Grants are available to help voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to bring people together from different backgrounds and build social connections. The Common Ground Award has a total budget of £2.5m for the 2026-27 financial year to invest in physical spaces, facilities and equipment.
The award aims to support organisations that are successful in helping people to connect with each other. In addition to the investment, it also helps to build a community of practice for sharing knowledge about what works well in encouraging social cohesion.
Individual organisations can apply for a capital grant of £20,000 to £50,0000; collaborative partnerships can apply for a capital grant of £100,000 to £250,000.
Applications are accepted from registered charities, CIOs, charitable companies limited by guarantee, CICs and CBSs. Unincorporated groups and organisations can also apply, provided that they meet additional requirements set out in the Common Ground Award prospectus. Local authorities and other public-sector organisations are not eligible to apply.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Capital grants for constructing or renovating facilities and spaces that enable organisations to deliver services that bring people from different backgrounds together to build community cohesion and resilience
Application deadline:
12 October 2026
Fund description:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/common-ground-award-2026-to-2027-prospectus