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FAQs - 2023-24 Grants Round

What do I need to do to apply?

Before applying, you must read and understand the Foundation Grant Guidelines, sample application form and sample grant agreement which are available on the Foundation website https://www.australiachinafoundation.org.au/ and on GrantConnect.

What is the deadline for applications?

You must submit your application on Smartygrants by 11.30 AEST on 24 September 2023.

Who is eligible to apply for a grant?

Before you apply, please check that you are eligible based on section four 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 provides grants to develop, promote and strengthen understanding and engagement between Australia and China in support of Australia’s national interests.

The Foundation’s strategic objectives are:

Promoting connections and practical cooperation
Building understanding and exchange
Showcasing Australian excellence
Engaging Australia’s diverse communities

Your grant should align with one or more of the Foundation’s strategic objectives and your grant activity must be consistent with the objectives and intended outcomes of the grant opportunity (as set out in section two of the Grant Guidelines). Please review section five 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 China, including business and community stakeholders.

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 and/or Greater China.

What is the maximum duration of the grant?

The grant activity can occur for a maximum of two years and grant funding will be disbursed in the 2023-2024 financial year.

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 ranked on how well it meets the criteria, how well it achieves value with relevant money and whether it will contribute to reasonable diversity among Foundation grants.

How much funding can I apply for?

We anticipate most grants will be between $100,000 and $500,000 in total, to be paid within the 2023-2024 financial year. A grant activity may take place over two years.

If successful, when will I get my funding?

The earliest that funding will be available is from December 2023. Successful grantees will need to negotiate a grant agreement (i.e. contract) that will determine the exact timing of when payment will be made within the 2023-2024 financial year.

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.  

Do I have to prove funding from another source?

This is not required, however under the criteria four in the Grant Guidelines, your application must demonstrate the sustainability of the grant activity beyond the Foundation’s support.

Do I get the funding in one payment?

This will be determined at the time of contracting. Grants are usually paid in one single payment but can be paid in instalments subject to completion of agreed milestones.

Can I get funding for a grant activity that will take place in 2025?

Yes, noting you will receive funding to support the grant activity in the 2023-2024 financial year.

Will I get the whole grant amount I apply for?

Not necessarily. The Foundation reserves the right to determine how much of your grant application to fund.

Note that all expenditure on your grant activity may not 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, why it is in the national interest and who will benefit.

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 up to 12 weeks following the closing date for submission of applications. We will advise you of the outcome of your application in writing. If your grant application is successful, we will advise you of any specific conditions attached to the grant.

If unsuccessful, can I apply again and can I get feedback on my application?

Yes, you may apply again and you may ask for feedback within one month of being advised of the outcome. We will endeavour to provide feedback within one month of your request.

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

Our response to Covid-19

The Foundation is operating at a time of unprecedented disruption caused by COVID-19. The pandemic has interrupted many areas of engagement, such as bilateral exchanges and visits, where the Foundation would, in normal circumstances, have operated.

Everyday people-to-people exchanges and sectors, such as education and tourism, have been profoundly impacted. The Foundation is aware of the need to recalibrate some of our programming and activities due to COVID-19 and our current focus takes account of this by seeking ways in which we may help respond.

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