Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Could Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Where they fund
- Middle East, Horn of Africa, Eastern Europe including Ukraine
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Two-stage application
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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gov.ukAbout Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is the UK government department responsible for foreign affairs, international development, and diplomacy. It works to safeguard national security, promote global prosperity, and support vulnerable populations, guided by values of democracy, human rights, gender equality, and resilience-building. The FCDO integrates diplomatic influence with development funding to address systemic challenges, often through time-limited competitions and research initiatives. It funds work in education and skills, conflict research, and other areas aligned with its international priorities.
What Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funds
The FCDO supports research that strengthens understanding of emerging global conflict trends, particularly in the Middle East, Horn of Africa, and Eastern Europe including Ukraine. It also runs competitions inviting ideas from young people on major economic challenges facing their generation. Work takes place internationally, with a focus on regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. The FCDO funds education and skills initiatives, conflict research, and other areas that align with its international development and diplomatic priorities.
Who can apply
The FCDO funds both individuals and organisations through its published competitions and research calls. Beneficiaries include young people and communities affected by conflict and poverty. Applicants must respond to specific calls for proposals; unsolicited applications are not accepted. Eligibility varies by programme, with some calls open to individuals and others restricted to organisations such as registered charities or research institutions.
How they like to fund
Funding is delivered through structured calls and competitions, typically as one-off project grants. The FCDO focuses on research and innovation that informs policy and practice. It does not accept unsolicited applications and does not provide multi-year funding as a standard approach.
How much does Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office give?
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office runs 2 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 35 sourced facts
- Online application form
- 1 rounds a year
- Decisions in ~10 weeks
- Single-year grants
- Two-stage process
- Single-year grants
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funds — and what they won't
to hear your ideas on one of the biggest economic challenges facing your generation
Good to know
How to apply to Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office takes applications via two-stage application.
- Published programme route: online application form.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
What Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's application asks
We hold the 4 questions from Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's application form, word for word — so you know exactly what you're signing up to answer.
“The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics was partly awarded to Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt for their work on creative destruction – where old industries, jobs, and technologies disappear to make way for new ones. What are the economic implications of creative destruction? You may wish to discuss its impact on economic growth, employment, or inequality.”
Max 1000 words
“In recent years, many countries have raised tariffs and adopted other protectionist measures. What are the costs and benefits of rising protectionism for countries and the international trading system? How should the UK respond?”
Max 1000 words
2 more questions from their form, plus answers drafted from your charity's real data if you decide to apply.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provide?
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office runs 2 grant programmes — FCDO Next Generation Economics 2026 competition: £100 – £350 · New Frontiers of Conflict Research 2026: Up to £200,000.
Where does Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office fund charities?
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funds charities operating in Middle East, Horn of Africa, Eastern Europe including Ukraine.
Does Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office accept unsolicited applications?
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office?
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office takes applications via two-stage application. Published programme route: online application form.
Similar funders
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Could Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.