Applying for the Commonwealth Foundation Grants: Everything You Need to Know
The Commonwealth Foundation is currently accepting applications for grants of up to £30,000 to support civil society projects throughout Commonwealth member states.
READ ALSO:Google 2025 Internship Program: Apply Now!
This funding is designed to foster constructive engagement between civil society organizations (CSOs) and decision-makers, particularly in the realms of policy development and implementation.
Before beginning your application, it is essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and associated guidance documents to ensure your project aligns with the Foundation’s goals.
Focus Areas of the Commonwealth Foundation Grants
The Commonwealth Foundation Grants prioritize projects that align with one or more of the following themes:
- Health Justice: Initiatives that aim to improve access to healthcare and address health disparities.
- Freedom of Expression: Efforts to promote free speech and safeguard the rights of individuals to express their opinions without censorship.
- Climate Justice: Projects that advocate for equitable responses to climate change, ensuring that marginalized communities are included in the conversation.
Who is Eligible for Funding?
The Commonwealth Foundation provides funding exclusively to not-for-profit civil society organizations that are registered in eligible Commonwealth member states.
To qualify, your organization must meet the following criteria:
— Registration: Be a registered civil society organization in an eligible Commonwealth country.
— Experience: Have a minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in participatory governance and advocacy.
— Project Timeline: Propose projects that are set to commence after August 1, 2025, and before the end of September 2025.
It is important to note that organizations from certain countries, indicated with an asterisk, can apply as partners but are not eligible to be lead applicants.
Exclusions
While the Commonwealth Foundation Grants support a wide range of initiatives, there are specific areas that are not funded.
Please be aware that the following types of projects will not be considered for funding:
— Academic studies, training courses, or exchanges between developed countries.
— Projects that focus solely on service delivery, such as the construction or installation of facilities.
SEE ALSO:FAIT Fellowship Program 2025 | Fully Funded
— Capacity-building initiatives that target government officials or the private sector exclusively.
For a complete understanding of what is excluded from funding, please refer to the detailed list provided on the Foundation’s website.
How to Apply
To apply for the Commonwealth Foundation Grants, follow these steps:
- Complete the Eligibility Quiz: Start by taking the eligibility quiz available on the Foundation’s website. This will help you determine if your organization meets the necessary requirements.
- Download Guidance Documents: Make sure to download all relevant guidance documents to assist you in preparing your application.
- Submit Your Application: Ensure that your application is submitted by the deadline, which for the 2024 grants cycle is October 24, 2024, at 1 PM BST.
In summary, the Commonwealth Foundation Grants provide an invaluable opportunity for civil society organizations to receive funding for impactful projects.
By focusing on health justice, freedom of expression, and climate justice, the Foundation aims to enhance the role of civil society in shaping policy and advocating for the rights of all individuals.
Make sure your organization meets the eligibility criteria, review the exclusions, and prepare your application carefully to increase your chances of success.
READ ALSO:AWS/UDACITY AI & Machine Learning Scholarship Program 2024