Deadline: November 21, 2025
Are you a UK-based voluntary, community, or social enterprise (VCSE) organisation working to bring people together across different backgrounds? The UK Government Common Ground Award 2026 offers you the opportunity to access capital funding to strengthen your community impact through investment in facilities, equipment, and infrastructure that promote social connection and unity.
About the UK Government Common Ground Award 2026
The Common Ground Award 2026 is a capital investment fund established by the UK Government to support voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England. The award recognises and invests in organisations that excel in building bridging social capital — connecting people from diverse backgrounds, fostering shared understanding, and strengthening communities.
This initiative aims to:
- Identify and reward good practice in building bridging social capital.
- Invest in physical spaces and equipment that enable this good practice.
- Build a community of practice between the voluntary/community sector and the government to advance shared goals of social cohesion.
Funding Amount
The total available capital funding for 2025/2026 is £1.7 million.
- Typical awards: Up to £10,000 per successful applicant.
- In exceptional cases, applicants may apply for up to £50,000 if they can strongly justify the need and demonstrate significant impact.
This funding can be used for constructing or renovating facilities and purchasing equipment that enables service delivery and supports community connection.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UK Government Common Ground Award 2026, applicants must:
- Be a VCSE organisation based and operating in England.
- Have charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic purposes.
Eligible organisation types include:
- Registered charities (with the Charity Commission).
- Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs).
- Companies limited by guarantee for charitable purposes.
- Community interest companies (CICs).
- Community benefit societies.
- Unincorporated community groups or associations that meet the following requirements:
- A governing body with at least 3 members.
- An inclusive membership policy.
- A formal governing document.
- Accounts for the last two financial years.
- A UK business bank account in the organisation’s name.
- The ability to hold land or property.
Not eligible:
- Local authorities and other public sector organisations.
- Profit-distributing or commercial entities.
- Individuals.
- Regulated education sector institutions (schools, colleges, and universities).
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated using five key criteria:
- Strategic Alignment – How well your organisation’s goals and activities align with the award’s objective of building bridging social capital.
- Community Engagement – The extent to which you involve communities and partners in planning and delivering your work.
- Community Impact – Demonstrable positive outcomes and benefits your organisation has achieved for the community.
- Sustainability – The long-term potential of your work and how your organisation plans to maintain impact beyond the funding period.
- Use of Funding – A clear, reasonable, and appropriate use of the requested capital investment.
Deadline and Application Process
- Application Deadline: 21 November 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (UK time).
- Applicants must complete and submit their forms through the official UK Government application portal.
Ensure you provide clear, well-evidenced information about how your organisation’s work fosters inclusion, social cohesion, and long-term community development.
Why Apply?
The UK Government Common Ground Award 2026 provides more than just financial support — it’s an opportunity to be recognised as a leader in community cohesion and innovation. Successful applicants will also join a growing network of organisations and practitioners dedicated to strengthening social bonds across the UK.
🔗 Useful Links
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For tailored assistance with your proposal drafting, refinement, and review, contact us today to give your application the professional polish it deserves.
