ASEAN-Australia Centre 2026-27 Grants Program

Overview The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the ASEAN-Australia Centre, is inviting applications for the ASEAN-Australia Centre 2026-27 Grants Program. Applications must align with the Centre's mission and four pillars across three streams: Economic engagement, Creative industry and cultural connections, and Asia capability. Purpose The intended outcome of the grants program is to build business, cultural and community links between Southeast Asia and Australia. Funding Total amount available: $2,200,000.00 Estimated grant value: $100,000.00 to $400,000.00 Maximum grant period: Two years Activity start requirement: Successful activities must start before 30 June 2027 Grant Streams Economic engagement: May support networking, information exchange, awareness-raising, business matching and Asia capability for Australian business, including First Nations businesses Creative industry and cultural connections: May support exchanges, residencies, capacity-building, professional development, collaboration, export pathways and market development Asia capability: Initiatives may draw on Southeast Asian student expertise, establish professional benchmarking or accreditation, or develop Australian Curriculum-aligned teaching resources Eligibility Applicants must have a current Australian Business Number Applicants must be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia Applicants must have an account with an Australian financial institution Applicants must be located in Australia or an eligible Southeast Asian country Eligible applicants include Australian incorporated companies, companies limited by guarantee, incorporated trustees, incorporated associations, partnerships, eligible consortia with a lead organisation, registered charities or not-for-profit organisations, publicly funded research organisations, individuals, Australian local government bodies, Australian state or territory government bodies, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander corporations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 Projects involving people under 18 must meet DFAT child protection policy requirements Projects must involve multiple Southeast Asian countries and identify Southeast Asian partners How to Apply Complete and submit the online 2026-27 application form through SmartyGrants Provide all requested information, address all eligibility and assessment criteria, and include all required attachments Submit the application by 1300 AEDT on 28 October 2026; late applications will not be accepted Enquiries ASEAN-Australia Centre Email: aseanaustraliacentre.grants@dfat.gov.au Web: https://www.aseanaustraliacentre.org.au/programs/grants