The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a further round of the Common Ground Award to invest capital funding into Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations. The fund is targeted at organisations supporting social connections across and between different communities and will support the cost of constructing or renovating facilities, spaces, and equipment.

Who can apply?

The grant is open to applications from VCSE organisations based and operating in England, with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes. VCSE organisations can also apply as part of a consortium where collaboration is key to maximising an organisation’s impact and building sustainability, networks and innovation.

However, if your organisation is applying as part of a consortium, you are not eligible to make a separate individual application.

If your organisation is applying individually, you are not eligible to make a separate application as part of a consortium.

How much can you apply for?

There will be up to £2.5 million capital funding available for distribution within the 2026 to 2027 financial year, distributed in payments of £20,000 up to £50,000 per individual organisation.

Individual applicants can set out how capital investment could be scaled up to a maximum of £100,000, which may be considered in exceptional cases – where there is clear evidence of need, with both significant expected impacts and high likelihood to deliver, supported by an exceptional application.

When an application is made by a consortium, the consortium can apply for funding of £100,000 up to £250,000 in total.

Important dates/ deadline:

Application window opens: 14 September 2026

Deadline for applications: 12 October 2026

Notification of application outcomes: December 2026

Likely payment to successful applicants: January 2027

Further information

Further information and guidance can be found here.

Application form and eligibility here.

For support from RVA with preparing your application or the policies and procedures required for this funding, contact Herjeet Vass at herjeet.vass@rva.org.uk.