New Fund Aims to Strengthen Community Cohesion and Resilience in England

Voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations that are working to bring people together from different backgrounds will be able to apply for capital grants of up to £10,000 from 13 October.

The UK government’s £1.7 million Common Ground Award aims to recognise good practice across England, in promoting social cohesion, by directly investing in organisations making a positive impact.

The funding is intended 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.

The grant is open to applications from VCSE organisations with a base and operating in England, with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes.

Organisations will be notified of their application outcome in January 2026 with funding awarded the same month.