The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched the Common Ground Award 2026-27, a capital grants programme designed to support voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that are bringing people together and strengthening community cohesion across England.
The award will provide capital investment to organisations whose work helps build social connections between different communities, reduces division and promotes stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods.
Funding can be used to support the construction or renovation of community facilities and spaces, as well as the purchase of equipment needed to deliver activities that build social cohesion and resilience.
Funding Available
- Individual organisations: £20,000 to £50,000
- Exceptional individual applications: Up to £100,000
- Consortium applications: £100,000 to £250,000
What Is the Fund Looking For?
Applications will be assessed on how their activities build connections across and between different communities.
Eligible organisations should directly support at least one of the following themes:
- Encouraging social mixing and understanding between people from different backgrounds
- Reducing prejudice, discrimination and hatred
- Resolving conflict and addressing tensions between communities
The programme also aims to identify and celebrate effective approaches to community cohesion, invest in the facilities and equipment that enable this work, and encourage learning and knowledge-sharing across the VCSE sector.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcomed from both individual organisations and consortiums based in England that are working to strengthen relationships, trust and understanding within and between communities.
Key Dates
- Applicant webinar: Thursday 10 September 2026, 12.30pm to 1.15pm
- Applications open: 14 September 2026
- Applications close: 12 October 2026
Apply for the Common Ground Award 2026 to 2027: prospectus – GOV.UK
Webinar
Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to attend the applicant webinar on Thursday 10 September, 12:30 to 1:15pm, which will provide an overview of the prospectus, scoring framework and application process. A recording and updated FAQs will be made available to registered participants who cannot attend live. Register here.