Government’s £1.7m Common Ground Award – Apply by 21 November 2025 (England)

Up to £10,000 (capital) £1.7m total Open now Closes 21 Nov 2025, 11:59pm

The UK Government’s Common Ground Award invests capital funding in VCSE organisations that bring people together from different backgrounds and build bridging social capital. Launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), the award helps organisations enhance the spaces and equipment that enable community connection.

Who can apply: VCSE organisations with a base and operating in England that have charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes (including charities, CIOs, CICs, companies limited by guarantee and eligible unincorporated groups).

Grant size: Up to £10,000 per organisation (capital). In exceptional cases, applicants may outline how investment could be scaled beyond £10,000, up to a maximum of £50,000, with strong justification and subject to budget availability.

What the funding can support

• New builds, refurbishment or expansion of facilities used to connect diverse communities.
• Essential equipment for those spaces (for example, laptops, furniture).

Key dates

• Applications open: 13 October 2025
• Deadline: 21 November 2025, 11:59pm
• Decisions & awards: January 2026
• Spending commitment: Funding should be able to be committed by 31 March 2026.

How to apply

Read the full guidance and apply via GOV.UK:

Apply on Find a Grant   Read the Prospectus

Tip: Clearly evidence how your work builds bridging social capital (strategic alignment, community engagement & impact, sustainability, and use of funding) and ensure capital spend can be committed by 31 March 2026.