Japan is Australia’s second-largest training partner; our economies are highly complementary and deeply rooted in the Indo-Pacific.
Australia and Japan share 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 Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) is Australia’s oldest cultural council supporting people-to-people links. They underpin this bilateral and regional relationship through a grants program open to academic institutions, local communities and Japanese partners.
Find further Foundation grant information here
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 $700,000 available
- Grants are min $10,000 to max $50,000 per year
- Standard grants are one-year duration
- Multi-year (up to 3) only in exceptional circumstances
- Partnerships and track record are key to a strong application
Priority areas
- 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 2023 FAQs
Where to focus? Review the 2017-2023 Strategic Plan
What are AJF looking for? Application tips here
Need some inspiration? Check out the 2022-23 Grant recipients
The AJF Board is a passionate and active group representing the rich diversity of commercial, cultural and diplomatic interests that Australia and Japan share. The outcomes and impacts of previous grants are a testament to this and the growing relationship.
Be quick! Submissions through smartygrants here close 2pm Friday 15 September 2023.
