The National Foundation for Australia-China Relations is pleased to announce Expressions of Interest (EOI) for our 2026-27 grant round are now open. EOI applications close at 12 noon on Tuesday 26 May 2026.
Our grant application process comprises of two stages.
Stage one: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form and 500-word pitch describing your proposed grant activity by 12 noon AEST, Tuesday 26 May.
Stage two: in mid June, successful applicants from stage one will be invited to complete and submit a full grant application. Full applications are due by 12 noon AEST, Friday 10 July.
The Foundation’s grant program objectives are to:
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Strengthen risk-informed engagement and practical cooperation with China, in Australia’s national interest
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Strengthen Australia’s resilience as a multicultural democracy in which Chinese-Australian communities thrive.
The 2026-27 Competitive Grant Program (the program) will run over 4 financial years from FY2026-27 to FY2029-30.
The Foundation’s intended outcomes for the Program are to:
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build Australian knowledge of, and capability to, engage mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and/or Taiwan in our national interest, and develop a sovereign national China capability pipeline spanning schools, universities, and the workforce, across industry and government.
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facilitate dialogue and exchange that increases mutual understanding in priority areas that further Australia’s national interest, including with counterpart organisations in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and/or Taiwan
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support key Australian industry sectors to engage markets in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and/or Taiwan
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further climate change, net zero, decarbonisation, dryland farming, climate smart agriculture, green economy, the environment and clean energy transition outcomes
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support collaboration and exchange in health, ageing and medical technology (medtech)
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showcase Australian excellence in, and enhance people-to-people links through, exchanges in arts and culture, sports, education, academia, sustainable aviation and tourism
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engage Chinese-Australians through:
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strengthening civic participation and supporting understanding of Australia’s foreign policy drivers
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engaging and empowering Chinese-Australian leaders
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promoting recognition of Chinese-Australian contributions and
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promoting inclusion of Chinese-Australian communities
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enhance understanding of modern and multicultural Australia by international students from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and/or Taiwan and connect emerging leaders in this cohort to Australian society, institutions or industry
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promote media and public communication activities on the above.
Find out more on how and where to apply here.