As one of the three intergovernmental pillars of the Commonwealth, the Foundation operates within that critical space between government and the people. The Foundation works to bring the voice of civil society into all aspects of governance, supporting civil society engagement in shaping the policies and decisions that affect people’s lives.
The Foundation’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026 is strongly linked to the Commonwealth Charter and its values and aspirations, and it identifies three thematic areas of focus.
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Criteria
Eligibility for grant funding under this call depends on the following criteria:
The applicant is a registered not-for-profit civil society organisation (CSO).
The applicant is registered in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation member country and the proposed project will be implemented in the country of registration. Please see a full list of eligible countries at commonwealthfoundation.com/grants. (Projects can be implemented in one or more eligible Commonwealth Foundation member countries. and can have a national, sub-national, regional or international remit).
In multi-country projects, the Foundation encourages collaboration with partners in each involved country.
The applicant has documented experience, over at least two years, working on participatory governance and advocacy within the proposed area/theme(s).
The total grant amount requested must be between £15,000 and £30,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
The requested grant amount should not exceed 70% of the applicant organisation’s total annual income.
The average of the applicant organisation’s total annual income over the past two years must be less than £2m.
The project proposal must address at least one of the priority themes and demonstrate appropriate and meaningful integration of gender considerations.
Proposals must relate to projects that are expected to begin within the second half of 2022.
Focus Areas
Applicants must address one or more of the Foundation’s three priority themes:
(i) Health
(ii) Environment and climate change
(iii) Freedom of expression
The opportunity seeks to support initiatives that encourage and make possible meaningful and constructive engagement between civil society and government around policy and decision-making relevant to these three themes.
The Foundation’s themes overlap and connect in myriad ways. Applicants are encouraged to explore those intersections when developing their proposals and, where appropriate, consider addressing more than one theme.
Possible Health Focus areas may include supporting civil society to engage meaningfully with government on:
Advocating for universal health coverage.
Realising the right to health through better availability, quality, and accountability in health services and delivery.
Developing programmes and policies that address the social determinants of health.
Possible Environment And Climate Change areas may include supporting civil society to engage meaningfully with government on:
Developing, reviewing and improving laws, policies and practices aimed at addressing environmental and climate threats.
Monitoring the implementation of relevant laws, policies and practices — such as national climate plans or commitments.
Addressing mitigation and adaptation challenges.
Possible Freedom Of Expression areas may include supporting civil society to engage meaningfully with government on:
Advocating for a legal and regulatory environment that protects and upholds freedom of expression for all.
Promoting access to information and transparency in governance, including through a free and independent press, robust freedom of information laws and their practical application.
Supporting civil society to work with artists to raise awareness to issues of freedom of expression and engage in advocacy efforts around these issues.
Applications for the 2022-2023 grants call open close on Tuesday 1 November.
