Common Ground Award
The UK government’s Common Ground Award will invest capital funding into VCSE sector organisations that are bringing people together from different backgrounds, supporting the cost of constructing or renovating facilities, or the purchasing of equipment to deliver services. Applicants should read the full Common Ground Award prospectus and Scoring Criteria before making an application: www.gov.uk/government/publications/common-ground-award-prospectus
- Opening date: (Midday)
- Closing date: (Midnight)
Contents
Summary
The bonds that hold society together are put under threat by divisive forces, such as political polarisation, declining trust, social isolation and economic insecurity. These bonds are formed and nurtured at a local level, and often sustained by the vital work of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that bring communities together and foster connection.
The UK government’s Common Ground Award aims to recognise good practice across England, in promoting social cohesion, by directly investing in organisations making a positive impact. Organisations will be assessed based on how their objectives and activities seek to build bridging social capital – this describes work that builds social connection across and between different communities.
Organisations who receive the award will also be invited to participate in a community of practice, to enable knowledge sharing between organisations, and contribute to a wider discussion on building social cohesion across the country, with government stakeholders. In addition to inviting awarded organisations to participate in the community of practice, other organisations who were not selected for the award, or who do not apply, will be provided opportunities to engage in the future, to ensure a broad and diverse range of voices are heard.
There is no minimum amount of funding that you can apply for. Successful organisations will be awarded up to £10,000, as a capital grant. Applicants are welcome to also outline how capital improvements could be scaled up further, beyond £10,000, and up to £50,000. However, such requests will only be considered in exceptional cases – subject to availability of scheme funding, and where the applicant has a high overall assessment score against the criteria set out, including a strong justification for the proposed level of investment.
Applications must state the level of funding required, that can be committed for spending by 31 March 2026. Grant funding will be confirmed through a grant funding agreement. Organisations may be offered a lower amount of funding than requested.
Capital grants can be used to support new builds, refurbishment, and expansion of facilities used to build bridging social capital. Funding can also cover essential equipment, such as laptops or furniture for the property.
Eligibility
To apply for this grant, your organisation must be a VCSE (voluntary, community and social enterprise) organisation with a base and operating in England, with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes. This includes:
an organisation registered as a charity with the Charity Commission
a charitable incorporated organisation registered with Companies House and with the Charity Commission
a company limited by guarantee registered with Companies House, that is established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes
a community interest company registered with Companies House
a community benefit society registered by the Financial Conduct Authority
an unincorporated community group or organisation, or an unincorporated association that is:
established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes
has a governing body with at least 3 members
has an inclusive membership policy
has a governing document
can provide accounts for the last two financial years
has its own UK business bank account
can hold land or property and enter into contracts either by itself or via trustees
Those who are not eligible to apply include:
local authorities and other public sector organisations
profit distributing organisations
individuals
regulated education sector organisations (e.g. schools, further and higher education institutions, universities)
As part of our standard processes, we will carry out full due diligence checks on applicants before any funding is released. We aim to ensure a broad geographic spread of awards, as well as a range of organisations, projects and activities, across England to enable the benefits of funding to reach a diverse range of communities. There will not be a fixed allocation by region, or project/activity, however in the event of a large number of applications, consideration will be given to these factors. Organisations are eligible to make one application. If an organisation makes multiple applications, then we will assess the first one that is submitted.
Objectives
The Common Ground Award aims to:
identify and reward good practice in building bridging social capital
invest in the physical spaces and equipment that enables good practice
build a community of practice, for knowledge sharing across the voluntary and community sector and with government
Dates
13 October 2025: Application window opens
21 November 2025: Application window closes
January 2026: Organisations notified of application outcome and funding awarded to successful applicants
How to apply
Applications should be made via the Common Ground Award Application Form.
The deadline for applications is 21 November 2025, 11:59pm (Midnight)
Supporting information
Link to Common Ground Award prospectus: Common Ground Award: prospectus - GOV.UK
Contact CGA@communities.gov.uk for any questions about the grant and application process, including if you would like to withdraw your application for any reason.