Up to $500,000 to support research and activities that deepen debate on Australia’s strategic and defence policy choices, strengthen partnerships, and inform strategic policy development.
On this page you will find
What is the Strategic Policy Grants Program (SPGP)?
The Strategic Policy Grants Program (SPGP) is an annual open and competitive grant opportunity administered by the Department of Defence. It funds independent, unclassified research and related activities that deepen public understanding of Australia’s strategic and defence policy choices.
Established in 2019, the program is now entering its eighth year and continues to fund projects that inform Defence strategy, strengthen partnerships, and encourage informed public debate.
Projects must:
- Support Defence’s mission, purpose, and priorities.
- Be new, unfunded, and distinct from regular business activities.
- Address one of the Priority Policy Questions (PPQs)
The previous successful applications directly align with or address priorities and challenges outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, including:
- strategic deterrence
- military cooperation
- supply chain resilience
- emerging proliferation challenges
- operational priorities.
Strategic Policy Grants Program level of support
- Total funding available: $4 million (AUD) over three years.
- Maximum grant amount: $500,000 (AUD).
- Co-contribution: Not required.
- Grant period: Up to 3 years (projects commencing from July 2026 and concluding no later than June 2029).
- Funding can be supplemented by other Defence policy areas that sponsor grants. Proposals under $500,000 will generally be more competitive.
Strategic Policy Grants Program important dates
- Applications close: 30 November 2025 (12:00 pm ACT)
- Assessment period: December 2025 – April 2026
- Funding notifications: June 2026
- Project start: July 2026
- Project completion: No later than June 2029
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Strategic Policy Grants Program objectives and outcomes
The SPGP supports Defence’s mission and purpose by:
- Deepening public debate about Australia’s strategic and defence policy choices.
- Informing the development of defence and national security policy and strategy.
- Strengthening Defence’s international and domestic partnerships.
- Broadening participation in Australia’s strategic and defence policy discussion.
The intended outcomes of the program are:
- Publication of original, well-informed policy-relevant research.
- Engagements between Defence and non-government experts.
- Events and activities with domestic and international counterparts.
- Fostering new and emerging strategic policy talent in Australia.
Strategic Policy Grants Program priority policy questions
Priority Policy Questions (2026)
- How can Defence enhance Australia’s preparedness and resilience against major conflict?
- How can Defence and industry partners better collaborate to achieve National Defence Strategy outcomes?
- How can emerging or disruptive technologies contribute to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific?
- How might Indo-Pacific alliances and partnerships promote regional deterrence over the coming decade?
- How can Australia and Indo-Pacific countries stabilise norms and respond to grey zone behaviour?
Projects and expenditure eligible for Strategic Policy Grants Program support
Projects must:
- Support Defence’s mission, purpose, and priorities.
- Be new, unfunded, and distinct from regular business activities.
- Address one of the Priority Policy Questions (PPQs) or align with Defence priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
Funds may cover:
- Research costs (data, research assistance, teaching relief).
- Event costs (venue hire, catering, equipment).
- Communication costs (publications, media, digital dissemination).
- Travel costs (economy class only, per ATO rates).
- Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
The following are not eligible for funding under the SPGP:
- Capital costs (construction, purchase of equipment, land, or real estate).
- General operating costs (utilities, ongoing salaries, indirect overheads).
- Costs for preparing grant proposals or similar documentation.
- Expenditures incurred before or after the official grant period.
- Activities already funded by other government bodies.
- Interest earned on the grant.
Locations eligible for Strategic Policy Grants Program support
Projects may be conducted in Australia and overseas.
Other Strategic Policy Grants Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Strategic Policy Grants Program support
You are eligible to apply if you:
- Hold a business registration number (ABN or international equivalent).
- Submit a completed and fully scoped application (not seeking feedback).
- Are an international applicant applying as part of a consortium with an Australian organisation or individual.
Eligible organisations include:
- Universities, think tanks, not-for-profits, and research institutions.
- International partners working in consortium with Australian entities.
- Private and public policy organisations with relevant expertise in defence, strategy, and security.
Ineligible applicants include:
- Individuals or organisations without a business registration number.
- Applicants outside Australia not partnering with an Australian entity.
- Australian Government entities or government business enterprises.
- Applicants seeking ongoing operational funding.
Strategic Policy Grants Program assessment criteria
All criteria are equally weighted. Applications will be assessed on individual merit, comparative performance, and value for money.
Criterion 1 – Strategic Importance and Timeliness
Applicants must clearly demonstrate:
- Relevance and urgency of the research to Australia’s current defence landscape.
- Alignment with national, regional, or global strategic priorities.
- Awareness of emerging challenges and policy opportunities.
- How the project addresses one or more Priority Policy Questions or a topic aligned with the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
Criterion 2 – Research Context and Contribution
Applicants must show:
- Understanding of the current research and policy landscape, both in Australia and internationally.
- How the proposed work adds value or addresses existing gaps.
- Potential to influence defence policy and strategic debate.
- Originality and contribution to advancing public understanding of key issues.
Criterion 3 – Methodology and Deliverables
This criterion evaluates:
- Strength, rigour, and feasibility of the research design.
- Innovation in outputs — e.g., multimedia, podcasts, interactive tools, multilingual publications.
- Accessibility and usability of outputs for policymakers and the public.
- Clear summaries, actionable insights, and policy relevance.
Criterion 4 – New and Emerging Talent Development and Broadening Public Debate
Applicants should outline:
- How they will engage and mentor emerging researchers, postgraduate students, or independent analysts.
- Efforts to include diverse voices and underrepresented perspectives.
- Plans for public engagement through workshops, dialogues, and outreach.
Criterion 5 – Value for Money and Efficient Use of Resources
Assessors will consider:
- Proportionate, transparent, and justified budget allocations.
- Cost-effectiveness relative to project scope.
- Expected public and policy impact.
- Strength of governance and reporting arrangements.
How do I get the Strategic Policy Grants Program?
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A clear link between their proposal and Defence’s strategic objectives.
- A well-structured methodology that produces actionable policy recommendations.
- Sound governance, reporting, and risk management frameworks.
- A practical plan for dissemination and impact.
- Alignment with one or more Priority Policy Questions or the National Defence Strategy 2024.
- A realistic budget that maximises value for money.
Information to prepare for the Strategic Policy Grants Program application
Applicants must include the following with their submission:
- Completed 2026 SPGP Application Form (Word format).
- Risk Management Plan.
- Letter(s) of support from Australian consortium partner(s) (if applicable).
- Proposed budget and deliverables schedule.
- Evidence-based methodology and justification of expected outcomes.
Applying for the Strategic Policy Grants Program
To apply:
- Download the 2026 SPGP Application Form from GrantConnect.
- Complete all required fields and attach supporting documentation.
- Email your submission in Word format to sp.grants@defence.gov.au before 12:00 pm AEDT, 30 November 2025.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Strategic Policy Grants Program resources
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