered member organisation acting as the lead applicant.
Important Requirements
All proposals must:
- Address at least one of the three funding priorities.
- Demonstrate how gender and intersectionality will be incorporated into the project.
- Show meaningful engagement with communities and relevant stakeholders.
- Focus on social, cultural or political change, rather than simple service delivery.
- For creative projects, demonstrate how creative practice will contribute to advocacy or social/political change.
Kenya Eligibility
Kenya is listed among the eligible African countries, meaning Kenyan organisations can apply as lead applicants, subject to meeting the other eligibility requirements.
Applications are submitted through the Commonwealth Foundation's online grants system.