Up to $50,000 to support projects fostering closer ties between Australia and Japan, and showcasing Australia’s excellence in various fields to Japanese audiences (vice versa).
On this page you will find
What is the Australia-Japan Foundation Grant?
The Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) 2025 Grant Round is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the International Relations Grants Program (IRGP). This grant supports projects that foster closer ties between Australia and Japan, boost mutual understanding of shared interests, and showcase Australia’s excellence in various fields to Japanese audiences (and vice versa).
Australia-Japan Foundation Grant level of support
- Minimum amount: Applicants can request from $10,000
- Maximum amount: Up to $50,000 for one-year projects
In exceptional cases, grants of up to $80,000 for one year, or multi-year support of up to $50,000 per year for a maximum of three years, may be considered.
Co-contribution: The AJF should NOT be the sole funding source of a project. While there is no rigid mandatory co-contribution, applicants are strongly encouraged to include cash or in-kind contributions from their organisation or other sources. Demonstrating a shared investment in the project significantly strengthens an application and aligns with the AJF’s focus on projects with broad, sustainable impact.
Australia-Japan Foundation Grant important dates
- Grant Round Closes: 6 May 2025, 14:00 AEST
- Notification of Outcomes: From August 2025 onwards
- Project Commencement: Earliest start from October 2025 (projects must start in 2025–26 financial year)
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Australia-Japan Foundation Grant objectives
The AJF seeks to advance Australia’s engagement with Japan by:
- Increasing awareness and understanding in Japan of shared interests with Australia.
- Increasing awareness in Australia of Japan’s importance as an economic and strategic partner.
- Showcasing Australian excellence, expertise, and innovation to Japanese audiences.
These objectives are pursued through priority areas such as society and culture, economic diplomacy, education, scientific innovation, and communication/advocacy. Applicants should clearly align their project’s aims to one or more of these objectives.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Australia-Japan Foundation Grant support
Applicants should propose activities that directly contribute to the AJF’s objectives and fall within at least one of its priority areas:
- Society, culture, and sport
- Economic diplomacy and geopolitics
- Education and Australian studies
- Scientific innovation
- Communication, information, and advocacy
Ineligible expenditure (i.e., costs the AJF cannot fund):
- Capital purchases (e.g., real estate, vehicles, major equipment).
- Scholarships, student exchange programs, or purely touristic travel.
- Everyday organisation overheads (rent, utilities, business-as-usual salaries).
- Completed or retrospective projects.
- Competitions, prizes, or purely commercial promotions.
- Travel without a clear project-related purpose or outcomes.
Other Australia-Japan Foundation Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Australia-Japan Foundation Grant support
You must be one of the following to apply:
- An entity with an Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN), or Indigenous Corporation Number (ICN).
- An Australian consortium led by an eligible organisation.
- An Australian registered charity or not-for-profit.
- An Australian local, state, or territory government body.
- A corporate Commonwealth entity or statutory authority.
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- A Japanese citizen or organisation.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Australia-Japan Foundation Grant assessment criteria
Your application will be assessed competitively and scored against four equally weighted criteria (25% each):
1. Long-Term Contribution to AJF Objectives (25%)
- How well does the project align with AJF objectives and priority areas?
- Will it create or strengthen significant people-to-people or institutional relationships?
- How will you ensure results are sustained beyond the grant period?
2. Raising Awareness and Promoting a Positive Image (25%)
- How will you broaden knowledge of Australia in Japan and/or Japan in Australia?
- What is your communications plan (media, social media, community outreach) to reach a wider audience?
- Will there be follow-up activities that deepen long-term engagement?
3. Addressing a Specific Need, Gap, or Shared Interest (25%)
- Why is your project needed now, and how does it offer new insights or an innovative approach?
- Does it enhance or fill a gap in existing collaborations or research?
- What is the anticipated impact on the Australia-Japan relationship?
4. Capability and Capacity of Applicant & Partner (25%)
- Demonstrated expertise and track record of the applicant and any project partner.
- Evidence of co-contributions (funding or in-kind) from other sources.
- Strength of the partnership, including letters of support, references, and relevant CVs.
The selection panel will also examine the project’s overall value with money. Projects demonstrating strong partnerships, credible budgets, and shared funding often score more highly.
How do I get the Australia-Japan Foundation Grant?
- Check your eligibility: Ensure you’re an eligible organisation and that your project fits the program objectives and requirements.
- Develop your project scope: Confirm costs, gather quotes, and identify any required approvals.
- Compile your supporting documentation: Examples include a work plan and a detailed project budget.
Information to prepare for the Australia-Japan Foundation Grant application
- Detailed Budget: Show each cost item and how it relates to your project aims.
- Project Plan & Timeline: Outline key milestones, including preparation, delivery, and evaluation phases.
- Letters of Support: Obtain written support from partners, collaborators, or referees who can validate the project’s significance.
- Co-Contribution Details: Any cash or in-kind contributions that strengthen your proposal.
- Child Protection & Other Policies: If your project involves minors, ensure you have relevant child safeguarding measures.
- References: Two signed references from individuals with no direct financial stake in your project.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Australia-Japan Foundation Grant
Access the AJF 2025 Round portal on SmartyGrants.
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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