2025 sees Osaka host the World Expo, casting the global spotlight firmly on Japan.
The Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF), Australia’s oldest cultural council established in 1976, supports people-to-people links.
They underpin the relationship through a grants program open to academic institutions, local community and Japanese partners; see further Foundation grant information here.
Japan is Australia’s second largest training partner; our economies are complementary and deeply rooted in the Indo-Pacific. We share a rich history through multilateral fora, including the G20, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum, and frameworks including, the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue, the Quad, and Partners in the Blue Pacific.
The AJF Board is a passionate and active group; overseeing the grants program they reflect the rich diversity of commercial, cultural and diplomatic interests shared by Australia and Japan. Outcomes and impacts of previous grants are testament to the ongoing relationship.
Through the grants program AJF aims to:
- increase awareness and understanding in Japan of shared interests with Australia;
- increase awareness and understanding in Australia of the importance of Japan to Australia as an economic and strategic partner; and
- increase recognition in Japan of Australian excellence and expertise.
Quick overview to get you a head start:
- Grant pool of $780,000 available
- Grants are min $10,000 to max $50,000 per year
- Standard grants are one-year duration
- Multi-year (up to 3) are available in exceptional circumstances
- Partnerships and track record are key to a strong application
Priority areas are:
- Communication, information and advocacy
- Economic diplomacy and geopolitics
- Education and Australian studies
- Scientific innovation
- Society, culture and sport
Got a great idea? Read through the 2024 FAQs here
Where to focus? Tips for writing a strong application are here
What are AJF looking for? Grant guidelines are here
Need some inspiration? Check out 2024-25 grant recipients here
So be quick! Submissions through Grant Connect here close at 2pm on 21 August 2024.
