Funding up to $400,000 to support creative industries, diaspora engagement, and research projects fostering stronger business, cultural, and community links between Australia and Southeast Asia.
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What is the ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants (AACG)?
The ASEAN-Australia Centre 2025–26 Grants Program supports initiatives that promote Southeast Asia literacy, creative collaboration, and research engagement that align with Australia’s national interests.
Streams for 2025–26
- Creative Industry Initiatives
- Professional and creative exchanges, residencies, and collaborations between Australia and the region, including artists of Southeast Asian heritage and First Nations artists.
- Diaspora Engagement Projects
- Projects led by or involving Australians of Southeast Asian heritage to promote engagement across business, higher education, science, sport, and civil society.
- Research Projects
- Research supporting Australian companies’ trade and investment access in Southeast Asia, including case studies on supply chains, skills exchange, and emerging collaborative sectors.
ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants level of support
- Minimum funding: $50,000
- Maximum funding: $200,000 per annum (multi-year funding up to $400,000 over two years)
- Total program funding: $2.2 million (2025–26 to 2026–27)
- Co-contribution: While not mandatory, co-contributions (monetary or in-kind) are strongly encouraged. These may include program management time, venue hire, administrative support, or logistical contributions. A strong co-contribution will enhance your application.
ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants important dates
- Applications close: 6 November 2025 (12:00 pm AEDT)
- Assessment period: By January 2026
- Approvals announced: By February 2026
- Grant agreements finalised: February–March 2026
- Projects commence: From Q1 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants objectives
The program supports initiatives aligned with the Centre’s four strategic pillars:
- Southeast Asia Literacy – Strengthening understanding of ASEAN in Australian sectors.
- Economic Linkages – Supporting trade, investment, and business collaboration.
- Education – Promoting knowledge exchange and institutional partnerships.
- Cultural Connections – Fostering creative, cultural, and people-to-people collaborations.
Projects and expenditure eligible for ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants support
Eligible projects include but are not limited to:
- Creative exchanges, residencies, and collaborations.
- Cultural initiatives promoting trade, tourism, and heritage.
- Conferences, exhibitions, and professional workshops.
- Research or policy projects aligned with Stream 3.
- Community engagement or communications activities.
Projects must involve multiple Southeast Asian countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam).
First Nations Australians, women-led businesses, and applicants with diverse abilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Ineligible Expenditure
- Purchase of land
- Ongoing salaries or wages
- Major capital or construction works
- Retrospective costs
- Application preparation costs
- General administration overheads (rent, electricity, phone)
- Projects already completed
Other ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants support
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia
- Hold an account with an Australian financial institution
- Be located in Australia, an ASEAN Member State, or Timor-Leste
Eligible entity types:
- Australian companies (incorporated or by guarantee)
- Incorporated trustees or associations
- Partnerships
- Joint (consortia) applications with an eligible lead organisation
- Registered charities or not-for-profits (ACNC registered)
- Publicly funded research organisations
- Individuals
- Local, state, or territory government bodies
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations
If your project involves people under 18, you must comply with DFAT’s Child Protection Policy.
Australia does not provide any funding to the Myanmar military regime. Proposals related to Myanmar are reviewed carefully to ensure alignment with DFAT policies.
ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against five equally weighted criteria (20% each, 300 words max per response):
1. Alignment with Objectives
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How the project supports the Centre’s four pillars and strengthens engagement with Southeast Asia.
2. Relevance to Grant Streams and Outcomes
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How the initiative fits within the 2025–26 streams and contributes to the program’s intended outcomes.
3. Delivery Capability
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The applicant’s track record, governance, and risk management to deliver the project effectively.
4. Sustainability
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How the activity delivers long-term outcomes, partnerships, or institutional links beyond the grant period.
5. Impact and Reach
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How partnerships, communications, and outreach strategies will amplify visibility and public impact.
How do I get the ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants?
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.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Applicants should demonstrate the following to strengthen their application:
- Alignment with the program’s objectives and pillars – clearly show how your project strengthens Australia–Southeast Asia collaboration across creative, educational, economic, and cultural areas.
- Relevance to one of the 2025–26 streams – specify whether your project fits under Creative Industries, Diaspora Engagement, or Research.
- Capacity to deliver – provide evidence of your organisation’s or team’s experience, governance structure, and risk management processes.
- Partnerships and collaboration – highlight partnerships with Southeast Asian organisations, First Nations groups, or diverse communities.
- Sustainability and long-term impact – explain how outcomes will extend beyond the funding period (for example, lasting partnerships, institutional links, or continued trade engagement).
- Impact and reach – outline how you will maximise visibility, branding, communications, and dissemination of results.
- Value for money – demonstrate efficient use of funds and co-contributions that enhance the project’s credibility and impact.
Information to prepare for the ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants application
Applicants must prepare and submit:
- Completed project budget
- Letter of support or reference demonstrating capacity and capability (not from Centre staff or board)
- Evidence addressing eligibility and assessment criteria
- All required forms via SmartyGrants
Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances with approval from the Delegate.
Applying for the ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants
Applicants must complete the online application form via the SmartyGrants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants resources
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