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2025-26 Grants Round FAQs

What do I need to do to apply?

Before applying, you must read and understand the Foundation Grant Guidelines and sample application form. Both are available on the Foundation website and on GrantConnect.

What is the deadline for applications?

You must submit your application on Smartygrants by 12.00 pm AEST on 30 June 2025. No extensions will be granted, and late applications will not be accepted.

Who is eligible to apply for a grant?

Before you apply, please check that you are eligible based on section four (Eligibility Criteria) of the Grant Guidelines. One of the requirements is that you must have an ABN. We cannot consider your application if it does not satisfy all the eligibility criteria.

Can my organisation apply multiple times in this grant opportunity?

Yes. If your organisation (for example a university) wishes to submit multiple applications for different projects, you can.

What can the grants be for?

The Foundation’s grant program objectives are to strengthen risk-informed engagement with China in Australia’s national interest and to reinforce social cohesion by engaging our Chinese-Australian communities, showcasing their contribution and strengthening their voice and agency.

Your grant should align with one or more of the intended outcomes of this grant opportunity (as set out in section two (about the Grant Program) or the Grant Guidelines). Please review section five (What the grant funding can be used for) of the Grant Guidelines which includes some examples of eligible activities.

Does my application have to include a connection to China?

Yes. This grant opportunity aims to develop, promote and strengthen understanding and engagement between Australia and mainland China, Hong Kong and/or Taiwan; or engages our diverse Chinese Australian Communities to showcase their significant contributions to Australian civic life.

Does my grant activity have to occur in Australia?

No. Grant activities may take place in different locations, as long as they are all in Australia or mainland China, Hong Kong and / or Taiwan.

What is the maximum duration of the grant?

The grant activity can occur for a maximum of four years from the date a grant agreement is fully executed. We anticipate that some activities and therefore grants will be of shorter duration.

How will my application be assessed?

This is a competitive grants opportunity, and the grants process is outlined in section one of the Grant Guidelines. All applications are considered on merit against other applications and the assessment criteria outlined in section six of the Grant Guidelines. Your grant will be assessed on how well it meets the assessment criteria, how well it achieves value with relevant money and whether it will contribute to achieve the intended outcomes of this grant opportunity.

How much funding can I apply for?

We anticipate most grants will be between $100,000 and $500,000 in total, but this does not preclude some grants being more or less than this amount.

If successful, when will I get my funding?

The earliest that funding will be provided is from May-June 2026, following the execution of a grant agreement which will specify when payment will be made.

Do I receive the funding in one payment?

This will be determined at the time of contracting. Grants may be paid in one single payment or may be paid in instalments over subsequent financial years subject to completion of agreed milestones.

Can a grant be used to cover the employment of existing employees?

Grants can be used to cover the cost of employees needed to deliver the core elements of the grant. The grant cannot be used for ongoing salary costs of staff not working directly on the grant activity, such as an IT support officer for your company. For existing employees who will dedicate part of their time specifically to the project, you may include a pro-rata amount reflecting this time. If you need to employ a resource specially to deliver the grant, costs for this can be sought.

Do I have to prove funding from another source?

This is not required, however under the criteria three of section six (The Assessment Criteria) in the Grant Guidelines, your application must demonstrate the sustainability of the grant activity beyond the Foundation’s support and the financial sustainability during the grant activity period. Cash and in-kind contributions from other sources should be set out clearly in your application.

Can I get funding for a grant activity that will take place in 2026?

Yes, noting that grant applications should include grant activities expected to commence from May-June2026, after funding is provided.

Will I get the whole grant amount I apply for?

Not necessarily. The Foundation reserves the right to determine how much funding to provide. An overall value for relevant money assessment based on the activities included in any grant agreement with you will inform the Foundation's decision.

Not all expenditure in your application may be eligible for grant funding. The Foundation makes the final decision on what is eligible expenditure and may give additional guidance if required. All expenditure must incur between the start and end date of your grant agreement for it to be eligible.

How much detail do I need to include in the project details?

Answer all questions in the online application form on SmartyGrants and provide enough information about the project so the Foundation understands what the funding will be used for, who is included, why it is in the national interest, what are the outcomes (deliverables), and who will benefit. Please use plain, clear language.

What supporting documents do I need to provide to support my application?

Everything you need to provide is in the application form itself.

There is some flexibility in what additional supporting documents you choose to provide and there is space to upload relevant documents on the application form where required.

How should I provide supporting video files?

The Foundation can only view videos hosted on YouTube. Instructions are as follows:

Open YouTube and select video to share.
Click Share icon.
Copy link and paste into application form.

NOTE: Video privacy settings should be “unlisted”.

When will I be notified if I am successful?

The assessment process for grants takes around 18 weeks following the closing date for submission of applications. We will advise you in writing if your application has been shortlisted for potential funding.

Is there a referee report template?

No. Due to the diverse nature of applicants there is no prescribed template.

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Acknowledgement of country

The National Foundation for Australia-China Relations acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples, their cultures and to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Contact

contact@austaliachinafoundation.org.au

+61 2 6178 6888

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