The Common Ground Award supports organisations that bring people from different backgrounds together, strengthen social cohesion and improve shared community spaces. The fund rewards effective work, invests in facilities and equipment that help communities connect, and builds a network where voluntary and community organisations can share learning with each other and government.
Applicants must directly support at least one priority: encourage social mixing and understanding, reduce divisions, prejudice, discrimination or hatred, or resolve conflict and community tensions.
MHCLG will provide up to £2.5 million in 2026–27. Individual organisations can apply for £20,000 to £50,000, while consortia can apply for £100,000 to £250,000; exceptional individual projects may propose capital investment of up to £100,000.
The grants can fund new builds, refurbishment, facility expansion and essential equipment such as laptops or furniture. England-based VCSE organisations may apply individually or through a consortium if they have charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes and an annual turnover below £5 million.
Applications close on 12 October.