Common Ground Award – Prospectus Now Published

Posted on: October 6, 2025

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has launched the Common Ground Award (CGA) — a new funding opportunity for voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that bring people together from different backgrounds.

The Common Ground Award supports organisations that are helping to build stronger, more connected communities through shared spaces and activities. Funding can be used for the construction or renovation of facilities, or to purchase essential equipment that enables community engagement and service delivery.

Key details

• Total funding available: Up to £1.7 million (2025/26)

• Grant size: Up to £10,000 per successful applicant

• Eligible applicants: VCSE organisations based and operating in England with charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic purposes

• Application window: Opens 14 October and closes 21 November 2025

• Funding awarded: January 2026

• Spending deadline: 31 March 2026

Aims of the Common Ground Award

The programme seeks to:

• Identify and reward good practice in building bridging social capital

• Invest in physical spaces and equipment that support inclusive community activity

• Foster a community of practice, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing between the VCSE sector and government

Eligible expenditure

Capital grants can fund:

• New builds, refurbishments, or expansions of facilities that help connect communities

• Essential equipment such as laptops, furniture, or other items necessary for running inclusive activities

For full details and guidance on how to apply, please read the Common Ground Award Prospectus:
👉 Common Ground Award Prospectus (gov.uk)

Author: Emily Smith
Posted: 06/10/2025
Categories: News, Opportunities