Guidance

Common Ground Award 2026 to 2027: prospectus

Updated 17 September 2026

Applies to England

Grant summary

Purpose

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is committed to building cohesive and resilient communities. The Common Ground Award was first launched in 2025 to 2026 to invest capital funding into Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations that are building social connections across and between different communities.

MHCLG is now launching the second round of the Common Ground Award for 2026 to 2027 to continue supporting the cost of constructing or renovating facilities, spaces, and equipment that enables organisations to deliver services that brings people from different backgrounds together to build community cohesion and resilience.

Type of grant

Competed

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.

Funding available

Up to £2.5 million capital funding, 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

Prospectus published: 28 August 2026

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

Introduction

Strong, connected communities are fundamental to a cohesive and resilient society. Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations play a vital role in bringing people together, building understanding between different communities, and creating meaningful social connection. Through this work they help reduce divisions and build cohesion and resilience in our communities.

The UK government’s Common Ground Award aims to recognise good practice across England, in promoting community cohesion and resilience, by directly investing in organisations making a positive impact.

As part of the overarching Common Ground Resilience Fund, the Common Ground Award grant will continue to support VCSE organisations to invest in the physical facilities, spaces and equipment that allows people from different backgrounds to come together.

Organisations will be assessed based on how their objectives and activities seek to build social connections across and between different communities.

For example, applicants can work to build cohesion and resilience across and between communities from different faiths and beliefs, ethnicities, ages, geographies, cultures, and nationalities.

Applicants must have building social connections across and between different communities and people from different backgrounds as a core focus of their work.

To be eligible for the Common Ground Award, organisations and consortiums applying to this grant scheme must therefore directly work on at least one of the following core themes:

• encouraging and enabling social mixing, promoting understanding and reducing divisions between different communities and people from different backgrounds
• reducing prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed toward individuals and communities because of their background
• resolving conflict and addressing tensions across and between communities

We will not assess applications from organisations where building social connections across and between different communities is not the primary purpose of their work. Therefore, organisations must ensure they align with one or more of the themes above.

Organisations who receive the award will also be invited to participate in a community of practice, to enable knowledge sharing between organisations, and contribute to a wider discussion on building social cohesion across the country, with government stakeholders.

Aims and objectives

The Common Ground Award aims to:

• identify and reward good practice in building social connections across and between different communities and people from different backgrounds
• invest in the shared physical facilities, spaces and equipment that builds cohesion and resilience through enabling people from different backgrounds to come together
• build a community of practice, for knowledge sharing across the voluntary and community sector and with government

Organisations will be assessed based on how their objectives and activities seek to build social connections across and between different communities. To apply for the Common Ground Award, organisations and consortiums must therefore directly work on one of the following core themes:

• encouraging and enabling social mixing, promoting understanding and reducing divisions between different communities and people from different backgrounds
• reducing prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed toward individuals and communities because of their background
• resolving conflict and addressing tensions across and between communities

Who can apply – in detail

To apply for this grant, your organisation must be a 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

Your organisation must have an annual turnover or income below £5 million. Where you are applying as a consortium, each individual organisation within the consortium must have an annual turnover or income below £5 million. This refers to the turnover or income figure reported in your organisation’s submitted accounts for its last financial year.

You can apply individually or as part of a consortium even if you previously applied to the 2025 to 2026 Common Ground Award, regardless of the outcome of your application.

Those who are not eligible to apply include:

• local authorities and other public sector organisations
• profit distributing organisations
• Individuals
• regulated education sector organisations (e.g. schools, further and higher education institutions, universities)

Consortiums

Collaboration is key to maximising an organisation’s impact and building long-term sustainability, networks and innovation. Therefore, for the 2026 to 2027 Common Ground Award, we will accept applications from consortiums.

For the purposes of this fund a consortium is a collaborative partnership of two or more independent organisations that come together to jointly plan, apply for, and deliver a single funded project.

