Deadline Date: November 14, 2025
The Australian Government is offering the First Nations International Fellowships and Partnerships Grants to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in international meetings and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, open for eligible organisations across Australia and overseas.
The focus of this opportunity is to deepen Australia’s partnerships in the Pacific, advance First Nations trade and investment, progress First Nations’ rights and interests globally, and elevate First Nations cultural diplomacy.
This grants program is designed to implement a First Nations approach to foreign policy, including trade and international development, by enhancing the number of First Nations Australians participating in international meetings through the Fellowship Grants Opportunity, and by enabling First Nations Australians to build sustainable partnerships across the Indo-Pacific through the Partnerships Grants Opportunity. The objective is to better project the shared and full identity of Australia in foreign policy, deepen collaboration with key global partners, strengthen resilience in the Indo-Pacific, and deliver enduring benefits for First Nations Australians. A priority for the Office for First Nations International Engagement is to lift participation of First Nations Australians in international forums and to strengthen First Nations partnerships across the region.
Eligible applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or an Indigenous Corporation Number (ICN), be registered for GST if required, hold an Australian bank account, and be permanent residents of Australia. Organisations can include Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006, entities established through specific Commonwealth, State, or Territory legislation including public benevolent institutions, churches, universities, Australian-incorporated companies, incorporated associations, publicly funded research organisations, not-for-profit organisations, or joint consortia led by a lead organisation. Applications from groups must identify all members and include letters of support from partners.
The total grant funding available is AUD 1,250,000, with individual grants ranging from AUD 20,000 to AUD 80,000. Applications must be submitted through the online SmartyGrants platform, with separate processes for Fellowship and Partnership grants. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their submissions are complete and accurate, and no changes can be made after the closing date.
For more information, visit GrantConnect.
