The Australia-ASEAN Council seeks to strengthen the ASEAN-Australia relationship, enhancing mutual understanding and people-to-people, institutional and business connections.
Since becoming the first dialogue partner with ASEAN in 1974, Australia has continued to support ASEAN through 3 community pillars: Economic, Socio-Cultural and Political Stability.
In 2021, the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership strengthened this commitment. Through the flagship $204m Aus4ASEAN Future initiative, Australia has supported a raft of initiatives, including scholarships for those from the region to attend Australian education institutions.
In September 2023, the launch of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 again highlighted the role international education plays in underpinning Australia’s regional economic engagement and how institutions cultivate these relationships beyond the education sector.
2024 will mark 50 years of Australian dialogue relations with ASEAN. A special summit will commemorate the anniversary in March. Projects that support this milestone by promoting the ASEAN‑Australia relationship, are multi-country in scope or strengthen regional responses to contemporary challenges will be favourably considered in the grants program.
Objectives of the AAC grants program
- Build people-to-people, institutional and business connections between Australia and Southeast Asia.
- Increase mutual understanding and awareness of the importance of ASEAN-Australia relations.
- increase Australian capacity and capability to effectively engage with Southeast Asia
- develop sustainable partnerships in areas of shared interest.
Expected grant outcomes
- Strengthened bilateral and multilateral relationships in areas of mutual interest with particular countries and regions.
- International networks, collaboration and connections between institutions and communities to build understanding, trust and influence.
- Enhanced Australian international reputation and reach through the promotion of our economic, creative and cultural, sporting, innovation and science, and education assets.
- Increased understanding by Australians of the cultures and opportunities in Southeast Asian countries.
Priority areas
- Cross-cultural collaborations
- Economic, education and scientific cooperation and innovation
- Climate resilience (climate change, clean energy transition and green economy)
- Regional international relations
Quick overview to get you a head start
- Grant pool of $350,000 available
- Grants are min $15,000 to max $50,000 per year
- Applications with Southeast Asian partners are strongly encouraged
- Partnerships and track record are key to a strong application
Got a great idea? Read through the 2023-24 Grant guidelines
Where to focus? Review the Council Charter
Further Council grant information? Available here
Need some inspiration? Check out the previous recipients
The Council Board is a passionate and active group; representing the rich diversity of commercial, cultural and diplomatic interests that Australia shares with ASEAN. Outcomes and impacts of previous grants are testament to this growing relationship.
Submissions through smartygrants here
Applications close 11.30m (AEDT) Sunday 17 December 2023.