Applying as a consortium might be considered as a more suitable option for organisations that are already working closely or in partnership, and where programme aims overlap or align. This route makes increased funding awards possible, but you must demonstrate how your proposal will be delivered within the required delivery period, and generate additional reach, impact and outcomes.

For example: VCSE organisation X owns a community centre which runs activities for members of the local community. They are partnering with VCSE organisation Y and VCSE organisation Z to jointly run sports activities to bring members of the local community together, and they are applying for funding for new sports equipment that organisation X will own.

If applying as part of a consortium, you should identify a lead organisation who will make the application on behalf of the consortium. We will also ask for information on each organisation in the consortium in order to perform due diligence checks should your consortium be successful.

Each individual organisation in the consortium must:

• be an eligible VCSE organisation based and operating in England with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes
• have building social connections across and between different communities and people from different backgrounds as a core focus of their work
• directly work on one of the three core themes of the Common Ground Award fund
• deliver shared services or operate shared facilities as part of the consortium
• have an annual turnover or income below £5 million. (This refers to the turnover or income figure reported in the organisation’s submitted accounts for its last financial year).

The applicant will also need to confirm as the lead organisation they are fully accountable for delivery and funds. We expect successful applicants to have in place a formal agreement between all consortium members before any funding agreement is entered into with MHCLG – we will provide further information on this should your application be successful.

If you are applying as part of a consortium, you are not eligible to separately make an individual application.

Policy alignment

Organisations will be assessed based on how their objectives and activities seek to build social connections across and between different communities. To apply for the Common Ground Award, organisations and consortiums must therefore directly work on one of the following themes:

• encouraging and enabling social mixing, promoting understanding and reducing divisions between different communities and people from different backgrounds
• reducing prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed toward individuals and communities because of their background
• resolving conflict and addressing tensions across and between communities

Example 1

A community interest company registered with Companies House works to support people from different faith and belief backgrounds to come together to build understanding and tolerance through social mixing and activities that require participants to collaborate to achieve shared goals.

This organisation would meet the eligibility criteria, and aligns with both the core objective of the fund, and Theme 1 (encouraging and enabling social mixing). Therefore, we would encourage them to apply for the Common Ground Award.

Example 2

A charitable organisation works to support people recovering from poor health outcomes, including through a weekly support group.

This organisation would meet the eligibility criteria. However, it does not align with the core objective of the fund, or any of the themes and would therefore not be able to apply.

Example 3

A secondary school hosts a regular forum that enables students to meet and discuss how to reduce prejudice and discrimination in their local area.

This organisation would not meet the eligibility criteria, and would therefore not be able to apply.

Example 4

A consortium of three organisations each work within a shared building. Each organisation is a charity registered with the Charity Commission, and works on community engagement with people from different nationalities to increase social mixing with settled residents in the local area.

Each organisation would meet the eligibility criteria, and each organisation aligns with both the core objective of the fund, and Theme 1. Therefore, we would encourage them to apply for the Common Ground Award.

Example 5

A consortium of two organisations work in partnership. Organisation A is a community interest company that addresses inter-community tensions through dialogue. Organisation B is a registered charity that support former prisoners in accessing employment.

Both organisations would meet the eligibility criteria. Organisation A aligns with both the core objective of the fund, and Theme 3. However, Organisation B does not align with the core objective of the fund, or any of the themes. The consortium would be unsuccessful in any application.

We would encourage Organisation A to consider applying for the Common Ground Award as an independent applicant. If Organisation A and Organisation B submit an application as a consortium, it would be unsuccessful.

As part of our standard processes, we will carry out full due diligence checks on applicants before any funding is released, including each member of a consortium.

We aim to ensure a broad geographic spread of awards, as well as a range of organisations, projects and activities, across England to enable the benefits of funding to reach a diverse range of communities. There will not be a fixed allocation by region, or project/activity, however in the event of a large number of applications, consideration will be given to these factors.

Organisations are eligible to make one application. Eligible organisations must therefore decide whether to apply independently or as part of a consortium.

If you are applying as part of a consortium you are not eligible to make a separate individual application.

