Common Ground Award 2026 to 2027 (apply by 12.10.26)
Grant summary
Purpose
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is committed to building cohesive and resilient communities. The Common Ground Award was first launched in 2025 to 2026 to invest capital funding into Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations that are building social connections across and between different communities.
MHCLG is now launching the second round of the Common Ground Award for 2026 to 2027 to continue supporting the cost of constructing or renovating facilities, spaces, and equipment that enables organisations to deliver services that brings people from different backgrounds together to build community cohesion and resilience.
Type of grant
Competed
Who can apply
The grant is open to applications from VCSE organisations based and operating in England, with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes. VCSE organisations can also apply as part of a consortium where collaboration is key to maximising an organisation’s impact and building sustainability, networks and innovation.
However, if your organisation is applying as part of a consortium, you are not eligible to make a separate individual application.
If your organisation is applying individually, you are not eligible to make a separate application as part of a consortium.
Funding available
Up to £2.5 million capital funding, within the 2026 to 2027 financial year, distributed in payments of £20,000 up to £50,000 per individual organisation. Individual applicants can set out how capital investment could be scaled up to a maximum of £100,000, which may be considered in exceptional cases - where there is clear evidence of need, with both significant expected impacts and high likelihood to deliver, supported by an exceptional application.
When an application is made by a consortium, the consortium can apply for funding of £100,000 up to £250,000 in total.
Important dates
Prospectus published: 28 August 2026 - See full details here
Application window opens: 14 September 2026
Deadline for applications: 12 October 2026
Notification of application outcomes: December 2026
Likely payment to successful applicants: January 2027