Deadline: November 06, 2025
The ASEAN-Australia Centre 2025-26 Grants Program invites applications to strengthen understanding and engagement between Australia and Southeast Asia through initiatives aligned with the Centre’s mission and strategic pillars.
The grants program focuses on four pillars: Southeast Asia literacy, economic linkages, education, and cultural connections. Applications must align with one or more of these pillars and reflect the Centre’s mission to support the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The priority areas for 2025-26 include creative industry initiatives facilitating professional and creative exchanges, projects engaging Australians of Southeast Asian heritage to advance regional engagement, and research supporting Australian companies’ access to trade and investment opportunities in Southeast Asia. Projects should involve multiple Southeast Asian countries and identify Southeast Asian partners.
This grant opportunity is designed to support projects that develop, promote, and strengthen business, cultural, and community links between Southeast Asia and Australia. Applicants can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per annum, with multi-year grants available for up to two years up to $400,000. Applications are accepted from Australian-based entities and eligible Southeast Asian partners, with strong encouragement for participation by First Nations Australians, women-led organizations, and individuals with diverse abilities.
Eligible activities include industry dialogues, trade delegations, exhibitions, forums, workshops, personnel exchanges, communications activities, market research, community engagement, and research projects aligned with grant streams. Grant funds cannot be used for land purchase, ongoing salaries, major capital expenditure, retrospective costs, or administrative subsidies.
Applicants must meet eligibility criteria including Australian Business Number registration, residence or incorporation in Australia or specified Southeast Asian countries, and compliance with child protection policies when involving minors. Joint applications by consortia are permitted with a lead organisation named.
The assessment process includes thorough evaluation of project alignment with the Centre’s objectives, innovation in addressing national interests, applicant capacity and track record, sustainability of outcomes, and maximisation of impact through partnerships and communication strategies. Successful applicants enter into legally binding grant agreements and are subject to reporting, monitoring, and evaluation requirements.
For the 2025-26 grants program, a total budget of $2.2 million is available, and applications close at midday AEDT on 6 November 2025. Grants activities must commence before 30 June 2026 and can span up to two years. Applicants should be prepared to provide detailed project budgets, letters of support, and demonstrate co-contributions if applicable.
The Centre ensures fair and transparent grant administration under Commonwealth guidelines, with ongoing monitoring, compliance visits, and evaluation to measure program success and maintain accountability. Communication guidance and branding requirements are provided to grantees to acknowledge Centre support in project materials.
For more information, visit ASEAN-Australia Centre.