If an organisation makes multiple individual applications, then we will only assess the first one that is submitted.

Funding available

The maximum budget for the 2026 to 2027 financial year is £2.5 million, which we will award as soon as possible after the application window. This is likely to take place in January 2027.

Individual applicants can apply for a grant between £20,000 and £50,000. 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.

Successful individual organisations will be awarded up to £100,000 as a capital grant.

When an application is made by a consortium, the consortium can apply for a grant between £100,000 and £250,000 as a capital grant.

Applications from both individual applicants and consortiums will be assessed on an equal basis. No funding is ringfenced for applications from consortiums.

Applications must state the level of funding required. Applicants should plan for grant funding to be spent by 31 March 2027 and should demonstrate a credible delivery plan that enables expenditure to be incurred within this time frame. Exceptions will only be considered in limited circumstances and must be agreed in advance. Expenditure is generally considered to be incurred when an organisation has become legally committed or liable for the cost, even if the money has not yet physically left the bank account.

Grant funding awards will be confirmed through a grant funding agreement. Organisations may be offered a lower amount of funding than requested.

Capital grants can be used to support new builds, refurbishment, and expansion of facilities used to build connections across and between different communities. Funding can also cover essential equipment, such as laptops or furniture for the property.

Assessment criteria

The application form is designed to keep the process proportionate and accessible to smaller organisations, whilst capturing the essential information needed to assess alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Within each section of questions, consortium applications should be clear on how each organisation within the consortium contributes to the project, and on the value and impact each organisation brings to the project/ activities.

Applications will be assessed with 5 criteria. The application form will ask you about:

• Strategic alignment – how do your organisation’s/ consortium’s aims and activities align with the fund’s objective to build social connections across and between different communities, and align with at least one of the core themes?

• Community engagement – how does your organisation/ consortium engage communities and other organisations effectively, in the planning and delivery of its work?

• Community impact – what are the demonstrable outcomes from your organisation’s / consortium’s work to build cohesion between communities, aligning with at least one of the core themes, and how do you monitor the impact of your work in your communities?

• Use of funding – do you have a reasonable use and a clear plan for the capital investment requested, and how does the proposed use of funding align with the objectives of the grant?

• Risk and governance – how will you plan for any risks/ challenges and what structures do you have in place to manage the funds?

The same assessment criteria will be used for consortiums that apply.

Further guidance on the scoring criteria can be found in the Common Ground Award scoring framework. Please refer to this guidance when completing your application.

The assessment criteria are not intended to create a narrow definition of good practice, as we recognise that organisations working in this space are diverse in context, community and approach.

Instead, the criteria allow for a wide range of evidence to show how your organisation is effectively building social connections across and between different communities, while meeting one of the three themes.

The criteria can be met in many ways. Each of the 5 criteria will be scored from 0 (no evidence) to 3 (exceptional evidence), and any applications scoring 0 against any criterion will not be eligible for funding. The weighting of each section is set out below.

Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we may not be able to provide the opportunity for further clarification on any part of your submission for the purposes of our assessment. Make sure all information is clear and detailed to give your application the best chance of success.

MHCLG and ministers reserve the right to vary these conditions, the right to not make an award, and to either withdraw or reduce the funding to the grant recipient if reasonably required.

Sections

Section 1: Organisation details

This section is not assessed, but will determine eligibility for the award.

We’ll ask for:

• organisation name and address
• details of primary contact
• basic eligibility details (legal status of your organisation, and charity or company number if applicable)
• where your organisation is based and operating
• how many years your organisation has been operating
• the turnover or income of your organisation based on your last financial year’s submitted accounts
• if you are a consortium you will be asked to provide details of each participating organisation that is involved in the application

Section 2: Strategic alignment

This section is assessed. It is weighted at 25% overall. We have outlined the individual weighting of each question within this section.

We’ll ask for:

• the key aims and objectives of your organisation/ consortium (12.5%)
• the key activities of your organisation/consortium and how these align with the objective and core themes of the fund to build social connections across and between different communities (12.5%)

If you are applying as part of a consortium, ensure you demonstrate how each participating organisation aligns with the grant objectives and core themes.

