Grants of £20,000 to £50,000 are available to Commonwealth governments for country-led projects tackling ocean challenges. Round II of the Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator will support 10 to 15 projects across marine pollution, ecosystems, fisheries, sustainable blue economies, and ocean-climate action.
Overview
The Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator provides catalytic funding for government-led projects that can test solutions, build evidence, strengthen capacity, and prepare larger ocean initiatives for future investment.
All 56 Commonwealth member countries are eligible. Projects may involve NGOs, academic and research institutions, community organisations, and private-sector partners, but the lead applicant must be a legally established national or sub-national government entity. Proposed projects must run for at least six months and no more than 18 months.
Benefits
- Grant Size: Each selected project can receive between £20,000 and £50,000.
- Project Support: The Incubator combines catalytic funding with technical assistance and capacity building.
- Partnership Scope: Government applicants can work with NGOs, academic institutions, community organisations, research institutions, and private-sector partners.
- Selection Scale: The Commonwealth expects to select 10 to 15 projects in Round II.
Eligibility
- Lead Applicant: The lead must be a legally established national or sub-national government entity, such as a ministry, agency, department, or other public body.
- Countries: All 56 Commonwealth member countries are eligible.
- Application Limit: Each country may submit up to two project applications in the round.
- Duration: Projects must run for a minimum of six months and a maximum of 18 months.
- Priority Areas: Projects should address marine pollution, ecosystem restoration, sustainable blue economies, sustainable fisheries, or the ocean-climate nexus.
- National Relevance: Proposals should advance national priorities and contribute to implementation of the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration.
How to Apply
- Deadline: Applications close on December 11, 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
- Read the Guidance: Review the application guidelines, assessment criteria, and frequently asked questions.
- Draft the Proposal: Use the downloadable Word form to prepare responses before entering them online.
- Submit Online: The final application must be submitted through the official online grant application form linked from the Commonwealth page.
