Core Information 9 and 10

9. FUNDING FOR CSOS

The Commonwealth Secretariat is not a grant-making organisation. It undertakes projects in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and can assist CSOs to participate in its activities. The Governance and Institutional Development Division can sometimes provide grants for key CSO regional activities, such as CSO training, if they have the support of the host government. The Commonwealth Foundation can provide travel grants and other types of funding for CSOs.

10. COMMONWEALTH PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS

The Commonwealth benefits enormously from the activities of about 60 Commonwealth associations and organisations with the word 'Commonwealth' in their title. These organisations, with members in most countries of the Commonwealth run hundreds of activities each year in areas of interest to professionals including educators, parliamentarians, health professionals, foresters, veterinarians, judges, lawyers, media professionals, librarians, museum personnel, architects, planners and telecommunications professionals. Most of these activities are tied into key priority areas of the Commonwealth and most associations work closely with Commonwealth Secretariat staff. Many associations also work in collaboration with like-minded associations and form consortia and solidarity groups such as the Commonwealth Consortium on Education. A schedule of events is available on this site. For further information about Commonwealth associations and how you can join, please consult their websites or contact them directly.