Section 3: Community engagement

This section is assessed. It is weighted at 15%.

We’ll ask for:

• how your organisation or consortium engages and collaborates with your communities (7.5%)
• how your organisation/ consortium collaborates with other organisations to benefit your communities (7.5%)

Positive evidence could reference (but is not limited to):

• how relationships are built in communities
• working across multiple and diverse communities
• engaging communities in the co-design of projects
• relevant partnership working with other organisations
• seeking feedback to improve projects
• participation from historically excluded groups

Section 4: Community impact

This section is assessed. It is weighted at 25%.

We’ll ask:

• how your organisation or consortium has made a positive impact on the communities it serves, through activities that align with the objectives and core themes of the Common Ground Award (10%)

You will be asked to include recent relevant examples to illustrate your impact.  Positive evidence could reference (but is not limited to):

• greater levels of interaction, trust, understanding and acceptance across and between different communities and people from different backgrounds
• formation of new networks, partnerships and friendships across and between different communities and people from different backgrounds
• reduced prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed toward individuals and communities because of their background
• resolution of conflicts or tensions across and between communities

You should ensure that your impacts align with at least one of the core themes.

• how your organisation/ consortium will continue to make an impact in the future. You will be asked to include recent relevant examples (10%)
• how your organisation/ consortium will monitor the impact of your project on your communities (5%)

Section 5: Use of funding

This section is assessed. It is weighted at 25% and will be used to determine the size of capital grant awards.

We’ll ask for:

• how much capital funding you are requesting (this question is not assessed)
• how you will use the funding, including an itemised breakdown (7.5%)
• the objectives of your project, and how they: (7.5%)
  • (1) meet the needs of the communities in the places where you are working
  • (2) How they align with the objectives and core themes of the Common Ground Award

If you are asking for a larger sum of money, you will be asked to demonstrate how increased funding levels will generate additional reach, impact and outcomes.

• your key delivery milestones and when you aim to achieve them (10%)

Please note that organisations and consortiums may be offered less funding than requested, so it is important to consider how your proposed improvements could be scaled down.

A Common Ground Award may contribute towards a project that also receives funding from other sources, provided that the same cost is not funded more than once. Applicants must declare any other funding sources, clearly identify which costs will be funded through the Common Ground Award, and ensure that total funding does not exceed the eligible project costs. Applicants are also responsible for ensuring that any co-funding arrangements comply with the conditions of all funding sources.

Section 6: Risk and governance

This section is assessed. It is weighted at 10%.

We’ll ask for:

• how you will mitigate risks throughout delivery (5%)
• what governance and decision-making structures you have in place (5%)

Section 7: Declarations

We’ll ask you to declare that:

• all information provided is true, complete and accurate. You understand that providing false or misleading information may result in rejection of this application, recovery of funds and/or further action.
• you meet the eligibility requirements set out in the prospectus and will comply with all grant conditions
• (if applicable) you have the authority to submit the application on behalf of your organisation/consortium
• (if applicable) you have confidence in all partners within the consortium to deliver
• (if applicable) as the lead organisation in the consortium, you acknowledge that the ownership and responsibility of the application and any funded activities lie with your organisation
• you confirm that appropriate governance, financial management and controls are in place to manage public funds. The organisation or consortium will not make a profit from the activities supported by grant funding.
• confirm that the grant funding will not be utilised for the purposes of facilitating exclusively religious activity, undertaking political activity or supporting ideological or extremist causes. As set out in the 2024 extremism definition: ‘Extremism’ is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to: a. Negate or destroy the fundamental rights or freedoms of others; or b. Undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and
   democratic rights; or, c. Intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (a) or (b).
• confirm that neither the organisation nor any person acting on its behalf has knowingly engaged in fraud, bribery, corruption or other unlawful conduct in relation to this application
• you have read and understood the Privacy Notice

Roles and responsibilities

MHCLG will:

