What we do

Our work is delivered through three substantive programmes: Commonwealth Civil Society, Creative Commonwealth and People of the Commonwealth. A fourth programme, Knowledge, Learning and Communications, oversees our communications and outreach, as well as our monitoring, evaluation and learning.

Our grant-making

Grants are the means by which the Foundation delivers the majority of its programme work. This year we set aside £1.2 million (a 20% increase on last year’s budget) for this partner-led approach for projects that seek to advance Commonwealth ideals and principles. We have three grants streams:

Commonwealth Civil Society Grants – Open Call

The competitive open grants call offers support to the work of Commonwealth civil society around our core themes within the broad framework of ‘participatory governance’. It is the largest of the Foundation’s grant streams, awarding civil society organisations from Member States up to £60,000 over a period of up to 2 years.

Capacity Strengthening Grants

This new stream combines grant-making and tailored assistance to strengthen civil society organisations in the Pacific, Caribbean and Indian Ocean countries, recognising our commitment to enabling civil society in small and vulnerable states to secure spaces for inclusive, active and constructive engagement in governance.

Creative Grants

Another new stream of support, affirming the role that creative expression can play in contributing to the development of societies and promoting positive change. This flexible facility has a special focus on amplifying the voices of storytellers and artists within small and vulnerable states who are using their craft to contribute to change.

Our cultural initiatives

Our cultural work is a unique feature of the Foundation. We work to inspire and connect storytellers and artists across all regions of the Commonwealth, bringing personal stories to a global audience with a specific purpose of contributing to vibrant and free civil societies through our Creative Grants and a range of platforms. At the heart of this work is the Commonwealth Short Story Prize: the world’s most global literary award.

Our advocacy and engagement

Through multiple platforms, including the Critical Conversations series, the Commonwealth People’s Forum and engagement in Commonwealth policy spaces, we aim to bring Commonwealth citizens and their views into the centre of discussion and decision-making about critical issues that affect the lives of individuals and communities.