Commonwealth Foundation’s Grants for Civil Society Organizations

The Commonwealth Foundation has announced a new grant opportunity for civil society organizations for projects to be implemented in Commonwealth developing countries. The Foundation’s grants programme contributes to sustainable development in the context of effective, responsive and accountable governance with civil society participation.

There are two types of grants: Commonwealth Theme Grants and Participatory Governance Grants. Commonwealth Themes grants will open for applications in 2013 while the Participatory Governance Grants can now be applied for. Grants will be given to selected organizations for a period of 3 years amounting up to £30,000 per year.

Objectives of the grant programme:

• Deliver an efficient and effective programme which is responsive to the development needs of Civil Society Organisations (CSO) across the Commonwealth
• Complement the effectiveness of the Foundation’s projects by providing grants to CSOs beyond those supported through the projects
• Generate knowledge and understanding of participatory governance and its benefits in promoting effective, responsive and accountable governance within the Commonwealth by supporting models of good practice

Registered civil society organizations in Commonwealth developing countries can propose projects (of no more than 3 years) that address one of the Commonwealth Foundation’s short-term outcomes. Applying organizations should have their project activity less than £30,000 per annum.

Organisations based in non-Commonwealth Foundation member countries can apply for a grant, provided the activity or project is taking place in an eligible country.

Applications have to be submitted online through the Commonwealth Foundation’s website.

The deadline to apply for the Participatory Governance Grants is 31 January 2013. For more information, visit this link.