• provide guidance and access to support through a mailbox
• assess applications against the assessment criteria and carry out due diligence checks
• notify applicants of funding decisions
• provide funding as agreed in the grant funding agreement
• set reporting and monitoring requirements

If successful, you must:

• act in good faith with MHCLG
• sign a grant funding agreement, based on the Cabinet Office template and your funding request
• provide evidence of costs, if requested
• be accountable for delivery of capital spend
• co-operate with due diligence checks
• take part in monitoring and evaluation
• comply with the Equality Act 2010
• be responsible for using the funding in accordance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022. In particular, this means informing MHCLG before accepting the funding if the funding might cross-subsidise an economic activity. For example, if the funded premises or equipment is used for the purpose of a business (excluding incidental or occasional use)

Successful applicants will be invited to join a community of practice, with other organisations working towards a shared goal to build connections across and between different communities in England. This may involve future invitation to events to share good practice across the VCSE sector.

Successful applicants will be asked whether they are content for their organisation to be added to a published directory of Common Ground Award recipients, and have contact details shared amongst the community of practice membership.

Scores will not be provided where one of the sections has scored a 0 and therefore the full application has not been assessed. If the full application has been assessed, final scores will be provided.

Apply for funding

Contact CGA@communities.gov.uk for any questions about the grant.

Common Ground Award 26/27 – frequently asked questions

This document addresses frequently asked questions relating to the Common Ground Award 2026-27 prospectus, scoring framework, and application process. It is intended to clarify the published application materials and does not introduce additional assessment criteria.

The prospectus and scoring framework remain the authoritative sources of information. Applicants should use them throughout the application process.

How to use this FAQ pack: Start with eligibility and funding to check whether your organisation and proposal fit the Award. Then use the assessed-area sections to test whether your application explains the need, proposed investment, expected benefits, evidence, governance and delivery plan clearly. Where this FAQ summarises or clarifies the application materials, the prospectus and scoring framework remain the authoritative sources.

Quick reference

• Who can apply: VCSE organisations based and operating in England with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes.
• Funding available: £20,000 to £50,000 for individual organisations; up to £100,000 for exceptional scaled-up individual applications; £100,000 to £250,000 for consortium applications.
• Programme focus: capital investment that supports social connection, reduces prejudice or hatred, or helps address conflict and tensions across and between communities.
• Application window: 14 September 2026 to 12 October 2026.
• Key test for applicants: explain clearly why the investment is needed, how it will strengthen cohesion outcomes, how communities have shaped it and how it will be delivered by 31 March 2027.

About the Common Ground Award 

What is the Common Ground Award? 

The Common Ground Award is a capital grant programme that forms part of the wider Common Ground Resilience Fund. It supports investment into facilities, spaces and equipment that help organisations build stronger relationships, understanding and connections across and between different communities.

How much funding is available in 2026-27? 

Up to £2.5 million is available through the Common Ground Award in 2026-27. 

What is new this year? 

The 2026-27 programme builds on the first round and includes: 

• consortium applications.
• an opportunity for scaled-up awards
• a sharper focus on key themes set out in the prospectus

What are the aims of the Award? 

The Award has 3 aims: 

• to identify and reward good practice in building social connections across and between different communities and people from different backgrounds
• to invest in shared physical facilities, spaces and equipment that support community cohesion and resilience
• to build a community of practice that supports learning, collaboration and knowledge sharing across the sector and with government

What are the Award’s key themes? 

Applicants must work on at least one of the following themes: 

• encouraging and enabling social mixing
• reducing prejudice, discrimination and hatred
• resolving conflict and addressing tensions across and between communities

Eligibility 

Who can apply? 

Requirement: Applicants must be VCSE organisations based and operating in England with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes. Eligible organisation types include registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, community benefit societies and certain unincorporated organisations. Applicants should refer to the prospectus for the full eligibility requirements.

Is there a turnover limit? 

Requirement: Every applicant must have an annual turnover below £5 million. For consortium applications, every member of the consortium must also meet this threshold.

