Community Groups Encouraged to Apply for Funding to Foster Connection and Unity

Community initiatives aimed at fostering neighbourly connections and enhancing local life are now encouraged to submit applications for the forthcoming round of funding from the Common Ground Award. This financial support is intended to improve the facilities and resources that communities depend on to engage, interact, and cultivate a sense of belonging.

With applications opening today, this initiative builds on the success of 211 projects already supported across England, highlighting the government’s commitment to empowering local groups in their essential work.

Funding Opportunities for Community Groups

The Common Ground Award, originally introduced in 2025, is set to welcome a new cohort of applicants. This funding prioritises community organisations that possess an intimate understanding of their areas and are actively working to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The funding can be used to revitalise underused community spaces, procure equipment to facilitate greater participation in local activities, or establish areas where residents can gather, converse, and foster understanding. The aim is to support projects that promote inclusivity, diminish prejudice, and alleviate local tensions.

The upcoming round will allocate up to £2.5 million in total, with individual applicants eligible for grants ranging from £20,000 to £50,000. This funding is designed to enhance the resources and environments that allow these organisations to continue their vital contributions to community cohesion.

In addition, collaborative groups can apply for larger grants of up to £250,000, enabling them to amplify their impact and deliver even more meaningful initiatives to their localities.

Ministerial Support for Community Development

The Minister for Communities, Florence Eshamlomi, emphasised the importance of neighbourly dialogue and communal spaces in fostering strong communities. She stated, “This funding has already done so much to strengthen connections across England, from community cafés and sports clubs to pop-up living rooms that get people talking and forging new ties.”

Eshamlomi expressed her enthusiasm for seeing more organisations benefit from this funding, continuing their commendable efforts to bridge societal divides and cultivate resilient communities throughout the country.

Success Stories from Previous Recipients

Eric Noi, the founder of the Oldham Boxing & Personal Development Centre, shared his experiences as a recipient of the Common Ground Award. He articulated how the funding has empowered his organisation to engage a wider audience, dismantling barriers and ensuring inclusivity in sport and physical activity.

Noi remarked, “Our aim is to ensure that sport remains accessible, affordable, and welcoming, particularly for those who are too often excluded.” He highlighted the award’s role in promoting a more inclusive approach during a time when many activities are becoming increasingly commercialised.

Significant outcomes from the first funding round are already evident. In Hyndburn and East Lancashire, Accrington Stanley Football in the Community has leveraged a new community minibus to extend health, education, sport, and wellbeing activities beyond its usual venue, facilitating access for residents of all backgrounds.

Meanwhile, Footprints in the Community in Redcar and Cleveland has demonstrated how minor adjustments to local spaces can yield substantial benefits. With support from the Common Ground Award, their Community Café has transformed into a more inviting environment, encouraging social interaction and reducing isolation.

Application Details and Eligibility Criteria

The grant scheme is open to voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations operating within England that have charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic objectives. Eligible organisations can apply individually or as part of a consortium, allowing for collaborative efforts to create a greater local impact.

Applications will be accepted from 14 September 2026 until 12 October 2026, with successful candidates expected to be informed by December 2026, and funding likely to be disbursed in January 2027.

The Common Ground Award for 2026 to 2027 is a competitive grant fund focusing on capital investment for VCSE organisations in England. Individual organisations can seek funding between £20,000 and £50,000, with exceptional cases considered for amounts up to £100,000 based on demonstrated need and anticipated impact. Consortium applications may request between £100,000 and £250,000.

This fund specifically supports capital expenses, encompassing the construction or renovation of facilities, spaces, and equipment that enable organisations to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds.

For further information, the prospectus for the 2026-27 fund is available online, alongside links for applications and a complete list of Phase 1 recipients, showcasing the positive impact of the funding thus far.