Community organisations across the Isle of Wight are being encouraged to bid for new funding to help bring people together, create welcoming local spaces and strengthen relationships in their area.
The Common Ground Award, first launched in 2025, is opening to a second wave of applicants, backing groups that know their communities best and are already helping people from different backgrounds meet, mix and build trust.
That could mean turning a tired community building into a more welcoming hub, buying equipment so more people can take part in local activities, or creating spaces where neighbours can meet, talk and bridge divides. The funding is designed to support projects that encourage understanding between people from different backgrounds, reduce prejudice and help ease local tensions.
The next round will provide up to £2.5 million in funding, with individual applicants able to bid for between £20,000 and £50,000 to improve the facilities, spaces and equipment that help them continue delivering vital work in their communities.
Groups of organisations working together can also apply for grants of up to £250,000, helping them increase their impact and deliver even more for local communities.
Isle of Wight Labour’s Steve Reading said:
“Pan Together is very local to me, so I know that we have some fantastic community groups on the Isle of Wight making a huge difference – and this fund is an opportunity to do even more. Local groups can apply for funding to buy new equipment, create new community spaces or get an old site back on its feet. There’s £2.5m up for grabs – £20,000 – £50,000 for successful bidders and I really hope local groups will apply.”
Minister for Communities, Florence Eshamlomi, said:
“Strong communities are built in the conversations between neighbours and in the everyday spaces where people can come together, build trust and feel like they belong.
“This funding has already done so much to strengthen connections across England, from community cafés and sports clubs to pop-up living rooms that get people talking and forging new ties.
“I’m looking forward to seeing even more organisations backed by this funding, continuing their excellent work to bridge divides and build more resilient communities across the country.”
The grant is open to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations based and operating in England with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes. Organisations can apply individually or as part of a consortium, helping partners work together where that can deliver greater impact locally.
Applications open on 14th September 2026 and close on 12th October 2026. Successful applicants are expected to be notified in December 2026, with payments likely to be made in January 2027.