Who cannot apply? 

Public sector organisations, profit-distributing organisations, individuals and regulated education institutions, such as schools, colleges and universities, cannot apply. 

Does community cohesion need to be a core focus of our organisation? 

Requirement: Building social connections across and between different communities and people from different backgrounds must be a core focus of the organisation’s work. Applicants should make their connection to at least one of the Award’s themes explicit throughout the application.

What should we do if we are unsure whether we are eligible? 

Review the eligibility section of the prospectus carefully before investing time in developing an application. If you are still unsure, contact CGA@communities.gov.uk and include your organisation type, where you operate, annual turnover, proposed lead applicant if relevant, and a short summary of the project you want to fund.

Consortium applications 

What is a consortium? 

A consortium is a partnership of two or more independent organisations that jointly plan, apply for and deliver a single funded project. 

When might a consortium application be appropriate? 

A consortium may be appropriate where organisations already work together, have shared objectives or overlapping programmes, and can demonstrate that partnership working increases impact, sustainability or reach. 

Are consortium applications assessed more favourably? 

No. Applications from individual organisations and consortiums are assessed on an equal basis. Applicants should choose a consortium approach only where working together creates additional value that could not be achieved as effectively through an individual application. 

Does every consortium member need to meet the eligibility requirements? 

Yes. Every consortium member must independently meet all of the eligibility requirements, including the annual turnover threshold. 

What will assessors expect to see from a consortium? 

Assessors will expect evidence that the organisations are genuinely working together to deliver the proposed project. Strong applications will explain what each organisation brings to the partnership and why working together will create greater reach, impact and outcomes than working separately. 

Does a consortium need a lead organisation? 

Yes. A lead organisation must submit the application and manage the funding. Successful applicants will be expected to formalise the partnership arrangement before entering into a funding agreement. 

What should consortium applicants explain about governance? 

Roles, responsibilities, accountability and decision-making arrangements should be clearly defined. Assessors should be able to understand who is accountable for what, how partners contribute and how the consortium will operate in practice. 

Available Funding 

How much can an individual organisation apply for? 

An individual organisation can apply for between £20,000 and £50,000. 

Can an individual organisation request more than £50,000? 

Yes. An applicant can set out a case for scaled-up funding of up to £100,000. This will only be considered in exceptional circumstances where there is strong evidence of need, significant expected impact and a high likelihood of successful delivery. 

How much can a consortium apply for? 

A consortium can apply for between £100,000 and £250,000. 

Does a higher funding request have an advantage? 

No. Higher funding requests do not automatically have an advantage. A larger request requires a stronger case explaining why the additional investment is necessary and what additional outcomes, impact or reach it will deliver. 

What can the funding be used for? 

This is a capital grant programme. Funding can support: 

• new builds
• refurbishment and expansion of facilities
• capital improvements to community spaces
• essential equipment and assets that support delivery

Applicants should explain how the investment will improve their ability to bring people together, create additional opportunities and strengthen their contribution to community cohesion. 

When must funding be committed? 

Applicants should have confidence that funding can be committed by 31 March 2027 and should provide realistic delivery plans and milestones. 

Application process

How will applications be assessed? 

Applications will be assessed against five scored areas. Each area is scored from 0 to 3, with the scoring framework describing what assessors are looking for at each score level. 

Is there one preferred model of good practice? 

No. Organisations operate in different places and contexts and may use different types of evidence to demonstrate how they build social connections. Useful evidence could include monitoring data, evaluation findings, participant feedback, case studies, partnership evidence, examples of changed practice or evidence that community feedback has shaped delivery.

Assessed areas

Strategic alignment

What will be assessed under strategic alignment? 

Assessors will consider the organisation’s aims and objectives, its activities, and how these support building social connections across and between different communities. 

What are the characteristics of a strong response? 

Strong applications will clearly demonstrate each of the following, using specific examples rather than general statements:

• community cohesion is a core part of the organisation’s mission
• there is clear alignment with at least one of the Award’s core themes
• there are specific examples of activities that build social connections
• there is a clear link between organisational objectives and day-to-day delivery

What is expected from consortium and scaled-up applications? 

