The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) offers ACU Gender Grants, an annual funding initiative designed to support projects that promote gender equity and equality within universities across the Commonwealth. These grants provide financial support to member universities seeking to develop initiatives that address gender disparities and create more inclusive academic environments. Established in 1913, the ACU is the world’s first and oldest international university network, bringing together over 400 universities across more than 40 countries. Through funding opportunities, policy engagement, and collaborative programmes, the organization works to strengthen higher education systems and promote inclusive academic communities. The ACU Gender Grants are part of this mission, supporting innovative campus initiatives that advance gender equality through research, institutional policy development, and capacity-building activities. Key Application Dates Applications for the 2026 ACU Gender Grants are now open, providing universities with the opportunity to secure funding for projects that promote gender equality within academic institutions. Important dates include: Applications Open: 5 March 2026 Application Deadline: 8 May 2026 at 3:00 PM UTC Universities are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals early to ensure all application requirements are completed before the deadline. Purpose of the ACU Gender Grants The ACU Gender Grants aim to support practical initiatives that drive meaningful change within university environments. These initiatives may include projects, workshops, training sessions, awareness campaigns, or institutional policy development. The funding helps universities implement activities that strengthen gender inclusion and address systemic challenges affecting students, staff, and faculty. Examples of supported initiatives include: Promoting women’s leadership development within academic institutions Raising awareness about sexual harassment prevention Supporting women in science, technology, and research fields Developing and implementing gender-inclusive institutional policies Integrating gender equity into academic curricula Organizing workshops, training programmes, and awareness events By supporting these activities, the ACU encourages universities to embed gender equity into both academic culture and institutional governance. Partnership with the Martha Farrell Foundation The ACU has partnered with the Martha Farrell Foundation to strengthen the impact of the gender grants programme. Through this collaboration, up to three of the five available grants will focus specifically on initiatives addressing sexual harassment prevention and institutional policy development. Key features of this partnership include: Specialized guidance on anti-sexual harassment strategies Access to expert-led online training programmes Follow-up support to assist institutions implementing policies These targeted grants are open to staff members from ACU member universities located in Africa and Asia, providing additional resources and expertise for institutions working to address workplace harassment and promote safer learning environments. Grant Funding Each year, the programme awards five grants valued at up to GBP 2,000 each to support selected initiatives. The funding can be used to cover costs associated with organizing gender equity activities, such as: Workshop facilitation and training sessions Research or policy development initiatives Awareness campaigns and educational programmes Materials, resources, and event coordination Capacity-building activities for faculty and staff These funds enable universities to implement targeted interventions that promote gender equality and support inclusive campus environments. Eligibility Requirements To apply for the ACU Gender Grants, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria related to institutional affiliation and professional role. Applicants must: Be a staff member at an ACU member university Propose a project or initiative that promotes gender equity or equality Demonstrate how the project will benefit the university community The programme encourages proposals from institutions across the Commonwealth, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries, which represent approximately 70% of ACU membership. Application Process Applicants must complete the application process through the MyACU online portal, which serves as the official system for submitting grant proposals. Steps to apply include: Review the ACU Gender Grants application guidance and FAQs Register for a MyACU account if one does not already exist Log into the portal and access the grant application form Complete and submit the online application before the deadline The application form becomes available once the application period officially opens. Impact of the ACU Gender Grants Over the years, the ACU Gender Grants programme has supported numerous initiatives that have had a measurable impact on university communities. Past grantees have used the funding to: Introduce gender equality concepts into university policy frameworks Establish institutional committees addressing gender justice Train faculty and administrators on sexual and gender-based violence prevention Encourage women academics to pursue advanced research qualifications Integrate gender-related topics into academic teaching and curriculum These initiatives demonstrate how small but targeted investments can create long-term institutional change. Strengthening Global University Collaboration As part of its broader mission, the Association of Commonwealth Universities promotes collaboration among institutions to address global challenges in higher education. The Gender Grants programme contributes to this vision by encouraging universities to share best practices, develop inclusive policies, and strengthen institutional capacity for gender equity. Through initiatives such as these, the ACU continues to support universities in building inclusive, equitable, and sustainable academic environments across the Commonwealth. Conclusion The ACU Gender Grants offer a valuable opportunity for universities to implement meaningful initiatives that promote gender equality and strengthen institutional policies. By supporting projects focused on leadership development, harassment prevention, and inclusive education, the programme helps universities create environments where all members of the academic community can thrive. Staff members from ACU member universities are encouraged to submit proposals before the 8 May 2026 deadline and contribute to advancing gender equity across the global higher education landscape. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the funding. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.