Grants of up to $200,000 to support high-impact events and initiatives in Australia, celebrating 50 years of Australia–Japan friendship and cooperation, with strong public engagement.
On this page you will find
What is the Australia-Japan Foundation Grant?
The Australia–Japan Foundation (AJF) 50th Anniversary Grant supports significant events and initiatives that commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, while fostering forward-looking dialogue, collaboration, and public engagement.
This competitive grant round is designed to fund high-quality, well-promoted activities delivered in Australia during 2026, with a strong focus on people-to-people links, public diplomacy, and showcasing the depth and future of the Australia–Japan relationship.
Administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), this special one-off grant round supports events and activities that both:
- Reflect on the past 50 years of Australia–Japan relations, and
- Inspire collaboration, innovation, and leadership for the next 50 years.
The grant places a strong emphasis on public engagement, communications impact, and inclusive participation, ensuring funded activities have enduring visibility and influence beyond the event itself.
Australia-Japan Foundation Grant level of support
- Total funding pool: Up to $200,000
- Minimum grant amount: $30,000
- Maximum grant amount: $200,000
- Grant period: One year only
As this is a commemorative round, the main funded activity must take place during 2026.
While co-contributions (cash or in-kind) are encouraged to strengthen applications, they are not mandatory.
Successful applicants may be offered less funding than requested, depending on merit and value for money.
Australia-Japan Foundation Grant important dates
- Closing date: 10 February 2026 at 2:00 pm (AEDT)
- Assessment period: February–March 2026
- Funding outcomes announced: April 2026
- Latest project start date: 30 June 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Australia-Japan Foundation Grant objectives
The program aims to:
- Commemorate 50 years of friendship and cooperation between Australia and Japan
- Strengthen and expand bilateral partnerships and networks
- Foster dialogue, innovation, and shared vision for the future
- Inspire and engage the next generation of Australia–Japan leaders
- Promote public awareness and understanding of the bilateral relationship
- Encourage inclusive participation, including gender equality and First Nations representation
- Support geographically diverse initiatives across Australia
Projects and expenditure eligible for Australia-Japan Foundation Grant support
Eligible Activities
Funded activities must align with the program’s objectives and may include:
- 50th anniversary commemorative events, forums, or dialogues
- Bilateral conferences or leadership forums focused on future Australia–Japan cooperation
- Exhibitions, documentaries, or public storytelling initiatives
- Digital communications packages showcasing Australia–Japan relations
- Activities with strong public engagement and communications components
All projects should demonstrate how they will be promoted before, during, and after delivery, including the creation of high-quality digital or media assets.
Eligible Locations
- All funded activities must be delivered in Australia
Eligible Expenditure
Grant funding may be used for:
- Venue hire and catering
- Communications, marketing, and promotional materials
- Photography, videography, graphic design, and digital content creation
- Production costs and project-specific staffing
- Reasonable travel and accommodation directly related to project delivery
- Interpreting and translation services
Ineligible Expenditure
Grant funding cannot be used for:
- Activities delivered outside Australia
- Capital purchases or equipment
- Retrospective or completed projects
- Ongoing operational or administrative costs
- Commercially viable or profit-driven activities
- Scholarships, student exchanges, or study tours
- Business-as-usual salaries
- Competitions, prizes, or tourist activities
Other Australia-Japan Foundation Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Australia-Japan Foundation Grant support
Eligible applicants include:
- Australian organisations with an ABN, ACN, or ICN
- Australian registered charities and not-for-profit organisations
- Australian local, state, or territory government bodies
- Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Japanese citizens or organisations
- Consortia led by an eligible Australian organisation
Applicants must be 18 years or older and meet all eligibility requirements outlined in the guidelines.
Australia–Japan Foundation 50th Anniversary Grant – assessment criteria
Applications are assessed competitively against three equally weighted criteria:
1. Alignment with Grant Objectives and Outcomes (33%)
- How well the project aligns with the 50th anniversary objectives
- Contribution to Australia–Japan relations
- Inclusion of youth, diversity, and geographic representation
2. Reach, Influence and Impact (33%)
- Quality and effectiveness of the communications and engagement strategy
- Ability to reach broad and diverse audiences
- Creation of lasting digital or promotional assets
3. Capability and Efficiency (33%)
- Demonstrated experience and capacity to deliver the project
- Strength of partnerships and governance arrangements
- Evidence of value for money and realistic budgeting
How do I get the Australia–Japan Foundation 50th Anniversary Grant?
To apply, organisations should:
- Confirm eligibility against the grant guidelines
- Develop a clear, event-focused project concept aligned with the anniversary objectives
- Prepare a realistic and detailed project budget
Information to prepare for the Australia-Japan Foundation Grant application
Applicants should prepare:
- A detailed project plan and timeline
- A comprehensive project budget
- Two signed independent references
- Letters of support from project partners (if applicable)
- Organisational capability statements or CVs
- Child protection documentation (where relevant)
Applying for the Australia-Japan Foundation Grant
Submit an application via SmartyGrants by the closing date.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Australia-Japan Foundation Grant resources
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