Up to $11.1 million supporting a national knowledge translation body, July 2026–June 2029, converting credible autism research into policy, programs, services, and practice, nationwide impact.
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What is the National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant (NAS-KTR)?
The Australian Government, through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, is inviting applications for the National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant (GO8168). This targeted competitive grant will fund the continuation of a national knowledge translation body from July 2026 to June 2029, ensuring credible autism research is translated into real-world policy, programs, services and professional practice.
This initiative is a key enabling action under the National Autism Strategy 2025–2031, with a strong emphasis on Autistic leadership, co-production, neurodiversity-affirming research, and culturally responsive outcomes.
Important: This is a restricted grant opportunity. Only invited organisations listed in the eligible section below can apply.
National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant level of support
Funding amount:
- Minimum funding: Not specified
- Maximum funding: Up to $11.1 million over three years
- Indicative allocation of $3.7 million per financial year across 2026–27, 2027–28 and 2028–29
- Funding is subject to annual indexation
Co-contribution required: No
- The grant may fund up to 100% of eligible project costs, subject to the approved budget and grant agreement terms
National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant important dates
- Close date: 6 February 2026 at 2:00 pm (ACT local time)
- Expected start date: Early–mid 2026
- Project completion date: 30 June 2029
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant objectives
The objectives of this grant are to:
- Translate credible autism research into practical, evidence-based tools and resources
- Develop best-practice guidance to inform policy development and service delivery
- Increase Autistic leadership and co-production in research and knowledge translation
- Implement a neurodiversity-affirming, ethical and culturally responsive research framework
- Strengthen collaboration between researchers, service providers, governments and the Autistic community
Projects and expenditure eligible for National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant support
Eligible projects must support the delivery of a national autism knowledge translation and research function, including:
- Community engagement, co-design and consultation activities
- Autism-related research, data collection and analysis
- Translation of research into evidence-based tools, frameworks and guidance
- Development and dissemination of best-practice resources
- Collaborative research with Autistic-led organisations and multidisciplinary partners
- Workforce development, training and capacity-building initiatives
- Governance, project management, evaluation and reporting activities
Grant funding cannot be used for:
- Major capital works or construction
- Purchase of land
- Retrospective costs
- Overseas travel
- General ongoing organisational administration not directly related to the project
- Activities already funded through other government grants
- Costs associated with preparing the grant application
Other National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant support
This is a targeted and restricted grant. To be eligible, applicants must be invited to apply and be one of the following organisations:
- Autism CRC
- La Trobe University (Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre)
- Griffith University (Autism Centre of Excellence)
- Curtin University (Curtin Autism Research Group)
Consortium applications are permitted, provided one of the above organisations is the lead applicant.
National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against three equally weighted criteria, each scored out of 5, for a maximum total score of 15.
Assessment Criterion 1: Alignment with Grant Objectives and Outcomes
Applicants must demonstrate how their proposal aligns with the National Autism Strategy and this grant’s objectives, including:
- Clear alignment with grant objectives and intended outcomes
- Contribution to improving outcomes for Autistic people, particularly those experiencing disadvantage
- Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration strategies
- Robust evaluation methods
- Genuine co-design with Autistic people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Autistic people
- Strategies for cultural safety, Indigenous leadership and community capacity-building
- Contribution to Closing the Gap targets and Priority Reforms
Assessment Criterion 2: Organisational Capacity and Capability
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A strong track record in delivering similar large-scale research or knowledge translation projects
- Access to suitably skilled personnel and partners
- Clear project governance and delivery methodology
- Sound risk management, including identification, likelihood, impact and mitigation strategies
- Strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders and service providers
Assessment Criterion 3: Efficient and Economical Use of Grant Funds
Applicants must show:
- How proposed expenditure delivers value for money
- A budget that is appropriate, realistic and aligned to project outcomes
- Cost-effective delivery of high-quality outcomes
- Ethical management of public funding
How do I get the National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
To be competitive, applicants should clearly demonstrate:
- A proven national track record in autism research and knowledge translation
- Strong Autistic leadership and co-production embedded in governance and delivery
- Culturally responsive and neurodiversity-affirming research practices
- Established partnerships with service providers, governments and community organisations
- Clear alignment with the National Autism Strategy and First Action Plan priorities
- Robust evaluation, reporting and impact measurement frameworks
- Strong project management capability and risk controls
Information to prepare for the National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant application
Invited applicants should be ready to prepare:
- Completed GrantConnect application form
- Activity Work Plan
- Risk Management Plan
- Indicative Activity Budget
- Proof of entity type
- Bank verification documents
- Letters of support (for consortium partners)
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant
Applications must be submitted via GrantConnect.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
National Autism Strategy – Knowledge Translation and Research Grant resources
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