Building stronger communities: the Common Ground Award

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched the Common Ground Resilience Fund.

Through this, the Common Ground Award will provide capital funding to voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that bring people together from different backgrounds and help build stronger, more connected communities.

This initiative is designed to strengthen social cohesion and resilience across England by providing much needed funding.

What is the Common Ground Award?

The Common Ground Award recognises and invests in organisations that are making a positive impact through local projects.

Funding will support activities that build what’s known as bridging social capital. Put simply this is any action that fosters relationships and understanding across diverse groups, helping communities thrive together rather than apart.

This could be through the construction or renovation of community facilities, purchasing new equipment or developing shared spaces that encourage collaboration and inclusion.

Who can apply?

The grant is open to VCSE organisations based and operating in England with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes.

Eligible applicants include:

• Charities registered with the Charity Commission
• Charitable incorporated organisations or companies limited by guarantee
• Community interest companies and community benefit societies
• Unincorporated community groups with an inclusive membership policy and appropriate governance

Local authorities, public sector bodies, profit-making organisations, and individuals are not eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Up to £1.7 million in capital funding will be distributed during the 2025/2026 financial year, with successful applicants typically receiving grants of up to £10,000.

However, in exceptional cases, where a strong, well-supported need is demonstrated, applicants can request up to £50,000 in funding.

Applications must be submitted by 21 November 2025, with funding awarded in January 2026. Projects must be able to commit and spend their awarded funds by 31 March 2026.

What are assessors looking for?

According to the MHCLG’s prospectus, applications will be evaluated across five main criteria:

1. Strategic alignment – How well your organisation’s goals support community cohesion.
2. Community engagement – How effectively you work with others and involve local people.
3. Community impact – The tangible difference your work has made.
4. Sustainability – How your organisation plans to continue its impact over time.
5. Use of funding – How the capital investment will be spent and why it’s necessary.

Strong applications will clearly explain how funding will help create lasting, positive change at a community level.

Why apply?

Beyond funding, recipients of the Common Ground Award will join a national community of practice.

This is a network that allows organisations to share ideas, learn from one another and collaborate on strategies to strengthen community ties across England.

Even if not selected, applicants may still have the chance to engage in future initiatives under the Common Ground programme.

How Moore Thompson can help with grant funding

We specialise in supporting organisations through the grant application process, from identifying opportunities like the Common Ground Award to helping you prepare a robust, well-structured submission.

With the application window closing on 21 November 2025, now is the time to start preparing.

If your organisation is focused on bringing communities together and strengthening social cohesion, this grant could be an excellent opportunity to expand your reach and impact. For guidance and support, please get in touch with our team.