MHCLG have just announced that community organisations in England will be able to bid for new funding to help bring people together, create welcoming local spaces and strengthen relationships in their area.
The Common Ground Award, first launched in 2025, opened to a second wave of applicants, backing groups that know their communities best and are already helping people from different backgrounds meet, mix and build trust.
The funding is designed to support projects that encourage understanding between people from different backgrounds and promote community cohesion.
The next round will provide up to £2.5 million in funding, with individual applicants able to bid for between £20,000 and £50,000 to improve the facilities, spaces and equipment that help them continue delivering vital work in their communities.
Groups of organisations working together can also apply for grants of up to £250,000, helping them increase their impact and deliver even more for local communities.
Applications close on 12th October. Successful applicants are expected to be notified in December 2026, with payments likely to be made in January 2027.
Prospectus:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/common-ground-award-2026-to-2027-prospectus
Apply for the Common Ground Award:
https://funding.communities.gov.uk/access/grant/common-ground-award-2026-to-2027/application