Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has today announced its Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund, committing £250,000 for organisations, community groups and individuals to be part of next summer’s Glasgow 2026 Festival, which will surround the UK’s biggest sporting event in 2026.

Developed and delivered with Glasgow Life and made possible thanks to funding from Commonwealth Sport, the Glasgow 2026 Festival will feature altogether brilliant creative projects, family-friendly events and community activities, creating opportunities for people to gather, celebrate sporting endeavour and explore the culture, creativity and heritage of communities around the Commonwealth.

The Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund enables a wider range of organisations and groups to be part of that celebration and deliver events and experiences that unite people, celebrate diversity and put Glasgow’s passion for sport and culture on the world stage. The Fund provides an opportunity for community and voluntary groups, artists and cultural organisation, sports clubs, creative industries and social enterprises to take part in the Festival.

Grants of up to £10,000 are now available to support arts, sports and wellbeing projects aligned to the Festival themes of gathering, celebration and social justice. Projects should be held between 23 May and 9 August, with activity taking place in Glasgow.

Applications officially open today (2 December 2025) with grants ranging from £300 to £10,000 to support projects that reflect at least one of the Glasgow 2026 Festival themes: 

  • Gathering: Responding to the role of the Commonwealth, culture and sport in bringing people together.
  • Social justice: Acknowledging the complex historic and contemporary relationships of the Commonwealth and exploring routes to a just future.
  • Celebration: Celebrating sporting endeavour and the diverse culture and heritage of the nations and territories participating in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

As part of their applications, applicants should show how this funding will bring communities together, ensuring everyone can be part of the celebrations, showcase Glasgow’s creativity and help create a great experience for athletes, residents and visitors to Glasgow.  

Chair of Glasgow 2026 George Black CBE said: “The Glasgow 2026 Festival is an opportunity to showcase local talent, share cultural traditions and create experiences that will bring people together. Whether it’s a creative performance, community sport event, or watch party, the Festival is the perfect platform for Glasgow’s communities to get fully involved in the Commonwealth Games next summer.  

“By investing in grassroots organisations, artists, cultural groups and sports clubs we’re ensuring that Glasgow’s decision to host the Games puts local people from Glasgow at the heart of the event. With £250,000 available in small grants, we’re welcoming applications from all corners of the city and from groups big and small. Glasgow’s communities are never short of creativity and enthusiasm, and we are looking forward to seeing this brought to life next summer.” 

Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, said: “The Commonwealth Games have always been about more than sport, they are about people, culture and connection. The Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund brings that spirit to life by giving communities the chance to shape the Games in their own way.  

“We are proud to support the Fund which will allow the people of Glasgow to take part in a range of sporting, cultural and heritage activities in the lead up to the Games next year. The festival will provide an opportunity for us to immerse ourselves in the culture and heritage of Glasgow and Scotland." 

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow Life is delighted to be developing and delivering the Glasgow 2026 Festival on behalf of the Games organisers, Glasgow 2026 Limited and Commonwealth Sport. 

“Glasgow has a first-class track record of delivering creative, community focused festivals that complement the city experience during major events and the Glasgow 2026 Festival will be no exception. 

“The Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund being launched today is one of four exciting programming strands, with £250,000 available to support the creation of a citywide programme that is embedded within communities and which reflects the vision and values of the Commonwealth Games. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our talented sport and culture communities to get involved and create new or enhanced projects that create a vibrant and inclusive experience for residents and visitors alike.”  

Applications for the Festival Fund open on 2 December 2025 and close at 5pm on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Full details, including application forms and guidelines, are available HERE.  

Recipients of the Festival Fund will be announced in March 2026 followed by the full Festival programme, which will ensure the excitement of the Games reaches every corner of the city.