Common Ground Resilience Fund – Capital Funding – deadline 21 Nov 2025

Article date
16 October 2025
Primary interest
Voluntary sector
Introduction – overview of the funding

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. Grants are available of £10K and possibly up to £50K in exceptional cases. This is for capital funding.

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.

Who is eligible to apply?

To apply for this grant, your organisation must be a Voluntary, Community or Social Enterprise (VCSE) 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
What are the funder priorities?

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
How much can organisations apply for?

Up to £1.7 million capital funding within the 2025/2026 financial year, distributed in payments of up to £10,000 per successful applicant. Applicants will be able to set out how capital investment could be scaled up beyond £10,000, up to a maximum of £50,000, which may be considered in exceptional cases – where there is a clearly demonstrated need, supported by a strong application.

Applications must state the level of funding required, that can be committed for spending by 31 March 2026.

What the funding can be used for

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.

They encourage you to think about any costs that help your organisation and community cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

Is there a deadline?

Yes, the deadline is 21 November 2025. Funding will be awarded in January 2026.

Find out more/how to apply

Applications will be assessed with five criteria. The application form will ask you about:

1. Strategic alignment – do your organisation’s aims and activities align with the fund’s objective to build bridging social capital?

2. Community engagement – does your organisation engage communities and other organisations effectively, in the planning and delivery of its work?

3. Community impact – what are the demonstrable outcomes from your organisation’s work for community benefit?

4.Sustainability – does your organisation plan to build on its work, and have a lasting impact in the communities it serves?

5. Use of funding – do you have a reasonable use for the capital investment requested?

How to apply and further support