For consortiums, each member should show how its own aims and activities align with the Award. For scaled-up funding, applicants should explain what the additional investment makes possible that the standard award would not.

Community engagement

What will be assessed under community engagement? 

Assessors will consider how the organisation engages communities, beneficiaries and partners in the planning, design and delivery of its work. 

What might a strong response demonstrate? 

Strong applications may demonstrate this through practical examples such as:

• meaningful engagement in planning and delivery
• strong relationships across multiple and diverse communities
• community involvement in shaping projects
• effective partnership working
• the use of feedback to adapt delivery 
• participation from historically excluded groups

Is there a required engagement model? 

No. What matters is that applicants clearly explain their approach and demonstrate that engagement is meaningful and helps shape the organisation’s work from the outset. 

What should consortium and scaled-up applicants explain? 

For consortiums or scaled-up funding, explain how the approach will increase reach, strengthen engagement or create clearer community benefit, rather than simply describing a larger project.

Community impact

What will be assessed under community impact? 

Assessors will consider the difference the organisation is making, how that contributes to community cohesion and how the organisation measures success. 

What evidence should applicants provide? 

Strong applications typically provide specific evidence such as:

• clear examples of outcomes achieved
• evidence of people from different backgrounds connecting and participating together
• a clear contribution to at least one of the Award’s themes
• appropriate monitoring and evaluation approaches
• an explanation of both reach and impact

Should we describe activities or outcomes? 

Applicants should describe both, and should be clear about the outcomes achieved, not only the activities delivered. For example, explain whether people built new relationships, increased understanding, reduced barriers, prejudice or tensions, or became more connected to their local area. 

Do we need a complex evaluation framework? 

Not necessarily. Applicants should be able to explain how they know their work is making a difference and show that appropriate processes are in place to understand whether the work is achieving its objectives. 

Use of funding

What will be assessed under use of funding? 

Assessors will consider the capital investment being requested, whether it is appropriate, how it aligns with the Award’s objectives and themes, and whether there is a credible plan to commit the funding by 31 March 2027. 

What are the characteristics of a strong response? 

Strong applications will: 

• clearly link the proposed investment to community cohesion outcomes
• show that proposals are informed by communities
• include realistic delivery plans and milestones
• provide strong justification for costs
• provide confidence that the funding can be delivered within the available timeframe

How should we explain the difference the funding will make? 

Explain how the investment will improve your ability to bring people together, strengthen your work, create additional opportunities and benefit the communities you serve. 

What is expected for scaled-up funding? 

For scaled-up funding, explain what additional reach, impact or outcomes the larger investment will deliver, and why those benefits could not be achieved through the standard funding range.

What is expected from consortium applications? 

For consortiums, explain the added value of partnership working, including what each organisation contributes and why working together will deliver more than separate applications would.

Risk and governance

What will be assessed under risk and governance? 

Assessors will look for confidence that the applicant has the governance, oversight and risk management arrangements needed to deliver the project successfully and manage public funding. 

What should we explain about governance and accountability? 

Explain how decisions are made, who is responsible for delivery, who provides oversight and where accountability sits within the organisation. 

Are projects expected to be risk free? 

No. Applicants should identify and understand relevant risks and demonstrate that proportionate plans are in place to manage them. 

How can we provide confidence in successful delivery? 

Demonstrate effective project management, financial management and the ability to manage challenges while maintaining delivery. 

What is expected from scaled-up and consortium applications? 

Scaled-up applications should provide particularly strong evidence of robust governance, oversight and accountability. Consortium applications should clearly define roles, responsibilities and decision-making arrangements. 

Key dates 

When does the application window open? 

The application window opens on 14 September 2026. 

When do applications close? 

Applications close on 12 October 2026. 

When will applicants be notified of the outcome? 

Applicants are expected to be notified in December 2026. 

When will funding be awarded? 

Funding is expected to be awarded from January 2027.